Playing with Image Transfers

045

PURPOSEFUL PLAY

1

Place the photocopy face

down onto the sketchbook

page. “Color” the back of the

photocopy with the blender pen.

Without moving the photocopy,

burnish completely with a

bone folder. Lift a corner to

ensure you’ve transferred the

image evenly. Repeat steps

as necessary and remove the

photocopy once you are satisfied.

(See A.)

2

Using a graphite pencil,

extend lines from your image

onto the surrounding page. It’s

easy to start with obvious lines

such as buildings, horizon lines,

and branches. (See B.)

3

Fill in the sketch with

texture using graphite

pencil. Continue to build on

the existing image by adding

color, starting with light shades

first. You can take this as far as

you like, using the transfer as

a base and creating your own

composition from there. Unlike

collage, which leaves an edge, a

transfer is seamless, which really

allows you to make this sketch

entirely your own. (See C.)

C

Twinkling

Landscape

A

dd a photo to a simple

glass votive to create a

dreamy and atmospheric

image lit from within.

047

PURPOSEFUL PLAY

Tip

Packing tape transfers with lots

of light, white, or open space,

especially images of skin, can

look a little ghostly when lit. Opt

for landscapes, architectural

images, and high-contrast

black-and-white images or

bright colors, which look best

when lit. Votives with straight

sides work best.

PROJECT

5

MATERIALS

DMethod: Packing Tape Transfer

(see page 20)

Dglass votive holders with straight sides in

various sizes

Dbone folder or burnishing tool

Dwax votive candles in various sizes

CONSIDERATIONS

Place a grouping of votives on a mantle for

instant décor or create a tablescape for an

intimate dinner.

1

Place your packing tape

transfer onto the outer

surface of the glass votive. Align

and burnish out any bubbles with

your fingers. Repeat this step for

multiple votives. (See A.)

2

Place the candle inside the

votive and watch your transfer

light up. (See B.)

A

B

MATERIALS

DMethod: Packing Tape Transfer (see page 20)

Dscissors or craft knife

Dsmall piece of book board or lightweight

cardboard

Dmicroscope slide

Dpacking tape transfer

Dcollage materials or flat ephemera such

as a dried leaf or flower, lace, or thread

Dpatterned paper

Dcopper tape, 1/4" (6 mm) wide

Dbone folder or burnishing tool

Dleather cord, twine, or ribbon

Dglue

CONSIDERATIONS

Use family photos, kids’ drawings, or simple

sketches for a variation on this charming

necklace. Scraps of embroidery or vintage

textiles are also great to use. Create an

ornament by using a shorter cord.

6

PROJECT

049

PURPOSEFUL PLAY

C

reate a unique pendant necklace with microscope slides

and found imagery. Layer in dried botanicals, thread,

and bers or other ndings for a lile collection you

can carry with you.

Microscope Slide

Necklace