| |

How to Make Reverse Canvas Valentine Art

Learn how easy it is to make a reverse canvas Valentine art sign. Use heat transfer vinyl and a few simple supplies to make this Valentine craft.

I love you a bushel and a peck reverse canvas Valentine's Day decoration

Welcome! I am so happy to be joining a creative group of my blogging buddies for a Valentine’s Day Blog Hop, hosted by my lovely friend, Janet, from A Life of Balance. If you are visiting from Kim’s beautiful blog, From Farmhouse to Florida, I am so glad you’re here.

Growing up, my mom used to always sing the song, I Love You, A Bushel and a Peck, to me. When I hear those words, those beautiful memories come rushing back and I can’t help but smile.

So when I was thinking about what I could do for my mom for Valentine’s Day, that old, familiar song popped into my head. I could make her a reverse canvas sign with those words. I know those memorable words will bring a smile to her face too.

How to Make Reverse Canvas Valentine Art

What is a reverse canvas sign?

A reverse canvas sign is one that is made by taking an inexpensive white stretched canvas apart. The wood frame of the stretched canvas can be painted or stained and the canvas is reattached to the back of the frame. Either the smooth white side, or the more natural side can be used. Reverse Canvases make the most wonderful signs for all occasions and decor. Using scrapbook paper, I made an adorable Easter Bunny Reverse Canvas. For Christmas, I made a festive Christmas Ornament Reverse Canvas, using the cutest little ornaments.

I love you a bushel and a peck reverse canvas Valentine's Day decoration

What supplies do I need to make a reverse canvas sign?

To make this easy and inexpensive craft, you need a few supplies. Although it looks like a long list, I tried to think of anything you may need. The worst thing is getting partway through a project and realizing you need something else!

Affiliate links are included in this post for your convenience, with no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

process of removing canvas from frame
taking staples out of canvas frame with pliers

How do you make a reverse canvas?

  1. First, turn your canvas so that the back is facing you. Carefully use your utility knife or X-Acto knife to cut the perimeter of the canvas, outside of the staples. Remove the canvas from the wood frame it is wrapped around.
  2. This step is optional. You may want to carefully remove some of the corner staples. To remove a couple of the staples, I used pliers. I also sanded the corners and wiped them to remove any dust.
  3. Next, paint, stain, or wax the frame. (I used Annie Sloan’s Dark Wax.)
  4. Measure the frame and use your pencil to mark your measurements. Then, using scissors, trim the canvas to size so that it can easily be reattached to the back of the frame.
  5. Then, in Cricut Design Space, choose your text to create your message. For “I Love You”, I used the font DTC Spring Charm. For “a bushel and a peck”, I used the font Hey Marilyn.
  6. Create the heart, using the shape tab, also in Cricut Design Space.
  7. Use heat transfer vinyl on your cutting mat. When cutting the letters for your message, be sure to click on mirror. This is so important so that your message does not come out backwards!
  8. Place your heat transfer vinyl on your cutting mat, shiny side down. I like to roll my vinyl on the mat to be sure that it is smooth, without any wrinkles.
  9. Using you Cricut Machine, cut your vinyl.
  10. Once all of the cutting is done, weed your vinyl. This means you need to use your weeding tool to remove the excess vinyl so that you just have the lettering left.
process of reverse canvas: measuring to line up lettering on the canvas
Cricut heat press vinyl on reverse canvas
I love you a bushel and a peck lettering on reverse canvas

How do you add heat transfer vinyl to your canvas?

To add attach the vinyl to your canvas, follow these three simple steps.

  1. Place your canvas piece onto a heat mat and arrange your design. I do use the Cricut HeatPress Mat. I have used an ironing board in the past, but I prefer this mat. It provides such a smooth, dry finish to my projects! Be sure to measure to be sure that the lettering is straight and even.
  2. Cover your design with parchment paper and then apply heat, using the Cricut EasyPress. It only takes about 15-30 second to adhere. Then, let your vinyl cool for about 30 seconds.
  3. When your design is cool, carefully peel the plastic covering. It will leave the vinyl adhered to your canvas. If it is not adhered well, repeat the heating process.

How do you reattach the canvas to the frame and finish your project?

  • Place the canvas on the frame, so you can see your design. Using hot glue, carefully reattach the canvas to the frame. I usually begin with a dot of glue in each of the corners and then add more if necessary.
  • Lastly, decorate! I made a simple bow by tying three different ribbons together and trimming the tails. These were leftover Christmas ribbons. The red and white is perfect for Valentine’s Day!
I love you a bushel and a peck reverse canvas Valentine's Day decoration on a side table

How can you hang a reverse canvas sign?

I like the use the square canvas frames that I can stand on a table, mantle, or shelf. If I do hang it, I use Command Strips. When I bring this to my mom, I will bring a set of Command Strips to hand it on her wall.

I love you a bushel and a peck reverse canvas Valentine's Day decoration

Shop This Post

Thank you so much for visiting today! I would love to connect with you on FacebookInstagramPinterest, or here on the blog! Please let me know if you make this project. If you make one and post it, please tag me. I would love to see your projects!

Next on the tour is my dear friend, Sonya Burgess. I love her style. Everything she does is simply elegant. You don’t want to miss her sweet Valentine’s Day tree!

Valentine’s Blog Tour

Want to see more Valentine’s ideas? Well then, that’s great because today, you are in for a treat!

❣️ 💟 💟 ❣️ More Amazing Valentine’s Inspiration ❣️ 💟 💟 ❣️

Click the links below the images to go straight to their posts. ENJOY!

Chalking Up Success // Sweet Valley Acres // A Life of Balance // Peacock Ridge Farm

❣️ 💟 💟 ❣️ 💟 💟 ❣️

Cloches & Lavender // From Farmhouse to Florida // My Family Thyme // Sonya Burgess

❣️ 💟 💟 ❣️ 💟 💟 ❣️

Design of Your Life // Saved From Salvage // Zucchini Sisters 

❣️ 💟 💟 ❣️ 💟 💟 ❣️ 

Similar Posts

30 Comments

  1. I love that saying too. My grandmother used to sing it to me. I like how you designed the wording to give it a lot of interest. Thanks for sharing. Pinned.

  2. This is a really great tutorial for making reverse canvas art for Valentine’s Day, Lynne. I just got my first Cricut and am always looking for new tutorials so this is brilliant for me. The only thing is, I don’t have a heat press. Do you think I could use an iron to do the pressing part? Definitely pinning this for later!

  3. Lynne – I love this! You are the second to use the cricut and provide such great instructions. I just go a cricut so seeing these projects is giving me so much inspiration and I had no idea about a reverse canvas project – how amazing! I will be making all sorts of signs. Also, thank you for sharing the fonts you used – they are so pretty and that is one thing I always have trouble with is knowing what will look good. Well my heart is all a twitter because you and Janet are showing me all the potential of the cricut. Thanks for hopping along with me!

  4. Lynne I absolutely love your Valentine’s Day sign. I had never heard of a reverse canvas before and would love to give it a try. You are always so creative. Pinning this for later. So happy I got to be on the hop with you. Happy Valentine’s Day sweet friend.

  5. I love this saying. You gave great instructions.

    Adorable end result.

    Pinned!

    1. Thank you so much, Leanna! Seeing a comment from you always makes me smile! Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend! xo

  6. So cute. I love it. What a beautiful memory of your mom singing to you. Happy hopping with you.

    1. I so appreciate your kind words, Renae! It is always so much fun to hop with you too! Happy Valentine’s Day! xo

    1. Thank you so much, Kim! I appreciate your kind words. It is always great to hop with you too, my friend! xo

  7. Lynne, this is so creative. I had never heard of a reverse transfer before. Your Cricut instructions are so helpful and make me want to finally get mine out of the box and try to learn it. Thanks!

    1. Thank you, Alicia! You are so creative, so I know that once you start using it, you will definitely be hooked! 🙂
      Happy Valentine’s Day!

  8. So glad you linked this wonderful project at Tuesday Turn About… might be the last time I can feature you! LOL! 😉 Pinned!

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and for featuring me at Tuesday Turn About!! Happy Valentine’s Day, Julie! xo

  9. What a sweet craft, Lynne! I love the story of your mom singing to you. She’s going to love the sign! Thanks for the inspiration and great tutorial. Pinned!

    1. Thank you so much, Rebecca! I hope she enjoys it. Isn’t it amazing how music can bring back such good memories. Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend! xo

  10. What a great tutorial! How sweet that the saying has special meaning to you! Thanks for sharing.

  11. I love your adorable sign! Where did you get that vintage wooden tool caddy?
    Happy Valentine’s Day,
    Kippi

    1. Thanks so much, Kippi! The tool caddy belonged to my great grandfather. It came here with him from Scotland. Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend! xo

  12. So cute Lynne! I keep seeing these Cricut machines – they are so useful! Pinning this projects

    1. Thanks so much, Cindy! My Cricut machine was definitely one of the best Christmas gifts I have received! Happy Valentine’s Day!

  13. This is so cute. My husband and I sing this to each other and to our dogs, lol! I need to make this for sure!

    1. That is so sweet! I love how a song can bring such good feelings. I would love to see it if you make one!

Leave a Reply to Paula@SweetPea Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.