Bluebird collage by LuAnne Payne
Rub on transfers are nothing new as far as craft products are concerned. Ever since the 1940's or earlier transfers have been used to decorate everything from kitchen canister sets to wooden furniture. These days Basic Grey has a line of rub on transfers that are both beautiful and versatile.
I used to think of rub on transfers as strictly for scrapbooks since they are found many times in the scrapbook supply section of my local craft store. However, I've since come to realize that transfers can be used to add texture and depth to mixed media paintings and collage.
Basic Grey has a good selection of different styles of transfers. My favorites right now tend to feature birds and swirly patterns. Yes, stamps can be used to add depth and texture to artwork, but for me the transfers have cleaner lines and more detail. Maybe I need more practice at stamping, though.
The easiest way to add a rub on transfer to your artwork is to wait until the piece is almost complete, but needs one more detail to pull it all together. Consider applying a transfer to one corner or around some text. Less is more most of the time. When using intricate transfers, be extra careful. Follow the instructions closely; it's very easy to tear the designs. If it does tear, sometimes it can be rubbed back into place with a fingertip. It's a good idea to use either a spray sealer or a light coat of Mod Podge decoupage medium to protect the surface of your artwork after applying a transfer.
Basic Grey rub on transfers can be a little bit pricey (in my opinion), but they are on sale periodically. When I purchase them I use them sparingly and I've found that in the long run it's worth the extra price. The websites listed below are all excellent places to find Basic Grey and other brands of transfers.
For more info: Basic Grey, Stampington.com, transfers on ebay, transfers on etsy
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