I don't know about you but right now, I am dreaming of summer. It's about time for a season change is it not?
While I'm still stuck in the snow, the new Graphic 45 On the Boardwalk line has perfectly captured the timeless joy of summer on the shore. Bliss! I thought I would combine it with another idea I've had spinning in my head for a while...creating a wall hanging from an 8x8 Prima Canvas Album page. You can take one right out of your album if you don't mind losing a page or they can also be purchased in a separate package in both 6x6" page and 8x8" page sizes. For this project, I've used the 8x8 page size.
To create this wall hanging I simply used a canvas page at set it with the grommets at the top of the project. Roughly lay out your design by cutting out images from the Graphic 45 On the Boardwalk line. I used the Coney Island and High Style Holiday papers. If you look at the above photo and my finished project, you'll notice that the images are transferred in reverse. Because of this, I only used images without text with the image transfer technique. The others were stitched or adhered in other ways.
The image transfer is a really fabulous technique to try and much easier than it looks. I especially love images transferred onto fabric like this canvas album page. To transfer the pattered paper images right onto the fabric, simply brush the areas that you wish to cover with a good coat of Studio Gloss Multi-Medium. Press the images face down into the wet medium and smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles. Allow to dry thoroughly.
You can also find other tutorials using this technique at these links.... Photo Transfer Album Page and Sticky Back Canvas Image Transfer.
Once your transfer medium is totally dry, you can then start removing the paper layers. I like to use a Mini Mister filled with water to spritz the paper and soften it. Rub away the layers gently with your finger. If needed, apply more water and work at it until all the paper is removed, revealing the image transfer. Don't worry if the transfer isn't perfect. Mine weren't and I think it adds to the vintage charm of the project.
Adding a few different elements to a design is always a great idea for a collage design. Here I've stamped right onto some spaces on the canvas using these postal images from the On the Desk stamp set by Cornish Heritage Farms. Black Archival Ink by Ranger is a wonderful ink for stamping on canvas and other surfaces. Heat set for a permanent finish.
As I mentioned above, images with words were added without the image transfer. The Twinchie Squares, Assorted made a great surface to create an accent. The paper elements were trimmed to 1 7/8" square and the edges sanded with the Tim Holtz Sanding Block.
You can see in this photo that I stitched right through the Twinchies to my canvas base. This secures them on tightly. If you don't want to stitch, simply adhere them with more of the Studio Multi-Medium brushed on the reverse. You can also see in this photo that I zig zag stitched around each transferred image for definition. The large Beach square was stitched onto the project as well as the main title element of the project.
To hang up this wall hanging, twill tape was threaded through the grommets and knotted. I adore these new Jenni Bowlin Vintage Style Buttons. They are gorgeous and add some texture interest to the project.
To finish things off, I added in a little Adage Ticket pinned with a Trinket Pin that says Memento on it. A Game Spinner points to the Beach for an additional vintage element.
Have fun trying out this unique decor piece or make your own variation. A little creative time is always great for beating the late winter blues. Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom!