Unbelievable image transfer process.......

[pigtailpat]

In always looking around at how I can use my wonderful 2-ply matboard (and boy I love this stuff)..I was investigating image transfers. You see, the 2 ply board is of course, way too thick to put through a printer. And of course the matboard can be cut to frame out a photo. But to push the envelope...you can transfer a photo onto another surface to make it seamless transition. This can be used for alot of stuff in our cards and projects - - and - - quilts (it works for fabric!!).

You print a photo mirrored. This works only with laser printers or photocopy of a image printed by an inkjet. This method WILL NOT work on direct inkjet printed images.

You put the paper down on the surface that is to receive the transfer - so that the direct ink that has been printed is on the surface to receive the transfer, and the back of the print is up facing the air and you. You apply a chart pak blender pen (which is the last pen on the market still containing xylene - it does have a slight odor - if this bothers you work outside) and saturate the area printed. Then burnish using a bone folder or a metal spoon. And voila - your image is transferred.

In addition to the chart pak pens, you can buy xylene (the straight chemical) from home depot/lowes. Nail polish remover containing acetone is also supposed to work. Some people also suggest that the straight acetone (also can be purchased from home depot/lowes and is alittle less expensive than the straight xylene) works better than nail polish remover containing acetone, because it evaporates quicker. The chart pak pens are not refillable, but was the cheapest thing for me, as they cost only $2.15 at the store where I found the canson paper (I went back today to get more of that super deal at .79 for a 19 x 25" sheet - I mean that is incredible). I tried it and it does in fact work! Opens up alot more possibilities for cheap!

You can read more about it at: http://netnet.net/~cloud9/tips/tips_cha ... _pens.html

Hope this helps someone.

Pat

[Gigi]

Another great idea, Pat. I love that you push the envelope on all things and help get us all out of our comfort zone.

I remember hearing about image transfers years ago, but I didn't pay a lot of attention because I didn't have a laser printer and knew I would not be running to a store to photocopy things! But now that I have a laser printer, it opens up a whole world of possibilities!

Thank you!

[PennyDuncan]

That is a great suggestion......I have some of Tyler's Rubon papers that I'm wanting to play with....MAYBE this weekend!!! I can hope anyway!!!

[Gigi]

Thanks for reminding me that I have those too and have been wanting to play with them..... think my crafting list for the weekend is growing!

[Elizabeth]

Thanks, Pat. This looks like another fun idea.

[LisaH]

Cool Pat!

[Phyllis]

Pat, what a cool thing. I am constantly amazed at what you all do on this board.

[kim]

TFS that info Pat!! I am going to have to try that.

I picked up another laser printer yesterday at Office Depot. It's not a color one, but just a black printer. I have a color one in my home office, but everytime I wanted to print on it, I had to run to my office to pick up the printed paper. I wanted a laser for my craft room, but couldn't justify really getting one. But yesterday I had to get a USB hub and Office Depot had a laser printer for half off, just $60. So now when I do the printing for my Foil Master, I won't have to run back and forth all over the house.

[Angel135612]

Kim, that is a really great deal on that printer. Can't wait to see what you create.

Have you moved yet? Or are you still packing and not having a lot of time to craft?