6 Videos #392 to #397: Image transfer techniques using TLS or Kato Liquid Polyclay.
If you ever have had any doubt about the creative potential of polymer clay… then today’s tutorial will forever change your mind!
I am constantly amazed by what you can do with this stuff! Just coming up with samples for this Liquid Polymer Clay Transfer Techniques Tutorial, left my mind spinning with the unlimited possibilities. Between the different possible paper sources and designs… the number of mediums you can combine with the transfers… and the ways you can use the altered transfers once they are created… there are literally thousands of projects you can do with the techniques that you’ll be learning in this Vol-061 video tutorial series.
I am very excited to see what you will do with the ideas when you get started using them. With your own unique style and your own choice of materials, your own projects will differ so much from mine, that you will hardly believe they came from the same tutorial!
Posted just below is a Sneak Peak and overview of this months Image Transfer Techniques Tutorial. The rest of the 6 part video series will be posted tomorrow (Friday, June 7th, 2013) in the Vol-061 section at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library.
BTW, if this Liquid Polymer Image Transfer tutorial looks exciting to you, please do click that YouTube Like button. Many of you have been giving the Thumbs Up to the weekly YouTube videos, which is great… Thank You! However, these monthly intro clips need some love as well. When they don’t get as many likes, it makes it look like they are not appreciated as much… which surely can’t be true with all the nice comments you all leave :)
Vol-061-1: Video #392: Introduction: In this 6 part video tutorial series, you will learn techniques and tricks for creating unique and stunning Liquid Polymer Clay Image Transfers and Faux Encaustic Techniques. Use them in jewelry making, scrapbooking, art journals and other great looking polymer clay projects.
Vol-061-2: Video #393:
Image Transfers:
In this video you will learn the technique of creating an image transfer sheet using liquid polymer clay and the paper image of your choice. This will work with pictures from magazines, books and laser printer copies.
Vol-061-3: Video #394:
Paper Removal:
In this video you will learn the tricks for removing the paper backing from your transfers, so that you are left with only the translucent sheet of polymer clay that has the image embedded within. It is a very forgiving process that anyone can do with ease.
Vol-061-4: Video #395:
Hand Cutting & Die Cutting:
In this video I’ll show you how to cut the polymer image sheets into any shape or design that you choose, either by hand, or using a machine die cutter. I also will give you tips on how you can alter your cutouts with inks, glitter, resin and a host of other cool materials to make your pieces works of art.
Vol-061-5: Video #396:
Faux Encaustic Technique:
Faux Encaustic Technique: In this video I demonstrate how you can mimic the mixed media art technique of Beeswax Encaustic. You’ll learn tips and tricks to make your liquid polymer clay look just like beeswax and how to give texture and an aged finish to your pieces.
Vol-061-6: Video #397:
Adding Transfers to Clay Base:
Adding Transfers to Clay Base: In this final video of the tutorial series, I will teach you how to add your liquid polymer clay image transfers to a base piece of polymer clay, so that you can use it for pendants, charms, scrapbooking embellishments, and other cool polymer clay projects.
Other Supplies:
- Please note that you may or may not need all the supplies listed below, or in the suggested list above. It just depends on if you decide to do all the different techniques shown.
- Paper Towels.
- Dish of Water.
- Rubber Stamps or Texture Plates. I used an unmounted stamp from my friend Linda Hanson at After Midnight Art Stamps.
- Stiff Brush or Toothbrush.
- Paper with Images (scrapbooking paper, decorative cardstock, magazine photos, laser printed images, toner copier images, images from books, etc.).
- Rubbing Alcohol.
- Two smooth ceramic tiles for baking.
- Scissors.
By the way, many of the “shopping” links I provide for the various tools and supplies used in my tutorials, are “affiliate” resources. That means companies like Amazon and the other suppliers I refer, pay me a small commission if you click on the links and end up making a purchase at their site. It’s not a lot, but every little bit helps in keeping the cost of my tutorials down. And, the prices for products that you may purchase through my links, are exactly the same as what you would normally pay, even if it is a “sale” price. So please feel free to click whenever you need to pick up a few things for your studio. Thanks so much for your support.
The full video series for the Liquid Polymer Transfers tutorial described above, is available in Vol-061 at the Polymer Clay Library.
If you would like to receive 3 free beginner videos right now, plus some free color recipes that get sent out each week in my Friday email newsletter, please click this link: Polymer Clay Tutorials
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… Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my monthly library tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.
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Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Cindy, as a newbie to poly clay, and after finding your amazing website, I vote to create a “love” button for your videos … maybe “fantastic” or “amazing” … all would certainly apply! ~Michele-K
I am constantly amazed at how much information Cindy passes on; I’ve been messing around with PC for some years but she still manages to bring up subjects that seem quite basic until we hear what Cindy has to add. And to be still doing the videos after 4 years is amazing. When I first joined (approx 2/3 years ago) I said I wondered if she’d be able to keep this up; she assured me she would and she has! – and continues to do so. I am so delighted to be part of her ‘family’. ~Marion-R
Cindy provides a professional, interesting, researched and enthusiastic point of view when teaching. She is a jewel. Think her contributions to the polymer clay world should make folks um, skip! Even if you haven’t in awhile. ~Jocelyn-C
I live in Co Kilkenny Ireland. I design and handcraft beaded jewellery and bookmarks. I recently discovered polymer clay whilst on a jewellery course and am now totally addicted. I find Cindy’s tutorials invaluable as there are no courses etc available here in Ireland also they allow me learn at my own pace usually late at night when my sons are asleep and I can grab a few minutes of bliss a great escape from my day job as a nurse caring for people with Dementia and Alzheimers. ~Kathleen-B
The full video series for the Liquid Polymer Clay Transfer Techniques tutorial described above, is available in Vol-061 at the Polymer Clay Library.
If you would like to receive 3 free beginner videos right now, plus some free color recipes that get sent out each week in my Friday email newsletter, please click this link: Polymer Clay Tutorials
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This looks great, Cindy!
I love your journal cover, the lighter-than-a-feather earrings, and the butterfly embellishments… I bet we could make some cool Christmas decorations too with the techniques you’ll be showing us (I know it’s the wrong season, but it gets earlier every year, doesn’t it? ;p).
I’m sure many of the ideas and techniques from one of my other favourite Cindy Lietz tutorials, Polymer Clay Art Sheets, would work perfectly with this as well.
Looking forward to tomorrow! :D
(It’s a long weekend in Australia too, which is a nice bonus)
I can’t wait till tomorrow its so exiting
This looks very intriguing – love the big sheet and the little butterfly earrings not to mention the faux beeswax craft… thank you Cindy for continuing to grow and helping us to grow also.
I’ve been a member for a while now and just want to say – “wish I’d joined sooner rather than later :)”
This looks so exciting and I can tell it’s going to be one of my favourite tutorials. :)
*will run over to youtube and with a firm click like it*
Wow! I’ve been experimenting with image transfer for a while, and I’m SOOOO looking forward to this! I love the journal cover …. can’t wait for tomorrow morning!!!
Thanks guys! I look forward to seeing what you all make with this tutorial! By the very nature of the technique and the unlimited variety of materials and designs… no two projects will be the same… and that’s just when I’m doing it! Can you imagine when all of you throw your creative hats in the ring? The variety will be truly infinite!
Wow! Cindy this is going to be a truly inspirational tutorial. Just watching the intro video and my brain starts running through all kinds of scenarios for making things. It’s like waiting for the gun to go off so I can start the race. I am really excited about this one!
This looks like tons of fun! Can’t wait for tomorrow!
A very interesting technique. I’ve already got a couple of ideas of how to use this. Now to find the time to do it. Just one quick thing, when i click on the link of vol61 etc, it takse me to the faux burlwood tutes. I did it a few times, just to make sure i wasn’t imagining it, and nope i wasn’t. I guess something for Doug to look at?
I’m having the same problem – all the links take me straight to the burlwood tute …
Me too Lesley. I cleared my cache and even rebooted. It didn’t help.
Same problem here I can only watch the intro video then the next one takes me to the pen tutorial.
Really looking forward to this tutorial and all its intriguing possibilities. You have open our doors to an endless line of creative inspiration. We will have no problem keeping ourselves sparked with loads of artistic challenges
Can’t wait to see what the Lietz team has brought us with this awesome looking set of tutorials.
Thank you for all I will be seeing very soon. I am sure it is going to be another grand slam.
Same problem here I can only watch the intro video then the next one takes me to the Faux Burl Wood Pen tutorial. I even tried on my Kindle and I can’t seem to log on.
So sorry about the links… they are all fixed now.
yay, thanks Doug!
I love your videos and your blog!
Cindy – if I had found your videos sooner, I wouldn’t have had to buy so many books ;)
The liquid polymer clay tutorial is great !! I’m so glad I joined !
Carol, You’re gonna just love it here! When I first joined, I stocked up on previous tutorials too! Cindy’s an amazing resource and her lessons are so clear! Welcome!
Fantastic tutorial, Cindy! Can’t wait to try this technique … the possibilities are endless. I so appreciate the step by step instructions you give.
Some wonderfully imaginative techniques here! (and I only bought a heat gun last week – must have known …. :-)
What a fantastic and a fun project, and like you have said Cindy it opens up loads of possibilities. I did find it easier to spread the liquid clay over the picture with my finger… What a fantastic and a fun project, and like you have said Cindy it opens up loads of possibilities. I did find it easier to spread the liquid clay over the picture with my finger. My first attempt at faux encaustic, it definitely does turn out darker so next time I’ll look for a lighter picture. Tried all sorts of prints etc but the magazine pictures are by far the best. Thanks for the tutorial Cindy.
Thank you, This is one tutorial I especially wanted to see. I have actually been trolling Youtube for instructions on photo transfer so I can make a pendant for my Daughter-in-heart with a picture of the baby on it for her birthday, and a key chain for my son for his. Lots of good info out there, but Cindy always has the best.
Cindy, love your designs and way of teaching. Your color recipes are also great. Always looking forward to new things from you.
I’m going on a hunt for magazines. ;)
I have learnt sooo much by being a member at your site and I would really, really recommend it!!! I discover new things every? day. One great thing is all the comments and tips from all the other members. It feels like I’ve discovered a goldmine. :D
Hi Cindy and all. Wow. That last video series literally blew my mind. My MS is causing a few visual symptoms, and normally I’d quit, but all the neat new techniques and procedures have me glued to the screen. As a matter of fact, going back now for another full run through!
Cindy I have so much admiration for your teaching style and voice. I stay rapt for the entire 10 min contents with you all the time, as is not the case with other polymer clay artists, who kadence, slowness of pronounciation, and style, leave me screaming off the machine and onto doing other needed tasks, lol.
Thank you! It takes a teacher to teach.
WOW Thanks for saying that Jocelyn! It makes me so happy to hear that after all these years I can still get you excited about the tutorials! You make my heart sing girl! :)
Dear Cindy, We have learned so much from your tutorials and have even started selling some of our products on Etsy. Thank you for all you do and please keep it up! Peace!
Awesome tutorial!!! Thank you so much for the wonderful teaching, palettes etc. Love the names for the color palettes. Can’t wait to try this one; my mind is already thinking of all kinds of possibilities. Can I transfer from a photo or would i have to get a photocopy of the photograph?
I actually don’t know if you can use a regular photograph for this technique Cherie, I haven’t tried it yet. But I do know a laser printed copy or a photocopy will work. If you do try it, let us know if it works.
Hi Cherie,
I wondered about this too, briefly, as it would incorporate my other obsession. But I suspect it would not be easy. Most commercial photographs using chemical processes, i.e. not digital ink-jet prints, are done on plastic coated papers that are highly water resistant. That’s because the photos are sitting in a water-based chemical mix as they develop. The light sensitive dyes that form the image are in a gelatin or plastic emulsion on top.
When friends have asked me to rescue prints stuck to the glass in the frames (always use a mat or some sort of spacer to leave air between your photo and the glass!) I would soak the print and glass in water for hours and carefully separate the photo from the glass. I was trying desperately to NOT separate the image from the photo paper! :-)
So there are two issues here. 1) Since the image is in an emulsion top layer on the photograph, I doubt the image would “transfer” from that layer to the clay. I believe the entire emulsion layer would have to transfer and the question is would it adhere to polymer clay? Maybe, but you might not get the transparency you want. 2) Since the photo is water resistant, the paper removal part might be especially difficult.
That said, there are a wide range of photographic papers, with more or less plastic vs. paper. I can think of some that might work reasonably well but most are for B&W prints and are used by photographers to make custom or art prints, not for typical drug store/camera store prints.
So I would recommend starting with photocopies or laser prints of your photo. I think it will be easier to start with materials suggested by Cindy and get familiar with the process before experimenting with photos. Experimenting with photos is something I would like to do, but my To-Do list is already booklet size!
PS. The demise of Polaroid made many photographers unhappy. A couple of their films types actually had emulsions that would transfer to other surfaces using specific techniques. You can search Polaroid image transfer to see examples.
What a fantastic range of ideas! Thank you so much Cindy! I’m thinking of using this technique to make table place mats from photos of family and holidays, I wonder if blanks are available? Anyway, I’m going to have such fun playing with this. It’s only brilliant Cindy.
Marion
Thank you everyone for your kind comments on this tutorial! I know that this time of the year is a very busy time for a lot of people and it is great to hear that you guys are excited about the possibilities on this tutorial! I can’t wait to see you all upload pictures to our Facebook gallery.
Chrissie Baker has already added a Faux Encaustic Piece that is awesome! Have fun with it!
Cindy, QUESTION: I know you cannot use images from an inkjet printer with the liquid translucent clay. However, Terry from Ultra Dome Resin makes an Ink Jet Sealer that you spread over your inkjet images before applying resin to it.
Could one use this same sealer on an inkjet image and then cover it with liquid clay? Have you ever tried this sealer? If this is possible, think of the endless supply of images one could print off and use! I spent about 3 hrs over to the half price book store looking for images to use in this technique. I came away happily with 4 books off the $1.00 Clearance Rack. This would be a great source for anyone looking for images.
You probably all know about this already (??) I use inkjet prints with t-shirt transfer paper – it works like a dream! … and of course you can make as many prints as you like.
Lesley, I have used the inkjet transfer paper for t-shirts but have you used it with liquid clay? Wouldn’t it smear the ink?
Hi Dixie! I haven’t found it to smear the ink at all…. I roll an ultra-thin slice of white/pale clay, apply a thin layer of Fimo Liquid, place my transfer on top, burnish with a spoon or similar. It only takes about 8/10 minutes in the oven for the image to transfer. Then I remove the t-shirt transfer (now blank) and bake for another 20 minutes or so. That makes a very thin sheet to be added to beads etc. I can’t remember where I got this technique from …. somewhere on the internet but it was a while back.
Recently I’ve been experimenting with a little puddle of Fimo Liquid on a tile, applying the t-shirt transfer and baking with a weight on top. Great image again … but very fragile due to its extreme thinness. Experimenting now with adding another layer of liquid clay before removing from the tile, then baking again ….. sorry, does this make sense?
I was delighted to see Cindy’s tutes this month, loved the new ideas, my mind is buzzing as usual (thank you Cindy, you’re a superstar!)
Lesley, I am a little confused here.
Do you transfer the design from the paper after you have applied a thin layer of liquid clay, or do you bake the thin layer of clay first and then burnish the design onto the baked clay? Do you bake the piece of clay with the transfer design on the clay in the oven?
Hi Dixie Ann, sorry to take so long to pop in here… as you know I have been swamped with all sorts of things lately! I wish I could help you with the ink jet thing. We don’t even own an inkjet anymore, so it is tricky to experiment with one for polymer clay projects.
I don’t know if the sealer that Terry sells for InkJet Prints would work or not. The thing that makes the transfer technique work, is the toner ink bonds with the polymer and then you can then remove the paper, leaving the image behind. If you use a sealer on the paper, I am not sure if that will bond with the clay or not. Maybe you could ask Terry about that. He may know more about that than I do. Especially since I haven’t tried his sealer yet.
And as far as the t-shirt transfer thing goes, I can’t help you there either. Although I have done transfers to fabric, years ago, I have never used the t-shirt transfers on polymer clay. (My goodness there are a lot of products to try and not enough time!!)
Hopefully you will be able to get the info you need. Maybe you could put on your imaginary lab coat (unless you have a real one of course) and try it out yourself. I would be very interested to hear your results! Have fun!
Cindy:
My brain hurts from all the possibilities from these techniques! : )
Three comments/questions:
– would this technique work with wrapping paper?
– I assume that when you do the sandwich technique with the tiles (as in the last video of this series), since the piece has already been baked previously, there is no dreaded “shiny” spot occurring from the tile onto the clay…
– I looked up what inchies are … oh no! — they look like such an interesting thing to do — the problem is – SO MANY PROJECTS, SO LITTLE TIME !!!
Hi Maria, sorry to hear your brain hurts!! (Not really… it means it is working!) lol As far as wrapping paper working for the technique, my guess would be yes, but I don’t know that for sure, because I didn’t try it. Why not give it a try and let us know if it works? I’d love to add it to the list of possibilities!
oops, sorry Dixie, that must have been confusing. I put the (raw) layer of polymer clay onto a tile, brush on a thin layer of Fimo Liquid (that’s the only liquid clay I’ve ever used) … then put my transfer on face-down, and burnish (at this stage it’s all unbaked … then bake … it only takes 8/10 minutes for the image to transfer to the clay. I usually then remove the transfer sheet and bake the clay for a while longer. I don’t do the full hour because it’s going to be baked again as part of the ongoing process. I hope this makes sense … :-) Still experimenting but I’ve had great results this way.
…. still experimenting ……
Thanks Leslie, that does make more sense. Now I am anxious to try that technique. Although I don’t have Fimo, I’m sure the Sculpey Liquid will work just as well. Thanks again for clarifying those instructions. I will let you know how well I did or didn’t do! LOL :)
Would love to hear how you get on Dixie! It seems the possibilities of polymer clay are never-ending ….
Cindy’s tutorials are awesome for beginners and well established PC artists at a cost you will be amazed at. Her blog is filled with inspiration from the entire Lietz family as well as many members. Don’t waist any more time… Cindy shows you the easiest ways to accomplish pieces that looks like it came from a pro, even if you are just starting out. Everything to gain nothing to loose.
Cindy – I just want you to know how much I enjoy all of this. Thank you so much for all you do.
Oh my! So many wonderful ideas running around my head after watching these videos. No time to act on them now though. Waaaah! Love the faux encaustic! Thank you!!
I’m so glad I decided to sign up for your videos and look forward to making lots of pretty things. Thank you.
Has anyone besides me noticed that the Kato Liquid clay puts off a pretty intense odor? Cindy, seems you made note of this with the clays (I think). My husband says he cannot smell it, but I have to have him ration his cologne, haha, so he may not be an accurate judge of smells. It is very strong–so much so that if I use it again it will be in the toaster oven on the back porch.
Cindy,
Your beginner course helped me a lot. I’m now a subscribing member as well, and have tried several of the techniques, like this liquid polymer clay transfer method, that I never would have been able to figure out on my own. I own several instruction books and most of them make an assumption that you already know a certain technique to be able to do the project they have for you, very frustrating. Your videos are great, instructions are clear and concise. For the price, it’s even more amazing. Thank you! Catherine
Welcome to our claying family Catherine! Thank you for saying such nice things. I am glad you are enjoying what you are learning and are getting great value from it. I too have had the same issue with books. It was part of the reason for doing the videos in the first place. Take a look around the blog and you will find there are tons of helpful articles and many friendly people you can get to know. It’s great to have you here!
I am going to try doing photo transfers from the Liquid Polymer Clay Video series (I really love this series). I have a couple of questions I need help with. When I get a photograph printed out at Office Max on their color copier (I sent them the files) which paper should I get. I can get photograph paper or just good quality color copier paper. The photograph paper is thicker. Also do I only need two coats of the TLS on the paper (whichever I use)?
Really looking forward to finishing this project. My practice runs are great.
Still loving these tutorials after 3 plus years!
Blessings,
Bonnie
That is so wonderful to hear Bonnie!! On the paper, it doesn’t matter that much which one you use, since they will both work. The thicker one may remove easier, but if it is a lot more expensive, it might not be worth it. If you can, try both and see which one you like better. Just make sure you’re using toner based (laser printed) inks and all will be good. Do let us know how it turns out. Have fun!
Thanks Cindy….One thing I did learn…it DOES NOT work with my inkjet. I did one by accident and walah….disaster paper peeled off nice and easy, but took all the photo with it. I was left with a “clump of nothing.” So….no more mistakes there. I got a wonderful effect with one of them…it was the same color photo, and the paper all came away, but it left a “black and white” on the clay. Like a “movie noir,” but I don’t know how I did it and cannot reproduce it….just one of those one in a lifetime flukes I suppose. Any ideas! Great to be back in the PC world…the last couple of years have been rough. But, the past is past…this is now. See ya. Blessings, Bonnie.
Glad to have you back Bonnie! Sorry to hear that you have had a bad year. Maybe working with polymer will help and next year you can say this way a good year! That is strange about the black and white. Mot really sure why that happened. Maybe the colored ink was not as strong or something but it sounds like it turned out neat and everything. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Cindy. I want to try the liquid clay transfers – vol 061 – but my TLS is old and really thick, hard to work with. I went to purchase on line some new TLS and see there is Translucent Liquid Sculpey, like you use in your video, and Transparent Liquid Sculpey. There’s a big difference in the price, with the transparent being less than the translucent. But since you used the translucent, I’m afraid to try the transparent. Can you tell me what would be the difference between the translucent, like you used, and the transparent? Thanks so much, love you both!!
Zusia
Hi Zusia, there is no such thing as Transparent Liquid Sculpey only Translucent Liquid Sculpey. When you see a listing for the transparent… on a place like Amazon… it is just a mistake that the person doing the listing did. If you look at the label on the bottle, you will see that it still says translucent. SO just buy which ever one is the least expensive and is from a reputable seller. You can thin down your translucent liquid clay with a drop of Sculpey Clay Softener if you need to though. Thanks for your kind comments!
I am intrigued by the use of the die cutting machine, I have never done scrapbooking so I know nothing about these things. You mentioned BigKick, but I found one called sidekick and wonder if this will work also. Thanks for everything you do for us, I am still working on my clay room and have not made much but soon I will be ready to really play with clay.
Hi Peg, I have a Side Kick and although it is possible to use it with this technique (with some fiddling around), it is extremely limited because of it’s size. Only a small number of dies will fit into it and there are very few accessories. You would be way better off with a Big Kick. That way you can make pretty much anything with it including embossing metal with the Vintaj dies, and making jewelry tags with the tag dies. I honestly think the Side kick would be a waste of your money.
Thanks, Cindy. I am taking your advice and asking Santa for a bigger machine.
Cindy, I so enjoy watching all of the videos here, but I enjoy reading all the suggestions in the comment section just as much. I asked a while ago about getting a sidekick machine and you advised me not to. Thank you. Santa came early this year and brought me a Cuttlebug. I researched this one to make sure it could use others’ dies and it can. It looks similar to yours, Cindy, and I am excited to try it out. It’s still in the box but I don’t think I’ll be able to wait til the 25th. Thanks for all your help.
I have a question. I am so not familiar with anything scrapbooking. I’ve been looking at dies online and there are alot of them out there. Also, alot of embossing folders. Here’s my question: does the embossing work on the baked TLS? If so, do I then cut it by hand or can I put it back through to cut it out with the machine? TIA
Hi Peg, I have not been able to emboss the clay after it has been baked… it just cracks. You can use the embossing folders to press designs into raw clay but unfortunately it won’t work for the liquid clay sheets because it will just make a sticky mess. Hope that makes sense…
Makes perfect sense. Thanks for letting me know.
Not sure where to ask this, so I’ll just do it here. I bought a few of After Midnight’s full unmounted stamp sheets. There are quite a few different stamps; Do I cut them apart? I won’t mount them but not sure what to do.
Thanks,
Peg
Peg, I bought a few sheets there also and just love them. I found it to be much easier to use them after cutting them apart. If I find a stamp mounted I will stick it in the micorwave for 30 secs to a minute and they usually pop right off. I store all of my stamps in flat CD cases. Takes up a lot less room.
Cool trick Dixie Ann!
Great idea on the CD cases. I used to have a ton have no idea where they are. Hope my daughter didn’t throw them out. Speaking of which, has anyone tried using the film from a CD or DVD on polymer clay? I read about it, probably on Pinterest.
have not tried it yet but it is on my “To Do” List. Let us know if you try it and how it turns out. :)
Will do, Dixie Ann. I found one this morning so maybe I’ll try it this weekend. Or maybe I’ll stay up too late again and try tonight.
I apologize if the answer to my question is in this thread; if it is, I missed seeing it.
Cindy, do any of your tutorials show doing transfer from images created using an inkjet printer?
Hi Doreen, no I haven’t actually got any ink-jet transfer tutorials. There is a paper that I think you can print onto with an ink jet though I haven’t tried it yet myself. It is called Magic Transfer Paper. I think the girls at Polymer Clay TV sell it.
Cindy and members,
I found this tutorial that describes how to use prints from inkjet printers for image transfers. I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks as though it should make sense. The author, Dotty McMillan, says that she uses T-Shirt transfer paper.
Doreen, if you try it and get sucessful results, would be so grateful if you’d come back to this thread and share your experiences. Fooling around with my ink jet is always on my mind, but, it’s hard to get consistent results, so I’ve never tried or invested. If the product works, sure would like to know your opinion.
Very interesting tutorial, Cindy. Many of my questions were answered here, but I was wondering if this process would work with designs on napkins? What do you think? There are so many lovely napkins available; I think it would be great if they could be used. Please let me know. Thanks.
Hi Petrina, yes you should be able to do this technique with paper napkins as well. If you peel away the layers and get to the thinnest sheet possible, you may not even need to remove the paper. I would definitely play around with this concept and see what you can come up with. Somewhere in my stuff I have an extensive collection of napkins my grandmother collected. I should dig those up and give it a go myself. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Dear, dear Cindy. I have only happened upon your site recently. I just wanted to thank you so much for your wonderful site and the evident attitude and enthusiasm you bring into it. I have watched a few of your tutorials and want to thank you for them also. i am on a fixed (AKA broke) budget since becoming ill. to see free tutorials means so much to me. I have been claying around for about 20 years now along with so many other crafts I am so fortunate to have found since I was about 5. Just wanted to say hello and let you know that you are one of the angel / miracle / fortunate coincidences I have been lucky enough to have found in my life at just the right time.
Many thanx & happy crafting
Barb Gunn
Thank you so much Barb for saying such sweet words. It means a lot to me that you are getting so much out of what you are learning here. I hope that you continue to find the comfort and joy you need from this hobby to distract you from your illness and make your life better. Welcome to our little polymer clay family!
At first I was a little bummed because I don’t have pretty scrap booking papers or cards or anything lying around… And who wants to wait on a fun technique like this? But then I noticed that even though it’s almost February, I still haven’t put my bin of wrapping paper out in the garage. Yay for procrastination! I have loads of it and some that isn’t too christmasy. I did have a little trouble smearing the clay on the paper because it wanted to curl up. Next time I’ll be more patient and flatten my pieces first. So my first ones have some little bubbles and aren’t terribly even, but I think the Kato helped cover for me by self leveling a good deal. Anyway one of the papers I tried lost almost all of that texture and is nearly as smooth on the back as the front! You can see it in my sanding bowl and see the stripes right through it! Fun fun fun! I’ve now forbidden anyone in my family to recycle magazines without my approval, so that’s a real set back in the clutter department, but this is gonna be worth it!
Wrapping paper is an excellent choice for this technique Katy! It really is about using what you have on hand and seeing what you can do with it. Do you know what you’re going to make with it yet?
Oh gosh no! I rarely have any idea what I’m going to do with the things I make… I suppose that could be one of the next steps in my development with clay… I guess for now I’m just figuring out how things work and having fun… maybe 1 part figuring things out to every 6 parts fun… but that’s a nice place to start I suppose… I hope when I get better at certain techniques and figure out what I like etc, then maybe I’ll start planning things better and making fewer random pieces of stuff… for instance, I have no idea what I’m going to do with all these owls, but they’re pretty fun, and I do have that whole cane, and I still make their faces kinda funny, so I just keep on making them :D and when something doesn’t work out it often becomes lentils or now torpedoes… so that’s ok too… I think I’ll use that one piece of wrapping paper cane as an embellishment of some kind on the journal I’m making for my sister. She actually bought that brown & teal paper several Christmases ago when she was visiting and wrapped her presents in it, so it’s got some special memories… :)
That sounds very cool Katy! Do let us know if you end up making something with your pieces.
Hi Cindy,
I did my first attempt at Liquid Polymer transfers and must say I’m hooked! I do have two questions:
1. I purchased my TLS from my local Michael’s ( a very small Michael’s) and had some problems smoothing it. I re-ran the tutorial and noticed that my TLS appears to be much thicker and less evenly consistent than yours. Is there something that I can add to thin it ever so slightly? I started with the TLS because you mention that Kato is more fluid and I didn’t want to sway one way or the other with my first try.
2. Have you tested samples made with the Kato liquid, but used later on with TLS? I really liked the Kato transfers and found Kato much easier to work with, but I think that there will be times that I’d prefer sheen to shine in the final product.
Hi Susan, you can thin out your TLS with Sculpey Clay Softener or a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil. Just be careful not to add too much. and for your second question… I am not totally sure what you mean, but if you mean, can you make a transfer with Kato and then add some more TLS after baking it? Then I think that should be no problem. Kato Polyclay plays pretty nicely with Sculpey products. You may need to play around with the temperatures to get a nice clear finish, but they are compatible. Hope that helps!
Thanks Cindy, Using the clay softener was just the trick! It made the TLS just as easy to use as the liquid Kato. I’m glad that Kato and Sculpey products play well together as it’s likely that I’ll do up transfers without knowing exactly what project I’ll be using them in.
Some more transfer questions. In part 6, where you show your gorgeous green map page cover, is the top surface of the cover the surface of the transfer? I’m assuming the layers from the inside up are : polymer clay sheet
Gold leaf
Some sort of liquid clay
Transfer
Can you add the transfer to the metal leaf covered sheet before it has been baked, or do you bake it first and then add the transfer?
I have so many questions because I’m planning a special journal cover for a trip later on this year, and of course, I want it to be perfect!–VBG
Thanks again
Hi Susan, you need to bake the transfer first and remove the paper, then you can add whatever you want to the back, gold leaf on translucent or whatever, then bake again. The options are pretty much unlimited. You may need to play around a bit before you get the look you want, but you can keep adding layers until your hearts content. As long as that top transfer is pretty translucent you can see what you put on the back. Hopefully that makes sense. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
Hi Cindy, i’m using sculpy’s liquid translucent clay to adhere glitter on ornaments, water doesn’t seem to clean the brush, what’s the best solvent to clean my brush after applying the liquid sculpy?
Thanks
Dee
Hi Dee, I use mineral spirits to clean all my brushes that are used for non-soluable liquids. It is actually a cleaner whereas paint thinner is more for thinning paint. I try to keep 1 or 2 brushes just for the liquid clay. If you don’t want to clean them right away, you can wrap the brush tip in glad wrap and then in foil and stick it in the freezer until you need it again. Once it warms up, your good to go again. Hope this helps.
Thanks! I think I have mineral spirits in the studio and so will clean the brush with that. I will make sure I have only 1 or 2 dedicated brushes for the liquid clay.
I have used rubbing alcohol to clean my liquid clay brushes. (It smells better than the mineral spirits.) Either works though.
oh that’s even easier! it’s on my clay work table! THANKS!
Glad to help! :)
I Absolutely love your site…thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of everything!!!! I’m signing up immediately!! I love your work!!! You re an inspiration!!!
Hi Cindy,
I have shared a picture with you of the piece I made after learning from this Vol-061 tutorial. The painting image transfer is Kalamkari work. Nowadays in India this paint is very popular on terracotta jewellery. As I don’t have a good skill in painting, wanted try image transfer. I have struggled to get this outcome for 6 months now and failed, but with your video lessons I was able to do it. I cannot thank you enough for this tutorial.
Sincerely thanking you,
Lekha Rashmi Ramesh
Thank you so much Lekha for your kind words! It is very gratifying to see you working on this tutorial so quickly after purchasing it, and seeing you achieve such success! I really appreciate you letting me know! Take care, Cindy
Hi Cindy
I’ve just tried this technique and the results are great. I’ll post the photo on you’re Facebook page :)
Kind regards
Rosie
That would be awesome! Thanks Rosie!! :)
Hi Cindy
I loooved this tutorial very much really creative & really inspiring
I have a question i don’t have a heat gun can i use a hair dryer instead?
Thanks :)
Hi Riham, glad you are loving the tutorial! Unfortunately a blow dryer is not going to get as hot as a heat gun will. You will be better off putting your piece in a hot oven (275F-300F) and setting it that way instead, if you don’t have a heat gun. Bake it for as long as it takes for the liquid clay to go clear. Good luck!
Great will do that ??
Many thanks Cindy for the quick reply.
I love a ll your tutorials, I learned a lot from you & still am.
You’re the best ??????
Thanks again
Riham
Sorry Cindy the question marks were originally thumbs up emojis, but somehow when i hit the submit button they turned into question marks i don’t know how that happened :(
sorry again
LOL! That happens to me all the time! Changes the way the comment reads when those question marks are there instead of thumbs up, doesn’t it! :)
Yes it does, thank God i noticed it before you read it :)
Absolutely loved this tutorial! Can’t wait to try this technique…..my brain created so many ideas as you went through this video. Nicely done!
Thank you Mary! Welcome to our claying family!