Packing-Tape Transfer

I discovered a nifty little craft. It's super easy, takes minutes, and as Jess and I discovered, can be done while bored at work.

Ever wanted to layer images on top of one another? Wanna make a kick-ass collage? Or maybe you want to make a Valentine for Molly but want it to look a little more original than your average Sponge Bob card. Here's your answer: a Packing-Tape transfer. I know, I know, what the hell is that? Well, you copy an image you like and "transfer" it onto another surface, using packing tape. You'll understand more after you read this nifty tutorial I cooked up...

Supplies needed:
• a picture (found in a magazine or printed out)
• clear packing tape
• A bowl of water
• some sort of clear-drying glue, if you intend on pasting the transfer onto something.

First, print out a picture or find one in a magazine you like. (It's best to use a small picture so the tape will cover it all, otherwise you have to use multiple strips and it's more complicated). For this project I chose this awesome hand holding some watches.

Next, get some packing tape, and carefully lay a strip over the image. Rub the tape to make sure it's totally stuck to the picture, and make sure there are no bubbles.

Cut out the image.

Place the image in a cup or bowl full of room-temperature water. Let it sit for a minute or two.

Take the image out of the water, and carefully rub the paper side. The paper will start coming off, slowly revealing your beautiful translucent image! Keep rubbing until you get all the paper off, using water when needed. (Note: Don't put the paper bits down your drain, it will clog)

Now you have a transfer! And it's see-through!

You can put the image on whatever you want. Paper, wood, metal, whatever. I chose a wood box that I painted.

It's so easy! Try it! Try it right now!