How-to: Transfer a Photo to Glass

We recently received these open back vintage frames. Beautiful, isn't it?

Christy decided to add a base to it to give it height and do a photo transferred glass to insert into the frame.

Crafted by Christy.

 Supplies

• Glass
• Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi-Medium in Matte
• Paintbrush
• Soft Sponge
• Scissors

First, we will walk you through on how to transfer a photo to glass, then show you how to make a stand for your picture frame

Why transfer a photo to glass when you can just insert a photo into the frame to display? Transferring a photo to glass allows the photo to be seen from both sides of the frame and any available light source gives the photo a touch of glow for a truly unique look.

1.  Print a favorite photo onto regular printing paper using an inkjet printer.
2.  Apply a thick coat of the medium only to the area you want the photo to appear.

Keep in mind, any white areas on the photo will not transfer as white is not an ink color.

3.  Place the photo, print side down, onto the medium and press the paper thoroughly into it.

Be sure to smooth out all the areas of the photo as any missed spots will not transfer the photo properly to the glass.

4.  When done, set the glass aside to dry overnight.

5.  When the glass is completely dry, soak the paper completely using a soft sponge. Then, gently scrub the paper off the glass.
6.  Let the glass dry when done.
7.  Apply a thin coat of the medium over the photo to seal it.
8.  Set the glass aside to let dry.

Once dry, insert the glass into the frame to display!

Now, we will walk through on how Christy made her picture frame stand. 

The supplies you will need are: a drill, 2 wooden candlesticks, 1 large block, 1 wooden plaque, a small dowel, E-6000, acrylic paint and a paintbrush.

After drilling a small hole in the bottom of each candlestick, Christy filled the holes with E-6000 and inserted a small dowel to join the two candlesticks. She glued a large wooden block to one of the candlesticks and a wooden plaque to the other to turn it into a stand.

Christy wanted the stand to be the exact color as the frame, so she painted it with brown, and then swiped metallic teal paint in certain areas. She also added the same metallic paint to small areas of the frame to add a little shine. Then, the frame was glued to the wooden block on the stand.

Front of frame.

Here is the back of the frame. You can see how the frame is glued to the block.

Back of frame.

Want more project ideas like this for your home? Visit our Pinterest page here for more DIY inspiration!