How to Transfer a Photo to Wood: Easy Beginner-Friendly Tutorial!

Get the free wood transfer design files at jennifermaker....
Last year I showed you how to transfer photos and other images to wax candles, which you loved! So this year I'm showing you how to transfer photos and images to WOOD! Yes, wood! This is SO cool! You can print out a beautiful full-color photo on your printer and transfer it to a wood sign or plaque. And because I love to test things, I tried a bunch of different types of wood, printers and methods, and I'm sharing the exact supplies, tools and techniques for the BEST photo transfer results every time. I'll also show you how to take it a step further by adding a little vinyl message to your wood!
Topics covered in this tutorial on how to transfer a photo to wood:
0:00 - Photo Transfer to Wood Projects
1:03 - Supplies & Tools for Photo Transfer Projects
1:50 - Difference between Inkjet & Laser Prints on Wood
3:44 - Step 1: Print Your Photo or Image
5:05 - How to Mirror Your Image
8:27 - Step 2: Get Free Design Files for Transfer to Wood
10:56 - Step 3: Cut Your Vinyl For Your Wood
12:37 - Step 4: Assemble Your Wood Transfer Photo
I appreciate every subscriber. It's free and easy to subscribe -- just click here: bit.ly/sub2jenn...
MATERIALS LIST (contains my affiliate links):
View my Amazon shopping list with the exact items we used to make this project at www.amazon.com...
* Basswood Plank or Rectangle Plaque - amzn.to/3yS6hlI
* White copy paper - amzn.to/3DRVOup
* Mod Podge (dishwasher safe formula) - amzn.to/3o2TU47
* Cricut Premium Permanent Vinyl - Black, White - amzn.to/3bsj1pI
* Krylon UV Resistant Matte Finish Sealer - amzn.to/3BQp17h
* Water (To remove photo transfer)
* Foam Roller (optional)
* (Optional) Fonts -- I used Sweetie Almeera Font fontbundles.ne... and Bright Font - fontbundles.ne...
* A method to cut your Vinyl -- I used the amazing Cricut Maker 3, but you can also use the Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Series (I used the amazing Cricut -- see shrsl.com/1dq4w )
* Printer - I used a Lexmark Laser printer - amzn.to/3thuuAV
* Cricut Green StandardGrip Mat
* Transfer Tape
* Weeding Tool
* Scraper Tool
* Brayer Tool
* Foam Brushes
* Rag/towel
* Disposable Bowl
* Disposable Gloves
* (Optional) Heat gun, Hairdryer
* Design # 354 (My free SVG/PDF/DXF design files (available in my free resource library at jennifermaker.... )
#cricut #cricutmade #designspace
============
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Blog: jennifermaker.com
Facebook Page: / jennifermakercrafts
Facebook Group: / cricutcraftersandmakers
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Pinterest: / jenuinemom
Please subscribe to my channel at / jennifermaker for more video tutorials to craft a live you love!
Credits:
Introduction: PixelBytes (my child!)
Music: Cute by Bensound (licensed, royalty and copyright free)
Videography: Jennifer Marx on a Panasonic Lumix FZ-1000 DSLR 4K camera
Design: A Jennifer Maker original!

[@BeyondTshirts]

I did a similar process to make photo coasters onto tiles for Christmas gifts, then added felt "legs" on the bottom. I used my inkjet printer and the colors were perfect. I left all the photos lay out for 24 hrs before the Modge Podge. I made about 18 sets of five using photos off of my family's Facebook pages. They loved them!

[@JenniferMaker]

That's a great idea! I sure they loved them and will cherish them.

[@starbrown1219]

What a nice photo of you and Greg. The holiday signs have such a nice vintage look. Great video. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@deniseorr8030]

I made 4x6 photos of the grandkids many years ago for gifts & I wish I’d known your method. Yours looked way better than mine.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@marydickens8670]

one of my favorite craft. Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us. You are greatly appreciated and I have learned so much from you. Your the best in my book.

[@JenniferMaker]

Wow, thank you!

[@donnaculp56]

I can't wait to try this one out. Love to give different gifts to family, and I know they will love this. Thank you so very much.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for watching!!

[@elizabethj4608]

I love everything about this. The instructions, the tone and the final product. How beautiful! Thank you for your time and patience :)

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@kathleenwatson3603]

I love seeing the bark on the wood! You two are SO CUTE!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!! 😊

[@erinbell52]

This is awesome! I'm going to do this with my husband and my favorite wedding photo!

[@JenniferMaker]

That sounds like a great idea! 💕

[@tammaniweaver8820]

Very neat project. Great explanation too. Thank you, Jennifer.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@catherinebradley8767]

Great tutorial! Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it!!

[@marthacalderon2063]

YES another beautiful awesome project !!!😊🥰🙏🙏

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@marthacalderon2063]

@@JenniferMaker I love and enjoy watching your tutorials and all your creations are very beautiful, blessings beautiful!!😊🥰

[@marthacalderon2063]

@@JenniferMaker I'll surely try this with a foto of my Dad who passed away when I was a kid.🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏

[@betsybottoms7014]

Lots of great information

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Sophiamia6960]

I’ve always wanted to know how to do this! Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@lexic950]

This looks fun!

[@JenniferMaker]

I hope you try it! 💕

[@kathisanders5770]

Thanks so much! A fantastic and unique way to enjoy family photos!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for watching!!

[@nancycaird7872]

Thinking of making one for my brother & sil’s cabin. Thanks again for sharing your talents ❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💜

[@mamafapp]

So creative!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! 😊💕

[@margaretjones2293]

I’m way behind lol. I’m having so much trouble with being successful with everything. Lol I love watching you because you really explain things clearly. You are super awesome and a very beautiful soul. I’m not giving up!!! I will win the battle with my cricut 😂…May you have a blessed day 🎄❄️🥰❣️

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Yes, you can do this! 💕

[@cindypyper7052]

This video is AWESOME! Tysm for sharing it. I'm ready to get my photos into the craft mode, gift giving ideas.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it!!

[@jaimemakela3871]

This will make a great gift this holiday season.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes! Glad you like it! 💕

[@QueenSB72]

This is great. I love Jennifer’s tutorials, they are so easy to follow along. Thanks so much

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@YvetteOleaCreates]

I love all the ideas you share. I just bought a Cricut Maker and am excited to start making projects! Thanks for sharing your creativity and knowledge.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@teresaschacherbauer4137]

This is really a neat project. I’m going to have to try this one for sure! That’s a darling picture of you and Greg too!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it!!

[@sheilamcneeley2605]

Can’t wait to try this

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@belindahicks6137]

Love this!! ❤ ❤

[@nestaway700]

Love the project. Your picture is so sweet, awesome couple! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@yeseniabruno2191]

I'm new to crafting but love this idea. Will try after holidays

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@UnikByLizO]

Thank you for the comparison between prints and for the free printables!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BeeMcAll]

Beautiful Project. Love, Love, Love the wood plank you used

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@vickiestrem9654]

I love this technique. I think I need to ask Santa for a new printer😉

[@JenniferMaker]

You should! 😃

[@SabrinaB412]

I learned a lot about this photo transfer to wood, it explains why my first try didn't look so great.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful! 💕

[@Alwaysphe]

I have to try this out!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@maryanndiienno3439]

I love this I will have to wait to do this till after the holidays. I am going to make something for my brother.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like it! 💕

[@karengates7154]

What a sweet picture of you guys.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! ❤️

[@calm_mom]

This is so cool!

[@JenniferMaker]

So glad you like it! 💗

[@sharonleclaire9037]

Thank you SO much for sharing all these great ideas! That’s a LOT of work and I appreciate it.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it!!

[@leslienorton9769]

I have been hesitant on trying this idea, but you make it seem even me proof! Lol. Thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@SherrieandherLykoiGaia]

I will be trying this in the near future! Thank you for teaching this!

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun!

[@anac9380]

Different than most projects out there. Looking forward to trying this.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@sheilamiller2331]

I love this idea. You have such great ideas. Thank you for sharing.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@mperry8776]

Another great tutorial! I will certainly be attempting this project in the near future. Thank you! :)

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@grandmanaynay2349]

Loving All your Idea's!! Love making them

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@elissa_h]

You always have such great information to share. Thank you for making a great video.

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💕

[@TheBeeMLB]

I may wait until after Christmas but I already have many photos that I think would be great with this technique. Your tutorials are so easy to follow. Thanks again for doing this.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@LuisRivera-bf7nl]

I love this project. I want to make one of my mom for each of my sisters

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!

[@stacygumbsbutler7461]

You are so good, and love how you explained your work

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@debbieberke5132]

Wonderful! Big difference with the laser printer

[@JenniferMaker]

It does make a difference!

[@monalisa2004]

Great project and GREAT photo!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@christinacoppens60]

Thank You for sharing this!! I learn so much from you!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💜

[@jodiriemenschneider7266]

Thank you for this! I’m new and looking for new ideas

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💕

[@LadyRJ45]

Wow! That looks absolutely magical! Love it! Great Job!🧡

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@momsfocusonline]

I love to watch all your videos

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@shannonsmitherman1797]

Y'all make a cute couple. Loved the photo. I've been wanting to do this.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@seanadean9427]

I love your tutorials.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@jenninemaner9398]

I am anxious to try this method on smaller pieces of wood like ornaments. I think this idea would make awesome gifts.

[@JenniferMaker]

It would! 😃💜

[@miknrache]

Amazing.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks! 💕

[@cooktoy1]

Thanks Jennifer, will try this using Polycrylic and Sublimation ink on wood plank.

[@JenniferMaker]

Wonderful!

[@nannyannie9432]

I love this. I would like to make one with pictures of my grandchildren

[@JenniferMaker]

Awe, that would be wonderful, Nanny Annie!

[@ljc.youtube]

I love this photo, very sweet!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@judyhilman4943]

I love it! Thanks for doing all these videos.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them! 💕

[@territatroe2989]

I am so excited to learn how to do this!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@louisemcclain6189]

I Love this Thanks Jennifer for sharing this

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@bellydiva23]

I am new to arts and crafts and a brand new subscriber. I LOVE THIS!!! How do we remove the picture if we make a mistake? Can we reuse the same wood? Can we resize the picture if we are using a smaller surface area? Thank you so much for sharing your gifts and knowledge Jennifer!

[@JenniferMaker]

Great questions! I suggest if you make a mistake and want to remove it then use some light sandpaper. Yes, resize your image to fit your wood🥰

[@bellydiva23]

@@JenniferMaker that makes sense. Thank you so much!

[@laurareddick1513]

I can't wait to try this again. My first time wasn't so great... lol

[@JenniferMaker]

You can do it! 💕

[@erinfowler1437]

I remember doing this with photos as a kid.

[@JenniferMaker]

That's awesome! 💕

[@tracydaviault2451]

Thanks for a great idea for gifts

[@JenniferMaker]

My pleasure 😊

[@47bettie]

This is awesome would make great gifts! Thank you for sharing Jennifer hugs Liz x

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@47bettie]

@@JenniferMaker Thank you Jennifer so much!!!💕

[@ladonnaaguilar4456]

love it.

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm glad to hear it! 💕

[@edenb1789]

This is great! Can’t wait to try

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@reneebanbury7066]

This is a really cool idea!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it!!

[@Negraferm1]

This is so COOL!!!! Can't wait to try it. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us :) p.s. that is such a nice picture.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much 😊

[@pennydunn1355]

Love this idea.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@lauriehowell7618]

This absolutely lovely! Can't wait to give it a try!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@roxannewinheim1836]

Thanks for this, love it and a must try.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@carolynlaudati2444]

This is so cool! Can't wait to try out this technique!

[@JenniferMaker]

Go for it!

[@carolynlaudati2444]

@@JenniferMaker, I only have an inkjet and a sublimation printer. n Just wonder what would happen with sublimation?

[@beverly7083]

What a wonderful idea I love it!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! 😊

[@silg1101]

Love it! Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks Jennifer ❤️.

[@JenniferMaker]

Hope you like it!

[@janetmenchyk9778]

Thanks nifty idea

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@michellelardin834]

Beautiful!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!

[@brendadeluca340]

I love this! Cant wait to try it!

[@JenniferMaker]

Awesome, Brenda!

[@bernicecobler4760]

This is pretty cool. Now I just have to get my husband to take a nice picture with me. lol

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for watching!!

[@yaritorres8347]

Absolutely love this can't wait to try it..

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun!

[@angelaciarrochi3938]

Sooo cool

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@carlenemartin8759]

Thank you for sharing love this 💕

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💛

[@roseblitz1439]

Love this! 💖

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@pammyerb4883]

So pretty 😍

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@judym3634]

Great idea!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! 😊

[@lucyresendes5875]

this looks so cool, I can't wait to do this :-)

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@sweetpea8107]

One day I'm going to try this

[@JenniferMaker]

You should!

[@pattybostic5775]

Thanks loved the video

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@martina5084]

I love your tutorials. I just have a question. I live in Australia and I’m not sure if we have mod podge ? Could I use glue spray ?

[@JenniferMaker]

I think so. Maybe take a look at the ingredients of the two to see if they are similar.

[@laurielyden7327]

I would like to do this to an entire wood table top, 4 1/2 feet in circumference. The table is significant to my husband's family, and is quite heavy, so it cannot be flipped. How could I modify these instructions to apply dozens of family photos to the whole top in a collage manner? I am assuming I would have to sand the top down to bare wood before beginning, since the existing table top finish is quite dark. Can the photos be applied over a white painted surface in order to get truer colors, or must the surface be bare wood for the photos to stick? I am using a mix of color and black and white photos. I am assuming that since it is a large surface to work with, I would have to do it in sections over several days. Any feedback is appreciated.

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh wow, yes that is an awesome project but very large and will need to be done in steps for sure. I haven't done anything quite on this scale so it is difficult for me to give you advice. I would suggest asking in my Cricut Crafters and Makers group to see if anyone there has conquered a job like this that can offer you more help! I would love to see the finished project though! facebook.com/groups/cricutcraftersandmakers/

[@maraglianocorinne3221]

Merci Jennifer très beaux 👏👏👏 dommage qu’il n’a pas la traduction en français j’adore vos Tutos 🤩👏👏👏

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it!!

[@karenwaluk6461]

HI, staring my Christmas project and thinking of using this technique to add photos to wooden a tissue box. [Contractor pack available at Michaels]. So... a couple of questions. Is it OK to first put min-wax wood condition on the wood and then follow it up with water based stain...and then apply the picture? Or...would the wood not take the ink as well if it was prestained?

[@JenniferMaker]

That's a good question. I have not tried that. Always worth a try.

[@buffydiebold5124]

Neat idea

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks!

[@BlackSparklePrincess]

Why not use the photo-transfer mod-podge? What are the advantages to using this one instead?

[@JenniferMaker]

I was not aware of that Mod Podge. I googled it and that is a good option. Thank you 😃

[@sandiirvin8258]

Would it work if the wood was "burnt" ? Or can one do a wood burnt edge after the picture was in the wood?

[@JenniferMaker]

A burnt edge would look nice.

[@dkloney]

Too many pics to do this with. Where to start? Thank you for sharing

[@JenniferMaker]

You can do it!

[@janicehayward6650]

Hi love this idea, have you tried transferring to a canvas?

[@JenniferMaker]

No, but that sounds like a cool project.

[@loisbryan5902]

Hello Jennifer. I love your tutorials and demonstrations. I have a question about putting a photo on wood. I printed a copy of artwork by my sister and put it on the wood. When it dried I began trying to remove the paper with water but the entire picture came off. Should I have used more glue or less water? I am not sure what I did wrong. Thanks Lois

[@JenniferMaker]

I don't know how much glue you used to be able to give you a good answer. It doesn't take much water to remove the paper. You do not want to rub too hard to removed the paper. jennifermaker.com/how-to-transfer-a-photo-to-wood/

[@loisbryan5902]

@@JenniferMaker Thank you. sounds like I used too much water. I will try again.

[@loisbryan5902]

With less water the picture was better but I still lost pieces of it here and there. so do you want to visit Canada and we will do it together...lol the picture was an owl my sister had painted not much colour but I gave it a try. Thank you again for your help and tutorials.