Scrapbooking Ideas and Solutions – Using Rub-On Transfers

Rub-on transfers will bring quality and impact to your scrapbooking layouts in an instant. Rub-on transfers have come into the scrapbooking and paper crafting industry in a huge way, as they provide a glue-free way of attaching pictures, motifs and words to most types of surfaces. Rub-on transfers have a smooth quality when placed properly and will have no raised edges or messy glue smudges.

Best of all rub-on transfers are simple to use and you can even use them on curved surfaces. They remain durable, as long as you follow the on-pack instructions. Most rub-ons are acid free which make them ideal for your scrapbooking projects. Because they are totally opaque, you will be able to use them on any colored background.

The most popular form of rub-ons for scrap bookers are lettering and messages. These are available in numerous different types of faces and sizes, as well as upper and lower case lettering. It's easy to align the lettering neatly using the guides on the sheet, or you can cut the letters out and arrange them freely on your layout.
Alternately you could go for a whole sheet of instant messaging that is already embellished with sentiments. You should find something for every occasion from Christmas to Christenings to Birthdays.

You will also find loads of illustrations that can be used to feature in your work. Floral designs are quite popular and rub-ons can also be used for your card making projects. You will easily find themed sheets for Xmas or any other special occasion you wish to use.

Decorative embellishments are also popular in rub-ons. You can add rich and elegant flourishes with beautiful borders and corner designs that are inspired by graphics from the decorative art nouveau era. You can choose from plain black to bronze, silver or even gold for an opulent touch.

Rub-ons are even available in foil transfers, and you can embellish your work with immaculate and gleaming mirror finished words and decorations with that slightly embossed effect. When you transfer the foil, it will be sticky and tacky on top and you can then apply embossing powder or glitter for an extra special finishing.

Here are a few basic principles to applying your rub-on transfer.

First remove the protective backing sheet and decide on what you want to use. Carefully cut out the image and then replace the backing sheet onto the unused portion for use another day. Position your transfer onto your layout where you want it and gently rub over the top with a burning tool or blunt pencil to release the design from the sheet and transfer it to the surface of the paper. Very carefully lift off the sheet, then place the backing sheet over the transfer and gently rub over it again for a durable finish. You will see when the transfer goes through, as it softens and greys through the sheet. When you lift the transfer do it slowly and if some parts of the transfer still stick replace and rub that section again.

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