How to Make a 3-D Wall Picture

Using a 3-D decoupage technique, a wall hanging can easily be brought to life, producing a focal point on any wall. The images in the picture will appear to pop out, and the entire display will look lifelike. You can even make small plaques with simple items such as greeting cards.

Things You'll Need

• 3 prints or pictures of the same design
• Wood plaque
• Sawtooth picture hanger
• Fine sandpaper
• Wood stain (if necessary)
• Glue
• Tube of clear silicone
• Toothpick
• Scissors
• Clear sealer, 1 can
• Embellishments (if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare a wood plaque of the desired size by staining with wood stain. When this is dry, install the sawtooth picture hanger in the center of the back of the plaque. Lightly sand the front of the plaque with fine sandpaper to prepare the surface for glue.

2. Cut one copy of the picture to fit the wood plaque. Spread the glue on the plaque, making sure that the entire surface is covered. Place the picture onto the glue and press over the entire surface to remove any air bubbles. Remove any excess glue.

3. Using the second copy of the picture, cut out the background details of the picture such as trees or mountains. These will be placed on top of the picture on the plaque. Remove 1/2 inch of silicone by sliding a toothpick across the top of the silicone tube, and place this on the plaque. Then place the appropriate cut background piece on top of the silicone, pressing very lightly. Repeat this with all of the background items so that they are sticking out from the original picture on the plaque.

4. Cut out the items that appear closer, such as people, on the third copy of the picture. Using a toothpick, remove approximately 1 inch of silicone from the tube and place on the appropriate area of the plaque. Place the cut item onto the silicone and press very gently. These items should stick out from the plaque more than the second background layer. Allow the silicone on the entire plaque to dry at least 24 hours.

5. If desired, add embellishments with glue. Small pebbles can be glued where there are rocks, or beads can be added to the centers of flowers.

6. When completely dry, spray the entire plaque with clear sealer. When the sealer is dry, the 3-D wall picture is ready to hang in the desired location.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a fourth layer by cutting another copy of the picture.

• When layering a house or building, cut the roof and, using the silicone, make the roof stick out from the building by 1/4 inch.

• When layering people, cut items of clothing, such at hats, pants or aprons, and place them out by using 1/4 inch of silicone.

• Have adequate ventilation when using silicone and clear sealer.

• Wear protective gloves when working with silicone.

Resources

• Paper Tole is Exciting
• 3-D Decoupage