tissue paper art

There are a lot of walls to fill in our new apartment, so I need artwork ... the cheaper the better. And unlike art I've made previously, this is one project I don't want to look homemade. I made these canvas "prints" using stuff that I already had on hand - blank canvases, tissue paper, and mod podge.

I've been holding onto this tissue paper for years. I've used a sheet or two on the occasional special present, but for for the most part I've been saving it for a special project, not knowing exactly how to use it.

• So first, gather your supplies. I think this would also work well with pretty wrapping or scrapbook paper, but tissue paper works especially well because it is so thin. If you don't have any canvases to cover, you could cover a thin piece of cardboard and put it in a frame. You'll also need Mod Podge, a paintbrush, and a picture hanger if you are using a canvas.

• Cut the tissue paper to the size of the canvas, leaving about 2 inches to wrap around each side.

• Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the front of the canvas.

• Carefully lay the tissue paper on top of the canvas. Working from one corner, press the tissue to the canvas, smoothing out any wrinkles and bubbles. You can pull the tissue up if you make a mistake, but be gentle because it is so delicate, especially when wet.

• Apply Mod Podge to the sides of the canvas and wrap the tissue paper around it, as you would wrap a present. Set aside to dry.

• When the front and sides are dry, flip the canvas over. Apply more glue to the back of the canvas and press the tissue paper to secure. I added a top coat of Mod Podge over the back edges to make sure they would not come up.

• Add a picture hanger and find a the perfect spot to display your new, one-of-a-kind artwork.