Canvas Stretching 101

Learn about the tools, materials and techniques needed for stretching your own painting canvas in this workshop. Making your own canvas widens up your options and makes your art unique. The quality is also better than store-bought canvases as they put little gesso possible which causes dry surface. Most importantly, it is CHEAPER when you build it on your own! We are going to stretch a small canvas in this workshop but also explain about how to apply the technique to building big canvases. 

**We will demonstrate how to prime (gesso) canvas properly. You may gesso your own canvas during the workshop or at home depending on how much time we get left after stretching. We will provide gesso and containers to share if we get to prime canvas. That being said, please bring your own brushes for applying gesso to the workshop. 

Beginners are welcome! All Ages OK! No previous experience required!

Supply list (You must bring your own supply)

• Stretcher bars 12” and 16” (two of each) or similar size no bigger than 16”x20” (**We suggest you get box style (1 – 1.5”) but you can get skinny ones if
• you want.)
• A yard of (half a yard also works if the store give you this option) 12 – 15 oz. raw cotton canva
•  Staple gun
• Staples 3/8” (10mm)
• Canvas Stretching Plier
• 2-3” Economy brush or sponge brush for applying gesso

Optional materials

• Acrylic white gesso (I use Utrecht Studio Series)
•  Container for holding gesso as we mix water for the first layer
•  Sand paper (fine)
• Cotton rag or old t-shirt
• Paper towels
• Gloves and apron if you want