Q: My kids are constantly drawing new pictures for me, but I'm starting to run out of space to display them. Is there something that I can do to display these works of art without covering every wall in the house?A: As the mother of six, I completely understand your dilemma. My favorite gifts are things my kids make for me, especially pictures that they draw. So today I have the perfect solution: I'm going to show you how to turn those precious pictures into something more permanent by transferring the images onto wood. This is a great project, but it's one that requires a little work with a band saw or scroll saw. Don't be intimated by this type of equipment: it looks a lot more intimidating than it really is. If I can use one of these, I know that you can!
1. Decoupage your child's artwork onto a piece of wood (a 1"x8" scrap works really well) and let dry overnight.
2. Cut around the outside of the design with a band or scroll saw and carefully sand the cut edges.
3. Mount the cutout onto another, larger piece of wood if your design won't stand up on its own. You might try drilling a hole or two in the bottom of the cutout, inserting a dowel (or dowels) and then sticking each dowel into another piece of wood. Use wood glue in the holes and wherever wood touches wood. There are many ways to make your design stand up -- use your imagination!
4. Use craft paint to touch up the edges and to decorate the sides, back, and base.
5. Seal it with a couple of coats of polyurethane.
Here's another option: Instead of decoupaging your child's artwork onto a piece of wood, transfer just the outline of the design onto the board with transfer paper. Cut out the image with a band saw or scroll saw, and then re-create the artwork with craft paint, duplicating as closely as possible your child's brushstrokes and color choices.
