I have wanted some large gallery wrapped prints for a long time, but $75-$100 per print is not in the budget. I figured out how to do these for about $6 each. Yep. $6.
I even have proof. Each print is 24x36. They are $2.99 from Staples. Get the engineering black and white prints. They do have larger, but for my space I wanted 24x36. The Polystyrene sheet was 1/2 inches thick and was about $6.50 and I can get 6 canvases out of one sheet. Then the spray adhesive was $5.99 at Wal-mart. So if you do the math, it comes out to about $6 per print. Awesome!
So now we have some supplies.
Mark and measure the 1/2 inch polystyrene insulation. I used a T-Square to help make things easier. Draw your lines on the back side of the insulation. It is super easy to cut. I just used my serrated paring knife in a gently sawing motion. The only downside is the little white styrofoam pieces that inevitably ends up on the floor. I cut mine 22x34 because I wanted to wrap the insulation with the print. You could paint the edges and make it full size if you wanted.
Next I measured the print in about one inch. When I do it again I will place the insulation on top of the print, mark it, then make the folds. One of them didn't turn out exactly perfect by just measuring in 1 inch.Make folds along the marks and cut the corners out. This will give you a clean corner.
Dry fit the insulation to the print make any adjustments to the folds.
Take the insulation outside and spray the plain side. I followed the manufacturers instructions for a permanent bond. Carefully place the insulation on the print making sure it fits the folds correctly.
Next I got out my trusty rolling pin to squish out any air bubbles. Roll it good and hard.
Spray the edges and press in place. I had just enough to wrap the back edge too just a little. Keep pressing to keep the deges in place.
I let mine dry overnight with some heavy books on top to keep things flat. I kept getting interrupted with trivial things like homework, dinner, and bedtime.
Using my scissors, I cut a small line in the edge of the picture about 6 inches down from the top. Insert a paperclip with the large side inside the insulation.
I used heavy upostery thread and strung it through the paperclips. Since this weighs almost nothing you don't need anything heavy duty to hold the picture up.
I used my scrapbook ink to ink the edges. That's totally optional.
Mark where you are going to place your prints and hang. Super easy!
I love it. I so miss Washington. These were taken at the Dungeness Spit Lighthouse in North Western Washington. The Olympic Mountains will always be my favorite!
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