How to Make Mini Canvas Easel Art (Miniature Artwork)

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How to Make Mini Canvas Easel Art (Miniature Artwork)

Tiny art lovers, this one’s for you!

Mini paintings on miniature easels are proof that beautiful artwork doesn’t need a big footprint to make a strong presence.

These 1:12th scale pieces are quick to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely charming—perfect for decorating a small space or adding a pop of creativity anywhere you need it.

Mini Paintings on Miniature Easels Tutorial:

Why Mini Art?

Mini canvas paintings are ideal for experimenting without pressure.

You can test a new color palette, try bold abstract design ideas, or recreate a favorite artwork in a low-stakes way...and end up with an adorable little art piece!

They’re small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but still deliver a bright impression that feels intentional and artistic.

The miniature world is trending and it's easy to see why!

Let's get started!

Mini Paintings on Miniature Easels Tutorial: Why Mini Art? Mini canvas paintings are ideal for experimenting without pressure. You can test a new color palette, try bold abstract design ideas, or recreate a favorite artwork in a low-stakes way...and end up with an adorable little art piece! They’re small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but still deliver a bright impression that feels intentional and artistic. The miniature world is trending and it's easy to see why! Let's get started!

These small paintings work beautifully as:

Entryway wall art decorate ideas (on narrow ledges or shelves)
Desk or study room decor
Shelf styling in tight corners
Thoughtful handmade gifts

Below is a full step-by-step tutorial for creating your own mini canvas art using basswood and a laser cutter.

These small paintings work beautifully as: Entryway wall art decorate ideas (on narrow ledges or shelves) Desk or study room decor Shelf styling in tight corners Thoughtful handmade gifts Below is a full step-by-step tutorial for creating your own mini canvas art using basswood and a laser cutter.

Paint a miniature gallery of small canvas paintings in a variety of colors and subjects.

I love to paint a little miniature painting right along side of my normal size paintings, that way the paint is all mixed up and I'm following a large scale painting to match the small one.

Supplies Needed for Miniature Canvas and Easel:

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1/8" Basswood sheets (for easels and mini canvases)
xTool S1 laser cutter (or similar)
Laser-cut miniature easel file (1:12th scale) FREE AT END OF POST!
1-inch square basswood pieces (mini canvases) FREE AT END OF POST!
Super glue or hot glue
Acrylic paints (or oil paintings stuff if preferred)
Paint brushes (small detail brushes work best)
Paper towel or scrap paper
Gesso (primer for acrylic paintings)
Optional: sealer or clear coat

Most of these supplies can be found at a local craft store, aside from the laser cutter.

FREE XTOOL FILE FOR THE EASEL AND MINI CANVAS AT THE END OF THIS POST!

Supplies Needed for Miniature Canvas and Easel: 1/8" Basswood sheets (for easels and mini canvases) xTool S1 laser cutter (or similar) Laser-cut miniature easel file (1:12th scale) 1-inch square basswood pieces (mini canvases) Super glue or hot glue Acrylic paints (or oil paintings if preferred) Paint brushes (small detail brushes work best) Paper towel or scrap paper Gesso Optional: sealer or clear coat Most of these supplies can be found at a local craft store, aside from the laser cutter. FREE XTOOL FILE FOR THE EASEL AND MINI CANVAS AT THE END OF THIS POST!

Step 1: Laser Cut the Miniature Easels

Using your xTool S1, cut the miniature easels from basswood.

These are designed at 1:12th scale, making them perfect for dollhouse proportions or tiny art displays.

Once cut, carefully remove the pieces from the laser bed and dry fit them before gluing.

This helps you understand how the parts slot together and ensures everything lines up cleanly.

Step 2: Assemble the Easels

Assemble each easel using either super glue or hot glue.

Super glue gives a clean finish and strong bond
Hot glue is faster and more forgiving

Glue the pieces together one at a time, holding them in place for a few seconds until secure.

Once assembled, set the miniature easels aside to fully cure.

There are 3 sticks of the same length, 2 for the front pieces and one for the back stand piece, creating a tripod easel.

The smaller stick connects the 2 front legs, as the shelf for the canvas.

Step 3: Prepare the Mini Canvases

Your mini canvases are 1-inch square pieces of basswood—basically a tiny blank slate. This is where the fun begins.

Begin by adding a coat of gesso to the mini canvas.

Decide on your approach and painting style:

Loose abstract paintings (See this post here)
Mini landscapes
Color-blocked modern art
Simplified versions of oil paintings
A playful abstract design with bold strokes

Working small keeps the project approachable for any skill level. You don’t need to be an ace painter—these are about expression, not perfection.

Step 3: Prepare the Mini Canvases Your mini canvases are 1-inch square pieces of basswood—basically a tiny blank slate. This is where the fun begins. Begin by adding a coat of gesso to the mini canvas. Decide on your approach and painting style: Loose abstract paintings (See this post here) Mini landscapes Color-blocked modern art Simplified versions of oil paintings A playful abstract design with bold strokes Working small keeps the project approachable for any skill level. You don’t need to be an ace painter—these are about expression, not perfection.

Step 4: Paint the Mini Paintings

Paint directly onto the basswood squares using acrylic paint.

Because the surface is wood, the paint grips nicely and dries quickly.

Tips for best results:

Use a limited color palette for cohesion
Let layers dry between colors to avoid muddiness
Embrace imperfections—they add charm at this scale
Try abstract paintings for maximum impact with minimal effort

These mini canvases are a great place to explore new ideas without commitment.

Step 4: Paint the Mini Paintings Paint directly onto the basswood squares using acrylic paint. Because the surface is wood, the paint grips nicely and dries quickly. Tips for best results: Use a limited color palette for cohesion Let layers dry between colors to avoid muddiness Embrace imperfections—they add charm at this scale Try abstract paintings for maximum impact with minimal effort These mini canvases are a great place to explore new ideas without commitment.

Step 5: Let Paint Dry Completely

Allow each mini canvas painting to dry fully before handling.

This is especially important before gluing so you don’t smudge your beautiful artwork.

Once dry, you can optionally seal the surface with a clear coat for durability, but it’s not required for acrylic paintings for decorative use.

Step 5: Let Paint Dry Completely Allow each mini canvas painting to dry fully before handling. This is especially important before gluing so you don’t smudge your beautiful artwork. Once dry, you can optionally seal the surface with a clear coat for durability, but it’s not required for acrylic paintings for decorative use.

I use some craft paint and paint the edges of the canvas once the mini masterpiece has dried.

I use varnish and give the surface an even sheen in a satin finish.

Step 6: Attach the Mini Painting to the Easel

Apply a small dot of glue to the front support of the miniature easel and gently press the painted canvas into place.

Hold for a few seconds until secure.

You could use miniature wax or tacky putty instead of glue if desired.

Suddenly, your small paintings become display-ready art—tiny, polished, and full of personality.

Step 6: Attach the Mini Painting to the Easel Apply a small dot of glue to the front support of the miniature easel and gently press the painted canvas into place. Hold for a few seconds until secure. You could use miniature wax or tacky putty instead of glue if desired. Suddenly, your small paintings become display-ready art—tiny, polished, and full of personality.

Styling & Display Ideas

Despite their size, these mini canvas art pieces have a strong presence when styled thoughtfully.

Here's some fun ideas:

Grouping several together for a mini gallery look
Displaying them on a bookshelf or open shelf
Adding them to a study room desk for inspiration
Using them as accents in a small space where large art feels overwhelming

They’re proof that small canvases can still make a big impact.

Styling & Display Ideas Despite their size, these mini canvas art pieces have a strong presence when styled thoughtfully. Here's some fun ideas: Grouping several together for a mini gallery look Displaying them on a bookshelf or open shelf Adding them to a study room desk for inspiration Using them as accents in a small space where large art feels overwhelming They’re proof that small canvases can still make a big impact.

Use tiny paint brushes but don't get too fussy about them, they are so small and will naturally be viewed from a distance!

Making this the perfect little art piece!

Which one of these miniature paintings is your favorite?

I love that little hummingbird...and the poppy...and the avocado...and the tulips...oh, and that lady bug!

That's it!

Mini paintings on miniature easels are one of those projects that feel joyful from start to finish.

They’re fast, flexible, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect whether you’re experimenting with abstract design or recreating a favorite artwork in miniature form.

These tiny works of art may be small, but they deliver beautiful artwork and a bright impression that punches well above their size.

Sometimes, the best creative projects really do come in the smallest packages. 🎨✨

Like, Pin and Save!

Mini paintings on miniature easels are one of those projects that feel joyful from start to finish. They’re fast, flexible, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect whether you’re experimenting with abstract design or recreating a favorite artwork in miniature form. These tiny works of art may be small, but they deliver beautiful artwork and a bright impression that punches well above their size. Sometimes, the best creative projects really do come in the smallest packages. 🎨✨

Get the free xTool cut file for this miniature easel and canvas!

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I love how this tiny little acoustic guitar turned out.

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I mostly love these little clay potted plants! 😉 😂

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