Backward Thinking

Have you ever used a blender pen or Crystal Clear spray on a toner-based image? After you made the transfer, you may have discovered a wonderful ghost-like image on the back of the paper. Don’t toss it—you can use this in a new piece of art. You can resize it, make transfers with it or use it in a collage. You get two pieces for the work of one.

TECHNIQUE ONE: Transfer It

Our first book, Image Transfer Workshop, is a great resource for all things transfer. Our example here is created using a dry gel transfer and requires a toner-based image.

Step 1

Apply polymer medium or gel to your surface.

Step 2

While wet, lay your image face down and brayer flat.

Step 3

When thoroughly dry, lightly sand the paper to scuff the surface.

Step 4

Spray with water and rub off the paper. You may have to repeat this step several times to remove all the paper. Let dry completely each time you spray so you can see if the white paper haze is gone. Finally, lightly dampen your fingers (do not add water directly to the image at this point) and rub to remove the last layer of paper.

TECHNIQUE TWO: Resize It

Scan your piece of art or take it to your local office store for a photocopy enlargement (toner base).

TECHNIQUE THREE: Glue It

Step 1

Cut up your image.

Step 2

Apply glue to your surface.

Step 3

Lay down the collage element and use a brayer to flatten it.

CHANGING TIME

Darlene Olivia McElroy

Featured Technique: Transfer It

For more information on Image Transfer Workshop visit createmixedmedia.com/mixed-media-revolution.