Photo Transfer

Today was a fun morning.  I had some friends over and we created some Father's Day crafts for the men in our lives who whether they are the father to our child or not, mean a lot to us.  It was a mess but, fun with all the kids running around.

I wanted to give you an idea for something else you can do for your fathers or for your home.  You will need some supplies but all are available at your local craft/art supply store.

You will need:
-Acrylic gel medium
-a canvas or wood panel
-a laser printed image of your choosing.  (you can print on a laser jet printer at your local library using their copier)
-wash cloth
-water
-paint brush or foam brush

What you will do is take a black and white image and transfer it to a hard surface.  I learned how to do this in my photo/paint class.  It was a way to learn how to use a photograph we took in a painting. Here are the images of how to do it step by step.  This project needs time to dry in between so depending on your day and how humid it is, it might take two days.

Step One: Get your supplies ready.  (supplies listed above).  I used Matte finish since I usually do not like my projects to be shiny.  You can purchase a smaller amount at your local craft/art supply store

Step Two: Coat your surface with the Medium.  Coat only where you want your image.  You do not need to coat the whole canvas like I did, unless you have a large image.  I used a wood board but this project is possible on canvas as well.  

Step Three: Cut out your image so you do not have too much excess paper. 

Step Four: Put your image on the wet medium covered surface.  If you have an image with words make sure you printed it out backwards so when applied to the surface it reads correctly.  Make sure the image is on well and as many air bubbles are worked out.  I used the handle of my scissors to help work the air bubbles out.

Step Five: After the medium dries, dip your wash cloth in water and wet the image.  Now slowly start rubbing off the paper.  This part might take the longest but once the paper is off the finished product is awesome!

TA-DA! your finished image!!! The paper is gone and the ink from the image is now on your surface.  I hope you enjoyed this little project.  I know this is all over Pintrest right now and for good reason.  It is fun and a way to make artwork for your home or for others.  

Have fun creating and remember to be the best artist you can be!