Transfer a photo to wood

In my quest to be creative and thanks to Pinterest, I have found a fondness for transferring pictures onto wood.  It is so simple to do, adds a personal touch to snapshots and can also be a wonderful sentimental gift.  When I saw this picture my daughter had snapped of her and her brother, I knew I would be transferring it.  I couldn't help myself, I just love this pic.

I hope this tutorial inspires you.

What you will need:

A photo printed with a laser printer. Cheap copy paper is fine. Remember, if you want the transfer to look exactly like your picture, you will need to mirror the pic when you print it. 

Piece of wood.  I have used scrap wood I have hanging around, but this time I purchased a block from Michael's.  I like the block as it stands alone.

Gel medium:  I found mine in the acrylic paint section at Michael's (don't forget your coupon).   

Mod Podge:  I was out of matte finish so used my gloss, but think matte would have looked nicer...next time.

Acrylic paint:  You only need paint if you want to add color to your border, but the natural wood is lovely too.

Apply your gel medium with a foam brush evenly over the area where your

picture will be placed.  Try not to spread it on too thick, as it causes bubbles that are

hard to get out and if you spread it to thin, your picture won't transfer completely. 

So just a nice even amount and you will be fine.  

Lay your paper photo side down over the area and gently work all the bubbles and

creases out.  I have a Mod Podge tool, but your fingertips actually work better.

Note your paper will be a little damp so be gentle, you don't want to tear your pic. 

Now here comes the hardest part...waiting for it to dry. 

I usually wait overnight, but it only takes a few hours if it's warm.

Once it's dry, take a wet sponge or cloth and soak the area.  I know it sounds strange, but

I promise this is what you do.  After it is really wet you will then use the

tips of your fingers to rub the paper off.  You will do this process several times. 

Once you think your picture is transferred, it will dry white again and you will start over. 

Did I say this was simple?  It really is, just a little elbow grease that's all. 

keep going.....

almost done....

paint and seal

now admire.

See I told you it was easy.

As a side note, if you are giving as a gift you can always sign the back of the wood. 

Or like I did in this case (sorry no pic) I had my kids sign it. 

Great Christmas gift for grandparents hint, hint, hint.

Enjoy your day.

Apryl