Decorative Canvas Edges {Tutorial}

I want to show you a super easy way to decorate the edges of canvas art.  I gave my family silhouette art a gilded edge effect with this method.  I love how the canvases seem to pop off the wall.  Plus, the edges are a great place to take a fun risk that will be noticeable, but not overwhelming.

Supplies: Decorative paper, scissors or xacto knife, glue, and canvas or board.

For handmade paper, you may need to square up the paper and cut off uneven edges first.

Cut strips of decorative paper into strips.  

Measure the depth of your canvas or board.  My canvases have 7/8″ deep edges. Cut paper strips just wide enough to cover the edges and long enough to extend 1/2″ on each side of the canvas.  For example, for each of my 18 x 18″ canvases, I cut 4 strips at 7/8′ wide and 19″ long.

Apply glue to one edge of the canvas.  I used a simple Elmer’s glue stick that goes on purple and dries clear.  I find the glue stick is a nice, clean way to apply the glue without having to worry about drips on your canvas.

Apply the decorative paper strip to the glue.  

Position the strip so it hangs over the ends of the canvas by 1/2″ on each side.  Apply glue to the 1/2″ tabs that stick out and smooth them onto the sides of the canvas.  Repeat for the opposite side of the canvas.

Now, repeat glue and paper on the remaining two sides.  

The overhang on these sides will overlap with the strips you already applied.  Note: It may be helpful to think about how your canvas will hang, to determine the best place for the seams.  They are barely noticeable depending on the paper.  I decided I preferred the seams on the top and bottom of the canvas instead of the sides.

Definitely look for a paper that coordinates or compliments your art.  I used a handmade decorative paper with a gold sheen and mod print, which I found at Blick Art Supply.  I simply adore the gold edges against my teal walls.  I also think the gold looks stunning with the chartreuse green I used for the silhouettes.

P.S. You could also use ribbon for a similar effect.  Choose a ribbon the same width as the depth of your canvas.  Start at one corner and glue the ribbon continuously all the way around the canvas edges.  Overlap the end of the ribbon with the beginning on the least noticeable side of the canvas when hung.