Checking In With Chelsea

DIY ideas, crafts, and tips for your home

subscribe and never miss a thing!

Receive Free Email Updates

  • About
  • Videos
  • Projects
    • Indoor Projects
    • Outdoor Projects
    • Craft Projects
  • House Tour

How to Create an Easy Cross on Canvas

Craft Projects •  October 26, 2015

DIY Shimmery, Gold Cross on Canvas that Pops!

When I was putting together items to hang as part of the nursery gallery wall, I picked up some small 4×6 canvases with an idea to create my own art with some paint and gold leaf. It ended up being a super easy and quick project with pretty results!
pink canvas with gold leaf cross hanging on wall

Materials

  • gold leaf paper
  • 5×7 canvas
  • acrylic paint
  • white glue*
  • foam brush*

The most expensive part of the project was of course the gold leaf paper, but I didn’t use all 25 sheets. So part of the cost of it can roll over into whatever future project I end up using it on.

Materials used to create gold leaf cross on canvas

Paint Canvas

You’ll want to paint the canvas before applying the gold leaf so you don’t have any white showing under the gold leaf once it’s all said and done.

streaky pink acrylic paint on small canvas

I was going for “abstract” art, so I wanted my paint to be streaky, not solid. I painted one coat, but still wanted a little more coverage. Luckily this acrylic paint dries quickly and I was able to paint the second coat without waiting too long.

Then it was time to add the shimmery cross.

Add Gold Leaf

I originally made a cross with glue on my canvas before painting to make my finished cross 3D. Turns out it was totally unnecessary. So save yourself a step and just draw your shape with a pencil after the paint has dried.

This gold leaf is made to apply to household objects like a vase or lamp or decorative fruit like on the package.

gold leaf sheets in package

So it has very specific instructions on the special kind of glue to use and how to handle the gold leaf without touching it with your fingers. Ignore those if you want the crinkly look I was going for and use your hands!

Apply glue to a small portion of your cross at a time.

Dots of Glue Along Cross on Canvas

Then tear off small pieces of gold leaf and stick it on the glue. Don’t lay it flat on the glue, but pinch it in the middle like you would tissue paper in a gift bag.

gold leaf being applied on canvas

Slowly work your way down and around the cross, using small pieces of gold leaf. Also make sure you’re applying the gold leaf on the outside of your outlined cross so the pencil marks can’t be seen.

zigzag of white school glue

Another tip is to keep your fingers dry. Wipe any glue off before tearing off more gold leaf or it will just dissolve on contact.

Half of Cross Covered in Gold Leaf

There were a few spots where I put the gold leaf too far apart and I could see the canvas between. So I put a small drop of glue and basically placed some more of the gold leaf on top of the other pieces to create a nice, full cross.

Gold Leaf Cross on Canvas Complete

Hang on Wall

Once that was done, all it took was 2 small wire nails to hang it on the wall!

Completed Gold Leaf Cross on Wall

The gold leaf compliments the gold on the Sacred Heart icon that hangs next to it well, too!

Completed Gold Leaf Cross Canvas

Total project probably took less than an hour including paint drying time. So if I ever want to make another one, it can definitely be done during one of Mary Helen’s naps! That is if I’m not taking a nap myself!

Thanks for Checking In! ~ Chelsea

*This post may contain affiliate links.*

Subscribe for Free Updates!

Stay up-to-date on Chelsea's latest projects, tips, useful resources and more.

Previous Post
Welcome to the World!
Next Post
Chelsea’s Choice: Sense-able Keyless Security

Related Content

DIY Concrete Christmas Tree Stand VideoDIY Concrete Christmas Tree StandDIY Clothes Rack for Dress UpHow to Build Simple Rack for Dress Up ClothesMeasure Kids Height KeepsakeDIY Kid Height KeepsakeCell Phone Adhesive Wallet on White Bathroom CountertopCherry-Picked: Phone Wallet

Please Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome!

I’m Chelsea. DIY
enthusiast who loves
sharing my victories
and mishaps!
Learn more
here.

CHECK IN WITH CHELSEA ON INSTAGRAM

Something I never thought I’d do? Measure shoes Something I never thought I’d do? Measure shoes on TV.🤷🏼‍♀️Yet here we are...a quick behind the scenes of the shoe rack I built for an episode of @todayshomeowner is in my stories if you want to check it out! You can see the TV circus in action.🎪🤪
.
.
#reallifeandstyle #behindthescenes🎬 #behindthescene #shoerackdesign #dayjobproblems #rollcamera #ladybuilder #diy #customclosets
Merry 5th Day of Christmas from my sweet and wild Merry 5th Day of Christmas from my sweet and wild Wolfpack!🎄🥰 I hope your Christmas Day was filled with your favorite people and things.
We had the best weekend getting in the Christmas s We had the best weekend getting in the Christmas spirit!🎄Hope you’re feeling the magic of Christmas at least a little bit too!✨
Thanks, Josh, for helping me build a column today! Thanks, Josh, for helping me build a column today!😍We’re on day 3 in my dad’s hometown helping to #buildlafayettelanding, a community service project he dreamed up to build up the community after Hurricane Michael devastated the area in 2018.
.
.
A lot more work to do before we wrap Thursday afternoon!🛠
Have you ever used spackling in a unique way? A ho Have you ever used spackling in a unique way? A homeowner I worked with recently used a stencil and spackling on her foyer wall to add some subtle interest! It was so fun! I love this neat contest that sparks creativity. Tag a friend who you think could win this contest with their ideas! It closes Feb 1st!
The cutest little elf that crinkles the Christmas The cutest little elf that crinkles the Christmas cards and takes down all of the ornaments on the bottom 2 feet of the tree.🤪🎄
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Indoor Projects Outdoor Projects Craft Projects

Popular Posts

Frosted Windows in Blue Tiled Bathroom

How To Install Beautiful Privacy Window Film

posted in Indoor Projects

Completed Lattice Trellis to Cover HVAC Unit

Hide Your AC Unit with a Trellis

posted in Outdoor Projects

Dining Room View from Living Room Ready to Sell

How to Sell Your House Fast and Cheap

posted in Indoor Projects, Outdoor Projects

1950s Ranch Brick Home on Corner Lot Pristine Condition

Our Ranch Revival Introduction and Before Tour

posted in Indoor Projects, Outdoor Projects

Chelsea Lipford Wolf on Deck with Small Bug-Repellent Container Garden

Easy Way to Keep Mosquitos Away

posted in Outdoor Projects

Facebook Pagelike Widget
  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Advertise with Chelsea
  • Media
  • Today’s Homeowner

Search This Site

Receive Free Updates Via Email

Copyright © 2021 Checking in With Chelsea • All Rights Reserved • Site Design by Archer Creative