Image Transfer

I'm teaching my Photo Illusions class at the North Carolina Quilt Symposium, http://www.charlottequiltsymposium.org/ June 3-6. In the class we'll spend a little bit of time trying some image transfer techniques.

 

 

I just finished this little hanging using gel transfer onto silk noile. I had indigo-dyed some linen for the outer border and also fused on a piece of batik as the inner border. Then I hand quilted the piece with some dyed perle cotton. It was a great take along project , simple but effective. Just rmember its impossible to hand stitch through the gel transfers!
To make image transfers such as this you will need:

• a photo copied image -not inkjet. 
• soft gel medium - I prefer the matte finish
• a brayer - any size
• fabric
• brush

Apply gel to copy, covering image. It may take a little practice to get the right amount, make certain the surface is covered but not goopey. Doe the same of the fabric. Cover the same size area as the image.

Place gel covered copy face down onto the fabric.


Sandwich in between layers of wax paper to protect your table surface and brayer.

Brayer over all the area in one direction. Flip over and do this again. Let dry for 24 hours. Do not iron.

To remove the paper: soak in a tub of medium hot water. Starting from the centre, gently rub the paper off in a circular motion using your finger tips. Blot dry with a towel. Repeat if necessary to remove all paper fibres.

Make several at one time and you are ready to use them when the mood strikes.