How to make simple canvas stretchers

I recently was given a miter saw so that I could make my own canvas stretchers! I spent $30 at Home Depot to get some missing materials: 1×2x8 wood, wood glue, and an angle clamp. The other materials I used were: canvas pliers, staple gun, scissors, paintbrush and gesso.

 

The first step is to cut all the pieces, wood and canvas, to size.

Next step is to create the frames. Secure the corners with wood glue and staples.

When the frame is done, attach the canvas. Start adding staples from the center and work your way to the corners.

Fold the corner so that it is flat.

Trim the extra canvas and clean up the back side.

The canvas will stretch more as you paint the canvas. Start painting in the center and work to the corners.

 

All done and ready to add color paint!

 

 

Simple guide to make custom frames for canvas paintings

Step 1: Measure your paintings width x height and calculate how much wood you need.

It’s always a good  ideas to have extra material. We used 1×3x8 pieces of wood. It’s good to inspect each piece to make sure the wood is not bent or warped.

It's good to inspect each piece to make sure the wood is not bent or warped.

Step2: Ruff cut the wood pieces to size with a 45 degree angle on one side.

We used a table saw with a handy device to make the 45. You can also use a miter saw.

Cut at 45…

Step3: Fit the wood pieces to the paintings and make final cuts to size.

The paintings can be a little warped – so it’s a good idea to measure the 2nd cut to the painting.

It's a good idea to have a big flat surface to place everything on.

Step4: Glue and nail frame together.

We used wood glue and a nail gun to secure the corners.

You need to use clamps to hold the pieces while you nail them together.

Step 5: Fill the holes and sand the frame.

It’s nice to hide the nails by filling the holes with wood filler. After everything has had a chance to dry, sand everything to make it nice and smooth.

It's a good idea to wrap sandpaper around a spare chunck of wood.

Step 6: Add finish

I added a clear gloss finish.

2 coats did the trick.

Step 7: Attach painting to frame.

We used 4 screws in each painting to secure the frame around the painting.

Don't forget to add eye screws to frame so that you can hang the painting on the wall!

Step 8: Enjoy your framed paintings!

These paintings still need to find a home...

(The moment of 100%) willingness to just… burn

Sketchbook Drawing

Make Custom Canvas Greeting Cards

Canvas Greeting Card

Make 3"x6" canvas squares for old paintings...

Get cards...

Glue canvas to cards...

Finish the cards with glitter... etc.

Books can help the cards dry flat...

8 Done

Animal Guides

iPhone Photo

“The Animal  Totem that comes to you offers you power and wisdom if you will learn to communicate with it, with respect, trust, and understanding.”

I noticed an Egret while I was walking around town the other day. It’s hard to see in the video… but it’s there. I think it was a good animal to see right before my Burningman adventure! The Egret animal wisdom is:

“Aggressive Self-Determination
Self-Reliance

A Heron and Egret totem teaches balance;
the ability to progress and evolve –
to walk into deeper waters without fear.

It is important for someone with a Heron and Egret
totem to learn to stand on their own two feet,
to become independent and self-reliant.”

Ideas Sketch

Not the only one with that idea!

Push and Pull

Sketch

House on Loon Lake

Old Sketchbook Drawing

I was listening to the House on Loon Lake story on, “This American Life”.

Process behind Conceptual Art

Step 1: Get into an idea…

Sketchbook Notes from Reading, 'Mind Tools'

Step 2: Sketch out any visual thoughts related to the idea…

Sketch

Step 3: Create 3-D visual image source objects…

These objects can also become art - sculptures etc.

Step 4: Have fun and play with making art!

Oil Painting

Step 5: Find someone to collaborate with!

Large Mixed Media Collaborative Art Project

Step 6: Add more ideas, more art and more collaborators!

Key to non-linear thinking

From my Sketchbook in 2002

White board vs. Chalk board

Class note conversation between me and a friend.

Thinking about mind maps, signs, and symbols.