Make Life Lovely

Your DIY Guide to a Lovelier Life

  • Home
  • About
    • My Story
    • Contact
    • PR/Press
    • Terms
  • DIY / Crafts
    • Crafts
    • Gifts
    • For the Home
    • Kids
    • Memories
    • Paper
    • Parties
    • Printable
  • Holidays
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s Eve
  • Food
    • Bread
    • Dessert
    • Drink
    • Main Dish
    • Side Dish
    • Soup
  • Fashion
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Clothes
  • Travel
You are here: Home / DIY / Crafts / Easy DIY Wood Mounted Photograph (and a Giveaway!)

Easy DIY Wood Mounted Photograph (and a Giveaway!)

November 5, 2012 By Laura 62 Comments

Pin581
Share27
Tweet
Shares 608

I am so excited to share this project with you today!  This DIY wood mounted photograph is extremely easy, very cheap, is beautiful to display in your home, and makes the perfect gift.  I am also thrilled to be hosting an amazing giveaway, so stay tuned to the end of this post to find out the details, and how you can enter.

****************************** Giveaway is now closed *******************************

I made one of these wood mounted photographs for my mom’s birthday gift a few weeks ago with our family photo on it, and she couldn’t believe that I made it.  It truly is one of my favorite projects.  The finished surface of the photograph ends up looking almost like a canvas, and the end result looks very high end. And with Christmas in the near future, this would make a wonderful and inexpensive gift for your family or friends.  I originally saw this idea at Mommy Models.

So let’s begin!  Here are the supplies that you will need:

I had these 12″x12″ photos printed at Costco for only $2.99 each.

I bought a wood board that was 12″x 60″at Lowe’s that only cost $7.77.  I had someone there cut the board for me into 5 equal pieces, so that I ended up with 5 boards for 5 different photographs.  So it ended up costing me less than $5 per photo board, which is a great price!
You can use any color of paint that you like.  The color you choose will be what is painted on the edges of the wood, so make sure to pick a color that complements your photo.

First you need to sand the edges of the wood board, just to smooth it down a little.

Then paint the sides of your board.  I painted two coats.  If you are giving this as a gift, I would recommend painting the back too.  If you are keeping it for yourself, you can either paint the back or leave it unpainted, since it will probably be hung on the wall or set on a shelf where the back won’t be seen.  I think that a woodstain would look really nice, too.  I think I’ll try that next time.

Next, paint a layer of Mod Podge onto the top of your wood board.  Then stick your photo down on the board and smooth it down.

Next comes the scary part!  Brush on a layer of Mod Podge on top of your photo.  It will look like you ruined it, and you’ll be wondering if you messed it up, but it will be okay!  The Mod Podge dries clear, and will look fine after a few minutes.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Blue Candy Buffet for an Ocean Themed Wedding

I used horizontal brush strokes for the first layer, and once that dried, I brushed on a second layer using vertical brush strokes.  This gave it a canvas-y look that I liked.  Just make sure you use full brush strokes straight across, to make it smooth.  Once the top dries, brush the sides with Mod Podge too.

Here it is all white with the Mod Podge…
And here are the finished products.  Aren’t they beautiful?  You can see a little bit of the texture on the photographs.  This project is so cheap, so easy, is very quick to make, and I hope you will give it a try!  If you do make one, or have any questions about this project, be sure to leave a comment below.
If you like this project, you can enter your email address in the sidebar to receive an email when I post a new project.  You can also click on the buttons in my sidebar to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin’, and Instagram.
Now, on to the giveaway!!!
I am beyond excited to be giving away a one hour photo shoot with photographer Tyler Little, a local San Diego photographer who takes family, wedding, engagement, newborn, and maternity photos.
The winner of this contest will receive a local one hour photo shoot with Tyler, and will receive an edited disc of high-resolution images.  This would be the perfect opportunity to get your family Christmas portraits taken!
Here are some examples of Tyler’s amazing work.

If you would like to see more of Tyler’s beautiful photos, you can see them here.

Here are the giveaway rules:

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Free Easter Bunny Treat Cones Printables + Carrot Favor Tags

1.  You MUST be a local San Diego resident to win the giveaway.  Anyone may comment, but only a  local commenter can win.  If the chosen winner is not local, another winner will be chosen.  Winner will be chosen at random, and will receive a one hour local San Diego photo shoot with photographer Tyler Little, and will receive a disc of high-resolution edited images.

2.  To enter, please leave a comment below.

3.  To earn a second entry, like Make Life Lovely on Facebook.  Leave a separate comment telling me that you liked Make Life Lovely on Facebook.

4.  To earn a third entry, enter your email address in the sidebar to alert you when there is a new post.  Leave a separate comment telling me that you signed up to receive email alerts.

5.  This giveaway will close at midnight on Saturday, November 10, 2012.  The winner will be announced on Monday, November 12, 2012.

Good luck!!!

If you liked this project, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin’, and Instagram.

Pin581
Share27
Tweet
Shares 608

About Laura

Hi! I'm Laura, owner and creator of Make Life Lovely, a creative blog filled with creative craft tutorials, DIY projects, party tips, holiday ideas, home decor, and so much more! Make Life Lovely is dedicated to making everyday life more lovely, and I hope to inspire you and show you how!

Let's Be Friends!



Comments

  1. Mary says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    Oh my word I have to try this and I’m so excited to enter the giveaway! Tyler is so talented!!!

    Reply
  2. Mary says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    I already like you on Facebook. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    And now I will be getting emails from you, yay!

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 3:40 pm

      Great, thank you Mary! He is talented, isn’t he? He’s the only photographer I use 🙂

      Reply
  4. Tate, Jody, Jocelyn, and Tyler says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    Thanks for posting about this one! I’m definitely going to try it.

    Reply
  5. Tate, Jody, Jocelyn, and Tyler says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    i like you on facebook!

    Reply
  6. Tate, Jody, Jocelyn, and Tyler says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    and i submitted my email…that is all. 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 3:40 pm

      Thank you for following. Good luck Jody!

      Reply
  7. Michelle says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    I love this! I have made something similar with the San Diego temple on a block of wood. I am definitely going to try this! And I am so excited about the giveaway.

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:40 pm

      So happy to hear you’re going to try this! Be sure to come back and let me know how it goes.

      Reply
  8. Michelle says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    I like you on Facebook! And I am going to share this.

    Reply
  9. Michelle says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    I submitted my email also!

    Reply
  10. RaeRae says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    this is awesome. thanks. and Tyler is super talented.

    Reply
  11. The Rogers says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:56 pm

    This is a perfect Christmas gift! Thanks for sharing! I think Tyler is awesome and would love family pics!

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:38 pm

      Isn’t he great? I hope you try this project, you will love it!

      Reply
  12. RaeRae says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:56 pm

    liked you on FB

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:24 pm

      Thank you, and good luck!

      Reply
  13. The Rogers says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    I also liked your page on Facebook.

    Reply
  14. The Rogers says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Looking forward to email updates!

    Reply
  15. RaeRae says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    getting emails.

    Reply
  16. The Wilcken 7 says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    Dang lady you are seriously so crafty! Love the blog. I was planning on leaving a comment today and was super excited when I saw this post. Tyler is a very talented photographer.

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 6:24 pm

      Why thank you! Perfect day to leave a comment 🙂

      Reply
  17. The Wilcken 7 says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  18. The Wilcken 7 says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:09 pm

    I like you on facebook! Why don’t they have a “love it” button?!

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 6:30 pm

      Me too, wouldn’t that be great?!

      Reply
  19. The Wilcken 7 says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    Submitted my e-mail! Have a great Monday!

    Reply
  20. devanddar says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    Tyler took the pictures for my sis-in-law’s wedding – they turned out beautifully! I love the wood mounted photo – I think I found my Christmas presents! Thanks!
    Devin Schallock

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 6:27 pm

      You are welcome, let me know how the project turns out!

      Reply
  21. devanddar says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    Just liked you on FB! I’m excited to see what else you have on there.
    Devin Schallock

    Reply
  22. devanddar says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    Can’t wait to be emailed to see more cute stuff!
    Devin Schallock

    Reply
  23. wer says

    November 5, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    Amy just told about your blog- so fun! This is the best give away!

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 5, 2012 at 9:41 pm

      Thank you Wendy! Good luck, and welcome to my blog!

      Reply
  24. Laura Russell says

    November 5, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  25. MamaLadyBug says

    November 6, 2012 at 6:55 pm

    Your cousin linked me to your page and it’s great! I did the same thing with the photos and framed canvas. I painted the edges afterward and hit the edges of the photos too. Love the end result! Your babies are precious.

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 6, 2012 at 7:46 pm

      Thank you, I’m glad you like my blog! I still need to try the canvas method. As soon as I find more wall space, haha.

      Reply
  26. Dan, Justyn, and Noah says

    November 7, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    you are so creative, love this idea!!

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 7, 2012 at 10:18 pm

      Thanks Justyn! So glad you stopped by.

      Reply
  27. Dan, Justyn, and Noah says

    November 8, 2012 at 1:01 am

    I LIKED YOU ON FACEBOOK

    Reply
  28. Dan, Justyn, and Noah says

    November 8, 2012 at 1:02 am

    I SUBSCRIBED TO YOUR EMAIL ALSO. I am so trying so very hard for a lovely photo shoot but your so talented brother!!! (like all the so’s?!)

    Reply
  29. Cindy Sproul says

    November 11, 2012 at 1:00 am

    Just randomly found your page. Just moved back to San Diego area. Would love to win the giveaway!

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 11, 2012 at 2:16 am

      Awesome, so glad you found me! Good luck!

      Reply
  30. Cindy Sproul says

    November 11, 2012 at 1:01 am

    I also liked your page on facebook

    Reply
  31. Amber Jillard says

    November 11, 2012 at 1:17 am

    i love it!

    Reply
    • Laura Russell says

      November 11, 2012 at 2:15 am

      Thanks! So glad you stopped by 🙂

      Reply
  32. Amber Jillard says

    November 11, 2012 at 1:21 am

    i loved u on fb too!

    Reply
  33. Amish says

    July 20, 2013 at 6:22 am

    Hi, your work is awesome and I am about to try it. My question is what kind of wood did u get at lowes? Was it ply wood or exactly which kind and was the wood really heavy? 2nd question is will any kind of photo paper work since I will be putting mod podge on it and I don’t want to ruin the photo. Thank you

    Reply
    • Laura @ Make Life Lovely says

      December 19, 2013 at 9:14 pm

      Yes, any type of photo paper should work just fine! See two comments below to see my answer about the wood. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  34. Sam Almanza says

    August 17, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    where did you get your 12 by 12 photo prints att

    Reply
    • Laura @ Make Life Lovely says

      December 19, 2013 at 9:11 pm

      At Costco. They used to print 12 x 12, but someone told me that stopped doing it recently? I haven’t tried printing that size again, so I’m not sure if they still do.

      Reply
  35. Anonymous says

    September 29, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    I have the same question as Amish – what type of wood did you use? Plywood is the least expensive, but I’m thinking that the edges would look bad, even when painted. And what thickness did you use? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Laura @ Make Life Lovely says

      December 19, 2013 at 9:13 pm

      Oh gosh, I wish I could remember the thickness. I know that it was 12 x 60″, so I would ask someone who works there to show you where the wood is that are those dimensions, and I think you could find it pretty easily. No, it wasn’t plywood- you are right, the edges of plywood would look horrible. The wood I used sanded very nicely, and worked great! Good luck finding it!

      Reply
  36. Estelle says

    February 21, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    I’d like to ask, how has this photo mounted on wood held up over time?

    Reply
    • Laura @ Make Life Lovely says

      February 26, 2014 at 6:44 am

      It’s held up really well! It looks exactly like it did when I first made it. We gave a set of them to my husband’s grandma, and they look perfect! I think the key is making sure that all of the air bubbles are out from underneath the print. Make sure to smooth it down really well and push out any air bubbles that might be underneath, because over time they can expand. The final product looks really great for the small amount of money that this project costs. Good luck!

      Reply
      • Jesse says

        November 24, 2014 at 9:48 am

        Do you think I valid paint on the Mod Podge to creatively eliminate something in an otherwise great photo?

        Reply
  37. Khyati Desai-Seltzer says

    January 19, 2015 at 6:51 am

    I made this following your instructions yesterday and it turned out great! The hardest part was figuring out how to a fix it to the wall.

    Reply
  38. Pat Wilson says

    September 6, 2016 at 9:40 am

    Before u put the Mod Podge on top of the photo do u let the photo dry on the wood first. Please text me at 303-324-2390 with ur reply as I broke my leg and unable to get downstairs where our computer is.

    Reply
  39. Pat Wilson says

    September 6, 2016 at 9:47 am

    Do u let the photo on the wood dry first before u put the Mod Podge on top of the photo? Could u text me with ur reply at 303-324-2390 as I broke my leg and unable to get downstairs where our computer is?

    Reply
  40. Amanda says

    November 1, 2016 at 9:05 am

    I just came across your blog. I am planning a project for the holidays for my parents. Which picture finish is better to use for this project? Glossy or Matte? Thank you for your help

    Reply
  41. denzil bell says

    April 12, 2017 at 10:04 am

    I was looking for ideas to put a crest on wooden coasters, these were for a friend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Womens Royal Naval Service. I googled “sticking photos on wood” and up came your excellent tutorial. I have today ordered the Mod Podge and can’t wait to start the project. Many thanks. Denzil Bell

    Reply
  42. Corianne Mouton says

    August 23, 2017 at 5:33 pm

    What type of paint did you use? Me and my boyfriend want to do this project but as a collage instead of a single photo. And would you recommend the matte mod podge or gloss? I am wanting to do this project this weekend so if you could please get back with me as soon as possible that would be great. Thank you!

    Reply
  43. Michelle says

    October 2, 2017 at 7:42 am

    Hi there, I would like to make one of these and was wondering if your photo were copied on photo paper or copy paper? Thanks

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 19, 2018 at 1:40 am

      It was on photo paper. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Amish Cancel reply

Popular Posts

How to Make Stickers Using Cricut Print then Cut

How to Make Stickers Using Cricut Print then Cut

Disney Moana Party Every Child will Love

Disney Moana Party Every Child will Love

Chocolate No Bake Cookies

Chocolate No Bake Cookies

6 Uses for Silica Gel Packets- Don’t Throw Them Away!

6 Uses for Silica Gel Packets- Don’t Throw Them Away!

How to Fix Any Broken Powder Makeup… Really!

How to Fix Any Broken Powder Makeup… Really!



Return to top of page

Copyright © 2018 · Genesis Framework · Design by Key Lime Digital Designs · Log in