I wanted to share the service project that we did for the Hitchcock Center for Women for the Hebrew National Better-Than-a-Picnic picnic. In addition to soliciting the general public for donations to go towards USO of Northern Ohio and the Women's Center, we were tasked with thinking up projects that the event participants could make and that we could then gift to the two charities.
We had determined that cards would be great for the troops via USO, but for the Hitchcock Center for Women, we expanded the idea of the cards into something that the women and children at the Center can use as decorations or something pretty to have and to decorate their space. So we made mini canvases with motivational sayings/sentiments on them.
This variation of the project was designed with ease-of-assembly, and speediness in mind since our target audience were likely to be kids, or non-crafters. So it is fairly minimalist but I think that was part of the project's appeal at the picnic. Starting with the supplies:
Mini canvases
We used 4X4 sizes
3.9 X 3.9 pieces of heavyweight paper
I used these paper pads that were already cut to size and had adhesive backs
Embellishments of choice
We picked up large foam letters, foam shapes, and buttons.
Pre-printed sentiments (Free printable download below)
I searched online for faith-neutral sentiments about courage, strength, hope, joy.
White glue and/or double-sided adhesives (preferably archive-safe)
Mini Canvas Art Instructions:
- Starting with the mini canvas, take one of the heavyweight cardstock and paste it onto the canvas as a backing.
- Select a sentiment and then build a layout using the embellishments.
(Sample layout downloads below) - Assemble your collage by sticking down the sentiments first, then layering your embellishments on top
- After the glue has dried, hammer the sawtooth hanger into the back of the canvas
- Hang and enjoy!
Some other variations of this project would be to change up the size of the canvas, paint the canvas or use other embellishments like rub-on transfers, trim, fabric, vintage buttons. You can also use wooden plaques in lieu of canvases.
I designed some sample layouts and printed them out as guides at the event but most people just let their creativity go and I saw some really nice color combinations and layouts! A lot of the adults who made a mini canvas commented on how un-intimidating the project was since most of the elements were pre-made and had complimentary colors. It also helped that the foam embellishments were kid-friendly and repositionable when you first put them down.
Download sample mini canvas art layouts here.
Download printable sentiments here.
Here are examples of other mini canvas or canvas art,
A Gallery of Mini Canvas Art Curated from Flickr:
If you have made some form of canvas art in the past or know of a good canvas art link, please share below!
Comments