2016 #4 Flowers At The Abbey {by Lesley Ebdon}

2016 Topic #4: Image Transfer

Hi Everyone, Lesley here to share a project for the Image Transfer theme using Elizabeth Borer's beautiful new stamp set EEB07 which features the Morning Glory flowers.
I chose to offer a contribution to this topic because I had only ever once done an image transfer quite a few years ago and I wanted to try something out of my usual comfort zone. I also love the less than pristine, sometimes 'ethereal' images you get with transfer techniques. The method I used previously (in a workshop) was burnishing the chosen image onto the sticky side of sticky back canvas and I did try this first but I think the adhesive is degrading on my old adhesive canvas and it didn't work very well, unlike the fab result I got in the workshop, lol! Next, I tried Leandra's method of printing onto a transparency and transfering with Satin Glaze (as in her YouTube video) but I think I need more practice at that one, lol! It worked and is a quick method too but not the right results for what I wanted. This was probably more to do with the image I chose and my inexpertise so I'm sharing my third reasonably successful attempt.

Step 1: I began with 2 pieces of white/greyboard 15cm x 21cm (5.5” x 8”) and from one I cut an arched aperture using a diecut as a template. I had to do this by hand with a craft knife to get the arch where I wanted it.

Step 2: I gave the aperture piece (top layer) a coate of gesso then applied Grunge Paste tinted with Buff Fresco Finish paint through a brick/stonework stencil. When it was dry I gave the whole thing a coat of Buff and followed this with gently patting touches of Taupe, Caramel and Wintergreen Frescos over the stonework using the back side of a piece of Cut n Dry foam. I didn't use the soft sponge side as I didn't want the colours to sink into the 'grouting' between the stone blocks.

Step 3: I did a little light random stencilling using Taupe Fresco and the 'Wild flowers' quote using Caramel Fresco and followed this with stencilling the ivy using Wintergreen and Caramel and the quote bottom left with Black Archival Ink. To finish the board preparation I edged both top and bottom layers and the aperture edges with Gold Fresco Finish (my new favourite gold paint).

Step 4: Now for the image transfer! I printed my chosen photo (taken at Fountains Abbey) onto copy paper, applied a good coat of Golden Matte Gel and placed it face down onto a piece of cotton fabric. I made sure there was nice even contact (no lumps of glue or bubbles) between the fabric and paper and left it overnight to dry. I then began spritzing with water and gently rubbing with my fingers until I'd removed (most of) the paper and revealed the photo again.

Step 5: I now had the 'misty' look I was after and to finish the image I stamped part of the flourish from EEB07 along the bottom to look like creepers. I glued the image transfer to the back of the aperture using gel medium and then adhered the back layer of greyboard.

Step 6: Next I turned to creating the embellishments. I stamped out several of the Morning Glory images onto Smoothy Card, painted them with Fresco Finish Chalk Wintergreen and a little Pumpkin Soup and Plum and then fussy cut them all. I also gave the leaves 3 coats of Fresco Gloss Glaze.

Step 7: I arranged all the elements and adhered them with Heavy Gel to create some dimension and also added some tendrils of wired paper string. 

Here's a final detail close up.

I hope you enjoyed my foray into incorporating an image tranfer into a project. I certainly did and I want to practice more with Leandra's technique using transparencies and Satin Glaze. It's definitely quicker than the method I used, lol! If, like me you haven't tried this before, do have a go. There's a nice sense of satisfaction seeing the image emerge when you get it (more or less) right!
You can catch up with me here:

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Lesley this is beautiful, you certainly have an affinity with these stamps, you always make such classy projects with them. As a huge fan of Fountain's abbey it is a treat to see it brought to life in this way, the stamps are just perfect for this stunning architecture. The arch and the touches of Grunge Paste add just enough rugged texture to balance the delicate flowers. ~Darcy 
We would love to see how you interpret this Image Transfers  topic by linking what you make to our 2016 Challenge #4: Image Transfers, on this page HERE.

All of our bloggers love to see your twist on their ideas,  particularly if you were inspired directly by their post. 

All links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Image Transfers link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, March 6th. The winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.