Stretched my own canvases today - another first for me

08/21/2009

In preparation for the arts festival on Sunday, I managed to build my own stretcher bars and stretch two canvases today. Sometimes I amaze myself! I have never done this before, and I always imagined it would be a huge undertaking.

I should have taken pictures of the process, but I was too engrossed in what I was doing. It did take me about 4 uninterrupted hours (of course it took me longer than that, but I'm factoring in quite a few interruptions...)

The method I used can be found here (How to Make Your Own Stretcher Bars) and also here (How to Stretch a Canvas) on the Empty Easel web site. These are very easy-to-follow instructions with great pictures (Thanks, Dan!!) It worked absolutely perfectly, but I must say, my hands are sore, and so are my knees, since I don't have a workbench and I was working the cement floor of the garage - ugh.

Next time I do this (and I do plan to do more of my own stretching - especially since I have a whole roll of canvas that I need to use up), I'll be sure to take some pictures to share on here.

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comments

I really enjoy your art, particularly the ones of the animals. I'm working on a portrait painting of my dog right now :). Congrats on making and stretching your own canvas! I would highly suggest investing in a good pair of stretcher bar pliers.....they are a gift from heaven! Before I had them, my hands would ache for days and I would have "canvas" burns on my knuckles from pulling on the canvas. Especially if you are doing larger paintings, I REALLY recommend them! Once again, really nice work :) – Amanda Sanchez