Art made easy

When decorating a new space, we often have an idea to work with: we combine textiles, furniture and colours. In doing so, we create an atmosphere that fits a room’s function. After the walls are painted, the room is furnished and the larger accent pieces are organized, it’s time to focus on the smaller details. For me, artwork is a big part of personalizing a space — transforming it from just another room to my room.

My home is filled with photographs of friends and family, my old artwork and large posters of the places I’ve visited. I even have a map in my office that is marked with all the places I’ve travelled. However, I often find artwork that’s unavailable for purchase online and the pieces that are for sale just don’t cut it.

This is where this week’s DIY project comes in: image transfers are a very affordable and simple way to get the art that you want on the backdrop that you want. Granted, I’ve only ever done image transfers with canvas and cardboard, but I’d imagine wood would work as well. You can also print out your own photos to create a custom collage!

STEPS

1. Select the artwork or photograph that you’d like to transfer and have it laser printed on regular copy paper. Most at-home printers are inkjets, so you may have to have it printed at a copy shop. Note: Your transferred image will be in reverse — if you want to have it in its original orientation, please flip it before printing using a basic photo editing software, such as MS Paint.

This image is from the webcomic “Playtime with Gnar” by Rachel J Corey.

2. Using a paintbrush, cover your canvas in a thick layer of Liquitex Matte Gel Medium.

3. Press the image into the canvas and let dry for several hours or overnight.

4. When your image is completely dry, dampen it by using the spray bottle filled with water. Rub at it with your fingers (or the old cloth) until the paper starts coming off. The image will begin to reveal itself. Keep rubbing until all of the paper is removed.

5. Once all the paper is removed, lightly coat the image with water again. Using a paintbrush, cover the canvas with gloss medium. This will make any leftover pieces of paper invisible. Let dry for several hours.

6. After the canvas is dry, hang it up wherever you like!