You need to start with these materials, and they can be bought at any art supply store.

• Unprimed cotton canvas

• Four stretchers

• Staple gun and staples

• Stretcher frame keys (you don’t have to use these)

Here are some easy steps to follow:

1. Join the stretchers together:

• Put the frame on a smooth and flat surface, gently push or tap the corners to slide them closer.

2. Make sure the frame is in a square shape by meassuring each side of the frame.

3. Roll out your canvas with the completed frame on top. Cut it to size, remembering that the canvas has to fold over the outside edge of the stretchers. (Note: Make it larger, for you can always trim as you go)

4. Time to staple your canvas:

• Start in the middle and work your way around the canvas going in the opposite direction of each original staple.
• Leave about 2in between each staple, and pull the canvas towards you as you go in a new direction. This makes it tight and will not let any bubbles pop out and ruin your canvas.

5. Time to work on the corners:

• Fold the edges of the canvas, staple it over each fold, until it is tight against the frame.
• If you have to use the frame keys to make it tighter, now is the time to use them.

It should look like this when done:

6. Remember that if it isn’t as tight as you would like, you can always start over.

This might take a few times to get use to, but it looks a lot harder then it really is. Just have faith in yourself!