White vs colored canvas

If you wet the canvas it will die on you, rather than dye. I would want to be very sure of the paint I used to spray it. Have you tried Nordic Needle ?

There are fabric pencil crayons which can be heat set. That's what I may do.

MargW

I know I've seen some stuff on painting canvas - let me dig around and see what I come up with.

Linda

I think you will find 'painting canvas' refers to painting a picture you wish to stitch on a canvas, in other words, making the canvas into the sort they retail at great price, but doing it yourself.

In that case, the paint will be covered. If you paint the whole piece of canvas, that might be an idea but are there areas of exposed canvas? If so, I don't think it would look too good.

No, I've seen some stuff on one color with an acrylic wash I believe. I really have to do some work but will try to look it up tonight. Maybe Janet Perry?

Linda

Um, 2 things to consider.

First - WRT SAL, I'm happy to send colored canvas if appropriate.

2nd - painting canvas has 2 issues. For most people just doing it for yourself - you could use any acrylic paint - in a thinned version, and be sure to paint over a white cloth or absorbent towel , It's tough on brushes

- and make sure the holes don't clog.

Most people who paint designs professionally use artist grade acrylics - not the inexpensive craft paints. Has to do with permanence and depth of pigment, etc.

Pastels work with white. The issue with colored vs white canvas has more to do with open canvas left on the piece. You generally want that to complement the thread palette so it's not glaring out at you. With charted canvas, frequently there is unstitched areas - so that's why. Also, the thing with coverage and canvas reflecting through the threads, etc.

Anyhow - we can discuss details of what people need for the SAL on that group. Donna & I were talking about this, and I could see if we're doing the flower boxes, maybe painting a little background of color splashes to look like flowers peeping through the foliage which the design represents.

Many people will touch in with a marker, paint brush to get a look they like on canvas., I just wouldn't necessarily paint the whole piece - but it certainly can be done. Sometimes it's just kind of doing an impressionist background. You just definitely don't want your paint flaking off in the project.

ellice

Good point. When I paint canvas, it's not with a "wet" paint. The canvas isn't soaked wet as you don't want to destroy the sizing. I use Golden acrylics, and then take them down to the viscousity I want. They also dry very quickly, so there is no problem. I don't think I would spray paint, for sure.

Ellice

You can use pigma markers on canvas. I wouldn't do anything that is ironed onto the canvas. Remember - canvas is cotton with a lot of sizing to stiffen the threads. You must be wary of doing something that will break down the sizing and leave a floppy mess.

Ellice

There is a plenty of info on ANG, and if you check the archives of their discussion list, there will be the periodic "how do you paint canvas" .

Personally, IME, it's better, especially for less experienced with canvas stitchers, to just use canvas that has come dyed already. You do not want to be screwing with the issues of clogged holes, more abrasion, etc when first getting familiar with technique and stitching on canvas. Perle 5, WRT the SAL pieces, quite fills the holes on 18 ct, and fuzzes up with too long a length. Hand painting areas that will be stitched could make this a less pleasant experience, unless it's carefully done.

Anyhow - I have a ready supply of colored canvas in my business inventory from the design business, as well as access from the LNS to send people a piece - for goodness sake - we're only talking about 7" squares.

On the general subject of painting canvas for those who really do canvas work - there is info out there. Different designers have slightly different ways - some do background painting for some special effect with a charted design, vs the typical painted canvas, where the design is painted and background left to the stitcher. Usually on white - which like for a painting - gives the reflective background behind the paint. Sometimes on colored canvas - to allow the stitcher a different option WRT background.

ellice

Define easy access. Call or email Denise at Threadneedle Street and she'll send you what you want. It's not even that expensive:

(easy-peasy!)

.threadneedlestreet.com/

Following up to myself: spoke too soon - looks like Ellice has you well covered!

Elizabeth

Not to worry!

Cheryl

Following up to myself: spoke too soon - looks like Ellice has you well covered!

Elizabeth

Thanks for posting this address. This time when I visited them I was very careful to put it into my bookmarks and scribbled the address on a piece of paper to go in with my stash.

They do seem to have nearly anything I might need and when you only have Michaels, this will be a great place to shop.

Lucille

Since the directions on the web site call for "eggshell" canvas, I'm just going to take my chances and use the white canvas that I already have. It looks like all I'll need is the the Ribbon Floss or whatever I decide to use in it's place.

Liz from Humbug