Do you think it'd be possible to make a box out of canvases?

I just got this idea in my head. I would get 3 canvases that are the same size, glue them together, and then get another canvas that would serve as a lid.

I know canvases don't have anything covering their backs, so I was thinking to get some word and glue them to the backs.

If this is actually successful, I'd use the box to put in all my painting supplies (because I don't have any place to put them, so I keep them on my desk).

Before putting everything together, I would paint the canvases first. I would paint the canvases as if they were one big picture, so if you set the canvas box at a certain angle, the painting could look somewhat 3D.

What do you think?

I know this sounds like a lot of money (which it probably is), which is why I won't be able to test this out until I get a summer job (my parents won't let me get a job during the school year).

It sucks man. I wanna do that now. v.v

If you're interested on seeing the final product, send me a message, and I'll send you a picture when it's done. I probably won't be able to get this thing done until mid-summer, so you're going to have to wait (if that's okay).

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UndeadPrivateer · 31-35, M

Interesting idea, don't see a reason why it wouldn't work. Though it might be cheaper for you to simply buy a bolt of canvas and make a wooden frame or even completed box and then stretch the canvas over that. Stretched canvas is much more expensive than the loose bolts, and if you're gonna have to build a box anyway it might be easier to start with the box and then add the canvas rather than constantly worry about damaging your canvases while building.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25

Nice ideas, and I was only going to glue everything. A hot glue gun won't harm the canvas, right?

UndeadPrivateer · 31-35, M

It'll contract as it cools and also won't necessarily lay very flat, nor will it be very resilient to impacts. You'll want wood glue for anything structural, and you generally want staples to hold the canvas in place too. Might want to try looking around a bit for someone you know who has a staple gun for that process. Or of course just fall back on buying some stretched canvases and wood gluing them onto a simple wooden frame. Rough the frames up a bit with a file or some real coarse sandpaper before gluing them to each other if you go that route, will give the glue more purchase on the surface and make it more impact resistant in the future.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25

@UndeadPrivateer: Okay, I'll give it a try. What's the difference between a regular canvas and a stretched canvas?

UndeadPrivateer · 31-35, M

Regular canvas is just loose bolts, can be used for many applications beyond just painting. Stretched canvas has been stretched over a frame(and usually also gessoed) so it's held flat and taut for painting or drawing.

Also, if you're going to be moving this around and don't plan on securing it with nails then you should probably construct it with some casters on the bottom so it can roll around freely and you don't have to lift it and set it down or risk dropping it, both of which would stress the relatively fragile box and might cause it to slowly fall apart over time. If it's just gliding around on casters, though, it will probably last quite a long while.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25

@UndeadPrivateer: Thanks for the explanation.
And I'll put casters on. I didn't think of that. Thank you.

UndeadPrivateer · 31-35, M

No trouble, I'm a rather artsy guy and craft all sorts of stuff all the time. If you've got any further questions or want some further help feel free to send me a message and I'll do my best.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25

@UndeadPrivateer: Okay, thank you. :)