Reverse canvases are by far my favorite Cricut project to do! They are fairly simple, quick, and inexpensive. All while being highly customizable and looking far more complex than they actually are.
I thought I'd share the simple steps to take if you want to make some of your own!
You will need:
A die cutting machine
Heat transfer vinyl
Scissors
Measuring tape
Staple remover or flat head screwdriver
A Canvas
Paint or stain
Paint brush
Iron or heat press
Staple gun
Optional: Saw tooth hanger
Hammer
Hot glue gun
Ribbon
Before you can start, you need a design! I am sharing a project I made as a gift for my friend. I saw she had pinned a quote on Pinterest, and I used that as my springboard.
The size of the canvas you purchase will help you determine how wide your design should be. Cut your design on HTV (heat transfer vinyl). Remember to check your settings and cut shiny side down.
Step One
Carefully remove the canvas material from the wooden frame. We usually use a flat head screwdriver, but you can also use a heavy duty staple remover. I usually buy a two pack of canvases from Walmart for about $8. The larger canvases will most likely have a center support piece of wood that you can remove with a little pulling.
Step Two
Paint or stain your wooden frame. I've done both! Chalk paint works like a charm, but staining gives such a beautiful look. Allow to dry, and apply a second coat. Let dry completely!
Step Three
While your paint dries is the perfect time to iron on your design. Center as best as possible, but you do have a little wiggle room. Press your design according to HTV instructions. I always place a thin cloth between my iron and my design while pressing. Generally, when the texture of the canvas is visible through your HTV, you have pressed well enough.
Step Four
Reattach the canas to the back of the painted or stained frame with a staple gun. Trim the edges of the stapled canvas, so you can't see it from the front. For a more finished look, you can hot glue a ribbon over the staples. I also like to attach a sawtooth picture hanger for ease of display.
Here are two other reverse canvases I've done recently. The welcome sign is an example of a stained frame (my favorite look so far!) and the second sign is a similar color scheme to the one above.
I noticed that the canvases I get from Walmart are white on one side, and more natural on the back. You can use either side and it will change the look of your sign! One the welcome sign I used the white side, and on the black frames I used the natural side.
Talk to me! Tell me what you think in the comments below!
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