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Saturday, July 28, 2012

My Favorite Image Transfer Product!

A couple of months ago at the Luckett's Spring Market, there was one question that was asked of me over and over...
..."How did you get the bee crest image to the back of your chairs?!"  I shared my technique with all who asked, but have also received some emails regarding these and my desk chair...



 ...so I thought I share it with all of you! 
The secret is Lesley Riley's Transfer Artist Paper or TAP that allows you to transfer images to almost any surface—fabric, paper, wood, glass, canvas, metal, mica, and more.
I'm somewhat addicted to the stuff after trying many other image transfer products with ho-hum results.  The biggest difference that I've found (besides being able to use on multiple surfaces) is that it's a nice, soft pliable transfer onto fabric...not crusty and plastic feeling. It also washes well over and over. That's huge for me!  The downside is that it's relatively expensive compared to other image transfer products...you definitely have to weigh the cost with the project and luckily, you can fill a whole sheet with small images for those smaller projects....

In addition, you can easily print a detailed color image out to use as a transfer.  As you can see, I've used mainly black and white prints because I've been getting used to the product, but I've made some tote bags with color transfers and a set of napkins...
Some egg napkins that coordinate with my bird nest plates
Although, the package of TAP comes with pretty detailed instructions on how to use, I thought I'd give you a quick run-down.  First, find the image you'd like to use, making sure you reverse the image before printing out on an ink jet printer (especially for words).  Then, cut out the image leaving a bit of space at the edges...
Then it's as easy as applying a hot, dry iron over the print-out.  It also helps to use a board or a hard surface underneath so the image transfers evenly....
Peel off the paper while it's still warm and there you have it...

I haven't experimented much with transferring onto other surfaces yet, but I did try canvas and wood.  They are far from perfect, but I suspect that I need to turn down the iron a bit on those surfaces, since painted wood can bubble a bit.


I can't wait to master these techniques and try some other projects...It seems like the options are endless for using TAP. 

Note:  all images seen here can be found for free at The Graphics Fairy or purchased for a minimal amount here.

Kristen

 

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47 comments:

  1. I must have some of it~! the chairs I painted last year are in need of an embellishment...
    thanks so much for sharing this information. I will put it to good use.

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  2. I went to order it but in the sample cover shot you showed in your post-- the site wont say how many sheets are in the pack.. its says the 18 sheet is sold out-- but how many sheets are in the pack you posted?
    thanks

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  3. i like this! does it take a printer that uses lazer or simply a regular one? Esther

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  4. Wonderful tutorial. I'm putting this on my list! Thanks so much. I was wondering about ink jet or laser printer. Does it make any difference?

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  5. This is so great to know about! Thanks for sharing.

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  6. hey girl,
    what beautiful projects you have here. LOVELY!
    I have just started playing with transfers. I am getting better with the wood transfers, and you are right, a lower iron setting helps. My first one was a bust! LOL

    Thank goodness it was just on a scrap of wood and not a tabletop, etc.

    I am so excited to see your session at Southern Bloggers Conference. I know from your vas talent it will be one of the highlights.

    xxoo, Barb

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  7. thanks for the tips! i pinned it as i want to try! :)

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  8. Would you believe that I found this post just as I came upstairs to my computer to print something out on wax paper to transfer to wood.

    This is a technique that has worked well for me:

    http://www.attagirlsays.com/2012/03/02/wax-paper-transfer-cheese-tray/


    I've had mixed results transferring to fabric, so I definitely want to try out TAP. Thanks for the info.

    Atta Girl Amy
    www.attagirlsays.com

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  9. This looks like a lot of fun! Visiting from MM. Do they transfer colors?

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  10. Love this I bookmarked it! Going to give this a try!
    Cindy
    http://livingonthebliss.com/

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  11. Love this. I bookmarked this. Going to give this a try!
    Cindy
    http://livingonthebliss.com/

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  12. Thanks for sharing!! I can't wait to try this. :)

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  13. Beautiful and classic styling.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Deb@LakeGirlPaints

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  14. I can’t believe I never knew this product existed! I can’t even begin to process how much money I’ve spent on printed items. You’ve now saved me tons from my Dish paycheck. Hooray! Expect a thank you note from my husband too. LOL! I have to ask, how do you find out about stuff like this? My only sources of information for DIY tips are HGTV and DIY Network. In fact, it’s lucky we have the Hopper DVR that can record up to six things at once, since I’m always recording stuff from these channels and my hubby definitely doesn’t partake in my DIY obsession! But they never feature anything as cool as this print-making paper. I’m so excited to give it a try. Thanks for the awesome post!

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  15. I just received my order of this transfer paper. I haven't tried it yet, but this makes me want to get back out of bed and play!!!
    Your blog is lovely - signed up to follow.
    Thanks
    Rhonda

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  16. Thanks for telling us about this great product. I have never heard of it before. Your projects are just beautiful! I saw your post over at "Cow Gril Up!".

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  17. This was such a helpful post, thank you so much for sharing your tips with us, Kristen. I've been wanting to try a transfer project, and I feel more confident now, after reading this!

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  18. Thanks for the tutorial! Your pieces are absolutely gorgeous!!! I'm going to head to the store today for some TAP, and give it a try!

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  19. Thanks so much for sharing this product. The results are so much better than the products I have used before. I will definitely have to see if can find TAP. Can't wait to try it.

    Thanks again.

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  20. Genius! Thank you for sharing.

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  21. Kristen, Did I read this right... you are at Lucketts! I go there often. I love all of the wonderful "loot" you have in your first photo! I would love to find you next time I am there!
    Thank you so much for sharing this new-to-me product and great tutorial!.
    I LOVE your bee chair!
    Now you know there is going to be a run on TAP after your great post!
    I'm going online to look for it now!
    Thanks for sharing your talent at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!
    I am a new follower!

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  22. Wow! I love your results! This looks like an awesome product and you've used it to it's fullest. I've got to get my hands on some of this. Thanks for letting us all know.

    - The Tablescaper

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  23. Wonderful projects! I haven't seen any of that product available here in Manila so I'll have to find a substitute! Thanks for sharing! Patsy from
    HeARTworks and
    papemelroti

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  24. This is such great information to have. I am a HUGE typography/graphic junkie when it comes to my projects & am always & forever looking for new ways to transfer. I spend countless hours hand painting images etc. which is a passion, but there are times when I just need to transfer & go. I have had very little luck with iron transfers in the past because I absolutely do not like the feel or sheen of them so I am so excited to give this a try. Thanks again for passing on great information!

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  25. Gotta get me some of that! I've just this week experimented with wax paper transfer to wood. (And blogged about it. LOL) It was OK, but left a little to be desired. Not sure I trust myself with an iron on painted wood, though. Thanks for sharing!

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  26. I think I have seen this product in Michael's...is that where you get yours? Your chairs are so pretty...oh my...just can't wait to try this paper. Thanks so much for sharing:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  27. YOU HAVE JUST GAINED AN "ALMOST CRAZY CRAFT LOVING STALKER" WITH THIS POST!! (PICTURE A SHORT LITTLE FAT GIRL BOWING TO YOU HE-HE-HE!!)SO NOW I AM YOUR NEWEST FOLLOWER SO I NEVER MISS ANOTHER POST!! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!! DEANNE @ DELIGHTFUL CURIOSITY

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  28. I love this! Thank you so much for sharing your secret. :) I am new to your blog and have just started following. There is so much here to love! :) I hope you will come by and say hi!
    ~Liz

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  29. Thank you so much for sharing your transfer tip! Three Mango Seeds

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  30. What a cool product--and the images you selected look so cool. I am happy to be your newest follower and I would love it if you'd stop by my blog and return the follow!
    Nancy
    http://dosmallthingswithlove.blogspot.com/

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  31. I have just ordered this product but haven't received it yet! So happy you have given it a good report! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday!

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  32. Great tip! Totally want to try this. Do you order it online or is at Michaels or Hobby Lobby or something?
    Thanks!

    Kelly @ View Along the Way
    www.viewalongtheway.com

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  33. Kristine, Thanks for sharing this info at the Open House party. I love the chairs and the cute napkins! Check out this weeks party to see your feature.

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  34. Thanks so much for sharing Kristen! I just pinned this to my craft board so I can remember it! I'm certain I ogled all of your products at the Spring Market! :) You do lovely work!

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  35. Kristin I came over from Yvonne's and cannot believe the beautiful results with your projects! I adore your desk chair with the "K" :)

    I have quite a few Linen Napkins I could embellish!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    2012 Artists Series

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  36. Thanks for sharing this. Your work is beautiful. I have just ordered some paper from Amazon and I am following your blog now! Looking forward to more fun stuff!

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  37. I have this book and I haven't tried it yet! But, now I will have to get busy for Christmas and make some of these. Thanks for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  38. You are featured today at Potpourri Friday at 2805! Thanks for being a great contributor!

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  39. I absolutely love this!!! I've never heard of TAP before, but it will definitely be on my shopping list! Thanks for your detailed info on how it's worked for you. Beautiful stuff!!

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  40. I've tried several methods for transferring. All have their pros and cons. I may have to try this. Thanks for sharing.

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  41. This is so inspiring! Thank you for the great tutorial! I came over via Common Ground and I'm so happy to find you! Vanna/your newest follower

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  42. I came over to tell you about using your glazing instructions on my dressing table. Please check it out. I love it! I gave you credit with a link of course!

    Love this post! I've used others but they do have that plastic feel.

    We are members of your wonderful blog and would love it if you would join us.

    Linda and Jeannie at The French Hens Nest

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  43. Quick question: Do you wash the fabric after you do the transfer? I have been using the TAP but it leaves a dark shadow of polymer around my image (even when cutting off as much excess as I can) So you can still tell that it as a transfer. Yours look so clean. How do you prevent that?
    Thanks

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  44. Love your post on TAP but I would just like to know how I can get the background paper to not show like on your napkins. Thank you!

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  45. Hi from NC as well! I just wanted you to know I shared your link for this tutorial on my blog...I hope that's ok. I think you're transfer projects are gorgeous!

    Leelee @ Paperbagstyling.blogspot.com

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Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving me a sweet comment! I read each and every one of them and they brighten my day!