DIY Framed Canvas Signs

You know what the best thing is about Christmas time with my family? ...I know I'm talking about Christmas in June, but there's a point :) The best thing is that we still do lists! We are all grown adults, and the lists still get emailed around. Well, on that list last year, my brother asked me to make him some artwork for his wall. I never made it for him. #badsister But! I knew his birthday was just a few months after that, and it would be a perfect present. I had a few ideas floating around my head of what to do, then I thought about how his place looked. He is renting out an attic that looks like a ski lodge. It is FULL of wood paneling. So, I knew that I needed to make something to break it up and not make it look to busy. I asked him just after Christmas what his favorite quote was, and then put it on some framed canvases for his birthday. By the time his birthday rolled around, he totally forgot about the quote. Win!

So, obviously long story, but that's the inspiration behind this DIY. And it's so easy! You can make it any size you need. All you need is:
1x3 pine board (or boards, depending on the size of canvas)
Canvases ( any size, how every many you need. I bought mine in a two pack with a coupon from Michaels. I think it was like $6 total)
Printer
Water and paint brush
Black acrylic paint
Saw
Stain

Step 1: Find a font that you like and print out your quote. I broke my quote up into two since I was using 2 canvases. Print the quote backwards onto printing paper. I did this in photoshop by just typing the quote first, and then flipping the canvas horizontally. You can do the same thing in most other applications by dragging the text box all the way to the left. I guess it just depends on what you are using :)

Step 2:  Line up where you want the words and cut the corners to have it fit. Make sure it is straight and level.

Step 3: Using a paint brush dipped in water, trace the black ink. Do not over water this part or else it will bleed.

Step 4: Place the paper ink side down onto the canvas. Using the end of the paint brush, trace the words, pressing firmly.

Step 5: This is what it should end up looking like. 

 Do this same thing on the other canvas with the other half of the quote.

 Step 6: Using a thin bristled or tapered paint brush, dip into the black paint and trace the letters.

 Step 7: Now it's time to build the frame. I measured the height of the canvases and cut two boards that same height.

I then measured the width of the canvas and added the width of the two 1x3s and cut it at that.

So, if the height of your canvas is 18", then cut two 1x3s at 18". If the width is 10" then cut two 1x3s at 10+.75+.75 =11.5" Most 1x3s are usually 3/4" thick. But, make sure to measure yours first before cutting, since it may vary.

Next, glue and nail one bottom piece and the two side pieces together. Remembering to put the side pieces on top of the bottom (width) piece.

 Step 8: Slide your canvas into the three pieces. It should be a tight fit, so you may have to do some finagling . I had mine line up right in the middle of the wood. I did have to hammer one side of the canvas inward to make it even.

 Next, add the top width piece. Secure it with wood glue on the wood joints and nails into the wood and canvas.

And there you have it. A really simple and cheap piece of art with big impact.

 I love how this turned out, and don't judge me for the quote my brother picked :) But, it's a good saying to live by, don't you think?

 I haven't had a chance to visit his place to see how these look in it, but I am this weekend! When I get bored of my mantel decor this year, I'm planning on making something similar to this probably in a script font and a whole lot larger.