People, especially those who spend lots of time outdoors, tend to have an abundance of tarps. Don't get rid of the extra; ...

However, be aware that canvas tarps are a bit heavier than your typical polyethylene tarp and can be a bit harder to fold when the fabric becomes a bit stiff. They're also a bit more expensive ...

Scott Russell bought a canvas artist tarp in 2008 and festival attendees have been drawing on it ever since. Friends have contributed to the artwork, Russell says, as have strangers.