Craft the Perfect Keepsake: DIY Photo Transfer Christmas Ornaments
Unleash your creativity this festive season with this step-by-step guide on how to transfer a photo onto a wooden slice or a piece of wood. These ornaments make heartfelt and personal gifts for friends and family.
Start by gathering some wood slices, which can be found at craft stores or even made by cutting thin slices from a fallen tree branch found in your backyard. These slices provide a natural and rustic backdrop for your photo transfer.
Supplies Needed:
Wood Slices - these wood slices from Amazon already have the hole drilled
White Acrylic Paint
Mod Podge
Paint Brush
Photo printed on Regular Copy Paper
Water
Thin Jute Rope or Twine
Drill
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Quick and Easy Step by Step Instructions:
Select a meaningful photograph that represents a special moment. It could be a family portrait, a snapshot from a memorable vacation, or even a beloved pet. Choose a photo with a simple background and strong contrast, as it will yield the best results for the transfer.
Print the photo on regular white copy paper and cut to the size needed for your wood slice.
If you want a more rustic look, apply the photo directly to the natural wood slice.
For my daughter’s wedding photo, I painted the wood slice with white acrylic paint. This way I knew that the image would be more crisp.
Apply an even layer of Mod Podge onto the wood slice and place the trimmed photo face down onto the wood slice. Make sure to press down on the photo to be sure it is totally glued to the wood slice.
Allow this to dry before moving on to the next step. This process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Be patient and resist the temptation to touch it before it's fully dry. (You can always speed up the process with a heat tool)
Once the transfer medium is dry, it's time to remove the paper backing. This is where the magic happens!
Image Photo Transfer on Wood Slice for a Cherished Christmas Ornament
Start by lightly dampening the wood slice with water and gently rub the paper in a circular motion. The water will soften the paper fibers, making it easier to remove. Continue rubbing until all the paper has been removed, revealing your transferred photo on the wood slice. Rub gently to be sure and not remove part of the image.
If you still see some white pulp, just add a bit more of the water and continue to rub gently.
Brush off the pulp dust with a paper towel.
Apply a top coat of Mod Podge or use spray sealer to preserve your Christmas ornament.
Drill a hole at the top of the wood slice large enough for your jute rope or twine to go through.
Thread the jute rope through the hole and tie a knot.
Add a few decorative beads and tie another knot. These Wood Slices from Amazon already have holes drilled…which makes it quick and easy!
Go through all those photos on your cell phone (I know that you probably have a ton on your Camera Roll) and download, print and make some Photo Transfer Wood Slice Christmas Ornament. These ornaments will become a treasured heirloom and keepsake. Plus they will add a personal touch to your Christmas tree or holiday gift list.
These ornaments would also make great Christmas tags for your gift packages!
