3D Picture on Wood Project

We have a shelf in our living room that we wanted to put a picture in. This was a perfect chance to experiment with picture on wood inkjet transfer. The plan was to cut out 4 layers of transferred images to make a 3D wood photo.

The transfer works by using label paper, but removing all of the labels. We used return address labels. Print the image on the waxy side of the paper. The image should be desaturated, but very visible. We split our original photo into 4 layers with photoshop. Be sure to mirror your picture before printing so it transfers correctly.

Press the label paper onto the wood with the image facing down. Use your hands to make sure all of the ink transferred. Don't use a card or hard object, it will put lines in the ink.

Start by spraying all of the images with polyurethane to lock in the colors. I used a bandsaw at first to cut the rough shape. But I found a scroll saw on craigslist for $50 bucks and that worked a lot better! Above you can see the rough cut out before sanding.

I cut slots into a 2x6 and spaced each of the layers about 1/4-1/2 inch apart. Then spray the finished product with another coat of polyurethane.