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Need a quick craft project for the 4th of July? This one ticks all the boxes! It’s beginner-friendly and comes together faster than you’d think using a few simple tools. We’re using a “Grace and Glory” hand lettering template on a 6×6 canvas block — perfect for shelf sitters, side tables, or book stacks.
What You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you get started:
- 6×6 canvas block (available at Michaels, Walmart, or Hobby Lobby)
- “Grace and Glory” hand lettering template from the Template Library
- Graphite (transfer) paper
- Pencil
- Washi tape (to hold the template in place)
- Navy blue acrylic paint (Jennifer uses Folkart Navy Blue)
- White paint pen — a fine-tip Posca (PC-3M) works great for smaller signs like this
- Red paint pen — Molotow or the Painter’s brand are recommended (Posca’s reds can run too orange)
- Silver glitter paint pen or marker (optional, for accent stars)
- Foam brush or flat brush for base coating
NOTE: You can find most of these products on my Amazon storefront!
Step #1: Print and Scale Your Template
Download the Grace and Glory template from the Template Library and scale it down in your printer settings before printing.
Since the template was originally designed for a larger sign, try scaling to around 75% to fit a 6×6 canvas block. Print, then rough-cut around the design so it’s easier to center on your surface.
You can experiment with the sizing to get exactly the coverage you want. A slightly larger print will fill more of the canvas; a smaller one gives you more breathing room for embellishments.
Step #2: Base Coat the Canvas
Paint the entire canvas block in navy blue — sides and top. A dry-brush technique on the top face gives the piece a vintage, worn-in look that’s really charming (think aged denim). Let it dry fully before moving on.
If you want to add red and white stripes along the sides later (more on that in Step #5), go ahead and paint the sides of the navy now. You’ll come back to the stripes after the lettering is done.
Step #3: Transfer the Design
Lay your graphite paper (graphite side down) on the canvas surface, then place your printed template on top. Secure everything with a small piece of washi tape so it doesn’t shift.
Trace the letters and design elements with a pencil, pressing firmly but not so hard that you dent the canvas. Canvas has a little give, especially if it’s not a solid panel — so a moderate, steady pressure is the sweet spot. Lift a corner to check your transfer as you go.
PRO TIP: If you’re lettering on a tall block where your hand has nowhere to rest, prop a stack of books alongside it so you can brace your hand while you work. It makes a huge difference.
Step #4: Letter the Design with Your White Paint Pen
Once your transfer lines are in place, go over the lettering with your white paint pen. For a 6×6 sign, a fine-tip Posca (PC-3M) is ideal — not so fine that it disappears, but controlled enough for the smaller letterforms.
A few things to keep in mind when lettering on canvas:
- Go lighter with your pressure. Canvas is bumpier than wood, so pressing too hard can cause the ink to splatter into the grooves rather than flow smoothly.
- Slow down. You’ll want to be more deliberate here than you would be on a wood sign.
- Expect a little texture. The canvas weave will show slightly in the letters — that’s totally normal, and it actually adds to the handmade feel.
Go back over any letters that need a second pass to thicken the strokes or smooth out the edges. A little cleanup after the first layer makes a big difference.
Step #5: Add the Stars and Accent Colors
The Grace and Glory template includes decorative stars. Fill these in using your red paint pen. The Molotow brand is a great choice here — it has a true, rich red that reads beautifully against navy, and it’s refillable so you’re not constantly buying new markers.
For a little extra sparkle, go over some of the stars with a silver glitter pen. It catches the light without looking overdone — just a subtle shimmer that makes the whole piece feel a little more special.
Optional: Add red and white stripes to the sides
Using painter’s tape, mask off even stripes along the sides of the canvas block and paint alternating red and white. Let one color dry before moving to the next. This step takes a little more time but gives the piece a polished, finished look from every angle.
Step #6: Touch Up and Display
Once everything is dry, step back and look at the full piece. Use the tip of your navy blue paint pen or a small brush to clean up any edges where colors bled into each other. Then set your finished canvas block on top of a stack of vintage books, a side table, or your fireplace mantel!
Grab This Traceable Template and More Seasonal Designs in the Template Library
The Grace and Glory template — along with a full library of seasonal designs — is available inside the Template Library. For $15/month, you get access to 500+ hand lettering templates in PDF, PNG, SVG, and Procreate formats, with new designs added every month.
And new templates are added monthly, so you’ll always have something fresh for every season!
Whether you want printable hand lettering templates for wood signs, door hangers, tote bags, or canvas blocks, it’s all waiting for you!
