How to Decoupage a Photo on a Wooden Box

Decorate a wooden box with photos of your favorite memories.

Decoupage is an easy way to customize a wooden box to fit in with your home decor or your personal interests. Using photographs to decorate a wooden box is the perfect way to make the box one-of-a-kind. A photo box makes a sentimental gift for a parent or grandparent, and is the perfect way to show off and display your favorite photos. A wooden box with photos on it also makes a lovely jewelry box.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Wooden box
• Printed copies of photographs
• Scissors
• Decoupage medium
• Paintbrush
• Popsicle stick

Instructions

1. Sand the wooden box with sandpaper to create a smooth surface for the decoupage. If the box is already fairly smooth, this step can be skipped.

2. Print a copy of the photograph or photographs you want to use for this project using a computer and printer. However, unless you own a laser printer, you will need to have the photo professionally printed, as decoupage medium can cause inkjet prints to smear. For a vintage look, print the photo in black and white or grayscale. Trim the photo to fit the box with scissors.

3. Apply a thin coat of the decoupage medium to the box with a paintbrush where you'd like the photo to be placed. Don't use too much decoupage medium.

4. Press the photo on to the decoupage medium. Gently use your fingers to squeeze any air bubbles or wrinkles from the photo as it adheres to the box. For extra help with this, use the side of a wooden Popsicle stick to smooth out the photo.

5. Add a coat of decoupage medium over the photo with the paintbrush to seal the photo. Even if you are adhering just one photo to the box, cover the entire box with decoupage medium so that the surface is uniform. Alternately, add more photos to the box using the decoupage medium.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to add a shiny or glossy finish to the wooden box, you can apply a clear varnish or sealer spray to the box once the decoupage is dry.

References

• Southern Blackberry Designs: Wood Jewelry Box
• First Palette: Decoupage Keepsake Box

Resources

• Plaid Online: Decoupage