Does anyone make altered canvases??

[Dingle]

I am half way through my first attempt but feel a bit out of my depth. They are only small, and I keep telling myself it's just like making a card but I have come to a grinding halt with them.

what is an altered canvas?

I need inspiration, I am attempting to make a few for teacher's gifts. I did manage to complete 1 this afternoon, but not really how I had planned and not totally happy with it. I stayed too safe and I wanted quirky!

It's something like THIS grassy

it like a home made card but on a block canvas/stretched canvas, similar to textile art/origami support and various 3d stuff.

For inspiration, google Kaffe Fassett - he uses textiles like paint colours - picking out colours then going with the rhythm they suggest but he's very disciplined, overall.

Canvas is a strong support (unless its a ready made which would be best for a card as its not meant to last) Canvas works well under the stress of multi-layer oils or acrylic and is best ignored - by that I mean it doesn't prompt much inspiration in itself. Traditionally, many painters would cover it in sienna so thats a good start, or mix some pigment in with the gesso.
Without gesso it might be possible to sew craft bits on it?? Or diamante bits with glue, or trimmed dc drawings with PVA glue on top.

This is sounding really fun actually and I want to make one!

I covered with a couple of layers of Gesso first, then really enjoyed the messy acrylic paints and inks. I splodged using bubble wrap, distressed the edges with ink......Great fun.

But I feel I have decorated it too much like I would have done a card! I have been looking at Pinterest but will take a look at Kaffe Fassett, thank you.

I was thinking of making up a couple of stencils by perhaps using a flourish die on some acetate. I know you can get something like a paste to give dimension but I don't want to spend too much.

It must be easy to get carried away once you start something like this. I can't wait to start one now!
What about bits of scraps - cutting up washing up liquid bottles and twisting them into shapes then painting them - or painting them first maybe.
Not sure what a flourish die is - I use Indian inks a lot and permanent pens on acetate.
Salt is good for texture.
Fairy lights?? (battery)