Transfer Image Charms

This week I made a few charms using a transferred image process. It started out as a desire to make a initial necklace for Love Bug but I was inspired to make others.

Using similar steps to the Canvas Image Transfer, I was able to make a variety of charms.

What you need:

• small wooded pieces
• images – see tips below
• gel medium
• paint
• jump rings
• chain, cord, key ring

________________________________________________________________

Like for the Canvas Image Transfer, here are some tips for your image/photos:

The Image/Photo

This is the part that makes the project: the image or photo. Both full color and black and white images work. Here are a couple of things to pay attention to:

1. Pick a high resolution image/photo. Clearer picture, clearer transfer.

2. Since the image will go face down on the canvas, either choose an image that works in reverse or use a photo program (photoshop, corel, etc) that can reverse it first. *Faces, animals and flowers probably won’t matter but text will.

3. The image needs to be sized for the charm. I copied and pasted all the images into Word and resized them to fit each charm size.

4. Make sure the image/photo is printed on 20lb paper. Even when the printer worker looks at you incredulously, stick to your 20lb guns. It won’t work with anything thicker.

_________________________________________________________________

For my charm images, I created a bunch to choose from. I photographed a series of hearts I painted a while ago and adjusted them. And for the others, I found a couple design images I liked on the web, opened them in my image program and started adding color. The ‘N’s, in reverse, were just for Love Bug.

I cut out and cut down the specific ones I wanted to use. Because I put images on both sides, I have two for each.

The charm base is these small wood piece, usually found in the unpainted wood section of craft stores.

Because I wanted my images to be the brightest they could be, I started with a thin coat of white paint. The images would certainly transfer on to the bare wood, however, the color might not to as brilliant.

When that dried, I applied a thin and even layer of a gel medium.

Then I placed my image, face down on the gel medium. Make sure to really rub it down, eliminating any air bubbles and making sure all the edges are adhered.

Let that completely dry.

Then, get the image damp. For the canvas transfer, I used a spray bottle. For these charms, I found a damp wash cloth worked better.

Start rubbing and peeling with your fingers, gently, of course. If you’ve done a transfer canvas before, you will appreciate how quickly this goes.

Drill a hole with a small bit for the jump ring.

Because I like the finished look, I sanded the edges.

A completed charm.

And the backside.

Add a clear coat to protect it all.

Attach to a chain or cord or key ring. This is Love Bug’s charm.

I used some bronze paint for the edges.

I really had a lot of fun with these. So much so I am swinging by the store later for more wooden pieces!

Happy Friday!

Take care.

-amy c

_____________________________________________________________________

I’m going to be back with a post on Sunday, participating in The ArtsyGirl Connection Go P. I. N. K For A Cause.

So come on back on Sunday for that!

_______________________________________________________________________