“hello” painted herringbone canvas.

I am a HUGE fan of canvas/wall art, as you know. My favorite project ever was refurbished wall art, and I’m always looking for additional and interesting ways to decorate canvases – of course, with Mod Podge. This entire herringbone canvas project started with the word “hello.” I picked it up at the Queen Bee Market at SNAP, knowing that at some point I would turn it into wall art. That time has come.

I’m in love with my new canvas and it turned out even better than I thought it would. You see that blue frame? It was on clearance at Hobby Lobby for $5!! I know, amazing. I pained that herringbone pattern on the background, which I’m going to show you how to do. If you want to make a canvas like mine, here’s the tutorial.

Gather These Supplies

Mod Podge Matte
ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape
Canvas – I used an 18″ x 24″
Framed art – smaller to fit inside the canvas area with a border
Fabric – I used Michael Miller Spa Ikat, enough to cover the canvas
Wood word – I used “hello”
Spray paint – color of your choice
FolkArt Acrylic Paint – Wicker White, Linen
Martha Stewart Acrylic Paint – Wild Blueberry
Strong craft glue – I used Wellbonders
Mod Podge roller tops
Paintbrush, flat
Spouncer, 1/2″
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors

Here’s the wall art that I started with. I took the glass and backing out of the frame. I used the backing as my surface for the herringbone (turned it over). More on that later.

Spray paint the frame until covered and let dry. I’m sure my apartment complex is thanking me for spray painting in the grass – whoopsie.

Coat your canvas with Mod Podge and start to smooth down the fabric. Note that you will not do the entire canvas at once. Canvas is not hard to Mod Podge, but it’s not easy. You need to work on one section at a time, work quickly and make sure to add enough Mod Podge. I visually divided the canvas into four sections and worked one section at a time. Put Mod Podge onto the canvas, smooth the fabric carefully, then repeat. Keep watching to make sure that you get the fabric straight.

This is what the canvas will look like when you are done. Let it dry. Repeat the process with the sides.

Then Mod Podge over the top of the canvas. Let dry.

Cut the fabric and Mod Podge the four sides to the back.

This part is great because you don’t need a staple gun. Just fold like a gift (check mine out) and add enough Mod Podge to secure (make sure to get the cracks and crevices). Add more Mod Podge on top and smooth with your fingers. It’s a little messy so you might have to wash your hands – but hey, you didn’t need a fancy tool!

If you have never used these roller tops, you are missing out! You just screw in a paint bottle and it works like a regular paint roller.

This made it SO much easier to coat the background. I gave it several layers and let it dry.

While your background is drying, paint your word and let dry.

Time to tape! Use the ruler and pencil to divide your background into four equal sections. Apply the ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape and smooth.

Create the herringbone pattern by taping one piece on the diagonal to start. Then, measure 2.5″ from the intersection on BOTH sides of the tape. This will give you consistent marks so that your herringbone pattern is even.

Tape, tear and smooth. One thing I love about ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape is that it tears so easily.

The best way to get clean lines (in my opinion) is to use a spouncer over a brush. So, I used a spouncer to apply the Linen paint. Completely cover the herringbone pattern areas and let dry. Don’t overload the spouncer or you will get seepage. You need to be patient (I’m telling myself this).

Peel away the tape immediately – what a nice, clean line! Let it dry.

When it’s dry, place the backer into the frame and secure (I didn’t replace the glass). Use the glue to attach the frame to the canvas. You’ll need something extra strong unless the frame is really lightweight.

Make sure you’re centered and then glue on the word “hello.” What a lovely canvas, don’t you think?

Hang using nails or if you are really fancy, add one of those special picture hanger thingies. I love my new custom wall art.

Disclosure: This post is a collaboration with ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape. Visit ScotchBlue Ribbons on Facebook to learn how to win.