Here's how I do them:
I buy 5" X 7" canvas board. Good quality so that it doesn't warp.
They're gessoed (one less step), so I begin applying layers of acrylic paint. This can go on for a while until I'm satisfied with the combination of color and texture. (Depends on my mood, too!) I also have to remind myself to WAIT for each layer to dry. (I get way too impatient.) I now realize I can use up a lot of "weaker" color paints (especially whites) as the richer colors take over and I've lost the effect I wanted that color for. If I wait a bit, the blend works much better.
When I'm satisfied and the paint has dried, I pick my sayings, blessings and quotes and hand tear the edges (I like that look.) I pick the art papers I want to use on each one, tear those and begin gluing. I keep trying different methods so the papers don't pucker, etc. Golden Mediums do a great job. And so does ModPodge. Finishing touches - I often use sparkly Golden gold acrylic, in a sharp tip plastic bottle, to add definition and kick. At this point, my section of the studio is a wild mess!
Then comes the many final details: finish the whole thing with a finisher (ModPodge Hard Coat, of late.) On the back I put a blank tag, sign it, add bump-ons and a stick-on plastic hanger. This way people have a blank space to leave a message if its a gift, and with the hanger it can go right on a wall. (Hopefully they'll be popped into a nice frame eventually.)
And, finally, I add identity/price stickers to the clear sleeves, sleeve 'em and send them off. See why it takes days?
PS Clean up time before the next project... :)
