Try This: Illustrated Tree Slices

Decorating a nursery can be a lot of fun, especially where DIY projects are concerned! I must admit, while I am rather crafty and handy with power tools, I certainly am not talented in the area of illustration. Which is kind of a bummer, because illustrations make for great nursery decor, and I just so happen to be decorating a nursery right now. But it's okay! There are plenty of beautiful and inexpensive illustrations right at our fingertips. Just look inside some of your favorite children's books!

Dahlov Ipcar is one of my favorite children's book illustrators, and while looking at her books is quite the treat for the eyes, I decided to take things to the next level and turn her illustrations into art for the nursery. I ordered an extra copy of the beautiful book I Like Animals for the sake of turning the pages into art, but boy was it ever hard to cut into! If you're against using books for art, you might want to find a damaged old book you could use for this project on Etsy or at a local thrift or antique shop.

Supplies:
-illustrated book (I used I Like Animals and The Cat at Night.)
-tree slice (I found mine at Michaels.)
-spray adhesive (I recommend Scotch Super 77 for a lasting hold.)
-scissors
-pencil

Step One: Create a template for your tree slice. I made mine by photocopying the tree slice and cutting out the inside area of the copy. If you don't have a copier, you can trace the outline of your tree slice and cut away a little margin around it.

Step Two: Remove the page you want to use from the book (I used an X-Acto for this). Then, using a window or a light table, hold your template over the backlit illustration so you can see what portion of the illustration will make it onto your tree slice. This can be tricky if both sides of the page are illustrated, but even so, I've found using the light is very helpful in composing the scene that will decorate your tree slice. When you get it positioned how you like it, trace around the template.

Step Three: Cut out the illustration, making sure the pencil lines are on the scrap edge of the paper.

Step Four: Spray the back of the illustration with an even coat of spray adhesive.

Step Five: Hold the sticky side of the illustration slightly away from the tree slice while you make sure the illustration is properly positioned. When you have it positioned just so, place the sticky side all the way onto the tree slice and use the back side of your hand to smooth the illustration, adhering it to the tree slice.

Use picture hangers or adhesive strips to hang your tree slices on the wall. I placed mine in our kiddo's nursery, but these little guys would be perfectly acceptable in other rooms of the house too! -Mandi

Credits // Author and Photography: Mandi Johnson. Photos edited with Stella from the Signature Collection.