Make-It Mondays: Wood Block PhotoTransfers

This project is so simple and fun! You can do it on the cheap by knabbing leftover scraps of wood from hardware stores and sneaking in a couple photo copies at the office. They make great small gifts and decorations. I chose images with sayings as well as photographic images. When using text make sure to flip the image before you print it or it will come out backward. Other than that, go wild.

YOU'LL NEED:

Blocks of wood in various sizes, Photo Copies (use copy machine or laser prints), Liquitex Gel Medium, Mod Podge, Large Bristle Brush, Sponge or cloth.

STEPS:

1. Paint a thin layer of gel medium over the surface where you plan to place the photo. Make sure your wood blocks are sanded. No one likes splinters full of glue!

2. Lay the photo copy face down onto the gelled block and smooth it out to remove any air bubble.

3. Let the block(s) dry overnight.

4. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the paper. The black ink from the photo copy should remain. ( Use the soft side of a sponge. The rougher side will scrape the image away if you're not careful.)

5. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the surface of the transferred image to seal it in.

These make fun paper weights, desk or shelf decorations and gifts. Once the image is sealed, you can finish off the block by painting, staining or varnishing the other sides. If you liked this project you might also be interested in making packing tape stickers. Until next time :)