How to Stretch Canvas - Part 2

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5. Fold one side of the canvas over one of the shorter frame rails and then attach a canvas tack at the center of the outside edge of that rail.



6. At the opposite side, use canvas pliers (which are similar to regular pliers except they have a broader gripping area) to grip the canvas at mid-rail. It may be helpful for you to set the frame upright while doing this. With a firm grip, pull the canvas until a straight crease is formed to the tacked end. While keeping tension on the canvas, insert another tack at the center edge of the rail, just like the other side. Note that you may also use a staple gun/staples instead of tacks. (The Arrow JT-21 is easy to use.)








7. Move to the next frame rail (one of the longer ones) and repeat steps 5 and 6. As you do, you will notice a triangular canvas crease as you attach the third side and then a diamond-shaped crease when the fourth tack is attached on the remaining mid-rail.


8. Now, place temporary tacks at all four corners. Starting with the center of one of the long rails, grip the canvas tightly with the pliers and fasten tacks at 2″ intervals. Repeat with several tacks in both directions (from center) and then switch to the opposite side and repeat this process. Continue working from the center until both long sides are completely tacked down to all but one inch from each corner, stretching the canvas evenly as you proceed.


Final part to follow shortly

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How to Stretch Canvas - Part 1

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Stretching your own canvas is fairly easy once you know the procedure and have the proper tools and materials. Note that the canvas referred to below is pre-primed; but you could also use the following procedure with raw canvas and, after it has been stretched, prime it with two coats of acrylic gesso. Please read through all of the instructions first, since certain steps must be prepared for in advance.



First you will need to gather a few tools and materials: canvas pliers, stapler/staples or hammer and tacks, stretcher strips, and canvas. In addition, a T-square is convenient to help you insure that the stretchers are square. Then follow these steps to stretch your canvas:







Select the appropriate-sized stretchers for the canvas you want to build. Your art supply store has a variety of pre-cut wooden frame rails (or stretcher bars) that have interlocking mitered edges.



Once your stretcher frame is assembled on a flat surface, you should verify that it is square. Do this by taking a tape measure and checking that the diagonal distances from both opposing corners are equidistant. (They almost always will be.) If you encounter an offset, you can correct it by attaching a small metal right-angle brace on the inner frame corner. A small plywood right-angle triangle attached to the rear frame corner will also help correct any shift.



For frame rails longer than 36 inches, an interior brace should be inserted between these rails to support them from bowing inward after the canvas has been attached. This will also protect against frame distortion during periods of fluctuating humidity. If this type of support rail did not already come with your pre-cut frame, you should cut a piece of similar wood and attach it with the type of braces detailed in step 2.



Take the canvas and lay the primed side down on a clean, flat surface. Place the frame atop the canvas and then cut away any excess material so that there are two inches of excess canvas bordering the frame on all sides. It is important that you leave this border material because this is what you will use to grip, stretch, and attach the canvas to the frame.



Part 2 of how to stretch canvas to follow shortly.

How to Upload your own photos

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Here is a quick tutorial on how to upload your own personal images to us so we can convert onto canvas for you:

1: Create an account with us by clicking on ‘My Account’ at the top of our homepage. Fill in all the fields that are required.

2. Once you have created an account you are then able to upload you photo to us. To do this please click on ‘Personal Photo’s’ under our categories menu on the left hand side.

3. Scroll down & select the shape & size of canvas print you require. Select the lyson print guard or gift wrap service if you require either of these additions. Then where is says ‘Photo Upload’ please click on ‘Browse’.

4. Navigate to the location of the image on your computer & click open.

5. Click ‘Add to Cart’

6. Proceed to complete checkout.

Please click this link to go direct to our upload page:

http://www.choosecanvas.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=46

Mothers Day at Choose Canvas

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Mothers Day is fast appoaching & what better way is there to show your love than a canvas print?


Whether it be your own personal photo or a print from one of our categories a canvas print is a perfect gift. Perhaps you have a family photo, or a photo of the family pet or maybe a holiday photo. You can upload them to us via our website & have them on canvas for life.







Why not combine your print with our added option of Lyson Print Guard. Giving your canvas print 2 light coatings with Lyson Print Guard ensures that your canvas will be protected against natural elements such as sunlight, dust & heat.

Choose-Gifts

http://www.choose-gifts.co.uk/

Choose Canvas are very pleased to announce that our 2nd website is now up & running & 100% live !! Choose-Gifts is your one stop shop for gifts for every occasion.

We specialise in quality character figures & figurines. Our range includes Betty Boop, Disney, Popeye, Mr Bean, Rupert Bear, Winnie the Pooh, The Muppets & Garfield.
Such favourites as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, The Chipmunks, Snow White, Kermet the Frog, Cinderella, Goofy, Tigger & Peter Pan are all included in our range.

We also have a brand new range of glass ornaments featuring many of the above characters.

We also offer huge figures aimed more at businesses to stand in their premises. Our favourite is the Chef figure - perfect for a pub, restaurant or cafe.

What would a gift website be without Canvas Prints !! We will be showing a small collection of our prints on the new website to give customers a taster of what we offer.
Another collection that we have available to purchase is quality china cups, plates & bowls all decorated with your favourite cartoon character.

We have only been up & running a very short time so please check back regularly as we have many more products to add over the coming weeks & months.

To see the new website please visit: http://www.choose-gifts.co.uk/
or to read our blog click here: www.choose-gifts.co.uk/blog