Pinning with Margaret: How to do photo transfers to wood

Margaret Scott, Asst. A&E Editor

This photo transfer to wood is a unique way to display pictures. It’s simple, inexpensive and relatively quick to do.

Here is what you will need:
· a printer
· temporary tattoo paper
· piece of wood no bigger than 11 inches wide
· washcloth
· scissors
15025489_1504948439532360_8385875177327098868_oPhoto credit/ Margaret Scott

First, take the temporary tattoo paper and place it in the printer. Before printing the picture, make sure that image is flipped so it appears as a mirror image to the original photo. This is so it transfers properly to the wood in the next few steps.

To ensure the best quality of the picture, use the automatic setting on the printer for photos.

After printing the picture, cut around it leaving plenty of room for it to fit on the wood.

Remove the plastic layer of the paper as if peeling back a temporary tattoo. Carefully place the picture faced down in the center of the wood. Be careful during this process, once it’s placed on the wood, adjusting it will ruin the picture.

14976330_1504952312865306_5352257301564391006_oPhoto credit/ Margaret Scott

This is when the transferring process begins. Take the washcloth and get it wet. Don’t soak the washcloth in water, but dampen it enough that the picture starts to show through after dabbing it a few times on the back of the picture.

15039502_1504957582864779_2038968250558650002_oPhoto credit/ Margaret Scott

Once the picture is completely transferred to the wood, slowly peel back the paper. Underneath, you should find the picture covering the wood completely. If the edges are sticking out slightly, just dab the washcloth around the wood a few times and it will smooth down.

Tip: Add a thin layer of Mod Podge over your picture after an hour or two to give it a glossy finish.
14976373_1505054336188437_5910182303848188316_oPhoto credit/ Margaret Scott

There you have it! This is a creative, personal, and inexpensive gift for a friend or family member.

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