HTV On Canvas: DIY Canvas Art with Farmhouse Style

Adding HTV on canvas has never been easier! Trust me, once you learn how to make a reverse canvas you will be adding art to every room of your home. Here we added a quote to a canvas with iron-on but you can do anything you would like with this technique. Make the DIY canvas art of your dreams!

HTV On Canvas

Once you get this reverse canvas technique down, you’ll be adding a canvas to every room in your house! I love using this technique for different projects, but you may have never heard of it. If that is you, keep reading below to learn more about this technique!

What Is The Reverse Canvas Technique?

The reverse canvas technique transforms an inexpensive canvas into a rustic and beautiful way to display a design without spending a lot of cash on a frame. By removing the canvas material from the wood frame, you are left with the cheap wood frame underneath. Then, you can stain or paint the wood according to your style.

While this sounds like a lot of steps, it’s so easy to add vinyl on a canvas! All you need is a downloadable cut file, a Cricut machine, and a canvas.

How To Add HTV On Canvas Using Reverse Canvas Technique

I love this project because you can make it in any style you like! Plus, you can even transfer a photo to the canvas. Here’s another project where I used the same reverse canvas technique but used a Chalk Couture stencil instead of a Cricut machine!

Supplies Needed To Make DIY Canvas Art

Canvas (I used this Squangles version)
Screwdriver
Pliers
Wood Stain
Paint Brush
Rag
Free Downloadable Cut File (click here to access)
Cricut Machine (You can see the difference between the Cricut Explore and the Maker here.)
Iron-on in Black
Iron or Cricut EasyPress (see more about the differences between the two here)
Staple Gun
Craft Knife
Weeding tools (optional)

Step 1: Remove Canvas From Frame

To begin, you will need to remove the canvas from the frame. Flip your canvas over to the back and use a screwdriver and pliers to remove any staples holding it into place.

Deconstructing a canvas to make DIY canvas art.

In this case, there was also a cord that held it down. I just pulled it out.

The frame was then loose from the canvas.

How to remove wood frame from a canvas for DIY canvas art.

Step 2: Stain Frame

Just look at that gorgeous frame that was hiding under there! This is the frame flipped over to the front. I put a coat of stain on my version. To do that paint on the stain, allow it to sit a few seconds, and then wipe away the excess with a rag. Set aside to dry completely.

Step 3: Download And Cut Design

In the meantime, you can start on your DIY canvas art. Download the cut file here. Upload it to Cricut Design Space (you can click here to get more information on how to do so). Be sure to mirror the image and place the iron-on shiny side down on the mat. Then cut the image.

Confused about Cricut Design Space? Click here to download our free beginner’s guide!

Step 4: Weed Design

Remove all excess iron-on from around the words as well as the centers of any letters. Weeding tools do make this easier but they are optional.

Heat treat vinyl used to make DIY canvas art.

Step 5: Iron On HTV On Canvas

Put the weeded design on the front of your canvas. Iron according to the package directions or use the Cricut EasyPress.

Using your Cricut machine to make a reverse canvas for DIY canvas art.

Step 6: Remove Protective Sheet

Remove the protective sheet to reveal your design which is perfectly adhered to the canvas.

Step 7: Staple Canvas To Frame

Now it is time to add that canvas back to the frame. Center the art in the stained frame and then flip it over. Use a staple gun to secure the canvas to the back of the frame in several locations.

Stapling your DIY canvas art to finish a reverse canvas.

Step 8: Trim Away Excess Canvas

Then use your craft knife to trim away all of that excess canvas.

Trimming away excess canvas from reverse canvas.

Flip over your DIY canvas art and add it to any room in your home!

reverse canvas made with htv and a cricut machine

I told you this technique for creating a reverse canvas was super easy. Now what will you add to your version?

Grab your supplies and make a bunch of these. They are perfect for your own home and make great gift ideas. You will be making your own DIY canvas art for every single room of your home!

diy canvas art made with a cricut machine

FAQs About HTV On Canvas

If you have questions about this HTV on canvas project, I have answers for you! Please leave your question for me in the comments if you don’t see it already answered below!

What Cricut Machine Can I Use For This Project?

All of them! The Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore series, Cricut Joy, Cricut Joy Xtra, and Cricut Venture, can all cut vinyl!

The only thing to keep in mind is that each Cricut machine is different in regard to project size capabilities and the materials it can cut. So, depending on what project you have in mind, you might need to resize the SVG file or cut it out in a different material.

Do You Have A Video On How To Do This Reserve Canvas Technique?

Yes, I do! You can check out my How to Make a Reverse Canvas video where I show how to do this technique. However, the project shown in the video is different than the one above.

Could I Use Wood Finishing Stain Cloth Wipes For This Project?

Yes, you can!

Do I Have To Stain The Wood?

No, you don’t have to. Instead, you could paint the wood or leave it plain.

Can I Paint The Canvas And Then Add The Vinyl?