Go Back Email Link
DIY wood scrap art
Save Print
4.94 from 43 votes

Wood Scrap Art

Learn how to make scrap wood wall art the easy way! Commemorate with your favorite images.
Prep Time1 hour
Active Time2 hours 30 minutes
Dry Time2 hours
Total Time5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 piece
Cost: $10

Equipment

Materials

  • Wood backer board 26" x 10"
  • Plywood random scraps
  • Scrap pieces of wood for risers
  • 4 1" square dowels 2 (28") and 2 (10")
  • Graphics of your choice
  • Wood screws
  • Craft paint white
  • Mod Podge
  • Wood glue

Instructions

  • Cut the backer board to size, as well as the scrap wood pieces to exactly fit the board. Arrange to make sure the pieces fit.
    Scrap wood pieces organized on a backer board
  • Print out graphics to fit each piece of scrap wood. My graphics are just old postcards, maps and even a quick internet download of the poster from my favorite movie. Trim to fit.
  • Decoupage the graphics onto the wood blocks, one by one. Add Mod Podge to the wood, smooth down the paper on top, and let dry for 15 - 20 minutes. Then apply a top coat and let dry. Repeat and let dry completely.
  • Distress edges of the blocks with a sander, gently.
    Distressed edge of a wood board with a vintage graphic
  • Reassemble the design on the backer board. Leave flat or place wood pieces as risers under some pieces for interest.
    Various wood blocks with graphics decoupaged on top
  • Use wood glue to attach all pieces, including the risers, to the backer. Let dry overnight.
  • For the frame, I decided that I wanted a basic, rustic look. You will create simple butt joints. Grab the square dowel rods and mark where the pilot holes should go at the end of each piece.
    Create a frame to build around your scrap wood art
  • Drill the pilot holes (these will prevent the dowel from splitting while screwing. Then attach the dowel pieces to the frame using the wood screws.
    X marking the pilot hole spot on the dowel
  • Paint the frame with white paint and let dry before hanging or displaying.
    DIY wood scrap art

Notes

As with all my projects, once it's done I think of a million different options.
  • I used plywood because that's what I had on hand. Anything sturdy would work for the graphics, even mat board or foam core.
  • This might be cool to do for a child - to show their life. You could use photos, report cards, school projects/drawings, favorite book covers (all laser copies of course). It would also be very meaningful Father's Day gift.
  • I left the edges of my graphic panels unpainted. They might look nice painted black - just to emphasize the dimensionality a bit more.
  • If you don't want to deal with as much sawing of wood, you could design the pieces to overlap.
  • Ideally you can print the graphics on a laserjet printer. But if you only have inkjet, print them out and spray both sides with a clear acrylic sealer or hairspray. Let dry overnight before decoupaging.