July 16, 2011

Apiary Sign [Mod Podge Tute]


More Bees in this Berger home! This time it's an "Apiary" sign with an image of a bee and a hive.
I got this sign for free, regardless of what that little sticker says. Z and I hit a yard sale right at the end and cleaned house with all our free goodies. I knew pretty quickly what I wanted to do with it. I saw this sign from Miss Mustard Seed. I loved the idea behind it and thought I could personalize it.



Z and I often call each other "B" as a nickname- {Becca Berger}.
I can't imagine how the nickname came about.

So obviously the bee is a perfect dual meaning. I did this bee lamp last week, but thought the house could use one more. 



I made my sign with a Mod Podge transfer technique that works for words and graphics but you will want to follow the tutorial exactly is you want good results. This project is excellent because you can transfer complicated images without leaving behind residue or shine around the pictures.
 
How I made mine:

[1] Sand and paint sign black
[2] Lightly sand and then paint sign white- took about three coats.

[3] Distress wood now,  before the image is transferred. The words will be too vulnerable to withstand sanding. 


[4] Paint one side of a piece of printer paper with Washable Elmer's Glue, getting complete coverage.

[5] The image: I grabbed my pictures offline {again.} I'm not selling these items, so I think it's legit to snag the pics.
 I just made my own  design for the word using Microsoft Word. I would strongly recommend using only black ink for the graphics.  My image had grey ink and it looked lilac! I had to use touch up paint to cover it.
You can change the image to "black and white" in Microsoft Word by clicking 1 button and it will remove shading and grey tones
Make sure to REVERSE THE IMAGE if you're doing words, again this is accomplished by the click of one button. {Google it if you're unsure of how to make these changes.}

[6] Once your paper is dry you can print out the image on the glued side.

[7] In this picture I am determining the spacing I wanted.
With that decided, you'll paint the wood with Mod Podge, try to only put Mod Podge where paper will be over it. It will leave shiny spots otherwise.
If this happens to you my suggestion is to decoupage the entire board so the whole thing is shiny. Do not try to sand the Mod Podge off- this did not turn out well for me!
Put the image face down on the wood. Make sure to rub it in order to get air bubbles out and to get a good adhesion. Leave it overnight, no peaking!
{It is possible that I take cardboard from Ikea every time I g, so that I can use then for projects.}
This is what mine looked like the next day.
[8] Wet the paper, dunk it in water or use a spray bottle, whatever method you like, just wet it down. You want the paper to be completely saturated. You'll know when it is wet enough because the ink will be much more visible through the paper. You can see at the top where the ink is darkening, becoming more visible through the paper.
 
[9] After the paper is soaked and has set for a couple of minutes you can gently peel the paper off. Don't rub or the ink can come off.

[10] I used craft paint to touch up the image a little. {Here's ^ the gallery wall when I was still adding to it!}
That's all I can think of girls! Let me know if you all have any questions. This technique was the bomb. I know other people have had problems with it- they say the ink won't transfer. I have never had problems, so follow the steps carefully!
This is the view into the living room. There are projects to do in every corner of that room. You can see the side of the TV. We are planning a special building project, which I am stoked about! Hopefully we an start that soon.


I pretty much love this project- the sign makes me smile.
Thanks for looking!















Update: Check out these AWESOME sites that graciously featured my sign!

A Marvelous Mess


Looking for places to link up your projects? Check out my Party page.
I'm also linked up here.

72 comments:

  1. Such a neat idea! I'm totally bookmarking this one to try!

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  2. Brilliant! My mind is realling with possibilities, can't wait to give this a try!

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  3. This is awesome!!! Thanks so much for the info!! It looks so cute!! Can't wait to see the final product with all the pics!

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  4. SO COOL! Thanks for sharing!! Count me as your newest follower!

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  5. Love the sign. I plan to try this idea...thanks for sharing.

    Have a God Filled Day
    Shirley

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  6. That is gorgeous! We would love for you to come share this at our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday" link party! http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/2011/07/strut-your-stuff-saturday-week-2.html

    Love,
    The Sisters @ sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com

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  7. found you through FJI's link party. What a great tutorial...will give it a try! haven't hopped on the sign train yet because I don't have any vinyl cutters...so this idea is perfect.
    Michael

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  8. Great post and tutorial. Thanks for sharing.
    Lowri
    http://papervinenz.blogspot.com/

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  9. That is SO interesting, Becca! I've tried the MP transfer technique on some clay flower pots and didn't Elmer glue my paper beforehand. It still worked, but I haven't tried it on wood yet. So this was great information! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  10. Ooooh, just "pinned" this! Thanks so much for the tutorial, I can't wait to try it!

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  11. Hadn't heard of this technique before, but I'm definitely saving the link in my favorites. I'm gonna have to try it out for sure. Your sign turned out great! Stopped by from FJI.

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  12. Just FABULOUS! I've tried the same technique several times with not-so-great results, but yours turned out beautifully!!

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  13. Hi there
    Just stopped by to let you know that I featured your 'ceramic' elephant on my round tuit post this week!
    Round Tuit 58
    Thanks again for linking up! Hope you have a great week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success

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  14. Love this sign too! :)

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a great weekend!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  15. luv luv the tutorial..
    I am inviting you to join our linking parties going on every week starting on Wednesdays at
    http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/07/flower-tutorial-with-linking-party-on.html
    Have a fabulous week,
    Maggie
    http://passionatelyartistic.com

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  16. Love this! I have tried mod podge transfer unsuccessfully. I'm so jealous that yours worked! it's beautiful.

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  17. awesome job thanks for sharing come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com I will be sharing a link there to this post

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  18. I've never heard of this technique, but I HAVE to try it! I do have a question or two though--how thoroughly do you paint on the glue? Does it take overnight to dry?

    (Sorry to ask questions here, but I didn't see your email address!)

    I found you through the party at Running with Glitter. I'm following you now! :)


    Kelly
    http://crazywego.blogspot.com

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  19. What a neat trick! no special equipment needed makes it even better.

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  20. Hi,
    Great idea! Never know how I find blogs - just keep clicking and clicking and end up somewhere in the blogisphere.
    Just want to confirm:
    1. you're using ordinary printing paper? and
    2. your printer is an ink jet?
    Thanks for your help.
    Cathy
    camikula@bell.net

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  21. This is INCREDIBLE! I never realized you could image transfer this easily! I thought you had to buy the expensive image transfer paper.
    You rock! Thank you so much for sharing.

    I couldn't find your e-mail, but would you ever be interested in guest posting on my blog? I just LOVE your projects!!!
    http://www.releasemecreate.blogspto.com

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  22. This is so awesome! I have never thought of making a sign this way with the printer paper and glue. so awesome!


    new follower:>

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  23. I just pinned this the other day on pinterest. I love the way you arranged the picture frames.

    Great mommy solution!

    I would love for you to hop over and share this on my weekly meme!

    http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2011/07/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions/

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  24. Wow, Becca! Your sign came out awesome! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  25. Thanks for dropping by Tales from Bloggeritaville’s Thrifty Thursday, my friend!
    I appreciate your link up…and your “presence”!
    It's not a party without you!

    You are featured on my Friday Flashback post. I hope you will drop by and visit.

    LIVE*LOVE*LAUGH
    Leigh
    Tales from Bloggeritaville
    www.lbratina.blogspot.com

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  26. I am really getting into making signs as of late and I love this idea!

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  27. thanks for sharing your technique. I love the sign and the "B" theme is perfect for you.

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  28. That's awesome! I've never heard of this method! I'm definitely trying it out. Great sign! Love it.

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  29. I am starting to play around with transfers. Who knew that kid's glue could be so much fun?!

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  30. This is so cute -- love the sign and all of the details you used on it! I've only used the method where you print the image on paper, brush the image with Mod Podge, press on wood, leave overnight, etc. as you did. Do you think you could use Mod Podge to paint the paper before you print on it? I may give it a try! Thanks for a great tutorial!

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  31. What an awesome tutorial! I would love for you to share at my party!!

    http://www.cherishedbliss.com/2011/07/craft-and-tell-no-15.html

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  32. LOVE this tutorial. I will *totally* be using this!!!!

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  33. That's really cool! Thanks for sharing the how-to!

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  34. Great idea and job!!
    Thank you so much for linking this up to {nifty thrifty sunday} last week!! I would love it if you joined me again tomorrow! :)
    xoxo,
    Vanessa

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  35. Thanks for another nice tutorial!

    Hope you will please drop by and enter my $50 Overstock.com Gift Card Giveaway!! If there are 500 entries, the amount will increase the Gift Card to $100.

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  36. Great tips, love how yours turned out! I'm stopping by from the Catch A Glimpse Thursday party. I would love for you to link this up to My Favorite Things party! It's going on all week,
    & be sure to check out my giveaway too!
    Thanks
    ~Iffy~

    www.stayathomenation.blogspot.com

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  37. Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. I took the plunge and followed your directions. I love how my project turned out! http://405transit.blogspot.com/2011/08/stools.html

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  38. So cool! I've never seen this method before. Can't wait to find a way to use it! Thanks.

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  39. This is so cool! Stopping by to invite you to link up to Thrifty Thursdays. Blessings!

    Johnnie

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  40. This looks great! Loving your gallery wall too!

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  41. This is so cool! Congratulations it was the top viewed link at Me Making Do this week!

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  42. Becca,
    What a fabulous tutorial!!!! I am going to try this. I have an old kitchen door that would be perfect for this project.
    Your sign is BEE-u-tiful!!! I am a fellow bee lover too. Your gallery wall will be gorgeous with your bee sign at the top!
    So nice to meet you today.
    Yvonne

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  43. WOW! This is amazing! I will definitely have to try it! :) thanks for sharing!

    -Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
    http://bonniegetchell.blogspot.com

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  44. Love this idea. I'm adding it to my mile long must try list.

    Ruth

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  45. Nice job on your sign, and your wall looks fantastic - I've linked this to my wall art post too today, well done!

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  46. This is fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing, i'll be featuring it tomorrow :)
    XO

    Kristin
    My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
    (Blogger issues)

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  47. Thank you so much for sharing in such detail! Am definitely going to try this too! Have just become a follower of your blog and hope you will follow me too!
    Cecilia

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  48. That is a great tip! I saw you on six sisters. have a great weekend :D

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  49. Oh my goodness I LOVE YOU!! Thank you so much for this! I was trying to figure out how to make a sign for a booth that I am opening up and this is just the thing!! I am your newest follower :-)

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  50. Neat. Thanks for sharing.

    Tranae
    www.becomingfab.com

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  51. Oh this is great! I pinned it so I can give it a try when I get some supplies. Thanks for the easy-to-follow tutorial and all of the great photos!

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  52. Great tutorial! I'll be trying it in the future. LOVE your sign!

    Hugs, Sherry

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  53. Love the sign! Looks great with your gallery wall.

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

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  54. Great job and thanks for the tutorial. I'm bookmarking this for when I get the chance to try it, and I definitely will!

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  55. This is great, I want to do a gallery wall in my hallway so some good inspiration here. Seen you on tip junkie

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  56. Great idea I can use in my boutique flower shop.

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  57. Thank you so much for breaking this method into steps. Love how you made the sign. I need to try this method. Thank you so much for sharing it!

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  58. WOW! You really CAN do just about anything with Mod Podge...what a neat technique! I want to try it now! I like your fun double meaning "bees." :) Thanks for sharing at Shine on Fridays!

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  59. So pretty! Thanks for the tutorial!

    I would love for you to share this at my Flaunt It Friday link party! There are also TWO amazing giveaways this week!

    http://www.dottedlinecrafts.com/2012/03/flaunt-it-friday.html

    Looking forward to more posts,
    Sarah@
    www.dottedlinecrafts.blogspot.com

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  60. I must try this!

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  61. WOW! I have to try this! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  62. Wow that is awesome! Thanks for sharing! I am definitely going to try this!

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  63. What an awesome tutorial! I will be using this! Thanks for linking up at The Kurtz Corner, you have been featured today! Stop by, check it out, and grab a featured button! :) You will also be pinned to The Kurtz Corner Link Party Features Pinterest board!

    http://www.thekurtzcorner.com/2012/04/tuesday-tutorials-link-party-no-31.html

    http://pinterest.com/Thekurtzcorner/the-kurtz-corner-link-party-features/

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  64. SUPER cute!! Definitely pinning so I can try in the future!

    Samm
    www.LittleHouseintheBigD.com

    P.S- I came over from Kurtz Corner :-)

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  65. Excellent! Thanks for sharing this... I'm pinning this for future projects :) Found you via Rae Gun Ramblings!

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  66. Featuring you again, Becca! Your gallery wall is SICK! (even though I know that's not technically what this post is about ; )).

    You rock, chica!

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  67. Ok, I'm going to have to give this one a try! I've used the citra solv method, but it requires a laser printer which I don't have. This would be so much more convenient. Wish me luck! :)

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  68. Hi, I am new at this. I googled mod podge and see there are so many types. What one is used for this transfer project? Also, I live in the UK, elmer's glue is not easy to find, anyone know if regular PVA glue will work?

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  69. Hi, I am new at this. I googled mod podge and see there are so many types. What one is used for this transfer project? Also, I live in the UK, elmer's glue is not easy to find, anyone know if regular PVA glue will work?

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  70. Hi, I am new at this. I googled mod podge and see there are so many types. What one is used for this transfer project? Also, I live in the UK, elmer's glue is not easy to find, anyone know if regular PVA glue will work?

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  71. Just found your great tutorial. Love the idea of using washable Elmer's Glue.

    I just did a post about it:
    http://cinnamonpink.typepad.com/cinnamon_pink/2012/10/mod-podge-image-transfer-tutorial-.html

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Thoughts? Questions? Opinions? Let's talk about it!