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How to create a canvas with lots of layers

Create a Canvas With Lots of Layers

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STEPS
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Randomly add book text to the canvas using Matte Medium.

Randomly add book text to the canvas using Matte Medium.

Add embossed paper randomly on top of the  book text.  I wish I had added more when it was finished.  I left the middle open because my die cut quote was going there but it really didn't matter!

Add embossed paper randomly on top of the book text. I wish I had added more when it was finished. I left the middle open because my die cut quote was going there but it really didn't matter!

I gathered my paints. If you are wondering why there is a haze over the canvas, I got the bright idea to add a coat of iridescent medium. In the end, the whole thing gets covered anyway.

I gathered my paints. If you are wondering why there is a haze over the canvas, I got the bright idea to add a coat of iridescent medium. In the end, the whole thing gets covered anyway.

Start with the darkest color first and add paint randomly using a palette knife.  Don't  cover the entire canvas with each layer.  It will eventually be completely covered if you add enough layers.

Start with the darkest color first and add paint randomly using a palette knife. Don't cover the entire canvas with each layer. It will eventually be completely covered if you add enough layers.

Continue adding colors from dark to light, drying the layers in between.

Continue adding colors from dark to light, drying the layers in between.

To add more interest to the background, I used the number stencil and Raider Colorations spray, avoiding the middle.  Dry completely before adding the next layer.

To add more interest to the background, I used the number stencil and Raider Colorations spray, avoiding the middle. Dry completely before adding the next layer.

This is what the canvas looks like so far.  Still more layers needed!

This is what the canvas looks like so far. Still more layers needed!

I kept adding more layers using lots more colors and applying them with the palette knife, my fingers, and an old key card until I liked the results.

I kept adding more layers using lots more colors and applying them with the palette knife, my fingers, and an old key card until I liked the results.

I added Cotton Velvet to lighten up the canvas a bit so that my quote would stand out more.

I added Cotton Velvet to lighten up the canvas a bit so that my quote would stand out more.

The quote was cut using my Silhouette Cameo, a cut file and  black card stock. Gel medium was used to glue it to the canvas.

The quote was cut using my Silhouette Cameo, a cut file and black card stock. Gel medium was used to glue it to the canvas.

Next, add clear embossing ink and purple embossing powder to the edges of the canvas and heat set.

Next, add clear embossing ink and purple embossing powder to the edges of the canvas and heat set.

I added more Imperial Sorbet paint over parts of the embossing to integrate it more into the canvas.

I added more Imperial Sorbet paint over parts of the embossing to integrate it more into the canvas.

The quote needed a pop so I decided to go over it with a VersaMarker and emboss it with black embossing powder.  In the photo, "Love Life &" is embossed and the rest isn't. That did the trick!

The quote needed a pop so I decided to go over it with a VersaMarker and emboss it with black embossing powder. In the photo, "Love Life &" is embossed and the rest isn't. That did the trick!

I added black tacks (from a hardware store) around the perimeter of the canvas at 1 inch intervals.  They added a really cool industrial "frame" look to the canvas.

I added black tacks (from a hardware store) around the perimeter of the canvas at 1 inch intervals. They added a really cool industrial "frame" look to the canvas.

Lastly, I painted the edges of the canvas with Tuxedo Velvet to finish it off.  Look at that texture!  You can't achieve that without lots of layers and paint.

Lastly, I painted the edges of the canvas with Tuxedo Velvet to finish it off. Look at that texture! You can't achieve that without lots of layers and paint.

My daughter will love this for her dorm room! I have a feeling I'm going to make more of these.

My daughter will love this for her dorm room! I have a feeling I'm going to make more of these.

  • Emerald Genstones
  • Imperial Sorbet
  • Viridian Sorbet
  • Pixie Sorbet
  • Tink Sorbet
  • Vegas Gold Sorbet
  • Tuxedo Velvet
  • Cotton Velvet
  • Limeade Velvet
  • Mardi Gras Velvet
  • Orchid Velvet
  • Fiji Velvet
  • Lagoon Velvet
  • Raider Coloration Spray
  • Got Your Number Stencil
  • Matte Medium
  • Purple Embossing Powder
  • VersaMarker Brush Tip Pen
  • Palette Knife
  • Black Tacks
  • 12" x 12" Canvas painted black
  • Ranger Embossing Dauber