Custom Canvas For a Flow Art Painting

Today we made a custom size canvas on a wood frame. Measuring 56″ wide and 33″ tall.

Starting out with a 1X6 8 ft long, ripping lengthwise into 1 1/2″ strips.

Two pieces were cut to 56″ inches long and datoed on the ends 1 1/2″ wide and 1/2″ deep.

Two pieces cut to 31″ for the ends (these fit into the datoed ends)

Two pieces cut to 30″ inches for the center supports.

lastly, 12 pieces about 7 inches long with a 45-degree angle on each end for supports.

I staples and glued the two ends into the dated edges, measured over 18 1/2″ from the outer edges ( both sides) glued and nailed the center supports. Using  1/8″ X 2″ hex screws to firmly secure the ends and center supports.

Finishing step was to attach the 45 degree supports in each internal corner securing in the same fashion glue, air-nail and 1/8″ X 2″ hex screws.

Then we took the frame inside, Using a painters tarp we stretched the “Canvas” over the frame and attached it with a good old fashion staple gun.

Then the final stages of stretching the canvas, The Gesso! Merideth took the canvas to her paint room and applied a coat of Gesso on it. Gesso is very similar to white acrylic paint, only thinner. It dries hard, making the surface more stiff otherwise the paint would soak into the fabric.

I will post a link to the finished product when it is completed and hung on the wall. But since I know your wondering look in the gallery below for a preview. Also, click on the link below to see another flow art project we did with the same kind of custom frame.

HOW TO: CREATE BEAUTIFUL MODERN FLO ART

Enjoy and have a great day! let me know your feedback or maybe other techniques you may have for creating canvases!