Tutorial: DIY Fabric Wrapped Iron On Photo Canvas

I am an avid photographer and I take many, many photos.  I like to incorporate favorites into our decor so we can be surround by happy memories in our home.  I am a huge fan of canvas prints and awhile ago I saw some that were 5"X7" and thought it was a cool size and option.

On Monday I reviewed an HP® Officejet 7500A Wide Format e-All-in-One Printer from Staples.  When I first got it, I was eager to try and figure out several ways to use it.  I had some printable iron on transfer sheets leftover from another project and decided to try making my own version of a wrapped canvas with them.  I shared these at the end of my review post with a brief description and today I have a more detailed tutorial with pictures to help you make your own.

Start with a blank 5"X7" pre-wrapped artist canvas.  Mine was purchased at Joann's while 40% off for a few dollars.

Print your photos onto the transfer sheets following the direction for your particular brand.  Mine were Jolee's Boutique Easy Image Iron On Transfer Paper for White Fabrics and I have no idea where I purchased them.  These have red lines on one side so you know which side to iron on.

Cut out each image on the transfer paper and follow the instructions for your brand.

I waited until cooled to peel off for a gloss finish.  I like how you can still see some of the texture of the fabric underneath the image, which mimics the look of photo canvases.

Trim your fabric leaving enough border to wrap around the sides of your stretched canvas.  Sorry for the color change in this photo, I had to take this one at night with my flash.  Note that jagged edges on your fabric are fine as you'll be stapling it to the canvas and no one will see them.  Carefully place your image over your canvas.  Fold over edges of fabric and staple into place.

Now you have your own little canvases to show off favorite pictures and add some interest and variety to your home decor.  They can be used as table top displays or hung on the wall without needing a frame.  I purposely left "empty" space in both of my DIY photo canvases so I can add some fun dimensional embellishments right on top of the photo.  I might be as simple as each child's name in chipboard letters or AC Thickers but I haven't decided.  I am kinda liking the minimalist look for now.

I love this picture I took of my kiddo in Traverse City next to this free print from Jones Design Company, which was also printed on the HP® Officejet 7500A Wide Format e-All-in-One Printer from Staples I reviewed.