Have a growing pile of artwork that feels too special to throw away, but also too hard to keep organized? Turn it into canvas wall art using thrifted materials! This is an easy and affordable way to preserve kids’ artwork.
What You’ll Need
- A variety of kids’ artwork. This works best when you mix colors, textures, and different types of drawings.
- A thrifted canvas in your preferred size. It does not matter what they look like to start, because you will be covering the entire surface with a collage of artwork. You’ll want to opt for a smooth surface and avoid any textured canvases. For this project, I used a larger-sized canvas, but you can go for any layout – such as a gallery wall or smaller accent pieces. I like the large surface for a color collage look.
- Mod Podge
- Foam brushes
- Scissors
What You’ll Need to Do
Lay out your artwork Before Gluing
For best results, you’ll want to overlap pieces and trim some down to size. Play around with different layouts until you’re satisfied with the results. Don’t overthink it and remember, this is a collage, so it’s meant to be imperfect.
Apply the Mod Podge
Apply a base layer of Mod Podge to the canvas and then to the bottom of your art piece. Glue it down on the canvas, then apply another coat on top of the artwork to seal it. Once it hardens, the paper will bond into a smooth, finished surface.
Let it Dry
You probably won’t need an additional layer of Mod Podge, but if you do, reapply to any loose ends and then hang when dry.
Enjoy your clutter-free preserved kids’ artwork!
