Newspaper Paintings

Okay guys here we go!! My first tutorial, newspaper covered canvas. I came up with this idea over the summer. I have always wanted to paint two canvases that made up one picture. Here was the result:

I didn't think this project would turn out very well, since I really had no idea what I was doing. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome!

Supplies:

-Mod Podge (I used almost an entire jar)

-Canvas (mine were 16x24, but any size would work)

-Newspaper

-needle (if necessary)

-Finishing Paint (I used DuraClear Satin Varnish)

-paints & brushes

          So I kind of failed at taking pictures during the project, but the process was fairly easy. First you cut the newspaper into strips (the size doesn't matter. I cut mine into strips that were about 2 inches thick, and the length of the newspaper) I found that puzzles, images etc were more interesting than just the newsprint. Next, cover a section of the canvas in mod podge, starting at the edge and working your way in. Pull the strips tight across the canvas and smooth down with your hand. Leave extra newspaper hanging off the edge of the canvas (about 2 inches extra. Cover the canvas completely. I found the more the newspapers criss-crossed the more interesting the canvas became.

         Once dry, begin finishing the edges of the canvas. Start at one corner and work the entire way around the canvas. Make sure to pull the newspaper tight. Once the edges are dry trim off the extra newspaper. 

          

            At this point the entire canvas should be covered in newspaper and the mod podge should be dry. There may be small air holes under the newspaper, this is where the pin comes in handy. Take the pin and pop the bubble, smooth the newspaper out and cover in a layer of mod podge. 

           Once that has dried I covered the entire canvas in a coat of the DuraClear finish. Once dried you can paint on it, or just leave them alone. Hang in your room, apartment, or house and enjoy!! Here is my finished project again: