This weekend I was lucky enough to celebrate a high school friend’s bridal shower.
Since I’ve known the bride for over ten years now, I wanted to do something more meaningful than making the obligatory trip to B cubed (Bed, Bath & Beyond for you abbreviation avoidant folks).
After our wedding, I made Mr. A and I a date poster with our birthdays, our first date, our engagement day and our wedding day. Knowing the bride’s love of nostalgia and Pinterest (where I originally found this idea), I thought a date poster would make the perfect addition to the rest of the standard B cubed loot that I purchased.
This project is super easy peasy and can be modified for any occasion. You could add children’s birthdays, the day you moved into your house, the day you discovered coffee (what, that wasn’t a mindblowingly amazing day for you?), whatever is relevant.
Supplies
- Design software program (I use Microsoft Publisher…so fancy I know)
- 8 X 10 Canvas (I purchased mine at Michaels with a 50% coupon)
- Mod Podge
- Foam Brush
- Craft Paint
- Printed Picture
Method
You start off by designing your date art in whatever design program with which you feel most comfortable. I enjoy the low tech Microsoft Publisher because that’s all I have.
I added in the couples’ birthdays, dating anniversary, engagement day and wedding day (all stolen from Facebook…ah the benefits of stalking people on social media).
I decided to go with a blue background and yellow font because those are the couples’ wedding colors (or at least they were the last time I checked…I found out later that they’ve morphed into a cornucopia of colors. This is what happens when you have a year to plan your wedding).
I also added little hearts to their wedding day (awwwww!)
After I was satisfied with my design, I placed it on a jump drive and took it to CVS to print it out. I opted to enlarge it to an 8 X 10.
Back at home with my print in hand, I gussied up my canvas. I unwrapped my 8 X 10 canvas purchased from Michaels (don’t forget your coupon!) and placed it on some parchment paper.
I then used some yellow craft paint (also from Michaels) on the sides of the canvas.
Make sure that you also get the top and bottom edges of the canvas for a seamless look. I let the paint dry for a day since I was working on this in the evenings after work.
The next night, I covered the front surface in a thin layer of Mod Podge and then added my 8 X 10 photo on top.
I then used my fingers to smooth out the bubbles and to ensure a seal around the edges.
Some people use a credit card to smooth out their picture but I’ve found that that’s only necessary on really large scale canvas art projects (like our photo canvas gallery wall).
Then you want to let the Mod Podge dry overnight.
The next morning you have this adorable date poster.
It makes a great addition to any décor and since you’ve painted the edges, it can be hung on the wall without a frame.
I’m glad I took the extra effort to hand make a gift for the bride and groom. Because I don’t know that many people who can say that they still talk to their friends from high school.
So here’s to Sarah and Jay! Wishing you all the best that life has to offer!
