How to create a mixed media art canvas collage

Create a unique, textured canvas, adding layers and layers of beautiful vintage treasures & found items. This amazing mixed media masterpiece makes a great gift, home decor piece or memory keepsake.

525
STEPS
TOOLS

You only need 5 basic supplies to create our canvas: matchbook box, paint, brush, adhesive and burlap.

You only need 5 basic supplies to create our canvas: matchbook box, paint, brush, adhesive and burlap.

Our surface is the back of a Graphic 45 large Staples Matchbook box (the drawer piece of the box).

Our surface is the back of a Graphic 45 large Staples Matchbook box (the drawer piece of the box).

Paint the entire back and sides with white or ivory paint.

Paint the entire back and sides with white or ivory paint.

Let dry.

Let dry.

Cut a piece of burlap to cover box, cut it large enough to wrap around the sides.

Cut a piece of burlap to cover box, cut it large enough to wrap around the sides.

Like this....

Like this....

Wrapping the burlap around the edge, adhere to the inside lip of the box,

Wrapping the burlap around the edge, adhere to the inside lip of the box,

...adhere one end securely in place.

...adhere one end securely in place.

Then adhere the opposite end securely (ignore the corners for now).

Then adhere the opposite end securely (ignore the corners for now).

Once the first 2 opposite ends are adhered, do the same thing for the remaining 2 opposite sides.

Once the first 2 opposite ends are adhered, do the same thing for the remaining 2 opposite sides.

Now address the corners...tuck and adhere them as shown. (I used hot glue to really hold in place well).

Now address the corners...tuck and adhere them as shown. (I used hot glue to really hold in place well).

Flip it over and...voila!! A beautiful burlap canvas!!

Flip it over and...voila!! A beautiful burlap canvas!!

Apply paint used earlier around the edges of canvas.

Apply paint used earlier around the edges of canvas.

Concentrate on the corners.

Concentrate on the corners.

I started with this much paint, but added more here and there as I worked.

I started with this much paint, but added more here and there as I worked.

Tear background paper (2 opposite corner pieces).

Tear background paper (2 opposite corner pieces).

And 2 more to layer...

And 2 more to layer...

Start layering pieces onto canvas.

Start layering pieces onto canvas.

Add corner layering papers and door escutcheon piece.

Add corner layering papers and door escutcheon piece.

Add pleated paper ribbons along the bottom.

Add pleated paper ribbons along the bottom.

Create smaller layering shadow boxes using the small matchbook box pieces separately. Paint and stamp boxes as desired.

Create smaller layering shadow boxes using the small matchbook box pieces separately. Paint and stamp boxes as desired.

Fill each shadow box with special treasures and trinkets.

Fill each shadow box with special treasures and trinkets.

Adhere each box to canvas. I placed in opposite corners. One portrait style....

Adhere each box to canvas. I placed in opposite corners. One portrait style....

....and one landscape style.

....and one landscape style.

Now collage away!! Add layers using flowers, buttons, found items, gathered vintage pieces, etc.

Now collage away!! Add layers using flowers, buttons, found items, gathered vintage pieces, etc.

Adding dry brush paint adds wonderful detail and a great worn look.

Adding dry brush paint adds wonderful detail and a great worn look.

Use letter stickers to create a title, or to add inspirational words.

Use letter stickers to create a title, or to add inspirational words.

Vintage photos are a beautiful addition.

Vintage photos are a beautiful addition.

To make the blooms for the found branch...punch circles.

To make the blooms for the found branch...punch circles.

Fold in half.

Fold in half.

Fold again.

Fold again.

Then roll into a flower bud/bloom shape.

Then roll into a flower bud/bloom shape.

Adhere to branch. (I used a hot glue gun for this). Wrap ends with twine.

Adhere to branch. (I used a hot glue gun for this). Wrap ends with twine.

Keep layering and collaging, adding texture, paint and treasures as you go.

Keep layering and collaging, adding texture, paint and treasures as you go.

Such beautiful texture and detail!

Such beautiful texture and detail!

And what a great gift...(Mother's Day is just around the corner!!)

And what a great gift...(Mother's Day is just around the corner!!)

Thank you for checking out my guide today!! Happy crafting!

Thank you for checking out my guide today!! Happy crafting!

  • Graphic 45 Staples large matchbook box
  • Graphic 45 Staples small matchbook box
  • Burlap
  • White or ivory paint & paintbrush
  • Graphic 45's Botanical Tea papers & embellishments
  • Ornate door knob and escutcheon
  • Misc. Graphic 45 Metal Staples
  • Misc. texture stamps
  • Pleated paper ribbons
  • Buttons
  • Flowers
  • Spanish moss
  • Handmade birds nest
  • Pearls
  • Vintage music paper
  • Vintage thread spools
  • Cameo
  • Found branch w/handmade blooms
  • Random vintage treasures
  • Favorite bits of ephemera
  • Hot glue gun