How to Apply Heat Transfer Vinyl to Wood

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This tutorial and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Apply heat transfer vinyl to wood and create an easy wreath sign with this step-by-step tutorial. I’ve also included a free Gather Here with Grateful Hearts SVG cut file.

As soon as I saw this magnolia wreath I knew I had to have it for my fireplace mantel. It’s the perfect fall wreath but, of course, I had to add a little craft project to it to make it even better. So, I added the easiest little wood sign to the center and today I’m excited to show you how you can make one too. Not only is this wreath sign easy to make but we’re using heat transfer vinyl so there’s no painting and I’ve created a free SVG cut file so you can quickly make one too.

Supplies needed to make this Gather Here Wreath Sign

Unfinished Wood Plank
Hand Saw and Sand Paper
Wood Stain
Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker
White Heat Transfer Vinyl
Cutting Mat
Weeding Tool
Cricut EasyPress (or iron)
Hot Glue Gun
Gather Here with Grateful Hearts SVG Cut File
Fall Wreath

How to Apply Heat Transfer Vinyl to Wood

First, we need to cut our wood plank to fit across the wreath. I cut mine down to 11 inches. Lightly sand edges with sand paper.

Next, it’s time to stain the wood. I love this spray stain! I don’t need a brush and I don’t get stain on my hands. You could also paint the wood if you want to add a pop a color.

Now it’s time to make our vinyl decal. I decided to use HTV vinyl which means no painting required. Woohoo! This makes this sign so much easier to make.

Upload the FREE SVG Cut File and let your electronic cutting machine work it’s magic. Make sure to mirror your image.

After the design is cut, use your weeding hook to remove the excess vinyl from around the design.

This next step might just be my favorite. We get to use our fabulous HeatPress to transfer the HTV vinyl to our wood plank. Set the temperature on the HeatPress to 300 degrees and the timer to 40 seconds. Now, just heat and press. If you don’t have a Cricut HeatPress yet, it’s okay – just use your iron.