I had dinner with some super creative people a few weeks ago. We were talking about our projects and both people I was eating with told me that they asked themselves this question when they were making things- “how can I make this better? What would I do to improve this?” Pushing yourself to be your best makes for beautiful projects.
So, I’ve started asking myself the same thing. I LOVED the rainbow art I made a few days ago, but it did feel a little naked without a frame. I wanted to make a frame that finished it off, but was budget friendly, AND easy to make. That is how this tutorial came to be! After sharing a sneak peek of it on Instagram, I got a bunch of DM’s for a how to. So let’s get started!
how to to frame a canvas for cheap
Every good project starts with the materials. For the frame, I used 4 pieces of 1/4″ x 2″ x 4′ poplar hobby board for $2.12 each. I spent less than $9 on the wood for the frame!
SUPPLIES
- 4 poplar hobby board
- gold craft paint
- nail gun and compressor or hammer and nails
step 1
The beauty of this project is that it is really simple! These instructions are for making a frame for a 3’x4′ canvas. Start by cutting 2 of the boards down to 3′. Cut on a 90 degree angle
Next, nail the trim onto the canvas. The wood should be flush to the back of the canvas and have a bit of a lip at the front. I used a nail gun and put in a nail at each foot. It’s best to put in the nails towards the back of the frame so they’re not as visible. If you don’t have a nail gun, you could use a hammer and nail.
step 2
Next, fill the nail holes. I used caulk, but I wish that I had used wood filler. The reason is that the gold paint looked different on the caulk than it did on the wood. 
step 3
And now paint the wood. I used gold craft paint so it’d coordinate with the other gold frame behind my sofa. I applied a few coats (this picture was after the first coat).
after
Here is the art all framed! It’s a subtle difference, but it definitely feels more finished.
What I really like about this project is that I paid $22 in supplies for the canvas and now $9 on the frame. Having a 3’x4′ large piece of art for around $30 is such a good deal!!!
The living room is all put back together now. This art is definitely a big focal point. You see it right when you walk in the door and it really pulls together the living room with the rainbow staircase in the next room over.
The cute pink chair is from Homepop furniture and is a new addition that I am loving! The seat is super cushy and the velvet is so soft! The back is more on the firm side. I really like the soft blush pink with the wall art. It looks way more expensive than it really is! You can see it here (plus this cute modern chair comes in a bunch of colors).
Just today I decided on one more exciting project to really finish off this room. Stay tuned! I sure love finishing off the decor on a house. All these little details really add up to a beautiful home!
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