Here is a project that I once thought was much more complicated than it really is.  I assumed you had to own some special kind of printer that runs pieces of wood through and prints the images onto them.  Sounds kind of silly now...

In all actuality, transferring photos onto wood is extremely simple and doesn't take any special tools or materials.  DIY mommy HeyKayli gives us the full scoop (video below)!

The best news....it's only 5 easy steps!​

What you'll Need

Hope you're ready because...here we go!

Step One

​Apply a generous amount of Gloss Gel onto the wood using your sponge brush.  The transfer will not work if the amount is not generous.  I can't stress enough...generous.  Ok, you get it.  Smooth it out a little but to ensure even coverage.

Be sure to include the sides of the wood if you want the photo to extend beyond the edges.  ​

Step Two

Place wood onto the face of the picture and firmly press down around the wood evenly.

Turn the wood over until the paper is on top and gently smooth away any bubbles or uneven surfaces.  Use your hands.  If you try to get clever and use something with a hard edge (like a ruler) you run the risk of tearing the paper.  

Step Three

Let the wood and paper dry overnight (or at least 8 hours) to ensure the transfer was successful.  

Place a wet rag over the paper side of the wood piece and press down for a minute or until the paper is thoroughly damp.

Step Four

Using your rag, begin scrubbing away the damp paper from the photo that is now transferred onto the wood.  

Try not to scrub too much after the paper is removed or the photo could be damaged.  

Go through a few iterations of letting the wood dry a few minutes and wiping it off until the paper residue is essentially gone.  

Step Five

Evenly apply 2-3 coats of Mod Podge to the wood photo and let it rest until dry. This tutorial features an Antique Matte Mod Podge, but it is up to individual tastes.  

Finished!

Now, didn't I tell ya?  It's really that easy!

Add a few screws on the back to hang or let it rest on a table, and you're the envy of the neighborhood!