March 20, 2014

Image Transfer-March Challenge

This is a mixed media resource that has been around for a very long time.  I was making some of these image transfers last week at the Monday afternoon group and several of you said you didn't get a chance to come over and see what I was doing.  It's a very simple technique that requires only a few basic supplies: a good quality magazine (needed for the high quality inks they use-National Geographic is my favorite but Smithsonian is a good resource too!), clear shipping/packing tape, a tray of water or a large bowl, (whatever you have handy), warm to hot water and scissors.  Optional: something like a bone folder (shown in the photo) or plastic spatula to scrape with, however this can and does scrape off some of the inks if you rub too hard in one place.  (But that just makes it more grungy looking!)
There are only a few steps: 1. locate an image you want to make a transfer of, 2. lay the shipping tape over the image being careful not to get any wrinkles, 3. soak this image for up to 5 minutes then, 4. rub the paper off the back of the image with your finger or bone folder until all the white particles are removed.   (repeat these steps if needed to remove all the white particles)  The clear transfer is now ready to add to an art journal page, a painting or scrapbook album. 
Notes: 1. for larger images, slightly over-lap the tape and add as many strips as you need to cover the image completely, 2. You can use clear glaze, clear drying glue or an acrylic gel medium to adhere your transfer onto your substrate. (paper or canvas or ?) 3. This process does not work with inkjet prints but works great with laser or toner prints.  If your printer uses Durabright Inks, they are dye based and will work for this technique provided you allow them to dry completely.  (allow 24 hours) 4. Any images that you use from magazines are copyrighted and credit should be given to either the magazine, the photographer or preferably both.  (The image shown in the photo was deliberated blurred by immersing it under water when I took the shot.  Photo is from an old National Geographic that was passed down.  It was used in my experimental journal of a painted paper collage that I am still working on.)
Kelly I would sure love to share your finished piece! 

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