Stretching your own canvas isn't that hard - it takes a bit of time, understanding of the technique and a few supplies. All in all, it's a very satisfying part of making art - a craft in and of itself. With the rising prices of art supplies and the ability to create "made-to-order" canvases, this might be something to try.
It's an ancient technique, used for hundreds of years when canvases weren't readily purchased in an art supply store. So, there's historical value as well as practical value! Because it is a process that takes some time between steps, I like to make several canvases at a time - waiting to become my next painting!
I've used stretcher bars that I purchased and assembled (being sure they are perfectly squared when assembled), unprimed cotton duck canvas, heavy duty staples, rabbit skin glue granules, and gesso. The only tools I use are scissors, staple gun, sanding block and paint brush. It's also helpful to have a surface to work on, such as a table top and some kind of plastic protection on that surface. Yes, it's possible to make your own stretcher bars, which I have done. Perhaps that should be a separate video!
Leave me a comment - Have you ever made a canvas such as this? Would you enjoy the process of making a canvas as part of your studio work?
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