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!
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!
Mandi says
What a great idea. Thanks for sharing. I wish I had a dresser to use these on!!!!
ThisCountryLife says
I’m so happy I found your blog (Thanks to How About Orange) – we’re redecorating our master bedroom vintage and I have been looking for drawer pulls. LOVE this idea. Thanks so much! xoxoxoxo
Tonya says
These are so adorable. I am inspired to make them for my mother-in-law (who loves birds)as a Christmas stocking stuffer. So cute!
Rita Kent at TesoroFino.Com says
Just love it!!!! This is an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing. Please come visit my post about my dad’s fresco painting in the cathedrals of Southern Italy. You’ll be amazed to see it and learn about him. I certainly was. Go to TesoroFino.blogspot.com; you’ll be glad you did!
Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says
These are delightful! Thanks for sharing!
Lynn says
Thank you Karen, this is a beautiful project 🙂
Andy Porter says
I’m totally in love with this idea!!! It is simply fantastic!!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!!
Rene says
Very nice! I love bird anything.
Bellamere Cottage says
Hi Karen…
FAB. U. LOUS! What an creative idea. I’ll be trying this one!
Blessings,
Spencer
Jane says
I love learning new techniques! Off to google that gel right now. So inspiring!
Tammy says
I was so thrilled to read your artist bio and see your gorgeous self on Mary’s blog. Yay! I am so glad you will be hosting a class project, as well. What fun!
Xo,
Tammy
Kara@ Creations by Kara says
These are simply beautiful! Thanks so much for doing a tutorial. 🙂
Kim -today's creative blog says
wow, you really have too much time on your hands. Amazing knobs.
Kim @ Starshine Chic says
This is just too cute!!!
Ellen says
Wow, those knobs are incredible! I am thinking of all sorts of things I can do with that technique! Thanks for sharing!