https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/gift-canvases • Posted by Mod Podge Amy
It was only in my twenties that I discovered the delight of hostess gifts, and now I give them religiously. When I can, I prefer to give handmade hostess gifts, and so I created these mini canvases to give to my friends. A lot of my pals have craft rooms or just good taste (hee!) and like to receive little surprises from me that they can decorate their spaces with. I aim to please. These gift canvases are my style, but please adopt them to fit your own (or the hostess’s). All you need is two hours before you have to be somewhere, and you’ll have enough time to whip up a fantastic little treasure for the hostess. She’ll love it.
It was only in my twenties that I discovered the delight of hostess gifts, and now I give them religiously. When I can, I prefer to give handmade hostess gifts, and so I created these mini canvases to give to my friends. A lot of my pals have craft rooms or just good taste (hee!) and like to receive little surprises from me that they can decorate their spaces with. I aim to please. These gift canvases are my style, but please adopt them to fit your own (or the hostess’s). All you need is two hours before you have to be somewhere, and you’ll have enough time to whip up a fantastic little treasure for the hostess. She’ll love it.
Start by trimming your paper to fit the canvases. My craft mat had a ruler guide so I was able to quickly measure and cut a 4″ x 4″ square. If your mat doesn’t, simply measure with a ruler. This is the easiest cutting you’ll ever do - I whipped out three 4″ x 4″ squares from three different pieces of paper in about five minutes! Set the paper squares aside.
Paint your canvases with the acrylic paint and flat paint brush. You don’t have to paint the entire top of the canvas since you’ll be applying paper over it. Get the sides well and don’t forget the back. I applied three coats to each canvas. Allow them to dry.
Now that each canvas is dry, apply the Mod Podge. Use a medium layer and coat the entire top - don’t forget to cover the corners well.
Apply the paper and smooth it down thoroughly with your fingers or a brayer. I even turned the canvas over and smoothed it down that way. If Mod Podge comes out the sides, that is fine - simply wipe it away with your brush. Apply the papers to all canvases and allow to dry for 15 - 20 minutes.
Now add the embellishments with craft glue. Get creative! You probably have about an hour left before your party, so get together some buttons and random embellishments from your stash. Attach them with the glue and allow to dry while you continue to get ready. Right before you leave, throw everything in a bag and have a great time!