DIY Image Transfer

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

As I was doodling mandalas for DIYNetwork.com, I got an idea for a funky gift tag. In college, I played a bit with image transfers (like every other design student in history), and I’d been itching to try them again. So today, I thought I’d show you how I DIYed these gift tags using an image transfer. It adds such a personal touch and bonus: it’s super easy and quick–2 minutes + walk away for an hour + and 5 more minutes.

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

You’ll Need:

Mod Podge (Don’t worry about the sheen!)
foam brush
wooden gift tag
spray bottle full of water
an image to transfer*

*Note about the image: You can easily transfer a variety of images, but the easiest is a print made with a laser printer. If you want to make some bohemian printed gift tags like mine, click here to download the mandala I used from DIYNetwork.com

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

The first thing you’ll do is trace your tag with a pencil on the mandala. (I’d suggest doing several at once.)

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

Cut out your traced shape And put a good layer of Mod Podge on the image.

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

Lay the image on top of your tag and walk away.

Let it dry for one hour.

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

After an hour, use a spray bottle to dampen the paper. As it dampens, it will start to become translucent.

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

Gently start rubbing away the paper.

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

Alternate between gently rubbing away the paper and dampening until all remnants of paper are gone.

DIY Image Transfer How-To | Hannah & Husband

And that’s it! You can put a little message on the back of your label and then affix it to your gift.