DIY Canvas Ideas: 50+ Ways to Decorate Your Wall

dlelf June 25, 2022

If you’re looking for unique canvas ideas for your wall, here are over 50 projects you’re going to love! These are perfect for beginners.

As a craft blogger, you can imagine I’ve tried hundreds (thousands?) of projects over the course of times. I’ve succeeded a lot, but I’ve also failed quite a bit. As tends to happen when you learn new things. But also sometimes happens even when you’ve done a craft many times before!

It happens to the best of us.

One craft surface I feel like I can always rely on for a “win” is canvas. I enjoy making wall art, but also it’s is forgiving and works with a variety of mediums. With canvas I feel guaranteed at least a 99.9% success rate on a project. It’s my fave.

Plus I can hang up my canvas art, or give it away as gifts. There’s always a use for it!

I decided to put together a bunch of my favorite canvas ideas for you to check out – ideas I’ve tried and love. And I think you’re going to love this list too! Everything on here is easily achievable, in my humble opinion.

Where to Buy a Canvas

Before we jump into the canvas ideas, I wanted to address a few things. First, you might be wondering where to buy a canvas. Buying online is best if you want to buy several, and you can also get value packs at the craft store.

If you’re looking for single canvases, the craft store is still good. But don’t forget to check Dollar Tree, or even the Goodwill if you’re on a tight budget. Sometimes there is wall art that needs a new life!

Paint to Use on Canvas

You can use spray paint, craft/acrylic paint, or chalk paint on canvas. There are other paints too, but these are the most common (especially for the projects below).

Usually the canvases you’ll buy will be pre-prepped and ready to go, so you can just begin painting on them. You won’t need to apply gesso or anything like that. If you painting over an old canvas, I usually give it a white basecoat and then start painting.

Are you ready to jump into the canvas art ideas? Check the list out below and let me know your favorites in the comments!

Make Glue Art on Canvas in Four Easy Steps

Photo Credit:
Pretty Life Girls

This is the easiest glue art project you’ll ever make – all you need is a canvas and your favorite paint color. Customize with any saying you like!

Floral Paint By Number

Photo Credit:
ohyaystudio.com

Download this free file to print at your local Walmart Photo lab same-day photo canvas and paint this colorful floral paint-by-number.

DIY Abstract Art Canvas

Photo Credit:
Ashley Sturgill

Ashley shows you exactly how to blend the colors to achieve this abstract painting that anyone can make. The addition of gold takes it over the edge!

DIY Acrylic Paint Pouring Wall Art

Photo Credit:
Stephanie Abbott

If you're looking for easy canvas ideas, this will be a fave. You get to use a hair dryer to make a really cool effect, and there's no right or wrong with the results.

Cross Stitch Quote on Canvas

Photo Credit:
Steve Carrell

Put your favorite quote on canvas using this simple tutorial. This cross stitch quote can be customized and it’s so fun (and easy) to make!

Watercolor Collage

Create budget friendly watercolor wall art with Mod Podge and acrylic paint. You can get this pretty look in three simple steps.

Mixed Media Fruit on Canvas

I made this canvas with layered fabrics and papers and then painted a pear on top! Learn how to do something similar by visiting this canvas idea.

Magazine Collage

Learn how to make a collage with Mod Podge! This magazine collage is easy enough for anyone to make, and it can be personalized.

DIY Painted IKAT Art

Photo Credit:
lovegrowswild.com

Creating your own custom artwork is easy! There's no reason to spend a fortune on canvas art - you can make this IKAT pattern using a simple tutorial and your favorite paint colors.

Make Dress Art on a Budget

This canvas art with a pretty dress is so easy - create your own decor in just a few minutes, with your favorite papers and Mod Podge.

DIY Canvas Art

If you like cute canvas ideas, this mini canvas art with plastic animals is going to be right up your alley!

Photo Booth Simple Canvas Art

Learn how to create photo booth canvas art using your favorite pics and four mini canvases! Perfect for adults, pets, or kids.

DIY Birch Tree Art

Photo Credit:
Alexis Middleton

Making your own beautiful DIY birch tree art is easy with this step by step tutorial. No special artistic skills or painting experience required!

Doily Wall Art

Doilies aren't just for sitting on the table under a teacup - turn them into doily wall art using Mod Podge, scrapbook paper and canvases.

Photo Transfer to Canvas

Learn how to do an image transfer to canvas using Mod Podge photo transfer medium.

Photo Art

Learn how to make this unique photo art using the initials of your choice! SO easy that anyone can do it. Such simple and unique DIY decor.

Glue Pictures on Canvas

Learn how to glue pictures on canvas with Mod Podge! This is a great project for instant decor.

How to Decoupage Napkins on Canvas

Are you wondering how to decoupage napkins on canvas? Learn how to do it with this emoji canvas project. Such a fun idea and very easy!

Embroidered Canvas Paintings

Photo Credit:
www.5littlemonsters.com

Combine painting with embroidery to make these embroidered canvas paintings. Muted pastels and simple florals turn plain canvases into modern art.

Image to Canvas

Learn how to add an image to canvas using decoupage medium. Create your own wall art with any printed image.

Map Canvas

Learn how to make this unique canvas art with a map! It's easy to do, even if you've never crafted before.

Song Lyric DIY

Photo Credit:
blytheponytailparades.typepad.com

If you have an old canvas that you'd like to make over, you can do it with one color of paint, some adhesive letters, and the song lyrics of your choice!

Poster on Canvas

If you've ever wanted to decoupage a poster to a canvas, it can be done! Christy has a tutorial that will show you how with Mod Podge.

Decoupage Fabric on Canvas

Learn how to attach fabric to canvas with Mod Podge! Add a wooden embellishment to make fun and unique fabric canvas art.

Collage on Canvas

Learn how to make a DIY collage canvas using sewing patterns. Such an easy way to make wall art!

DIY Abstract Heart Painting

Photo Credit:
www.thecreativityexchange.com

Use this easy step by step tutorial to create a DIY abstract heart painting on any canvas size. Lots of inspiration to help you choose colors.

Easy DIY Wall Art Painted Canvas

Photo Credit:
Cristina Riches

If you want something big, abstract, and eye catching to hang as a focal point - this brushstroke technique is undeniably cool. I love thinking about this in a palette of blues for yours truly.

Stencil1 Mum Canvas

Photo Credit:
plaidonline.com

This stenciled mum canvas adds a beautiful pop of color to any room's decor. You don't need any painting skills for this canvas art idea.

Quotes on Canvas

Learn how to apply quotes to canvases with Mod Podge! It's a lot easier than you think.

How To Make DIY Ampersand Art Using Thumbtacks

Photo Credit:
www.livelovediy.com

This canvas idea uses thumbtacks! This technique works perfectly with symbols or letters. I love the thought of doing a trio of canvases for a monogram or name.

Feather Canvas Art

Photo Credit:
Alice Wingerden

Learn how to make wallpaper feathers and transform them into collage art on canvas. The finished work looks like a piece of old metal with a distressed painting technique.

Wedding Card Collage

Learn how to make a wall collage using your wedding cards! Perfect for commemorating that special day.

DIY Canvas Script Art

Photo Credit:
lovegrowswild.com

Not everyone can write in beautiful script (I cannot). If you want to transfer a saying to a canvas in the script or font of your choice. This method works with any size canvas!

Embroidered Canvas Art

Photo Credit:
theinspirationboard.com

Jamielyn found a way to create a raised, three-dimensional look that jumps right off of a canvas with these embroidery floss wrapped letters. I think you’re going to love this fun spin on word art!

DIY Textured Canvases

Photo Credit:
kendraraymer.com

Kendra saw textured canvases for $300 that she realized she could recreate herself with modeling paste medium! These are cool because you can paint them any color you like.

Button Canvas Art

Learn how to make this button canvas art the easy way! Add a simple painted border and then make a circle of buttons. Such cute wall art.

Heart Wall Art Made with Hexagon Tiles

Photo Credit:
Pretty Life Girls

Create this unique heart wall art with basic hexagon tiles found at the hardware store. Make any design with your favorite colors. So easy!

Pottery Barn Knock Off LOVE Canvas

I love Pottery Barn knock off crafts - like this LOVE canvas! It's so easy and only requires Mod Podge, canvas and pretty paper.

Lace Bunny Canvas Easter Craft

Photo Credit:
Jessica Anderson

Combine brown burlap with delicate lace to make this pretty bunny canvas – it’s an easy Easter craft you’ll want to keep up for the entire year!

American Flag Art

Make unique and EASY American flag canvas art with fabric and Mod Podge! Perfect for the 4th or for just showing off your USA pride.

Unique Fall Canvas Stenciled with Real Leaves

Photo Credit:
Jessica Anderson

I love unique autumn crafts, and this fall canvas project definitely qualifies! Use spray paint and leaves to make fun, seasonal wall art.

Make a Fall Canvas with Pumpkin Seeds

Learn how to make a fall canvas with an unusual material - pumpkin seeds! This project is easy and makes great art for the autumn season.

Halloween Cross Stitch Canvases

Photo Credit:
Steve Carrell

Make these Halloween cross stitch canvases in just a few simple steps! If you can hold a needle, you can do this project. Easy holiday decor in minutes!