Learn How to Transfer Photo to Wood

Displaying family photos in frames can get boring.

If you are like me, you LOVE to display family photos, but a house can only hold so many framed photos before you need to come up with a new and different way to showcase your favorites. After all, you do not want those fabulous photos just sitting on your computer's hard drive. You want to enjoy seeing them every day!

This easy tutorial will teach you how to transfer a photo to wood so that you can create this a stunning wood slice photograph display. It is the perfect way to display some of your most treasured photos. It is easy and inexpensive to create and will make a fabulous impact in your home. Plus, this would make a fabulous gift for friends and family, especially newlyweds and new parents.

Now, I will tell you that I tried THREE different methods before this one and trust me, this is the only one that works well! I tried wax paper, parchment paper AND t-shirt transfers. The wax paper and parchment paper work, but the images were way too faint once on the wood. The t-shirt transfer was just an EPIC fail. For some strange reason, using the paper that address labels come on works perfectly. All the other supplies are easy to find at any craft store. This post contains some affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Materials Needed to Transfer Photo to Wood

A digital photo
An 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of adhesive address labels
A basic, ink jet printer {this is the printer that we have–I love it and it's super affordable}
A black permanent marker
Carbon/tracing paper
A wood slice, in any shape/size
Scissors
Clear coat satin spray
Picture hanging hardware or Command picture hanging strips

How to Transfer a Photo to Wood

Step 1:

Peel all the labels from the backing paper.

Step 2:

Using an ink jet printer, print your selected digital photo on the side of the paper from which you removed the labels. If there is any text in your photo, be sure to reverse the image BEFORE printing it. Then, remove the page from your printer, being very careful not to touch the wet ink. The printed photo will look very faded and faint–don't worry!

Step 3:

Carefully place your printed photo, ink side down, on your wood slice. Then, without moving it at all, firmly rub the entire surface of the page. I used a plastic vinyl tool that I have, but a credit card would work equally well. Once the entire surface has been covered, remove the paper.

Step 4:

Your beautiful photo will now be on your wood slice. Isn't it exciting?! Now, you could skip to step 7 at this point. However, if you want to add some text to your wood slice, follow the next steps.

Step 5:

If desired, add details about your photo to the wood slice. I added “SSI” {for St. Simon's Island, where our photo was taken} and the year it was taken to mine, but you could add anything–even a favorite quote. To do it, print out the text you want to add, using a word processing program, and cut it to size. Once you are sure you are happy with the size and placement of your text, cut your carbon/tracing paper to the corresponding size.

Step 6:

Trace the text onto your wood slice. Then, fill in the lettering with a black permanent marker.

Step 7:

Spray your wood slice with a clear satin top coat for protection.

Step 8:

Attach picturing hanging hardware or Command strips.

Step 9:

Hang up your gorgeous wood slice photo and admire it!

That's it! I told you it was easy. Now all you have to do it pick out your favorite photos and gather your supplies. You will love this simple project.

If you loved this post, be sure to check out how I made all of those photo canvases that you see surrounding the wood slice photo! My tutorial includes the secret for creating REAL canvas texture–it's so easy!