The New Book of Image Transfer: How to Add Any Image to Almost Anything with Fabulous Results

by Debba Haupert

With the 40 fabulous projects in this eye-opening manual and the revolutionary new forms of transfer paper on the market, such as Lazertran, it’s possible to reproduce any design on a wide variety of surfaces effortlessly. The basic technique couldn’t be easier. Simply photocopy an image onto the paper, soak it for a minute, and the picture slides off as a transparent decal. Adhere it to nonporous surfaces such as metal, plastic, or fabric using the adhesive on the back of the film. Embellish a metal cocktail shaker and matching ice bucket with a retro 50’s design, scatter coffee beans on an espresso cup, or put playful sheep on a child’s pillow. It’s creative fun, and an inspiring start to a great new craft.

Genres: Art, How To, Crafts

128 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 2004

Reviews

[Lloyd Downey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a "how-to" book using decals. I was really not familiar with this whole world of decals though I've used "transfers" many times in the past....which seem to be the same thing. Debba works through the various ways in which you can use decals including baking them onto ceramics and applying them with turpentine to leather or other surfaces. I must confess that I was quite surprised at the range of surfaces where you can apparently use the decals. It includes fabrics, ceramics, glass, metal, leather, rock, woven bamboo, wood, walls and furniture, etc., etc.. I'd originally thought that I would learn how chefs were able to apply these sort of touches to foods like chocolates but, alas, that was certainly not covered here.
I did learn that there are two ways you can apply the decals: face up and face down. And if you apply face down..then the image will be reversed so you really need to take this into account if you have text in the image.
Basically she seems to work with Lazertrans transfer paper but explains how you can use domestic or commercial printers to print your own designs onto this Lazertrans paper and then apply to the various surfaces. Having read the book, I'm not inclined take-up the hobby though I concede it looks like it could be fun. More than half the book is devoted to semi-detailed instructions for various projects using a variety of techniques. though I must confess I was a little put off by the explanation in various parts the you had to wipe off the excess glue with clean sponge before proceeding because the excess glue would show up as brown when you applied the heat treatment etc. If one is interested in decorative craft then this might be the book for you. Though it is now 20 years old and I suspect technology might have moved on considerably. three stars from me.