Tuesday, April 21, 2009

transferring


So I've been searching for quite a while now to find a new transferring technique that has interesting effects, and most importantly is SAFE. Much of my book work, up till this point has been created using acetone transfers. And as you are probably aware, acetone is not the best thing to be breathing in, nor is it good for the environment. I do love its results though, which is why I've had a hard time giving it up. Recently I stumbled upon a site that makes a special paper called 'sheer heaven'. This paper is pretty awesome because you can draw directly on it OR print(ink jet) directly on it, and then transfer your image simply by misting the paper with rubbing alcohol and placing it over the surface of your choice. And rubbing alcohol = much safer than acetone!
I've been playing around with the sheer heaven, and must say it is fun! Unfortunately I do not yet have control over the results. Maybe practice will make perfect...OR, maybe not. Maybe this technique is one that thrives from its imperfections. Is anyone else using transfer methods in their work? I'd love to hear any suggestions if you've got 'em!

*this sad girl on the left was drawn and colored with marker and pencils directly on the sheer heaven paper, and then transferred in to my sketchbook.

5 comments:

Vicki said...

I don't have any transfer suggestions... but I LOOOVE the name "sheer heaven". It's sheer genius! The sad girl test transfer looks great!

Kristi Valiant said...

What I used to do back when I used watercolor paper, was to scan my sketch, fix anything I needed to change in Photoshop, and print it super lightly (15% opacity) directly onto watercolor paper. Of course, that's if your paper is small enough to go through your printer, or if you have access to a larger printer.

e.b. goodale said...

I've heard of peppermint oil as an alternative, although I think those fumes can be just as toxic to breathe in...

I use a lot of acetone transfers also and always think I'm slowly killing everything around me. I 've never heard of "sheer heaven". I can't wait to try it!! thanks!!

Lauren Castillo said...

Thanks Vicki! Yes that paper is definitely impressive!

Thank you for your suggestions Kristi and Emily!
Emily--I have also heard about the peppermint oil, but wondered if it was any safer... Had no idea you're using acetone transfers as well! It's way too fun to give up, isn't it?!

jb. said...

I May be late to this party, but a bunch of people at school run watercolor paper through the xerox machine. its very clean and waterproof.

!!