DIY Image Transfer Tutorial with Unicorn Art

My daughter has a summer birthday, and we have been spending part of our vacation updating her bedroom decor. She’s transitioning from a little girl to a little big girl, and her style and taste in decor is evolving. I’m sure lots of you are facing similar transitions this summer, as our loved ones move from middle school to high school, or even on to college. If you’re making DIY dorm, teen or kids room decor, here’s a project you can make together: DIY image transfer wall art!

Unicorn DIY Image Transfer Art Supplies:

Darice Unfinished Wood Craft Frame, 5×7 inches
Darice Unfinished Wood Craft Frame, 8×10 inches
White Paint
Pickling Paint in Pink and Blue
Palissades Transfer Paper
Unicorn Images (Or images of choice)
Printer
Mod Podge

Step 1. Disassemble the two picture frames. Paint one frame blue and the other pink. I used Pickling Paint, which provides a sheer wash of color so that the wood grain still peeks through the color.

Step 2. Paint the backs of the frames with white chalk paint. I only used one layer of paint and left some spots bare to give the project a faded, rustic look.

Step 3. Find an image you like and save it to your computer. I used unicorns that are in this design bundle.

Step 4. Print the image on Palissades Paper (found on Etsy) using a laser printer. This is a specialty paper used for easy DIY image transfer projects. You can also use regular printer paper, like I did in THIS tutorial, but you need to be sure to use a laser printer. Ink printed images will smear when you get to step six of this project.

Step 5. Trim the image from the paper.

Step 6. Paint the printed image with Mod Podge. You’ll want an even, heavy layer applied. Place the picture face down on the white painted wood. Smooth out any air bubbles and wipe off excess Mod Podge. Let this dry completely.

Step 7. When the paper is completely dry, get a damp washcloth and wet the paper. Once it is wet enough that you can see the image through the paper, start peeling off the backing. The unicorn image will be revealed, transferred to the wood backing.

Step 8. Once the backing is dry, place it back inside the photo frame. Screw the hanger that comes with the set to the back of the frame so you can hang your artwork.

The neat thing about DIY image transfer is that it looks like the image has been printed directly on the wood. You can leave the background unfinished if you want the wood grain to show through, or paint it any color you like to match your room’s decor. Have fun crafting and creating with image transfers!