Experimentin Again!

I try at least once a week to take time for artsy things (usually Saturdays). I'm pretty lucky - when we remodeled a few years back I was able to stake out an area that combines my laundry room and "studio" - pretty handy to have a sink as this is the spot where I get messy!

I've been trying to do new things - so reading up on techniques, looking (with envy) at what others do in magazines or blogs, and generally taking the plunge.

I've done gel medium transfer but never with acrylic paint. Never knew you could do it! Got the idea from this great book which I bought when it first came out - Image Transfer Workshop by Darlene Olivia McElroy et al

Pretty straightforward - I wanted to try transferring images out of magazines (I'm finding the older the better ink wise - he was in a 1958 issue of Time). Acrylic paint - a lighter colour is better to use for a good transfer (have tonnes of that from my decorative painting days back in the 1990's - there does not seem to be a shelf life on this stuff) and a sturdy surface (here I used watercolor paper) - that's it.

Paint the surface and the picture (remember, it will transfer backwards so think about any text on your image). Work quickly so everything is still wet for the next step.

Adhere to each other and be sure to smooth out - I used a putty knife and brayer to get a good "stick". Let it dry well (I used an old hairdryer to speed the process but gave it at least an hour before the next step REALLY you should leave overnight to dry).

Wet the paper and start peeling ( I find using a paper towel helps) - wahoo he is coming through...

Once you have all the paper off, voila, you can use any way you want - I actually don't mind that it was not a perfect transfer - adds to the "aging" effect don't you think. I decided to make an ATC as he was small enough.

A handsome dude! Aplomb and all (can't remember the last time I heard that word spoke out loud, LOL). Lots of fun so try it out! Enjoy, Jewels...