Sometimes you can’t find exactly what you have in mind for that special project. Knowing how to create your own transparencies and rub-ons will open up many more possibilities beyond selecting from the ready-made scrapbook supplies and embellishments. And you can save money too. This article will show an easy way to create them.
You’ll need:
- A computer and printer
- Some sheets of transparency
- bone folder, popsicle stick, or rub-on tool
You can find transparencies or Ink Jet Film at any office supply store. If you prefer to shop online, amazon.com carries a six-pack of Grafix Ink Jet Film which work well for this technique.
Step 1: Create An Image To Print For The Transparency
First, decide what element you want to create for your page. This example, creates a page title which is easy to do. You can use Photoshop or any graphics program or a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or Open Office. To create a title, almost any program will do. Type the title you want, then set the font style, size, and color to go with your intended layout.
Step 2: Print The Image On The Transparency
Using the right printer settings is the trick to printing on a transparency. Be sure to choose “Ultra Glossy Paper” or whatever your brand of printer uses for this function.
It will take some time to dry because of the non-stick glossy transparency which causes the ink to sit on top of the surface instead of bonding with the fibers as in normal paper. Be sure to allow extra drying time and be careful not to smear it when handling the transparency.
There are several ways you can attach a transparency to your layout.
- Brads or eyelets to fasten it down
- Stable it (if it suits your design)
- Adhesive made especially for attaching vellum that won’t show through.
- Layer an embellishment over part of the transparency and use adhesive to attach the embellishment<./li>
In this example, I wanted to add some color behind the title to enhance the face painting theme. So I used paint as an adhesive to attach the transparency without it showing.
Create The Image For The Rub-On
You can create rub-ons from images or text, anything you can print from your computer. This example uses a digital scrapbook clipart. Open the image in whatever program you like to use for images.
Print the Image on a Sheet of Transparency
Printing on transparency allows you to easily transfer the image wherever you want. Again, the key is to use the Ultra-Glossy Paper setting on the printer. Also, use the “Mirror Image” setting, so that when you transfer it, it will be right.
For this print, the “Mirror Image” option is found under print options on the Page Layout tab. This will be different for different printers and computers, so you’ll have to find your particular place.
Step 5: Place The Transparency Where You Want The Image To Go
You could simply print out the image in the correct location, but that’s not always possible and using a rub-on is more flexible. For this example, the image goes on a circle tag which would be difficult to print on directly. Rubbing it on provides the solution.
Put the transparency with the printed image over the circle tag or wherever the image is to go.
Step 6: Rub
Using a special rub-on tool, popsicle stick, or bone folder (shown below), rub the image where you want it to appear. Carefully peel back the transparency to be sure you get an even transfer. If it’s not transferred evenly, put it back and rub some more. You don’t need a lot of rubbing or pressure. The transfer is very easy and smooth.
You’ll get more of a “stamped” look than a clear, sharp image with this technique which is great for layouts and projects where you want more of an antique or distressed look.
Here is the finished layout with the title created with the transparency. The layout has two sides — the left side is before the race and the right side is after the race. Because the photos are from two different events, two digital stamp elements (the rub-ons) are used to show the different dates. The rub-ons are backed up with different, but coordinating tags. The one on the left adds a bit of interest with a chipboard arrow to point out the date.
