Contrary to popular belief, a two-piece canvas doesn’t have to be a single image split into two parts. Instead, you can combine two individual images that complement each other, forming a cohesive composition that tells a captivating story.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a stunning two-piece canvas. Similar to this two piece canvas idea but this time I’m using two 12×24″ canvas frames.
Steampunk, with its fusion of Victorian aesthetics and mechanical ingenuity, has captured the imagination of artists and enthusiasts worldwide. I don’t know why but there is something intriguing about steampunk devices, clothing, or in this case imagination.
And I’ll admit it, I actually liked the Wild Wild West movie.
First things first was to use the prompt steampunk ships flying in a cloudy sky. Aspect ratio was 16:9 and were created in version 4.
To embark on this two-piece canvas project, I began by selecting two images that harmonize with each other. There were quite a few variations but I decided on these two as the final canvas.
Consider how the two images can merge seamlessly to create an eye-catching artwork that reflects your vision.
Sometimes, serendipity plays a role in finding the perfect combination of images.
Resizing and Borders in Photoshop
Once you have chosen your images, it’s time to work on resizing and adding borders to create the desired effect. In my own process, I often adjust the levels of one image to enhance brightness and contrast using Photoshop.
However, other photo editing software like ACDsee also offers alternative methods for adjusting levels. After fine-tuning the images, you can proceed to change the dimensions of the AI image to fit your canvas.
It’s advisable to keep the size slightly larger to allow room for the canvas edge, making it easier to align the print with the frame.
Creating a border around the image is the next step.
To ensure a clean finish, I recommend using a 2-inch surrounding for the border. This dimension offers a safe margin, preventing any issues that may arise from edges that are too small. It’s worth noting that creating a border layer on each side without proper adjustments will result in white squares at the corners, which can be distracting when folding the canvas.
Create a rectangle layer using the Marquee tool in Photoshop. This layer can be modified and stretched across the blank outer edge to create a mirror effect, ensuring the absence of white corner issues.
Printing and Wrapping the Canvas Set
Once you have completed the resizing, borders, and adjustments, it’s time to print out the final image. Depending on your printer and canvas paper size, you may need to choose the appropriate dimensions to fit the entire image.
In my case, I used 24-inch canvas paper, resulting in a 24″x28″ sheet to accommodate the image fully.
There will be Photolabs that can print the canvas as is and not worry about wrapping the print around a frame.
Wrapping the canvas is a thrilling DIY project that not only saves you money but also allows for personalization according to your unique style and taste.
Nonetheless, exploring your own creativity and pushing the boundaries of your artistic abilities is a rewarding experience. Embrace the process and enjoy the journey of uncovering hidden flaws and discovering unexpected beauty along the way.
Step out of your comfort zone. Or as I get told quite often “Get out of the house more!”
To wrap the canvas set, I had to have two 12×24″ canvas frames ready for each piece. These were purchased from a decor home store. Otherwise Amazon sells blank canvases quite cheap.
The canvas roll I used had a weight of 260gsm, which is slightly thin but facilitated easier folding. This is also the same type of canvas material that you will see on eBay for canvas images.
Wrapping a canvas as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project not only saves you money but also allows you to add a personal touch to your artwork, tailored to your specific style and taste.
Stapling the Canvas
To begin, we need to secure the canvas onto the frame using staples. While stapling may take some time, it is an effective method to hold the canvas in place. I use 8mm x12mm staples. They are relatively thick and will hold the canvas against the frame.
Pay special attention to the corners, as they require careful folding and stapling.
Different methods exist for folding corners, and in this guide, we will explore a slightly unconventional approach that has proven to be effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wrapping a canvas set as a DIY project offers an excellent opportunity to display your artistic skills and nurture your creativity. You don’t necessarily need to split one image into two; combining separate images that complement each other can result in a cohesive and visually appealing composition.
Usually I would use the kraft paper tape to hide staples and achieve a professional finish but I will do that later when I am ready to place the canvases on the wall.
Although wrapping a canvas requires some time and effort, the final product will be a unique and personalized work of art that you can proudly showcase.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use any type of tape to hide the staples on a canvas?
While different types of tape can be used, we highly recommend using kraft paper tape. It offers excellent adhesion to both the canvas material and the wood frame, resulting in a more professional finish. - Where can I purchase kraft paper tape?
You can easily find kraft paper tape on platforms like Amazon. It is affordable and widely available. - What if the tape starts to peel away after some time?
If the tape starts to peel away, you can simply reapply it. Kraft paper tape is easy to work with, allowing you to maintain the neat appearance of your canvas. - Why is trimming the excess canvas necessary when using tape?
Trimming the excess canvas ensures that there is no major overhang, creating a cleaner look when the tape is applied. It allows the canvas wood to be visible or at least flush with the frame, enhancing the overall aesthetic. - Can I combine images to create a canvas set without splitting one image into two?
Absolutely! Creating a canvas set doesn’t require splitting a single image. You can select two separate images that complement each other and arrange them to form a cohesive and visually appealing composition.
