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
Thanks for this tutorial! I love DIY projects, too. What a great idea to use iron on transfers to make the ink crisp. LOVE IT!!!!
What a fabulous idea! Thanks for the inspiration!!!!
wow..waht a great tutorial..hope it’s something i can try while the trend is still in. I’ve yet to use my Claudine Hellmuth Sticky back canvas that i’ve had for at least two years, ..but i think this would be a great reason to try it!
Wow, love this. Can’t wait to try it.
What fun! Can’t wait to try this!
Wonderful project, love the rose stamp leaves a beautiful impression. very detailed. The tutorial is wonderful too. Love to make one of these soon. hugs, Frances.
Guess I’ve been living under a rock also, Betsy! Love the look of your canvas tag, and the red ink is brilliant. Can see where a coordinated die would be a big bonus as usual. Thanks for the tutorial and chance to win a canvas bag and canvas sheet!
I’m gonna try this for sure! Thank you for both the tutorial and for the chance to win a couple of Canvas Corp items. <3
It seems to turn out more vibrant than simply stamping. Gorgeous. Can’t wait to try it. Now where to find transfer paper. Thank you for always inspiring.
Great transfer techniques.
This is genius!!! I may even put a twist on this idea and use my stamps to create a shirt or bag for my 2 yr old. I have some cute stamps that I think would work perfect on a little shirt.
Ohhh, that rose stamp is precious.
Can’t wait to try this! Your ideas are the best!
This is such a great idea, I’ve never liked stamping on fabric because it looks so dull, but I can not wait to give this a try. I am heading out to Staples right now to get that transfer paper. Thanks for the really great tutorial Betsy!
Great blog!your ideas are the best.That rose stamp is precious.
I love the look of that tag and the color is so bright. I’ll give this technique a try!
That canvas tag looks so pretty! I love how vibrant the color is on it. I always love your ideas! Thanks for a chance to win!
I love this idea; unique, beautiful and inexpensive embellishments! Thank you.
I love your TAG! This is such a great technique that I have done before, and Forgot! I can’t believe it! I do have the transfer paper but haven’t used it on canvas yet. Thank you for the lovely idea and giveaway!
Now, why didn’t I think of that??
This is a great DIY tip! I love the flower on the canvas. It looks great! I guess I have a reason for iron-on transfers now. Thanks for the giveaway too!
Oh wow…I just this morning found some transfer paper I has stashed way several years ago and had forgotten. I was wondering how Icould use them, and now I know. Thanks bunches.
Greetings! Just some food for thought– if you want letters or words on your canvas project, use a program like PhotoShop Elements if you have one. With all the wonderful fonts available out there in digiland, you shouldn’t have any problem finding one that perfectly fits your project. Open a blank file in your program and type what you want to transfer–adjust size and color. When finished, just flip the text and print on the transfer paper and voila!
I love this idea and love the way it looks on your card!
Betsy, I love how crafty you are! I’m sure I’ve got some transfer sheets in my cabinet of paper. LOL. What a great way to use them up.
This is such a great idea! The image is super crisp! Thanks for sharing it with us!