Packing Tape Transfers
Hi everyone, it’s Andrea from The Cottage Market. Today I have another quick and easy DIY for you and I really think you are going to enjoy it…we are going to do do DIY Packing Tape Transfers, this is a great technique for transferring onto glass. In case you haven’t done them before and are a little hesitant…do not fear…I just learned and guess what? It really works and it really is easy! What I really like about them is that there are a million and one uses for them. Our examples are on glass so you can see how they are transparent but I know that you will love using them to decorate a package to making a label for a canister! I used black and white but it does work with color also…the one thing you have to remember is that you MUST use prints that are either LASER or TONER based. You can visit The Printable Transfer Section for these graphics and MANY others that are perfect for this project. If you don’t have that printer you can always go to your local office supply store and get your prints made for pennies on the dollar : ) Let’s go see how we do this…
How to Transfer Images onto Glass
You will need Heavy Duty Packing Tape (you can use regular…but the heavy duty tape works better and is easier to work with), scissors, a burnisher (you can purchase one or use a craft stick), images of choice and your vessels.
After you trim your image it is time to apply the packing tape…remember one important thing…whatever is white will be transparent. Just lie your image down and center the package tape over it evenly and press. Then cut the tape.
Now it is time to burnish it…make sure to press heavily over the entire space it is very important. I went over it a few times to be sure…from corner to corner…end to end to insure a great finished product.
Now get yourself a bowl with very warm water in it and place your packing tape burnished image into the bowl and allow to soak about 2-3 minutes.
Then removed it from the bowl and place it in between your thumb and index finger and begin to rub back and forth with force…you will see the paper coming off…continue to dip it into the water and keep working it till all the white is off. DO NOT WORRY about the sticky side…it will be just like new when it dries. Also there might be a tiny bit of white residue on your tape…that too is ok : )
Now that all the paper is removed…place it on a flat surface and allow it to dry.
Once the stickers are dry it is time to apply them to your surface…it couldn’t be easier…it goes on just like a sticker…it is that easy! Make sure to smooth it nicely. If you have stickers that you are not going to use…just place them on wax paper for another day.
Dress us any glass piece you have…clear or color! I was thinking of making small ones all different and using them as wine glass charms…just place them on the glasses and then remove them at the end of the night when you do the dishes. They are so inexpensive you can choose new graphics each time you have a party! Dress up a package…label your canisters…with all of the graphics at The Graphics Fairy you can have different graphics for years!
You can make tiny ones for small votives or you can double your package tape making sure that the edges but and cover the entire image for larger ones. SOOOOO many possibilities!
Sure hope you have tons of fun with these packing tape transfers…the more you do it the better you get at it!!! I will see you again really soon and if you want to visit in the mean time…come and see me over at The Cottage Market…it’s where I hang out. Here’s wishing you all a very HAPPY…Safe…Wonderful…Loving…Compassionate…Healthy NEW YEAR!!
Hugs…Andrea
For more fun Image Transfer Methods and Techniques be sure and check out the post Easy Image Transfer Methods HERE!
Rose Vaughn says
This sounds like such a fun creative idea not only to make things for mySelf but to share with everyone I can think of thanks soo much gonna Tryit first thing in the morning! Happy,happy!
Karen Watson says
Happy creating Rose!
Lisa says
Hello-
My image transferred great, however there doesn’t seem to be any “stick” left on the tape. Any suggestions on how to use something else for the “stick” aspect?
Karen Watson says
Hi Lisa, Did you use the Heavy duty packing tape or the regular? I think the Heavy duty is supposed to be sticker.
Mrs Parker says
Thank you! Ha, I don’t have to buy one of those expensive thing-a-ma-jiggies! This is brilliant! Why didn’t I think of this? I’ll tell you why, it would take the fun out of seeing new creations. Again, thanks!
Karen Watson says
I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
tami says
once on a glass does the image stay if you wash it after using the glass?
Katharine says
This is such a great idea!
Karen Watson says
Thanks Katherine!
Nessie says
How lovely. I just have a new inkjet printer, is that going to work as well?
Thanks for replying ?
Karen Watson says
Hi Nessie, No, it won’t please see the first paragraph of this post. You need a laser or toner based copy.
Diane says
This was such a fun project! The instructions are perfect. You have to try it and not worry about messing up. It seems like soaking tape in water, the tape would loose all of the adhesive and never get sticky again, but it does!! Can’t wait to do more!
Karen Watson says
Thanks so much for your feedback Diane!!
Melissa says
Do you have any idea if it would work if someone drew on the paper with a Sharpie? My son is autistic and art is his thing. This would be an amazing gift for family and teachers!
Karen Watson says
I’m not sure Melissa, but you could always have him write on the paper and then make a laser copy of it, to use with this method. That is a great gift idea!
Alexis says
Melissa, not sure I’d you’re interested, but I just discovered that hobby lobby (and I’m sure others) now sell toner pens. Heidi Swapp brand I believe, though there may be competitor brands. Get this instead of a sharpie and you’re good to go! Maybe 2 dollars with a 40% off coupon at hobby lobby.
Arno says
You could also follow this project for your son, but instead of printing on the tissue paper, have him draw with color permanent markers. We did this as Christmas presents and worked well. Works best if the tissue paper is stuck to other paper, otherwise it moves around when you try to draw.
http://petapixel.com/2015/03/23/how-to-transfer-your-photos-onto-wax-candles/
Alison says
What does burnish mean? I want to try this with my nieces, but I do not understand that reference. These items look awesome!!
Karen Watson says
Hi Alison, burnishing is basically rubbing with a tool. Burnishing tools work best, see the link on this post, but you could try a spoon if you don’t have one.
Maria Santiago says
Hello dear Karen. I surely will try tais asap! But I have one question: we apply the “printed tape” on the outside of the glass/jar? If we make it for a gift or sell it, will the tape remain there even if we wash it? Thank you so much! Hug from Portugal
Karen Watson says
Hi Maria, I think this method is best for decorative pieces. I don’t think the transfer could hold up to a washing.
Kris says
Going To try this in my clear canisters to label them. Right now they are painted and I can’t wash them. This way I could always re-label them when necessary. Love this idea. Thanks.
Susan Homeroad says
Thanks Andrea! I can’t wait to try this 🙂
Vera says
I have kept 2 pcs of candle a looong time, not knowing what to do with them. Now I know what to do, I’m going to dress them up with these gorgeous sticker. Thanks for sharing Andrea!
Maggi says
OH, MY GOD !!!! This is just beyond beautiful !!!! and easy!!!! . so pretty !!!!
Karen Watson says
Yay! Thanks Maggi!
Marie from The Interior Frugalista says
Andrea, this is AWESOME – I am definitely giving this a try! Thanks so much for the tutorial and Happy New Year!