Monday, August 22, 2011

Splendid Transfer

Since mentioning the Splendid Blender pen (aka, Colorless Blender by Chartpak), I've had quite a few requests for a tutorial. This is a transfer method I use occasionally to add an image to fabric. I decided to demonstrate with a cute little altered bottle.







I started with a laser print image (a photocopy, inkjet copies won't work), a bottle, and a  piece of grain sack material.



I placed the copy face down on the grain sack material, and secured it.



Make sure you are working in an area with plenty of ventilation. The Splendid Blender pen is a colorless marker, but it is not odorless. You should be able to find it at a craft store, online, or an artist supply store for a few dollars.



Saturate the back of the print with the pen.



This shouldn't take you more than 30 seconds, depending on the size of your image. Remove the print.



To make my bottle, I used spray adhesive to attach the material to the bottle. I then painted the top with white gesso, and dry brushed a little on the fabric for a fresco feel.



I picked up a box full of bottles at a garage sale recently.  I think I may be making tons of these.




This is the transfer method I used for the cushion on my footstool.





ALTERNATIVE:  If you have trouble finding the pen, I have an alternative transfer method you can check out by clicking HERE.


VISIT my ETSY shop HERE




Disclosure:
I only recommend the blender pen because I have personally had success with it.  I have no connection with, nor have I received any compensation from Chartpak for endorsement.

112 comments:

  1. I love this! I just ordered Citrasolv to do the same thing. I didn't know about the pen at Michaels. Thanks for sharing a great project!

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  2. Hey thankyou for that fabulous simple tutorial. This is much easier than most techniques. I will try it for sure. I really think you stool and your bottle look fabulous.

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  3. Hi Rosemary,

    Thank you for the great tip!
    I will have to try this. You make it look so easy....
    The little bottles look fantastic, such a great idea! Love the foot stool too!!
    It still looks so romantic!

    All the Best,
    Christine

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  4. That is amazing. I can see all kind of neat things. Like the chandelier. Thanks for dropping by, My Old Historic House.

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  5. How cool is that. Love the bottle and stool.

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  6. Hi Rosemary,
    Thanks for sharing the how to's for this project. The bottle makeover turned out tres chic and love the chandie on the foot stool. Great technique. Have a wonderful new week.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ♥Ana

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  7. Hey, thanks for the info on this method...love learning new things that are fun to make.

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  8. you are so talented!!! great idea!!!

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  9. The bottles is so pretty, where have I been? I've never heard of this pen before. Thanks so much for the tutorial. Do you have your images printed at a copy shop? I have an inkjet printer so I'm guessing this wont work with the inkjet.

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  10. love it!!..I could see a nice collection of those pretty bottles on a shelf, each with a different but similar pattern on them..
    nice tutorial...
    best,
    maureen

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  11. Ooooo! I love this! I have been looking for a pattern transfer option for some wine bottle sacks I have been working on. I would love for you to link this up at my Savvy HomeMade Monday blog party at http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/blog-party-4/

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  12. This is lovely x I am soooo jealous we dont have a Michaels in the UK :@(

    thanks for sharing x Leigh x

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  13. Rosemary, What an easy way to transfer...Love it. Thanks for the tip.
    :) Sherry

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  14. That's supper cool! I didn't know you could do that. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Thanks for sharing, is it permanent? Love that it's so easy!

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  16. Very pretty. I could imagine a whole tray of these altered bottles.

    Danielle

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  17. What a great idea and excellent demonstration! Trying to decide if I shud buy from u or make one?!
    Thanks!
    One of these days I'll get back to blogging!

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  18. Thank you so much for sharing this tip. I have yet to try transferring an image to fabric, but I want to. Thanks for visiting my blog. :)
    Jenn

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  19. I guess I'll be going to Michael's to pick up the pen. Thanks for the tutorial it looks a lot easier than using Citra-solv.

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  20. Thank you Rosemary!
    Now if I'm not gesso'ing something I'll be splendid blender'ing it! Lol! You are a doll for sharing all these wonderful projects and inspiring us all. *winks* Vanna

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  21. Brilliant! I'm going to try this.

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  22. Why have I never heard of these?? I have used citrasolve, that copy has to be from a copy machine that uses toner. you said this was from a laser printer, will a inkjet printer work? Oh, we are always full of questions aren't we....We just get so excited to learn something new!!

    Carol

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  23. Love this idea. I'm putting that pen on my list of things to buy. Great tutorial, thank you!

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  24. I've never heard of this pen before you mentioned it. What a great idea. How do you come across these things?

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  25. Thank you for posting how to do the fabric transfer, Rosemary! I adore this bottle. I have never heard of that pen before even though I go to the craft stores AT LEAST once a week. You are just full of good ideas.

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  26. Rosemary! You are a genius!! How simple is that? I have tried many different ways to get images onto fabric, but this has to be the best!
    I am going too try it for sure!!
    xxDaniella

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  27. I love this!! Sweet and simple! Thank you for sharing, now to find out what kind of printer I have!

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  28. Your talent is never ending! You are an inspiration to me.

    I tried this with my heating tool and it took me forever to get it transferred - my hand was hurting!
    I will definitely try the pen next time.
    Rhonda

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  29. Thank you so much for sharing this great tip with us! Your bottle and footstool both turned out beautifully! I always love everything you have to share! Can't wait to get my hands on one of those pens!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  30. OMG OMG OMG I LOVE this. What an EASY transfer technique. Now I wish I had a lazerjet printer. I'm still gonna pick up one of those pens though. What a great idea. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I'm now a follower : ) Howdy ~ Deanna

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  31. You always have the Best ideas ~ so glad to finally be home & able to sit & enjoy all the posts I have missed! I think I will have to try this idea ~ Thanks for sharing....
    Now get back to that furniture!
    lol
    Cheryl

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  32. Rosemary,
    Thank you so much for the awesome tutorial and making our party Rawk at
    http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/08/hgtv-design-star-is-auditioning-in-town.html
    Maggie

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  33. thanks for visiting so i could discover your fabulous blog. this is such a cool project.the bottles are gorgeous. i have not seen the pens. i just know about the product citrasolv which works in the same fashion.

    so inspiring!

    michele

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  34. I just knew that that bottle was your beautiful work, Rosemary. :) And when I clicked on the photo, I was right. :) Thank you for another great tutorial. I just love that olde world look you have such a way of creating. I'm saving this tut for future crafting for sure. Oh, and thank you so much for your sweet comments on my last post. Every word was like a hug. ♥

    xoxo laurie

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  35. Love this and will be trying it out soon! Take care!

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  36. What a wonderful easier way to make transfers, thanks!

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  37. I like the way the bottle and stool turned out, I am going to have to try this idea.

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  38. Thanks for the tutorial. It is so great that there are so many talented ladies out there willing to share so we all can create masterpieces in our own homes. Love the bottle.

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  39. What?! This is so fantastic!! Never heard of that pen...so great. Love your result.

    Lina
    Fancy Frugal Life

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  40. This is fabulous Rosemary! Can you use that pen on other things other than fabric??

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  41. Oh my gosh. This is incredible and so easy. It would make great pillows. Thank you so much for linking up to Open House Party. I really appreciate it...try to come back next week!

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  42. This transfer method looks like something I could handle! Love the finished product. the bottles are wonderful! xoxo Debra

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  43. This is a fanastic way to transfer the prints and make such pretty bottles. Never heard of the marker. May try from here Hong Kong.

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  44. OOOHH! I have tons of blender pens already -- just need to gather my images and get them printed (don't have a laser printer) . . . another great tutorial! Thanks!

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  45. Amazing! I need to get one of those pens. I would love if you would join my linky party:
    http://hindrancecrafts.blogspot.com/2011/08/under-25-makeover-deck-details-and.html

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  46. WOW! Another cool way to transfer onto fabric!!!

    Dee

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  47. That's a very cool way of transfering. I need to try that.
    Beautiful bottle!

    come visit
    cindy@stitches

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  48. The bottle looks amazing Rosemary! What a wonderful method. Loved reading about the gesso too. Do you come up with these wonderful methods on your own, or do you research them? Would love to learn all you have to teach... :)
    Blessings & Hugs,
    Karen

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  49. Thank you so much for linking your awesome transfer post up at Savvy HomeMade Monday. We are partying again and I hope you will stop by! :)

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  50. Very cool! I'll have to find one of those markers and see if I can make it work, too. Thanks, Rosemary!
    -Revi

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  51. Wow... this pen works like magic!

    We have a link-up party going on - Tea Time Thursdays @ Kreative Korner. I would really appreciate if you'd link up some of your awesome posts there. Hope to see you at the party.

    http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2011/08/tea-time-thursdays-4.html

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  52. Hey Rosemary...maybe you have already done this but I was wondering if you would share your printable image source? I really want to try the Splendid Blender but am having trouble finding the images I want. Thanks!

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  53. Thank-you so much for sharing this!!! Too bad I already bought Citra-solv, as it's more expensive, but now I know! And, I love the uneveness of the transfer! So vintage chic looking!

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  54. Oh how neat!!! And your tutorial makes it sound easy! hm...looking for this Splendid Blender pen at the craft store. I love your footstool.

    Blessings & Aloha!
    (I'm off now to put this on my Pinterest board! :o)

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  55. What a great post...love the repurposing of things...it has become a hobby of mine...I love your creativeeye and I can tell you have a passion for what you do...I am a new follower...come for a visit...

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  56. thanks for emailing when I tried to join last night my computer got stuck and I couldn't connect...all is well and I am now a follower...see you soon

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  57. Could you use this method on furniture? Awesome tip!

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  58. Amazing! I cant wait to try, Thanks for the tutorial!

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  59. WOW!! The drawers are very impressive...fetchingly beautiful. So glad you shared it!!

    Sharon

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  60. Thank you so much for this beautiful tutorial! Your bottles are gorgeous!

    Heidi

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  61. Rosemary, you are super! Thanks, another great idea with instructions for my to do list!
    I also love the branches you gathered and your post!

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  62. Thank you for the tutorial!

    Do you know what aisle these pens are usually on? I've never been able to find them. Would I look in the same aisle with the gesso, or somewhere else?

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  63. Rosemary, What a lovely name and a lovely person you are. I met you today at Kane.. You gave me your last business card :) It was a pleasure meeting you~

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  64. This is so very cool....I have featured your article on my blog.
    http://createwithtlc-createwithtlc.blogspot.com/

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  65. Wow- thanks for sharing- how cool is this!!! I am going to add this tutorial to Feline Playful under the Tutorial section- hope that is OK!

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  66. Found your creation through Create With TLC. This looks fab! Thanks for sharing. Helen x

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  67. love, love, love this technique...time to get a laser printer.
    patti :)

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  68. You are so very creative. I love your blog and it is so nice of you to share how you do things. Thank you so much. Keep creating your master pieces for all of your followers.

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  69. You just made my day! Thanks for this info! :-)

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  70. This will be on my TO DO LIST!
    Thanks for sharing! Love your Work!

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  71. Oh rats. I remember why I could not do this technique. no laser printer.

    maybe someday. =)

    thanks for your generosity in sharing your wonderful techniques.

    blessings (again) =)
    barbara jean

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  72. I can't find the spendid blender I tried Michaels and they don't carry it. Where actually do you buy yours? I have tried with another blender pen and it did not work on either of my printers images. One is lazer jet and one is ink jet. I will keep trying help!

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  73. Awesome bottle!!! Thanks for sharing how you did it...

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  74. Hi Rosemary, I have been all over including the internet and cannot find this particular product. Our Michael's does not have it and our art store won't stock it because they are calling it a "furniture blender". Have you used a regular blender by Chartpak or just the Splendid Blender? I can't even find it on the internet. Any thoughts on where I might find such a wonderful product?

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  75. This is a really awesome tute. Thanks so much.


    Newest Linky follower here. Love your blog! So glad I found it! Come by and visit me at http://www.hopesanddreamsstudio.blogspot.com/

    I have a page for Blog Buttons in the top tabs. Leave a button if you like so others can find you. If you have a place for mine, I'd appreciate that too.

    Nice to meet you.
    Jacque
    It's A Handmade World

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  76. Hi Rosemary,

    I'm loving your blog! you are so talented! Thank you so much for showing us all your techniques!Great tutorial!

    http://www.remodelandolacasa.com

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  77. Rosemary,

    Can this method be used on wood? I receive your post via email but can't remember if you did this on a table or anything else.I have a wooden tray that I have painted with white gesso & wood like to transfer an image onto it. I have read about different transfer techniques & your's seems to be the easiest & cleanest one I've seen.

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  78. What a fabulous tutorial that was so super simple.

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  79. This is such a great tutorial, thanks for sharing! I was just wondering if you used any special paper? I've been trying to run freezer paper through my printers and it just gets bunched up so I'd like to try your way of transferring if I can just use regular paper. Thanks so much ~ Judy

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  80. Oh, this is so awesome!
    Just found you via Savvycity...
    I tried the Citrasolv way... many a times it did not work at all for me.
    So now I just use it for cleaning with...
    This is so nice and so much easier.
    Going to get me a Splendid Blender pen.
    Thanks for sharing... your creative find!

    Make it a lovely weekend.

    Sandy

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  81. That is EXTREMELY COOL! Absolutely love it. I am GOING TO TRY that. Thanks Rosemary. xxoo

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  82. OK, Rosemary,

    I bought a blender pen at Hobby Lobby, made a photo copy of my image, saturated the back with the pen - but no transfer. Nothing. Does the brand of pen matter? Mine is by Prismacolor. HL didn't have Splendid. Thoughts??

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  83. Oh my god you are magic...how many comments! all the world love You Rose <3

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  84. I went to purchase at my Michaels but no one knew of it or where it would be. What section did you find it in. I am excited to try but so far can not find the Splendid Blender anywhere.

    Thanks
    Lynn

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  85. This is incredible. Is it good for color also? I have spent (aka wasted) a ton of money on canvases and mod podge and other items trying to transfer laser printed photos to canvas. No matter how patient I am, the transfer rubs off and it looks horrible. My hubby and I are losing patience and I really want to follow through with this as a hobby and hopefully a wait to support my income. Thanks for an amazing tutorial!

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  86. Cannot find the Splendid Blender anywhere. My Michaels doesnt have them. Do you have a link to purchase one? I have a colorless blender but it does not transfer images from a laser printer.

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  87. Hi Rosemary, This is the Old ELf. Thank you for this tutorial. I was wondering about the footstool you did...is the transfer cleanable...in other words can any fabric be cleaned without the ink running?

    Now I have to hunt for your glass bottles with angel wings transfer tutorial...I know I saved it...just have to hunt through all your posts that I have saved...LOL

    Thanks again.

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  88. Where is the best place to get laser print done, please?

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  89. 30 years ago I used to use hairspray (can't remember which brand)instead of the pen. Liberally spray directly on to the copy side of the paper and press onto the cloth whilst still wet. it also smells, A mask is useful.

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  90. 30 years ago I used to use hairspray (can't remember which brand)instead of the pen. Liberally spray directly on to the copy side of the paper and press onto the cloth whilst still wet. it also smells, A mask is useful.

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  91. Thanks for sharing this method! Will the ink run after washing the fabric or does the pattern remain intact? I am wondering whether or not I could use this method on clothing.

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  92. Michaels store (closest to my home) and the internet DOES NOT carry Splendid Blender Pen.
    What Michaels do you shop at?
    Is this pen known by another name?

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  93. I found the pens on Amazon. Hope that helps Sharon Church.

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  94. Great tutorial, I can't wait to try it out

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  95. Will this method work on painted diecast metal? If not, do you know any simple transfer print method for it?

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  96. Where do you get your Splendid Blender Pens?

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    Replies
    1. Try DickBlick. You can order it online. Just make sure you purchase the "Colorless Blender" by Chartpak.

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  97. Do you think this method will work on a wall?! Like directly to the wall no material

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  98. Hi Rosemary,
    Very lovely work. I am making custom stepping stone on natural stone and will be painting the lettering but need to getting the placing of the lettering and art correct so just need an outline of each. Will this work? Also, the paint is called PatioPaint and I want to be sure the blender pen won't cause adhesion problems. Thank you for your help.

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    Replies
    1. Susan, as long as you let the residue from the pen dry "completely" you should be okay, but, I'm not an expert on PatioPaint. So, why don't you try it on a test piece first.

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  99. Will this method work on wood? Does it work with an inkjet printer, or does it have to be a laser printer?

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    Replies
    1. As I mentioned in the post, inkjet prints "do not work". It has to be a laser print. Yes, you can use it on wood.

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  100. I hate to report this, but I've tried it on wood and on fabric and none of the ink transferred. And I really mean none. And I was using a laser copy. Any help?

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    Replies
    1. Did you get the "Colorless Blender" from Chartpak? It's the only blender pen that works. If you have, it could possibly be the copy. Sometimes I have a hard time with certain copies. If you're sure you're using a toner based copy, you might want to try a copy from a different printer. I actually use copies from my local corner store. It's an older printer. I've also used copies from my local library. I think some of the newer printers just don't work as well.

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