A Christmas Canvas Tutorial w/Rahel Menig

*There's been an extension set forth for Creative Weekly's CP Ornament Challenge! You now have until Thursday, December 20th to submit an entry to cpblog@cratepaper.com. Full details are published HERE. Please ensure that your entry arrives either before, or by the noted deadline. The Grand Prize Winner will announce Friday, December 21st, along with the three "prize earning" runner-up's!! Winners take home "Sleigh Ride" + space at the Crate Paper Blog and Crate's "Christmas" Pinterest Board. Help us to create a Merry and Bright Christmas for all with your CP Exclusive Ornament Creations!

When I was thinking about my assignment to use paint on a project, I remembered that I had that one canvas for a while sitting in a corner. I didn't know what I wanted to do with it, just that it would be a wonderful painting. Now, I don't actually paint, other than a little bit of watercolor.

So, one fine day with enough courage in tow, I took out the blank canvas and started adding color to it. Around lunch time, I showed it to my husband and the only response I got was "It kinda looks like someone went to the carnival and...." Yes, he really hit the nail on the head with his comment. It didn't look pretty at all. So, I decided - frustrated with myself - to paint a layer of white on top of it and start again.

Long story short, it was one of those happy accidents. The white paint covered most of the unattractive color beneath it, but didn't forgo the patterned paper that I had covered the canvas with originally. Now, the canvas is hanging on the wall, proud and all!

So, how did this happy accident happen? Let me share this tutorial with you so as to create your own peek-a-boo effect with paint and paper! It's actually a great lil' effect suited for just about any project, including the ol' traditional layout!

Select a patterned paper {Sleigh Ride "Happy Holidays"} that has interesting color or pattern going on. It'll contrast against the white, so choose something bright, or that has a bit of "pop" to it.

Add white acrylic paint to the paper, squish it around with some cards (playing cards or retired plastic work fab!) and allow the paint to dry before continuing with the page. When you're done, you'll have randomly painted sheet of patterned paper and a cool, must-keep card for another project.

To add texture and further interest to the layout, use some Puffy Paint that is readily available at the local craft store and add it directly to your photo'(s). Since my image features "snow", it worked out perfectly for this particular technique. Of course, adding the puffy paint is an optional deal. Do what works best for your photo'(s)!

To top off the entire page, add lil' snowflakes to the rest of the layout with puffy paint. Simply create little dots with the brush and allow them to dry for a few hours. Don't forget to include them directly on top some of the embellishments - scatter the snow throughout!

Adhere the beautiful layout to a 12" x 12" canvas using either a spray adhesive, or a gesso of some kind (rolled on with a brayer roller). Allow it to dry and when ready, hang it on a wall, or set it on top a shelf/dresser for family and friends to admire.