Since then, I've made it my mission to fill our home with photos and to keep taking pictures to remind us of great times. While I love choosing frames and using them to display our pictures, I've been saying for ages that I want to get some canvas prints made.
It's not surprising then that I jumped at the chance to try out Photowall, which offers canvas prints and wall murals to suit every size home. Even better, the company makes environmentally-friendly canvas prints, which is a huge plus, especially as you can get 20% off orders using the code photowalljoannacampaign2017.
I ended up choosing a photo of the beach back in Teignmouth, which I took when we were last in South West. The photo was taken on my phone so I was slightly worried about the resolution, especially as I wanted a large canvas, but I really liked the image so thought I'd give it a go.
Finally, you can set the canvas dimensions by either typing them in or using the slider. A warning flashes up if you're trying to set the canvas to a size that doesn't suit the resolution of your image, which surprisingly didn't happen for me and I could have had a larger canvas than I settled on.
As you adjust the size, the site will show you how your canvas will look by automatically cropping it. You can move the image around to adjust how it is cropped as well. I found this really useful as I was able to get a larger size but also position my image to get rid a lot of the sand, as I didn't think the full image was needed.
You can also see just how much your canvas will cost you as you adjust the size, so you can make sure you stay in budget and create a canvas that will look great on your wall. After trying to order from previous companies and going through the entire process only to be able to see the price once I reach the basket stage, this was an aspect of ordering that I was really happy about.
My canvas came rolled up with everything I needed to create the frame and hang it. Seeing all the bits for putting it together, I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about doing it. This case of nerves was all for nothing though as it was surprisingly easy to do and I had my canvas hanging on the wall in about half an hour.
The one thing you do need - especially if you go for a big canvas like I did - is a large, stable and flat surface for putting the canvas together. Half of my fold-out dining table just about did the trick but it was a tight squeeze. You don't need any tools or anything as everything is really simple, although you might want an extra set of hands.
All you do is stick the wooden frame to the canvas - strong double-sided tape is already attached to the wood - and then fold the individual pieces in to add to tension to the canvas. I had the husband hold the frame closed like this while I attached the corner brackets with simple screws and then it was done!
Overall, I was so impressed with the canvas and it is now hanging pride of place in my lounge. My photo looked great and there was no blurriness to it after blowing it up so big. I was even able to put it on the wall directly opposite our big bay windows as the canvas is specially made so it doesn't fade in sunlight.
While the idea of putting a frame together might put people off, I genuinely think it is a better option than having a large canvas delivered. It was all packaged up so well that there was no damage to the canvas, it was quick and simple to put together and there was a lot less packaging - all of which is win-win to me!
If you want to give Photowall a try for yourself or create a fab Christmas present, you can get 20% off your order for a limited time using the code photowalljoannacampaign2017 at the checkout.
* While this blog is sponsored by Photowall, all views are my own.