How to Make Photo Plaque Crafts with Water-Based Materials

• 1). Choose photo(s) and a wood plaque design to match. Pre-cut wood plaques are available in art supply stores or through online sources.
  
  
• 2). Plan your design. This is the fun part. Arrange and cut-out photos to be mounted to the craft plaque. Use your imagination and creativity for this step.
  
  
• 3). Prepare the plaque. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper. If a color is desired, paint the plaque with an acrylic, water-based paint. This would be best to do 1 day in advance to allow it to dry thoroughly. A second option is to add color to the plaque using a colored stain which can be applied during the varnishing stage.
  
  
• 4). Glue the photo to the plaque, using wood glue. Place the photo on the wood plaque. Use the squeegee on top of the photo to remove excess glue from the edges. Use a damp paper towel to dab off any excess glue from the photograph.
  
  
• 5). Place new dry paper towel over top of finished glued photos and put books or smooth weight on top so that photo will dry flat on plaque. Allow to dry completely.
  
  
• 6). After the photo has dried, varnish the plaque and photo with polymer varnish gloss medium. Add colored, acrylic paint to the varnish if a colored tint is desired. Brush evenly so that the paint does not streak. The water-based acrylic varnish will appear milky when wet, but dries clear. Follow the drying time instructions on the product. Apply a second and third coat of varnish if more depth of color is desired.
  
  
• 7). Mount the metal picture hanging clip on the back of the plaque for to hang it.