I’m always on the lookout for fresh, exciting projects to keep my website engaging, and this time I decided to dive into the world of mixed media art. After discovering some stunning mixed-media canvases on Pinterest, I was immediately inspired. I watched a few tutorials on YouTube and decided to give it a go, with my daughter’s recent wedding as the perfect theme. The idea was to incorporate elements from her special day into the canvas, creating a unique and personal keepsake.

This was my very first attempt at creating a mixed-media canvas, and I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I documented the process just in case it worked out, and I’m so happy with the result! I decided to share my journey with you, hoping it inspires others to try their hand at mixed media art.

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Mixed Media Wedding Canvas: A Meaningful Craft Project

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Materials Needed:

• Canvas (size of your choice)
• Black gesso primer
• Stencils (Cricut or purchased)
• Texture paste
• Hot glue gun
• Embellishments (artificial flowers, steampunk charms, old jewellery)
• Sisal string
• Corrugated cardboard
• Gold wax paste
• shimmer spray
• Metal tiles
• Wedding photo

Step 1: Prime the Canvas

Start by sealing your canvas with black gesso primer. I chose black because it makes hiding any white spots easier, especially once the embellishments are added. Apply a thin layer and let it dry. If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the drying process using a heat gun or hairdryer.

Step 2: Add Texture

Use a stencil and texture paste to create depth on your canvas. Whether you’re using a Cricut or store-bought stencils, apply the texture paste with a spatula. Once you’ve added the paste, remove the stencil immediately and wash it off. Don’t worry about making everything perfect—imperfections can add character and charm. To learn the basic techniques for assemblage mixed media, this post will walk you through 15 ways to add texture.

Step 3: Gather Embellishments

For embellishments, look around your home or workshop. I used artificial flowers, steampunk charms from a previous project, and old jewellery pieces I no longer wear. Thrift stores are also great places to find unique additions for your project.

Step 4: Add Layers of Embellishments

Wrap thin sisal string around the canvas and glue it in place. Since my daughter’s wedding reception was on a showboat in Sydney Harbour, I used hot glue to create water-like runs to represent the theme. To make the centre of the canvas pop, I layered cardstock cutouts and glued them together, creating added height for a more dramatic effect.

Step 5: Paint Your Embellishments

Once your embellishments are in place, paint them with black gesso to match the rest of the canvas. If you want some pieces to sparkle, spray them with shimmer spray before glueing them down. Remember, don’t glue everything down immediately. Play around with the placement and take a photo to guide the final glueing process. Once you become more confident, you can add the directly to the canvas.

Step 6: Add Wax Paste and Shimmer Sprays

After your canvas is complete, it’s time to add an aged effect. Rub gold wax paste over your charms with your fingers. For an extra shimmer, use a shimmer spray over certain areas to make your embellishments sparkle. If you’re not happy with the results, don’t worry! Just paint over it with black gesso and start again. If you’d rather not spend a lot on shimmer sprays and wax pastes, you might already have the ingredients at home to make them yourself. You can learn how to do it here.

This the the effect of the wax paste on the resin embellishments.

Step 7: Personalise the Canvas

To make the canvas more meaningful, I added personal touches from my daughter’s wedding day. For example, I attached photo charms from her wedding bouquet, representing a memorial for her late Nana.

The clock shows the time of her wedding, and the key symbolises the key to her heart. I also added elements like the “something blue” charm and a small joke with the handcuffs.

Everything added to the wedding canvas had some meaning to them as a couple to make it more special.

More wedding project ideas

These unique bridesmaid invitations are made using Scrabble tiles, creating a memorable keepsake that your bridesmaids will cherish.

I created these personalised rhinestone wedding sneakers for my daughter, ensuring she would have comfortable feet while still looking fabulous on her special day.

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