Wood Photo Transfer

I had always wanted to do this but all the methods I looked at seemed unrealistic and lengthy. Thanks to CreativeBug (which is offered through the Cuyahoga County Library system for free) I was able to discover a quick, super easy way to complete this craft!

I only have the end result photos and not the progress photos but, seriously, I don't think you'll need them because it's sooooo easy! 

Supplies:

• Photo printed on copy paper on a LAZER printer!!!
• Wood plaque/surface
• Mod Podge
• Foam Brush
• Warm water
• Sponge (if desired)
• Burnisher (hard flat edge surface like a gift card)

1. Print your photo out on regular ol' copy paper on a LAZER printer. It can be in black and white or color. Cut away any excess paper. 

2. Paint on a nice solid layer of Mod Podge on your wood piece (You don't want too much that it's goopy and sliding off the sides but enough to see a white layer).

3. Flip your printed photo into the Mod Podge, ink side down and smooth out to remove any air bubbles.

4. Take your burnisher/flat edge and rub the paper with some effort. This helps get rid of any extra air pockets and gets the ink nice and set into the Mod Podge. 

5. Wait for the Mod Podge to COMPLETELY dry. 

6. Fill a cup with warm water or just let the faucet lightly run (feels pretty wasteful though!). Wet either your fingers, or a sponge, and begin to lightly saturate the photo. DO NOT soak the photo! 

7. Start lightly rubbing the paper in circular motions. The paper will begin to turn into a pulp and will slowly roll off the wood surface. 

8. As the wood dries you may see some paper areas you missed. Just go back over these in the same fashion by wetting your fingers and rubbing the area in a circular motion. 

9. After you're done, you can coat the wood with a finishing agent, paint the sides, decorate with embellishments, etc. 

Really cute gift idea, especially for family photos!

Note: "They" do make photo transfer solutions specifically for this type of project. Even Mod Podge makes a specific Mod Podge for it as well. You can also use a gel medium technique but that takes days to set! I don't see the point in buying extra (expensive) supplies when beautiful, simple Mod Podge works just as good! 

Here are my 3 transfers below: