Learn how to make a mixed media canvas with scrapbook paper and Mod Podge! This was a fun experiment with cute chipboard accents. So easy!

Skills Required: None. That’s the best part about a mixed media canvas. You can wing it, and if you mess up, no one will notice. You can do this project even if you’ve never crafted before!

Mixed Media Canvas with Chipboard Accents

I’m happy to be celebrating week two with Melody Ross’s great products from GCD Studios – available at Artsy Findings! This week I used her Artsy Urban line as well as the Chip Art.

Oh my gosh, I cannot rave enough about Melody’s Chip Art! It is one of the most fun things I’ve EVER done in my years of crafting. I love banging with a mallet!

This tool set is all about embossing chipboard, and rather than listening to me go on and on, you should watch this video that explains everything.

Once I learned about this set, I had to create something with it, so here’s my first attempt at a mixed media canvas using the Chip Art as well as Artsy Urban.

Now here’s how I did it.

DIY Mixed Media Canvas Art

Gather These Supplies

  • Canvas – 9″ x 12″
  • FolkArt Acrylic Paint – Coastal Blue, Brilliant Blue, Medium Orange, Sunny Yellow, Bright Green,
  • Green
  • Mod Podge Gloss
  • Chip Art Tools
  • Chip Art
  • Artsy Urban Paper and Embellishments – I used one large sheet of 12″ x 12″, small pieces of two other 12″ x 12″ sheets, four borders and three buttons
  • Fiskars Edger
  • Flat Paintbrush
  • Craft Knife and Mat
  • Craft Glue
Punch the edges of scrapbook paper with a punch

I always get my paper ready to Mod Podge first – call me neurotic; that’s okay! I cut a 12″ x 12″ sheet to fit my canvas.

Then I used my Fiskars edging punch to make a pattern down both side of the paper. It’s the little decorative touches, my friends. Once your paper is ready, set it aside.

Painting the edges of the canvas with blue craft paint

Paint the edge of your canvas with a base color – mine is Coastal Blue. You don’t have to paint the center (as long as your papers are thick enough, which these are) because it won’t be seen. Make sure you cover the edges well and set aside to dry.

Hammering the chipboard

Now to the mallet! Used the birds chipboard pieces and then the mini shapes – I also put “Fly” and “Soar” in the middle of the two larger birds with the uppercase Sparrow font.

As I said before, you are going to want to watch this video to learn the entire process. Then you can play like I did!

Painting the chipboard with light blue craft paint

To get the fun distressed effect that I did, choose a color to basecoat your bird and let dry.

Painting over the top of the chipboard bird with yellow craft paint

Mix your second color with some Mod Podge and paint over the top, making sure to really get that second color into the grooves (you want it to stick around).

Wiping off excess paint with a paper towel

Before that second layer is dry, wipe it away. I didn’t wipe it away completely, just enough to leave a faint layer and to get into the grooves. Set aside your chipboard embellishments to dry.

Painting a canvas with Mod Podge

Back to the canvas! It should be fully dry. Time to Mod Podge on the background paper. Spread a medium layer of Mod Podge over the entire front of the canvas.

Lay your paper down and SMOOTH thoroughly. Wipe away any Mod Podge that comes out the sides with your brush. Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Painting over the top of the paper on canvas with Mod Podge

Cover the top of your paper with a medium coat of Mod Podge. Cover the sides of the canvas, too. Allow to dry.

Applying the paper trim to the top of the mixed media canvas

I didn’t want to bore you with tons of pictures of the embellishment process, so just know that I trimmed my borders, adhered those with Mod Podge and then allowed them to dry.

Then I sealed them over the top with Mod Podge. I glued my birds down with craft glue, and then I added some words cut out of another sheet of paper, a chipboard piece in the center and some buttons. It took me awhile to like my mixed media canvas, but I really do. It’s bright and make me happy!

Mixed Media Canvas with Chipboard Accents

Love this mixed media canvas! What do you think? Will you give the products a try?

If you enjoyed this idea, I”d love for you to check out these other projects:

I've been crafting for over 40 years! Professional writer with blogs, books, and a product line. I can teach you how to make just about anything.

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64 Comments

  3. What a gorgeous project. I would love to try my hand at making something similar.

    The Artsy Urban line makes me drool 🙂

    Reply

  14. I just love it all. I love chipboard anyway I can get it the Chip Art Tools is a plus to giving flat surface character. Mod Podge it ROCKS when it comes to mixing paint with it. Gives the paint such a shiny finished look. Love the project you did. Simply a wonderful idea all around.

    Reply

  16. I’ve been so anxious to try Melody Ross’ new line. This Artsy Urban line is so cool! I love what you did with it! Love the blues and yellows.

    Reply

  20. I like it! 🙂 Would love to try my hand at this – hope I win!

    charlsmith at comcast dot net

    Reply

  24. Really love you mixed media piece. Thank you for the step by step instructions. Really love the chip art tools and accessories. I have been drooling over this product since I first saw it’s video tutorial in CHA. Awesome product and giveaway!Thankyou!!!
    syeda
    syeda_lubabah@hotmail.com

    Reply

  27. I love this project, it is now in my file to reproduce one day:) I was inspired by collage at BGC and can’t wait till the time when I actually am able to do some collaging. I also got to play with Melody’s products at BGC and it too is on my wish list. Love it!!
    dawnblackstead@blackstead.com

    Reply

  28. Your blog has turned me into a Mod Podge addict! I had one bottle sitting in my craft closet FOREVER but now….. I have tons and go through tons!

    Reply

  36. I love your project. Melody’s new stuff reminds me of leather working (back in the day). I have not seen any in stores near me, but I would love to try some!

    Reply

  37. Great project. I’d love to win this for sure.
    -Angi_
    cokiepop(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply

  39. What a beautiful project – I love the idea of putting the pattern onto the birds – neat use of supplies!

    bleamoonspirit(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  41. Don’t you love when you find a new toy to play with an it turns into something Fantastic? Great Job Love It!

    Reply

  45. Your project turned out beautifully! I’d love to win! Thanks for the chance!

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  46. OMG! I LOOOVVVEEE this! Must “borrow” idea!!! TY for the cahnce to win too!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  48. I really like that idea. I could make artwork for my house for WAY cheaper than purchasing it. I love it!

    lauren.m.gibson AT gmail DOT com

    Reply

  49. I have several blank canvases and some Modge Podge-I’m going to give something like this a try.

    Reply

  62. oh my goodness, just fell in love with your site, I’m a crafter working on my first large decoupage project.

    Reply

  63. I love all the colors in this project. It is very beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

    saulpaugh.chelsea(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

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