Valentine's Day is just around the corner and sometimes I find myself strapped for inexpensive but, charming gifts. This is a project that I used to do all the time when my now teenage babies were well, babies. Sometimes I would find a cute pair of printed pants on sale without the matching top, problem solved. Sometimes I wanted a personalized gift, flowers on a pillowcase or a cute baby onesie, problem solved. These projects were done by stamping on Iron On Transfer Paper and ironing it unto the fabric. We've always been able to stamp directly on fabric but, I haven't always like the result. I wanted something more vibrant with a sharper image. That's when I thought about the Iron On paper used for computer printers.
Here's what you'll need:
Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts stamp set #117010 $26.95w, #118571 $18.95c
Ink:Calypso Coral Classic Ink #122939 $5.95, Real Red Classic Ink #103133 $5.95, Pretty in Pink Classic Ink #100459 $6.95, Poppy Parade Classic Ink #119782, $5.95, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink #119669 $5.95
Miscellaneous: Fabric Transfer paper for LIGHT fabrics. I used Avery brand for Ink Jet printers. Shop around, you can get it less expensive & fewer sheets at different stores.
White t-shirt or other mostly cotton fabric. It has to be able to take a high heat setting on your iron to make the transfer. I bought this Toddler Girl 5T t-shirt at Wal-mart for $3.88
Ironing board & Iron
Start by measuring the area where you want the transfer to be located and cut your transfer paper to this size. In this case I used a 3 1/2" x 5"
Stamp your layout on a piece of scratch paper first. This way you can get the design right. Where you want place objects and what colors look good next to each other.
Important Note: Words don't work because they'll transfer backwards!
Once you've perfected your creation it's time to do it all again, BACKWARDS! You'll have to stamp it in the exact opposite layout so that when you flip it over to iron it on, it will come out the way you designed it. See the important note above.
I normally position the scratch sample right above the transfer paper and stamp it all in the opposite layout.
Cut your Iron-On paper as close to the image as possible.
Position your image where you want it placed on the shirt.
Then hold your breath and try not to get distracted for the next step. This is where I'm "trying it again". If you're wondering what I'm talking about, you can read laugh at me here.
Iron it on according to the package instructions. Don't follow my instructions because you'll likely burn it like me!
Peel the transfer paper off according to the package instructions.
Voila! You're done! So cute!
Now, go make yourself a cocktail to celebrate your creativity.
P.S. This washes really well without a dryer. And no bleach of course. (thanks Donna!)
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