Apply gesso to the canvas with a paintbrush. Wait for the gesso to dry.
Paint the canvas with a large brush. Use sweeping strokes to cover the entire canvas. You can also paint patterns or images. Don't use oil paints.
Dip a brush in water and go over the paint to fade it, if necessary. You can also remove paint with a paper towel or textured cloth. Using a textured cloth adds texture to the paint.
Boil a cup of water and dip a black tea bag in it.
Remove the tea bag from the water after 2 minutes. Place the tea bag on a paper towel to absorb the excess water.
Tear or use scissors to cut images and text out of magazines, books and other printed materials. Use images that are at least 20 years old to create a vintage look.
Rub the damp tea bag on the torn paper until you have stained it to the desired color.
Put a heavy object, such as a book, on the damp paper. Wait for it to dry.
Put craft glue on the areas of the canvas where you're gluing the torn paper.
Press the paper onto the glue firmly. Overlap pieces of paper if necessary. Wait for the glue to dry.
Glue found objects -- such as buttons, old tickets and fabric -- to the canvas if desired. Wait for the glue to dry.
Paint or use markers to draw images or patterns on the canvas if desired. You can also write quotes from the time period depicted in the images you glued to the canvas.