How to Create Farmhouse Wall Art With Graphic Transfer
Hi there! Before we kick off our 4th of July festivities, I thought I would share a quick craft. If you like farmhouse or country style, then I think this one’s a good pick for you. I’ve noticed lately a number of very creative pig-related DIYs and crafts showing up on blogs and Pinterest. I decided I wanted to make one of my own, and it seemed like a good time to attempt another graphic transfer project.
I used this terrific pig graphic that I found over at the Graphics Fairy. If you’ve not yet made the acquaintance of Karen and her scads and scads of awesome graphics, then run over there and check her out. You won’t be sorry.
I started with a circular piece of plain pine that I bought at a garage sale. I’m sure you can find something similar in the wood section of any craft store. Often you see crafters transferring images onto painted surfaces, but I was going for a more rustic look, so I chose to transfer directly onto untreated wood.
I wrote a post, Graphic Transfer with a Twist, about the transparency method of graphic transfer that I “discovered” and have been quite happy with. Just reverse your graphic, and using your ink jet printer, print on the smooth shiny side of a clear, plastic transparency.
Here’s the graphic, shiny/ink side down. I taped it in place because it takes some pretty aggressive rubbing with the backside of a spoon to transfer the image onto the wood.
Using the tape also allows you to lift the sheet (to see how you’re progressing) and lay it back down in the right place.
As you can see, the image is still quite clear on the sheet. No amount of rubbing will get all the ink transferred. I stop when the ink no longer seems to be transferring.
Note that the transfer is not perfect. It’s a slightly imperfect, faded image that results. And don’t forget to wipe the remaining ink off the transparency with a damp sponge. Avoid getting the other side wet as it will smudge and kind of jell up. This is the side you print on when you want to preserve the image and display it with an overhead projector.
After letting the image dry overnight, I gave it a coat of Minwax Colonial Maple stain. To be honest with you, I wish the color came out a bit warmer, but it was a good first try.
I ran out of those hangers with the teeth on them so I put two staples on either side and then strung some hanging wire between them. Works quite nicely.
 He looks nice, though, nestled in with some of my bread boards.
I hope he doesn’t get too comfortable because he’s moving out. Going up to the shop, where I hope someone will see him and fall in love.
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Thanks for the feature, Donna!
Bye for now,
Linking up with these great parties:
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The pig is one of my favorite images. Love the way the board turned out. A question – can you use the transparency sheet more than once?
Yes! That's the beauty. A few wipes with a sponge and it's clean. They are quite sturdy. I keep my in a folder with all my files.
Wow, what a great way to do transfers! I think I can swipe one from work without having to buy a whole pack of them… since they're reusable!
Tania
I love this, Diana. That pig transfer looks like fun.
Oh, I have fallen in love with your piggy! Your transfer method looks so easy. I have been too scared to try transfers but I have seen so many I want at Graphics Fairy. I have been collecting bread boards and now have my own display….I love them. Just picked up a wooden pig too!
Love this Diana. How sweet is that graphic on the pig. Happy 4th.
Kris
Great job Diana. I love this easy way to do a transfer. It looks really nice with your collection of cutting boards. I love the large one with the oval top. Have you done a blog on that one? Have a great week.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
That looks great – thanks for the tutorial!
So cute! I love it with your other bread boards! Can't wait to make myself something using this method. Thanks.
So, so cute! I'm sure it will sell in no time! 🙂
Hi Diana!
So smart, I have never seen this transfer method before! I love how it turned out and love the 'imperfect' look of the transfer, makes it look old and original! I like that stain colour too!
Kimberley 🙂
OH WOW! I am in love with the wall art! They are just amazing! Don't forget to stop by Fabulous Friday! They will be a hit!
http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/fabulous-friday-partysummer-ideas/
Hugs Maria
http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/fabulous-friday-partysummer-ideas/
I adore your project, Diana. I'll be featuring it this Monday night at The Scoop. Thank you for linking up!
Hi Diana, I totally LOVE this. Your piggy art is awesome. He looks perfect with your other wonderful breadboards. I've pinned your great project and vignette!
Love the image Diana! I recently found a couple of bread boards that need a little magic worked on them. Love your grouping! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Love this Diana and your tutorial on how to transfer an image is great. Thank you for sharing it with Share It One More Time Cathy
Diana, this project is soooo cool! You've managed to turn a scrap of wood into a must have vintage cutting board… LOVE this! And it's being featured on Party Junk this upcoming weekend. 🙂