How To Make An Easy Busted Canvas With Less Mess!

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY BUSTED CANVAS DESIGNS

First, download my Busted Canvas files from my free library – look for Design #653. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the SVG folder, you’ll find three options for the busting shape.

There is also a DXF folder with cut files, and a PDF folder with versions you can print and cut by hand.

In the PNG folder, there are options you can use for the hidden image featuring cardinals, a fox, owls, or a snowman.

I used an AI art generator to create the designs, then made them even more fantastic with image editing software. If you want to learn more about the process, check out my workshop on creating and using AI-generated art in your crafts.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR MATERIALS

1. Use a ruler or tape measure to check the height and width of the entire frame.
   NOTE: This is the size you’ll make the cover piece. Mine is 10” x 10” square.
   
   
   
2. With the frame’s open side face up, measure the flat inner area.
   NOTE: This is the maximum size you’ll print the image. Mine is 8.625” square.
   
   
   
3. Outdoors, or in a well-ventilated and protected area (or a big cardboard box to catch overspray), place your chosen papers oriented the same way with the patterns you want to show face-down on scrap paper.
   
   
   
4. Check the safety information and specific instructions for your spray adhesive, including putting on safety equipment such as goggles and disposable gloves.
5. Apply the adhesive as described.
   NOTE: The adhesive in my materials list should be applied in a light, even coat just on the back of one of the papers.
6. Make sure the outer designs are oriented the same way, then align the papers back to back and press them together.
7. Use a brayer to adhere the pieces well.
   
   
   
8. Let the papers sit until they’re completely dry for the best cutting and shaping results.
   NOTE: Mine dried in about one hour.
   
   

STEP 3: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR BUSTED CANVAS DESIGN

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

1. In Cricut Design Space, open a blank Canvas.
   NOTE: If you’re new to using Cricut Design Space, go to cricutkickoff.com for my introductory tutorial on Design Space basics.
2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
3. Click “Browse” and select the SVG file you want to use.
   NOTE: I’ll use the “star-lines” file.
4. Click “Open,” and then “Continue.”
5. Click “Upload” to add the design to your Canvas.
   
   
   
6. Click the “Shapes” icon and select the free “Square” to add it to the Canvas.
7. With the Lock icon closed, resize the Square to match the frame’s full measurement.
   NOTE: Mine is 10” x 10” square.
   
   
   
8. To make the design easier to see, you can use the Color Box to change the result to White.
9. Select both layers, then click “Align” and choose “Center.”
   
   
   
10. With both layers still selected, click “Attach.”
    
    
    
11. Your project is ready to cut!
    
    

CUTTING

1. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
2. Click “Make.”
3. On the Prepare screen, make sure the correct Material Size is selected for your material.
   
   
   
4. Click “Continue.”
5. On the Make screen, set the Base Material to the “Heavy Cardstock - 100 lb (270 gsm)” setting with “More” Pressure for the double-layered paper.
   
   
   
6. Place your layered papers on a green StandardGrip machine mat with the pattern you want on the outside face-up and oriented correctly.
   
   
   
7. Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
8. Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
9. Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
10. Press the flashing “Go” button to begin cutting.
11. When it has finished cutting, don’t unload the mat right away. Instead, gently lift a corner to make sure the material is cut all the way. If not, press the “Go” button again to make the same cuts in the same spots.
    
    
    
12. When the cuts are complete, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the material.
    TIP: If you have any issues with your cuts, check out my Tips for Cleaner Cuts tutorial.

STEP 4: PRINT YOUR HIDDEN IMAGE

1. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
   NOTE: You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.
   TIP: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but you'll have limited access to features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device.
2. Click “Blank document” at the top left to open a new document.
   
   
   
3. Click the area that says “Untitled document” at the top and type a name for the file.
4. Go to the File menu and select “Page setup.”
5. Check the box next to “Portrait.”
6. Change your margins to “0” to use more of the page.
7. Change the "Paper size" to match your photo paper size. I’m using 8.5” x 11” or letter size paper.
   
   
   
8. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
9. Go to the Insert menu, select “Image,” and select “Upload from Computer.”
10. Select the hidden image PNG you want to use.
    NOTE: I’ll demonstrate with the "snowman" design.
    
    
    
    TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your Downloads folder.
11. Click “Open.”
12. To resize the design, click “Image Options” at the top of the canvas.
    NOTE: You can also open the menu by going to “Format,” “Image,” and “Image Options.”
    
    
    
13. Select “Size & Rotation.”
14. Keep the “Lock aspect ratio” box checked to maintain the design’s proportions.
15. Change the “Height” field to the design area you want to create.
    NOTE: I’ll make my design 8.6” tall to fit the frame, so the width will automatically change to about 8” and fit on the paper and in the frame.
    
    
    
16. Click the image and select the “Wrap text” icon from the menu that appears below it.
    
    
    
    NOTE: This setting lets you move the design anywhere on the page.
17. Click and drag the image to the center of your page, as that ensures it won’t get cut off at the edges.
    
    
    
18. Go to the File menu and choose “Print.”
19. Select your inkjet printer under “Destination.”
20. Click the arrow beside “More Settings” to select “Print Using System Dialog.”
    
    
    
21. Your print menu may look different - just make sure the correct printer is selected, and pick the highest quality photo paper setting.
    
    
    
22. Load photo paper correctly into your printer.
    NOTE: Check the packaging for information on how to load the paper.
23. Click “Print.”
24. Allow the print to dry before handling it, as the ink can smear.
    
    
    
25. After the print is dry, use a paper trimmer or scissors to cut along the design’s edges.
    
    
    

STEP 5: ASSEMBLE YOUR BUSTED CANVAS

1. Place your frame face-up and use a lint roller sheet to remove any debris from the surfaces.
2. Add thin lines or dots of craft glue to the back edges and corners of the hidden image.
   NOTE: The glue may make the photo paper ripple a little, so keep it away from the middle. That way, the subject will be smooth and the rest will be hidden by the front layer.
3. Center the image face-up inside the frame and gently press it in place without scratching the ink.
   
   
   
4. Add craft glue to the front surfaces of the frame’s four sides.
5. Hold the layered paper with the outside facing up and the cut lines oriented how you want them.
6. Line up the edges with the frame, then gently press it down onto the glue on the wood.
   NOTE: Only press where the paper touches the wood so that the inner area doesn’t get damaged, and then let it dry for a few minutes.
   
   
   
7. The canvas can lean in on a shelf, but if you want to hang it, follow the directions from your favorite hanging supplies like 3M Command Strips or a sawtooth hanger before continuing.
   TIP: Keep the hangers’ position in mind while orienting and assembling your project!
   
   
   
8. Pick a wedge to start with and gently lift it while supporting the paper near the cuts to avoid tearing.
   
   
   
9. Roll the wedge’s tip away from the center around your fingers or a round tool toward the thicker section, but stop before the cuts end.
   
   
   
10. Hold the curl for about 30 seconds, then carefully release it to unfurl a little.
    
    
    
11. Repeat Steps 8-10 with the rest of the wedges.
    
    
    
12. Measure and cut a piece of ribbon long enough to go around the frame’s exterior with a few inches of overlap.
    NOTE: My example used about 41” of ribbon for the 10” frame.
13. Adhere one edge of the ribbon with craft glue to a bottom corner of the frame so the ribbon hides where the layered paper meets the wood.
    
    
    
14. Hold it to set.
15. Wrap and glue the ribbon taut around the rest of the frame, then secure the other end at the same corner and trim the excess.
    
    
    

STEP 6: SHOW IT OFF

Your busted canvas is ready!