How to Stretch Your Silk Painting on a Canvas Frame in 10 Easy Steps

Many silk painting artists and hobby-craft people are constantly looking for new ways to present the works of art that they create. I often get asked if I have any suggestions as to what they could do. And the answer is yes. I'm going to discuss with you in this article how to stretch your silk painting on a canvas frame in a nice straight forward process. So let's get started.

You need to get yourself a chunky artist's canvas in the size you would like to have the painting mounted. Important to note is that the piece of silk you' re going to stretch over it has to be at least 15cm wider and 15cm deeper. Why is that? Because you will need the extra fabric to wrap around the sides of the frame.

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So let's get started with the process.

Step 1: Find yourself a clear working space to do this. Place your canvas frame on the table in front of you and carefully lay the silk on top.

Step 2: Gently move the silk around until it is exactly centred on top of the canvas frame. Take time to do this as the more exact you are, the better the final result will be.

Step 3: Fold the silk around the top and bottom and put one or two pins in place to hold the silk firmly.

Step 4: Carefully turn your frame around the other way, with the underside showing up. Now you can be sure that your artwork is nice and centred.

Step 5: Starting with the side facing you, start to staple the silk in place on the wooden frame. Do the centre of the bottom then the top and then swivel your frame around and do left and right.

Step 6: Continue with this process, adding staples halfway along between each of the staples and the corners. Do this for all four sides until the silk is properly attached all the way around the frame.

Step 7: Work each of the corners. Fold the fabric flat in one direction, then tuck the fabric up against it from the opposite direction. Take care to do this neatly and then staple the silk down carefully. Make sure all of your staples are on the underside and cannot be seen from the top when the picture is hanging.

Step 8: Turn your picture around and check that the silk has been attached nice and straight. If you are unhappy with the result, go back and remove the staples and make any adjustments necessary. If you have an abstract design, or anything that isn't symmetrical, then centring the image is not quite so critical.

Step 9: Lay your picture face down again and using a knife and measuring stick, trim off any excess silk. Please only do this when you are wide awake.

Step 10: And now you can hang up your picture. This is a quick and easy way to prepare your silk painting and it has a really contemporary look.

If you'd like to see a detailed tutorial with pictures showing you how to stretch your silk painting on a canvas frame, have a look at my blog. Enjoy.

How to Stretch Your Silk Painting on a Canvas Frame in 10 Easy Steps

Fiona Stolze has been painting professionally on silk for many years and prefers to work with vibrant, powerful colours. She is also a qualified colour therapist and has spent much of her time creating beautiful silk cushions and pictures to uplift and enhance people's homes worldwide. Her designer cushions and pictures add a touch of luxury and class to any home or workplace. She also offers greeting cards, wall hangings and t-shirts. You can see a wide range of her silks at http://www.silkandart.com

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