Thursday, March 8, 2012

Encuastic Image Transfer Fun


I am sure loving my encaustic class. This week we learned how to do image transfers into the wax. It's quite easy and I love the effect! First you place a photocopied image into warm(not molten)wax. Then you dampen the paper to gently rub away the paper and the ink magically stays behind in the wax. Of the image transfer techniques I've tried, this definitely ranks up there in ease and speed. Of course by now there is a very good chance you're scratching your head and thinking image transfer? What image? Well, in this case, I transferred some text for some visual texture. I'm secretly amused that it comes from a handout that I used in my day job as a teacher. Perhaps on some level this bridges the gap between the competing interests in my life. I also used stencils for the leaf design and for the circle (my first, and possibly my last, homemade stencil).

Thanks for visiting! Happy Paint Party Friday!!

44 comments:

  1. I am really fascinated by the encaustic thing but the thought of hot wax scares me... too many bad experiences at the beautician perhaps... these results maybe think it is time to man up and give it a go... great work...xx

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    1. You might really like it, Tracey. Here's some more enticement for you -- you can do encaustic over watercolor.

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  2. Debbie, your encaustics are just beautiful!!! Love the addition of text in this piece. Great job. Happy PPF! :-)

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  3. Oh, I haven't done image transfers in wax for awhile. You've inspired me to do them again. Your work is awesome!
    Happy PPF Anniversary! Helen @ Natures Walk

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  4. Why last?? I love what you made here. Is the stencil tool hard? The transfer looks great!

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    1. I cut the circle stencil out of an old file folder (I should post a picture) with an exacto knife. The hot wax doesn't scare me, but cutting with that knife does!

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    2. Hi Debbie,

      I use drafting film (It's like a thin acetate/plastic/mylar - type material) to cut my stencils... It cuts much easier than cardstock or cardboard, which makes using an exacto much safer.

      I think your encaustic painting is great! The text transfer and stencil add to the depth :)

      xo
      Kristin

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    3. Oh, great idea! Thank you, Kristin.I feel like I'm "cheating" when I use ready made stencils, plus they can be expensive.

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  5. Sounds great and looks awesome! I love your fantastic watercolorflowers too!
    xxx Susi


    Monthly :Art-Journal-Journey-Challenge

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  6. It really sound like your having loads of fun in the class. :) Love this piece!

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  7. I love image transfers, and the result here looks wonderful! I'm just still a bit afraid of trying out anything that involves heating up something. Love the piece you created here, the textures and colours are just beautiful!

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  8. This is wonderful. I love the colours you've used and the composition.

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  9. WONDERFUL! I've always wanted to play with encaustics and this has me absolutely drooling to give them a go! I agree about the stencil- it is a wonderful finishing touch and you should definitely keep it in your repertoire!
    Happy PPF,
    Stephanie

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  10. A job exciting ye my humble opinion difficult, I like your work. Saludos

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  11. So Lovely!!! I really like the effect of the stencil - well worth keeping!.

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  12. I love this, it makes me think of archeology.

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  13. This is beautiful, love the earthy colours... :)

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  14. This is very nice - I think encaustic makes everything look dreamy. I haven't ever tried it, but I love the way it looks. Happy PPF.
    Blessings,
    Tricia

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  15. Wow that transfer shows up very well! Love your painting.
    Catherine Denton

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  16. Yay! Another encaustic fan! This is beautiful! I love your colors. Wonderful job on the image transfer. I haven't braved making my own stencils yet. You did a fantastic job with yours. :)

    Thank you for your kind comment on my encaustic piece. You asked how I got my bird image onto it. I stenciled the bird onto a piece of artist tissue with an 8B graphite pencil. Then just laid the tissue paper down onto the wax (image side up) with a layer of encaustic medium over it. That's it!

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    1. Thanks for responding, Pam. Great idea! We've been using tissue paper, too, but I hadn't thought to stencil... I will have to do more experimenting soon!

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  17. Wonderful! Had no idea transfers could be made into warm wax.
    Glad you are enjoying your class!
    Thanks for sharing the process.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  18. I have never done transfers. This is great!Fantastic job! I need to learn how to do this, perhaps this year. Thanks for the inspiration, Happy PPF!

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  19. Goregeous! So subtle and lovely. Makes me want to go do some collage.
    Rinda

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  20. Very nice! I really want to learn about encaustic but am trying to stick with some other things I 've started first! Happy PPF!

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  21. You make it sound so simple, but I imagine it's really tricky. The art you made with the encaustic is stunning. I love the design and the gorgeous colors.

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  22. That does sound easy....and the results are sooo cool!
    I love how this turned out. I think wax really gives the finished piece such a gorgeous softness :)

    Happy PPF!

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  23. I know nothing about this encaustic transfer thing, but i LOVE the end result! So beautiful... i love the earth tones - it's very calming somehow. Happy PPF! xoxo

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  24. nice work, you sound like a real expert on the technique now!

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  25. I love this Debbie! I have the beeswax and a melting pot...I can't wait to try encaustic. Thanks for the tips on image transfer. Don't know if you saw other posts on my blog, but I am moving to Seattle in a few months! I LOVE that city! Are you taking your encaustic class in Seattle somewhere?

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  26. Wow, adore this medium.You did a beautiful, beautiful job on this and the stencil is good, a keeper for sure!

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  27. Hi Debbie!!!! I love the colours in your painting and the textures you achieved!!! wonderful work!!!!

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  28. Lovely piece, and I will def. be trying that technique! Valerie

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  29. so so so cool! am so intrigued by encaustics! you created such a great transfer/stencil piece here! happy PPF!

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  30. Lovely creation ~ well done ~ encaustics can be fun ~~ thanks ~ namaste, ^_^

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  31. Wow, what a great technique. This piece is just lovely. I've never tried encaustics, but it sure sounds like something I'd like to try someday. :) Happy PPF!

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  32. This is an amazing piece and a wonderful technique.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  33. Very cool! I want to try the wax, this looks fun!!!Deb

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  34. Beautiful! The more I hear about encaustic art the more I want to try it.

    Happy (late) PPF!!

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  35. How interesting about the way to transfer images using wax! It turned our wonderful! And don't give up making your own stencil- you did a great job! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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  36. I am always looking for ways to transfer my images. What a great idea and I love the end results on your piece. Cheers and happy painting!

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  37. So pretty! What kind of a surface do you use to put hot wax on? How large is this? Happy PPF!

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  38. Thanks, Debbie for your reply and information. I will be up your way on Monday the 19th. I am going to a Dreama Tolle Perry workshop in Langley on Whidbey Island the 23-27th. But I will fly into Bellingham and rent a car to drive to Anacortes first to visit an old friend first. I am a little concerned about driving mountains roads in the rain in a strange car! Thank you again for the info!

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