Playing with Image Transfers

080

PLAYING WITH IMAGE TRANSFERS

A

B

081

PURPOSEFUL PLAY

until the image is transferred. Do

the same for the envelope. I like

the continuation of design from

envelope to card, but consider

using your own drawings,

sketches, or lettering to create a

suite of impromptu enclosures.

(See D.)

1

Add small graphics to a

sheet of writing paper. I

love gray paper because it’s a

neutral that I can pair with a

metallic for a glam look or with

a neon for a contemporary feel.

Place the photocopy face down

onto the sheet of stationery

and “color” the back with the

blender pen. Without shifting

the photocopy, burnish until the

image is transferred. Continue

transferring small graphics

scattered along the page. I like

to do small groupings of odd

numbers in various sizes. (See A.)

2

Create a matching envelope

by placing a few diamonds

on the front of the envelope or

on the lapel. Place the photocopy

face down onto the sheet of

paper and “color” the back with

the blender pen. Without shifting

the photocopy, burnish until the

image is transferred. Sprinkle

these diamond graphics over

the envelope for a hint of what’s

inside! (See B.)

3

To make a set of labels for

mailing, organizing, or using

as stickers, choose a large image

or graphic. I like to transfer

a single image over several

stickers at once. This allows

the image to bleed off the label,

giving it a professionally designed

look. (See C.)

4

I love the look of a

hand-drawn graphic. Make

a Thank You card with a simple

transfer. Place a reversed

photocopy face down onto the

flat card and “color” the back

with the blender pen. Without

shifting the photocopy, burnish

C

D

MATERIALS

DMethod: Acrylic Paint Transfer (see page 28)

Dpaintbrush

Dwhite acrylic paint

Ddistressed wooden scrap

Dblack-and-white photocopy of text

(reversed)

Ddamp sponge and water

Dthread

Dtacky glue

Dbutton

Dother ephemera

CONSIDERATIONS

This technique is a fun way to make signage

for any event. Use in a wedding for a Mr. &

Mrs. sign to hang on the back of a bride and

groom's chair! This would also be a great

housewarming gift.

083

PURPOSEFUL PLAY

M

ake a vintage-inspired sign using rustic recycled

wood scrap. You may have a phrase or quotation

you nd inspirational. Turn that thought into

an object you can place on a shelf or hang on the wall for an

everyday reminder.

Upcycled Sign

Leering by Sam O’Leary

16

PROJECT

084

PLAYING WITH IMAGE TRANSFERS

Tip

If you're having difficulty getting a clean image, try using a

weathered piece of wood that is fairly smooth. At worst, you

can paint over a failed image and try the process again.

1

Brush an even coat of paint on

the wooden surface. Try using

a dry brush method: pounce with a

cheap bristled brush to get feathered

soft edges of paint. (See A.)

2

While the paint is wet, place

the photocopy face down and

burnish lightly with your fingers.

I placed an image of shoes below

the lettering, leaving a small gap

between the two, so I can come

back in and add thread later. Allow

to dry completely!

3

Using a damp sponge, gently

remove the paper backing

with circular motions. Continue

adding water and removing paper

pills gently until the entire image is

revealed. (See B.)

4

This is a great opportunity to

make this an object instead of

just words on wood. Wrap thread,

such as a metallic, around the wood

many times until you build up a

band of threads. Secure with a dab

of glue. (See C.)

5

Add a final element to finish. I

added a vintage metal button to

visually ground the image and add

another texture. Secure the button

in place with a dab of heavy crafting

glue. You could also hammer in

a small object like an old nail, a

milagro, or another finding. (See D.)

A

B