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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