Follow this tutorial and transfer an image onto wood using tissue paper and Mod Podge, with an Elmer’s glue crackle texture border.
Tissue paper image transfer on wood – and a crackle chalk paint finish gives this easy fall craft a bit of vintage charm.
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Grab a piece of scrap wood – or any unfinished wood sign from the dollar store or craft store – and let’s completely transform it using some of my favorite chalk paint and Mod Podge techniques:
- First, a dry brush painting technique to soften any solid painted surface.
- Then, a crackle paint texture using Elmer’s glue and chalk paint that can be used to add an aged or vintage feel to any craft.
- And finally, we’ll add a fall image using tissue paper and Mod Podge – one of my favorite image transfer techniques.
These techniques add a vintage, distressed look to your craft projects, making them perfect for personalized gifts or home decor.
Video Tutorial
Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:
Image Transfer and Crackle Finish on Scrap Wood
Follow this tutorial and transfer an image onto wood using tissue paper and Mod Podge, with an Elmer's glue crackle texture border.
Materials
- Unfinished wood surface, lightly sanded and wiped clean if needed
- Chalk Paint, black, taupe, and white
- Tissue Paper
- 1 Sheet of Printer Paper
- Painters Tape
- Elmer's Glue
- Mod Podge (Matte finish is recommended)
- Image to print
Tools
Instructions
- Watch the video tutorial before you begin, and let that be your visual guide for this project.
- Print Your Image: Cut a piece of tissue paper to slightly smaller than the size of your printer paper. Then tape the tissue paper to the computer paper around the edges. Try to keep the tissue paper as smooth as possible to prevent. Then, print your image onto the tissue paper. Watch the paper carefully as it goes through the printer, in case there are any jams.
- Base Coat the Wood Surface: Paint the wood piece with a coat of black chalk paint, and let dry. Then use a dry brush technique to distress the black paint with some taupe chalk paint. Let dry.
- Trim the Tissue Paper Image Down to Size: Cut the taped edges off the tissue paper. Then carefully rip away as much of the plain white tissue paper as possible, taking care not to accidentally rip away any of the printed image. Lay the trimmed image in the center of the wood piece. Make a mental note of how much space it takes up, and try to avoid that area when applying Elmer’s glue in the next step.
- Apply Elmer’s Glue: Use a paint brush to apply a coat of Elmer’s glue around the edge of the wood piece.
- Allow the Glue to Partially Dry: Let the glue sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes tacky. It should not be completely dry, but rather at the point where it's still a bit sticky to the touch.
- Apply White Chalk Paint: Quickly, before the glue dries completely, apply the second color of chalk paint over the glue layer. Avoid over-brushing, as this may interfere with the crackling process.
- Let the Top Coat Dry and Crackle: As the top coat dries, you'll notice the crackle effect taking shape. You can speed along the crackle process by using a heat gun. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Place the Image: Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the wood surface, just a bit larger than the tissue paper. Carefully place the tissue paper with the printed side facing up onto the Mod Podge-coated wood. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles, working from the center towards the edges.
- Seal the Transfer: To protect the transferred image, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface. Allow it to dry.
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More Fall Upcycle Crafts
This craft was part of a round-up video of New Fall Upcycle Crafts for 2023. You can watch it on YouTube: