Today let’s talk about easy canvas ideas using vintage transfers. I have quite a collection of vintage transfers. Have you ever used them for a project. I sure have and the outcome on projects is amazing

As an example, I have used these many times and in many ways. One of my favorite ways is on a flower pot.

By the way, today is September 10th and that means it’s 10 on the 10th.  Because fall is around the corner, we are sharing everything fall this month.  This hop challenges us to spend $10 or less for our theme of the month.

So, because I did touch on the idea of using vintage transfers that’s what I am sharing for my project.  I’m sharing easy canvas ideas using vintage transfers.

8×10 Canvas For This Reverse Transfer Project

Recently I bought two 8×10 canvases and after thinking about it for a bit I decided to use vintage transfers on canvas.

If you follow Cloches & Lavender you may know about this project I recently made from a furniture leg. However, if you missed it, this project came out even better then I thought so take a look.  It may be a great project during the fall and Christmas season.

After deciding I was going to use transfers on canvas I took a look at my images on my computer.  Because this is going to be fall related, I decided to look for a vintage acorn.

I’m especially fond of acorns and you can see that HERE and HERE.  I also share how to preserve acorns for years to come.

So next, I visited one of my favorite vintage graphic image shops on Etsy.  These images are beautiful and the best they get sent immediately.  Not only that but are also sent in reverse.

You may be wondering why would I want a vintage transfer in reverse?  Well, these easy canvas ideas using vintage transfers is namely the reason.

Have you ever done reverse transfers?  It’s an amazing process I learned a few years ago.

Here’s what you need for this project:

• ink jet printer
• printer paper
• 2 sheets plastic wrap
• image
• canvas, flower pots or wood 
• transfer gel medium
• outdoor Mod Podge
• sponge brushes
• small spray bottle
• light brown wax
• lint free rag
• mini LED battery operated lights – optional

By the way, today is September 10th and that means it’s 10 on the 10th.  Because fall is around the corner, we are sharing everything fall this month.  This hop challenges us to spend $10 or less for our theme of the month.  I will also be sharing the links to the other participants at the end of this post.  Please visit to see what they are sharing for fall.

So, because I did touch on the idea of using vintage transfers that’s what I am sharing for my project.  I’m sharing easy canvas ideas using vintage transfers.

Purchasing 8×10 Canvas For This Reverse Transfer Project

Recently I bought two 8×10 canvases and after thinking about it for a bit I decided to use vintage transfers.

If you follow Cloches & Lavender you may know about this project I recently made from a furniture leg. However, if you missed it, this project came out even better then I thought so take a look.  It may be a during the fall and Christmas season.

After deciding I was going to use transfers I took a look at my images on my computer.  Because this is going to be fall related, I decided to look for a vintage acorn.

I’m especially fond of acorns and you can see that HERE and HERE.  I also share how to preserve acorns for years to come.

So next, I visited one of my favorite vintage graphic image shops on Etsy.  These images are beautiful and the best are sent immediately.  Not only that but are also sent in reverse.

You may be wondering why would I want a vintage transfer in reverse?  Well, these easy canvas ideas using vintage transfers is namely the reason.

Have you ever done reverse transfers?  It’s an amazing process I learned a few years ago.

This post and photos may contain affiliate links. As an associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. All opinions are my own.

Preparing The 8×10 Canvas For The Transfers

Step 1

First, because this is a new canvas applying a coat of white Gesso is necessary. So, using a sponge brush apply a coat to each canvas and let dry.

Meanwhile, print your vintage images for 8 x 10 in reverse. By this time, your canvases should be dry.

Adding The Transfer To Your Easy Canvas Ideas

Step 2

Now, using a sponge brush apply a coat of outdoor Mod Podge to the front of your first image. Here, make sure you apply the Mod Podge to the edges and corners well. Incidentally, this is why these vintage transfers need to be in reverse.

Next, carefully pick up the image and place it on the canvas. Immediately, using one sheet of plastic wrap begin to remove any bubbles. This is especially important because this is where you get a clean smooth transfer. Above all, plastic wrap works best for this step.

As an example, you can see this process HERE.  Using plastic wrap for this step compared to any other technique I have used, this is the best!  

Now that you have removed the bubbles, set this easy canvas idea aside and let dry for 24 hours.  Because I am making two canvas ideas using vintage transfers I will share my second piece.  I follow the same steps again.

Letting The Easy Canvas Ideas Transfer Dry

Step 3

Letting the transfers dry for 24 hour is truly important.  In fact, this process is so important if not followed your easy canvas transfer will not work.  And therefore will fail.

Removing The Paper Backing From Your Canvas Transfers

Step 4

Now that 24 hours has passed, it’s time to remove the paper from the back of the vintage transfers.

First, using a spray bottle mist the paper.  It’s important to get it wet however, don’t saturate the paper.  Let, the water sit for a moment.

So then, using your index finger or thumb being to rub the wet paper in a rolling motion.  As a result of the paper being wet you will notice the ink from the vintage transfer will stay on your canvas.  Continue rubbing lightly until  the paper is off.  Now, let this dry.

Meanwhile, I begin my next easy canvas ideas by beginning to remove my next vintage transfer from my other canvas.  Again, following the same process.

Next, let the images dry for a few hours.

Adding Light Brown Wax To The Easy Canvas Ideas Transfers

Now, using a stencil brush apply a decent amount of wax to the top, bottom and side edges of the transfer. I particularly like doing this because it gives the vintage transfer an aged and burned appearance. Making this project almost look as though the edges have been burned. Next, rub lightly with a lint free rag.

Next, do the same process to the second canvas if you are making two. Again, following the same steps.

Adding Mini LED Lights To Easy Canvas Ideas Transfers

Next, I am going to add min LED battery operated lights to my vintage transfers. By they way, this is optional for this project.

Because we have family and friends for Thanksgiving and Christmas I am adding the lights to my projects. I have used these LED Lights before for this project.

So after using them I decided to order a different kind of LED kit from  Evan Designs.  Adding these was easy for my husband to do for me.  Using their instructions he put the light kits together and added them to the back of each canvas.  You can see the steps in the pictures below.

I will be using these canvas projects throughout the holiday season especially for visitors.

I hope you enjoyed this easy canvas ideas using vintage transfers.  I’d love to read what you think and if you will try something similar for your home?

Cindy – Cloches & Lavender

Corine – Junk To Gems

Patti – Pandora’s Box

Tammy – Patina & Paint

Terrie – Decorating & More With Tip