• About
  • Artist Resources
    • Classes
  • Portfolio
    • Illustrations
    • Surface Pattern Designs
    • Typography
  • Work With Me
    • Disclosure & Privacy Policy
  • Contact

LZ Cathcart

Delightful designs and illustrations.

  • Blog
    • Crafts
    • Decor
    • Holidays
    • Living
    • SVG Files
  • Shop
    • Apparel
    • Art Prints
    • Mugs
    • Phone Cases
    • Pillows
    • Stickers
    • Tote Bags
    • SVG Vector Art
  • Freebies
  • Sign In
    • Shop Policies
  • 0 items

Crafts SVG Files

How to Make DIY Reverse Canvas Wall Art or Signs

This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

Tweet
Pin26
Share21
47 Shares

Learn how to make a DIY reverse canvas sign or wall art using an artist canvas, some paint or stain, heat transfer vinyl, and an SVG design from your cutting machine.

Learn how to make a DIY reverse canvas sign or wall art using an artist canvas, some paint or stain, heat transfer vinyl, and an SVG design from your cutting machine. #handlettering #cricut #diysigns #cricutcrafts #thesummeryumbrella

Hello, Summery Umbrella readers! I’m Pam from The Birch Cottage and I’m back this month to share another easy DIY project with you. This project, of course, incorporates the use of one of LZ’s beautiful SVG files and an inexpensive artist canvas.

I had no idea that DIY reverse canvas signs or wall art using heat transfer vinyl were a “thing” until I saw them online a few years ago. I’ve been wanting to give this DIY project a try ever since. One of the really nice things about this project is that you can often find packs of canvas on sale at Michaels (or other craft stores), making this a very affordable project.

Learn how to create GORGEOUS signs with
my FREE guide!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    How to Make DIY Reverse Canvas Wall Art with Heat Transfer Vinyl

    Learn how to make a reverse canvas sign or wall art using an artist canvas, some paint or stain, heat transfer vinyl, and an SVG design for your Cricut or Silhouette with this easy DIY tutorial. #cricut #silhouette #thesummeryumbrella

    This project is even easier than it looks or sounds! And the design possibilities are limitless! Plus, with all the beautiful SVG files right here on The Summery Umbrella, you need look no further for inspiration!

    What you Need to Make DIY Reverse Canvas Wall Art:

    Let’s take a look at the tools and supplies you’ll need to complete this easy DIY reverse canvas wall art with heat transfer vinyl. Where applicable, I have provided links to the very items I used in this tutorial. Most of the tools you’ll probably already have on hand.

    Tools

    • scissors
    • staple gun and staples
    • glue gun and glue sticks (optional)
    • iron or EasyPress
    • flathead screwdriver
    • pliers
    • pencil
    • cutting mat
    • rotary cutter
    • ruler
    • a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette)
    supplies to make a reverse canvas sign or wall art

    (You’ll notice my Ryobi Utility Knife in the above picture. I thought I was going to use it to remove the canvas, but I was able to easily remove the staples with my screwdriver, so it wasn’t necessary.)

    Supplies:

    • stretched canvas
    • heat transfer vinyl
    • stain or paint
    • old rags or paint brush
    • parchment paper
    • Dream Big SVG File

    Instructions:

    Step 1: Remove the Canvas

    To begin making your DIY reverse canvas wall art with heat transfer vinyl, you’ll start by taking apart the canvas. With your small flathead screwdriver, simply pry the staples up on the back of the frame until you have all the staples removed.

    removing staples from canvas for reverse canvas sign or wall art

    It may help to use needle nose pliers to help remove the staples.

    removing staples from canvas for reverse canvas sign or wall art
    removing staples from canvas for reverse canvas sign or wall art

    Step 2: Trim the Canvas

    Once you have the canvas removed from the frame, you’ll want to trim the canvas down to size. Simply center the frame on top of the canvas, trace around the frame onto the canvas and cut away. You want the canvas to fit on the back of the frame.

    removing staples from canvas for reverse canvas sign or wall art
    cutting canvas for reverse canvas wall art or sign

    I used my rotary cutter and ruler to trim the canvas, but you can also use a pair scissors.

    cutting canvas for reverse canvas wall art or sign

    Step 3: Stain or Paint the Frame

    Apply the stain or paint of your choice to the frame. Allow to dry completely.

    staining frame for reverse canvas wall art
    staining frame for reverse canvas wall art

    Step 4: Cut Your Design

    While your stain or paint is drying, you’ll prepare the cut file for your wall art. Make sure you measure inside the canvas frame so that your design will fit properly.

    applying heat transfer vinyl (HTV) to reverse canvas wall art or sign
    applying heat transfer vinyl (HTV) to reverse canvas wall art or sign

    Step 5: Apply HTV Design to Canvas

    Once you have your design cut and weeded, you’ll simply transfer your HTV (heat transfer vinyl) design to your canvas, center and iron in place following the manufacturer’s instructions. I like to put a piece of parchment paper over top of my design and then press with my iron. If you have an EasyPress, you can use that!

    applying heat transfer vinyl (HTV) to reverse canvas wall art or sign

    Step 6: Attach Canvas to the Frame

    Now that your frame is dry and your design has been applied to your canvas, you are ready to attach the canvas to the frame. Apply a bead of hot glue to the back of the frame to attach the canvas or use your staple gun.

    I used my staple gun and started by placing one staple at the top and in the middle, then placing my next staple at the bottom middle. Then continue to stretch the canvas and staple in the middle of each side, then around the canvas.

    applying canvas to reverse canvas wall art
    applying canvas to reverse canvas wall art
    Learn how to make a reverse canvas sign or wall art using an artist canvas, some paint or stain, heat transfer vinyl, and an SVG design for your Cricut or Silhouette with this easy DIY tutorial. #cricutcrafts #diysigns #thesummeryumbrella

    That’s it! You’re ready to hang your DIY reverse canvas wall art!

    How to Your Hang Reverse Canvas Sign

    You might be wondering just how you’re going to hang your reverse canvas print now that you’ve essentially covered the back opening.  I recommend using Command strips or something similar to hang your reverse canvas prints. Attach a command strip to the back and hang in place.

    reverse canvas sign or wall art diy tutorial

    What’s Next?

    If you enjoyed today’s easy reverse canvas sign tutorial, I’d really love it if you’d visit The Birch Cottage. Some of the tutorials you’ll find there include:

    Free Printable Easter Gift Tags

    How to Make Small Batch Cupcakes

    How to Paint Terra Cotta Pots

    Although I used the Dream Big Be Brave cut file for my reverse canvas print, you could certainly use any design you like. I think the following SVG designs from LZ would also look fabulous in a reverse canvas frame.

    • Let’s Stay in Bed
    • Let the Beauty We Love
    • Home is Where Mom Is

    I hope you enjoyed today’s easy tutorial on how create a reverse canvas sign or print with heat transfer vinyl. I’m looking forward to sharing another idea with you next month!

    Til next time…

    Pam from The Birch Cottage


    Leave a Comment

    About Pam Baker

    Pam is the creative behind The Birch Cottage blog where she shares her creative ideas, family friendly recipes and handmade gift ideas. When she’s not busy sharing her latest DIY tutorial, free printable or love for all things handmade on The Birch Cottage blog, you just might find her fishing on the French River in northern Ontario with her husband and two dogs, Remo and Zoey.

    Don’t Miss Out!

    Learn how to create GORGEOUS signs with my FREE guide. It's the perfect source for getting started and moving forward!

    « How to Make an easy DIY Coloring Book for Kids
    Easy to Make Educational Kids’ Placemats »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Hi! I'm LZ, and welcome to my humble abode! Don't be shy. Come on in! This is my happy place where I share my life, creativity as well as my quirky and country sense of humor on a daily basis. So, grab yourself a tall glass of something yummy, and let me introduce you to my realm. :)

    I want to find…

    Post Categories

    Featured On

    Let’s be social

    Day 25 - Who knew that painting coral could be so Day 25 - Who knew that painting coral could be so complicated?! I started off with a completelyyyy different version, and quite frankly, I was so disappointed in it. However, I just kept playing with the design until finally... this lovely was accomplished! The colors are all from the original piece, and then I used a clipping mask over this new design. All these textures just make my heart sing!! #lzcathcart #thesummeryumbrella  #illustration_daily #dailyillustration #30daychallenge #30daydesignchallenge #artistcommunity #handcraft #illustrationnow #designchallenge #printart #designaday #thatsdarling #supporthandmade #designingdaily #instagramartist #rusticillustration #oceanprint #sealife #sealifeart #sealifeillustration #summervibes #summerart #dreamingofsummer #coralart #coralreef #corals #coralillustration #coralprint #oceanlifeart
    Day 23 - I'm a huge fan of Finding Nemo and an obv Day 23 - I'm a huge fan of Finding Nemo and an obvious quote fanatic... ;) So, you know that whenever I see these beauties I'm totally thinking about the conversation between Marlin and Crush. “You've got serious thrill issues, dude.” Lol.
    Day 21 - Is the start of the sea life section of t Day 21 - Is the start of the sea life section of this amazing challenge! If you haven't noticed... I've been using a lot of warm tones as much as I can. I tend to be a very cold-natured person so during the winter months, I do my very best to think all things summer to get me through! Plus, doesn't this seahorse just look so warm and toasty in its environment?
    Day 19 - Stargazer Lilies. While I might love... t Day 19 - Stargazer Lilies. While I might love... truly love... all flowers, the stargazer lily has always held a very special place in my heart. How do I even explain? They're just a wonderful combination of tropical yet southern, but exotic yet familiar. Happy, playful, soothing, and fragrant. 🥰
    Day 17 - Have you ever grown Sweet Pea Flowers? I Day 17 - Have you ever grown Sweet Pea Flowers? I have not, but after doing my research for this piece I'm tempted to try my hand at it this coming season. They are so pretty and come in such a lovely color palette!
    Day 15 - Bumblebees. I have countless videos of th Day 15 - Bumblebees. I have countless videos of these gorgeous insects buzzing around my azaleas in vibrant shades of magenta every spring. With that being said, I just couldn't resist capturing a similar illustration to remind me of those delectable and much warmer days.
    Follow on Instagram

    Copyright © 2021 · LZ Cathcart of The Summery Umbrella, LLC

    Log in