Betsy Veldman

If you know me, you know I’m a big DIY-er. I usually look at a product and say “Hey, I can do that!” So today I have a quick tutorial for creating your own canvas embellishments. We’ve seen the whole texture trend really explode in the past year or so, and canvas is right in the thick of that trend.

So the other day I was playing around with stamping on canvas, and I just wasn’t happy with the results I was getting. The images weren’t coming out clear and vibrant like I wanted.

All of the sudden, as I was drifting off to sleep that night (Isn’t that always when the best ideas hit?), I wondered if it would work to stamp onto iron-on transfer paper—you know, the kind you print on with your computer to make t-shirt transfers? Well, I Googled it the very next morning, and while it turns out I’m definitely not the first one to think of this (Have I been under a rock?), the good news is that it works! In fact it works like a charm, and it’s a technique I’ve turned to often in the last few weeks.

Here is a card I created using a pretty Hero Arts/Basic Grey rose stamp, which I ironed onto a canvas tag from Canvas Corp.

I just love the way the image is crisp and vibrant—just the look I was hoping to achieve.  And with no special inks needed! Just remember: it won’t work for text or sentiments because your image will be reversed, but anything else goes!

The process is really simple, and pretty much exactly the same as if you were using the iron-on transfers to create a t-shirt. (If you’re a mom, you’ve probably done this at least once in your life, am I right?)

I used some hp transfers that I’ve had in my stash for years (although they’re dwindling quickly after this recent discovery!). I stamped my rose image using dye ink; I’m pretty sure any ink will work, so just give it a shot!

Then I cut out my image, leaving a narrow border. If you’re using a stamp that has a coordinating die, use that—it’ll make this part even easier.

Then lay it face down over the fabric you want to transfer it to and follow the package instructions for heat settings, time, etc. I always use a cotton dishtowel over my project to prevent scorching.

Let it cool, then remove the paper backing and voilà!  A great DIY fabric embellishment.

Want to play around with this idea yourself?  I’ve got some great canvas products from Canvas Corp—one canvas bag and a canvas fabricsheet! Leave a comment on this post and I’ll randomly choose one lucky winner!

All comments must be received by Friday, May 18th at 5 pm MDT. Good luck!

Betsy Veldman, Paper Crafts Go-to Gal