How to Make Custom Knobs
I began with this sweet antique engraving of a bird on a branch, which I converted to a silhouette. You are welcome to use the original image in whatever way you like!
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I’ve included a printable pdf sheet and instructions below.
Supply List:
1)Plain wooden knobs (you can find them at Lowes & Home depot for just around $1 a piece)
2)Omni Gel Transfer Medium (Try Amazon or JoAnne’s)
3)Mod Podge- Gloss
4)Primer (I like Kilz Premium)
5)White Paint
6)Paintbrush
Step 1: Go HERE to download the PDF sheet for this project, and print it out on your computer. Next, you will need to have a Photocopy made of this by your local copier( inkjet printers do not work with this process.)
Step 2: Paint your knobs with the primer first (I did 2 coats) and then paint with a coat of white paint.
Step 3: While your knobs are drying, you can start brushing the gel onto your photocopy. You will need to brush on 3 coats of the Omni gel. Brush the first coat in a horizontal direction, let dry completely. Brush the second coat in a vertical direction, let dry completely. Brush the 3rd coat in a diagonal direction, and again let dry completely.
Step 4: Cut image into a circle (the circle around the image can be used as a cutting guide) and then soak in a bowl of water for 10-20 minutes.
Step 5: While paper is still wet, rub the paper backing with your fingers in a circular motion to remove all of the paper leaving just the gel transfer behind.
Step 6: Use more of the Omni Gel as a glue to adhere the transfer to the knob. I found that a light coat on just the transfer worked the best, even though you see me putting glue on the knob here, trial and error and all that!
Step 7: Press the transfer down and smooth out to get rid of any air bubbles, and let dry.
Step 8: Add a coat of Mod Podge gloss over the whole knob to blend it all in. This makes the knobs nice and shiny, and gives them a porcelain like look!
All done, now you can put them on a dresser, desk or whatever!
Jane says
Karen: These are fabulous…my mind is already racing with all the other wonderful images that you have that could be used this same way. Thanks!!!!
Jane
CreativeBusyHands-Scrapbook Freebies Search says
So cute! Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Julie says
What an extremely cooool idea! Love this! You are so creative & clever, Karen!
Household 6 says
Those are adorable, what a cute idea 🙂
Dee says
I love seeing your graphics used in such an amazing way. Some day we need a tutorial on how you turned the image into a sillouette!
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says
Oh my goodness…I’ve never even HEARD of Omni Gel! What an amazing product!! And your pulls turned out gorgeous. Wow…you’ve just opened up a whole slew of possibilities to me with this tutorial. Thanks so much!!
Shanty 2 Chic says
Oooh I LOVE these! You are so talented! Thanks so much for the detailed instructions… that’s the best part!! Way to go!!
~Whitney
Valerie says
Are you serious? These are too precious! I am in filing this away at thecraftersfilebox.blogspot.com.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Melanie says
Thank you so much! Great GREAT idea .. also have you tried using Goldens digital ground medium? I have played very little, but it kind of makes transfers obsolete AND you use an inkjet printer!!!
Marsha's Mpressions says
OH Karen! This is just adorable. I really want to put this on my list of things to try out. Thanks for the template!!
Miss Mustard Seed says
I am going to have to give this a try! When I redo a piece of furniture, I usually trade out plain wood knobs for glass. This is a great way to use up my knobs and make them look custom and chic. Great idea!
Kerrie says
I just love the knobs, what a beautiful job you did with them! Fun! Kerrie
Hattie says
I Love those! I’m thinking that image would also make a really pretty pendant, or button. Thanks for sharing!
Beachbrights says
What a great idea…OMG, my mind is spinning with all the possibilities!
XOXO
Leanne says
Thanks for sharing these birds. I love the look of them on the knobs. Thank you for giving us all these amazing graphics everyday.