Photo Transfers: Two Options for Home Projects

Transferring photographs to unique medium requires research into the integrity of a variety of products. Simple photo transfers provides for a variety of crafting and gift ideas from scrap booking to quilting to decorative mugs and computer mouse pads.
While there are many professional organization providing photo transfer services, especially in silk screening, there is an alternative to photo transfers which can be done in the convenience of your own home. Using one of two methods, the home crafter can create unique gift ideas with photo transfers.

The first option for home photo transfers involves the use of what is known as photo transfer sheets. Using a computer printer, the specialized transfer sheets are placed into the printer with photos printed and then transferred to the transfer page. After printing, the photograph is then transferred to a piece of fabric or other medium using heat application, usually with an iron.

Disadvantages to using transfer photo paper result in the final product producing stiffness. While on a mug, mouse pad or scrap book this may not be of concern, when transferring photographs to t-shirts or quilt patches, the photo transfer paper may result in an abnormal feel to the material. Additionally, using photo transfer paper will require the photographs be light in color and not set in with a dark background as this will distort the final view of the photo transfer. To obtain optimal results, when transferring to fabric, consider using very high thread count cotton and, no matter what medium the photo is transferred to, do no use steam in the heat application process.

As a secondary option to photo transfer paper, many home crafters are now using what is known as photo transfer fabric. The fabric is purchased as a specialty item, already prepared for photo transfers and is usually high thread count cotton attached to a stabilizing agent, usually a type of freezer paper. While this process provides for a cleaner look, the photo will not be transferred to a mug or mouse pad but can be transferred to this fabric for sewing application to a t-shirt, quilt or even glued nicely into a scrap book.

The primary disadvantage to the photo transfer fabric is the limited application. In addition, the fabric will only be functional when used in an ink jet printer rather than a bubble jet or laser printer. Once printed, this fabric can be cut and shaped to be sewn onto other objects such as t-shirts or quilts.

For home crafting, finding unique methods for creating memorable gift ideas is a common goal. When considering photo transfers, be sure to prepare adequately, deciding first which medium the picture will be transferred to and then preparing with the appropriate supplies.

For more information regarding photo transfers and associated craft projects, visit www.amazon.com for a variety of books providing recommendation for project improvement.