DIY Photo Block: Transform Ordinary Photos into Unique Decor

ByAmy on
Jump to ProjectRate this Project
No ratings yet
Jump to Project

Use your Instagram images to create this easy wood photo block! You’ll use Mod Podge photo transfer medium to make it happen.

Skills Required: Intermediate. It definitely takes some practice to do a Mod Podge photo transfer. You’ll be applying images to all six sides of a wood block using the medium. I recommend you try on a piece of scrap wood or dollar store wood item first.

DIY photo to wood block

If you’ve been around this blog for any length of time then you know that I love my pugs – and if you follow my Instagram stream then you really know that I love my pugs.

So I made this Mod Podge photo block so that everyone who visits my loft will know just how much my piggies mean to me.

It’s especially important because I have so many pictures on Instagram of my Nellie, who passed away in 2012 (and I still miss her!).

This photo block is so, so easy to make and would make a great gift . . . and it uses Mod Podge photo transfer medium. Which is a blast to use.

It’s proudly being displayed on my bookshelf. I love that this makes a great gift . . . and I was also thinking, a fun end of summer craft too. To capture vacation memories and photos!

Here’s how this photo transfer to wood is done!

Transfer a photo to a wood block
Print
No ratings yet

Photo to Wood Block

Learn how to make a wooden picture block using Instagram images and Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium.
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time1 hour
Dry Time1 day
Total Time1 day 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 1 block
Cost: $5

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

  • Print out the photos on a dry inkjet or laserjet printer. Make sure they are sized to fit the block.
    Screen shot of Power Point
  • Working one image at the time, use the sponge brush to apply photo transfer medium to the front of the photo – obscuring it completely.
    Painting photo transfer medium on top of an Instagram image
  • Smooth the image down carefully onto the block. Wipe away any excess that comes out the side. Repeat with the remaining five sides and let this dry for at least 24 hours.
    Hand smoothing an image down on a block
  • When the 24 hours have passed, wet the block on one side. Rub lightly to remove the paper. Let the image dry and repeat on the remaining sides.
    Wetting the image down on the block
  • After removing the top layer of paper, let dry a little and then repeat. It's better to rub gently and repeat the wetting process several times than to rub too hard and rub the image away.
    Wiping away the wet paper
  • The finished block will end up looking slightly faded and vintage-y – this is normal. Add a layer of Mod Podge Hard Coat to darken the photos and seal the block. Let dry completely before displaying.
    Adding Mod Podge Hard Coat to a wood block

Notes

Step 1: If you don’t have a photo editing program, put the photos into a program like PowerPoint or Word so you can print them.
If there is text on the image, you’ll need to reverse the image so that the text transfers correctly.
You need to make sure that the ink from your printer is DRY toner so that it doesn’t smear. Laserjet will work, and some inkjet printers.
My printer is an HP inkjet and it works. However, a lot of inkjet printers smear, so you need to do a test.
If the inkjet ink smears, get your photo copied at a FedEx store or other place where you have access to a laserjet printer.
Step 2: Doing this on the silicone mat makes it easy to pick the picture off (and protects your work surface).
DIY photo on a wood block

Let me know if you have questions in the comments! Plus check out these other photo transfers here:

Breakfast in Bed Tray • Christmas Napkins • Family Reunion Centerpiece • Inkjet Transfer • Photo Keychain • Photo Pillows • Photo Transfer to Canvas • Transfer Paper to Fabric • Transfer Photos to Fabric • Transfer to Glass

I've been crafting for over 40 years! Professional writer with blogs, books, and a product line. I can teach you how to make just about anything.

Similar Posts

  • Easy Kids’ Handprint Art for Mother’s Day

  • DIY Glitter Glasses for the Best Party Ever!

  • Easy Easter Garland Made with Yarn Eggs

22 Comments

  1. Hi Amy! This is such a neat idea! I also want to try this on my own but couldn’t figure out where to get the wood block square that you’ve used. Can I ask where you got it? Thanks!

  2. Can I photo transfer my T- shirts using Mod Podge Gloss? Or I need to use the photo transfer medium, specifically? Thanks!!!

    1. Hi Janymk! There are some tutorials out there with photo transfers using Gloss – but I don’t know how to do it on fabric (you’d have to Google a tutorial to see if you can find one). But the photo transfer medium specifically works on fabric 😀

  3. Do you use photo paper to print the photos, or regular paper-or even cardstock…..that is the only part I was unsure of, otherwise I cannot wait to do this project, we actually have 6 pets, perfect for this project!!

  4. What is considered a dry ink printer?? I have a inkjet and a photosmart printer. Thanks!

    1. Hi Katrina! I don’t know how to find out if yours is a dry inkjet – but my HP is. I would honestly do a test.

  6. Fab idea Amy! thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday! xoxoxoxoSara

Comments are closed.