My inspiration came from the very talented Rosemary at Villabarnes. Rosemary has several tutorials on her blog for transferring images, but it was the one where she used the Splendid Transfer method of transferring an image to marble that got me thinking about a few pieces I had. A few years ago I bought an old desk with some marble in the top; the marble was cracked in half, but I knew I'd eventually find a use for the pieces. The two halves combined measured 9" x 14", so I broke each half into a few smaller pieces.
I love this sweet image available in Rosemary's Etsy shop. Both the original and reversed images were included in the download. If your image includes numbers or letters, be sure to reverse it before copying. You'll need to use a laser printer for this process, ink jet copies won't work. Just about any copy center will have a laser printer you can use.
Instead of using the Spendid Blender transfer method, I used this transfer gel that I bought from Robyn Story Designs. I used a foam brush to apply the transfer gel to the image, then smoothed it firmly in place making sure I had all the bubbles out. I waited a few hours before I started rubbing off the paper even though it said to wait just 20 minutes. You can also use Mod Podge or a gel medium from the craft store for this method. Maggie from Little Miss Maggie has a really good tutorial for using Mod Podge to transfer images.
I used a foam brush to dampen the paper, then began to rub very gently with two fingers. You can see that the paper rolls off in little pieces. When the paper dries, just apply more water and start rubbing again.
The image disappeared when the paper dried out.
I wet the paper again and started gently rubbing. Notice how the image is getting clearer as the layers are slowly rubbed away? You need to be patient with this process so you don't rub away your image. I went through this four or five times.
Of course I couldn't stop with just one...
I found this pretty image at The Graphics Fairy. No need to reverse this image before transferring.
Last but not least, I transferred a photo of four generations of my dad's family. Clockwise from top: my grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, and great-grandmother. I scanned the oval photo, reversed it, then reduced it because it was too large to fit on this piece of marble. I really didn't need to reverse it, but I knew it would drive me crazy knowing it was backwards. You can even see some of the lacy details of my grandmother's dress.
I didn't seal any of these pieces yet, it's probably not necessary since they're just for display. I'm hooked! Now I need to try some of the other transferring techniques on my long list.
Linking up and partying with:
Cozy Little House for Tweak It Tuesday
Knick of Time for Knick of Time Tuesday
The Graphics Fairy for Brag Monday
The Graphics Fairy for Brag Monday
Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
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Wow, I just love that you have such a beautiful piece of artwork to display your family!!!! That is just over the top. I want to try this! Do you remember that I constantly say that to you? I sure would love to craft with you!
ReplyDeleteThose look really cool! I really like that one of the cherub angel.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, they're beautiful! You brightened my day. I appreciate the shout out. I actually saw this earlier, and included it in my latest post. You're on a roll. Make more!
ReplyDeleteLove the family photo, Betsy! It's beautiful!! What a treasure!!!!
ReplyDeletexo
I would have never thought to put them on pieces of marble - great idea.
ReplyDeleteI really like this idea - they are really beautiful! I love the images that you chose, especially the sweet photo of your dear family. These would make great gifts. xo
ReplyDeleteI've didn't even know you could do this but how neat! You're on to something creative! I love it! Think of all of the nautical things you could do!
ReplyDeleteI have a huge piece of marble I can break into pieces. I love what you did here and you made it look so easy.
ReplyDeleteYou have created treasured heirlooms and they look very elegant. I love the feel of marble so I would be lovingly touching these a lot. Excellent job dear...
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Cozy Little House. Thanks for showing how to do that. The marble is really lovely! Cindy @sunsetcoasting.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteBetsy, those are gorgeous!!! Love your family picture!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Thanks for the shout out, Betsy. I am in love with your project. That will be one treasured family photo. You've got my wheels turning on a new surface to transfer onto. Be careful, this type of transfer method can become very addicting, and I'm speaking from experience.
ReplyDeleteNow marble is a first for me! So pretty, and I never heard of transfer medium so thanks. I've tried the Mod Podge method, but I just don't seem to have the patience or something because I never like how mine turn out! That family photo is priceless!
ReplyDeleteOh I will have to look into that method. I have been doing lots of image transfers lately too, Only on wood and furniture. I always love your work!
ReplyDeleteThese are so beautiful, Betsy--thank you for sharing your techniques for creating these transfers with us! Hope you are having a great summer:)
ReplyDeleteHow unique, Betsy! I love all your designs, especially the one with four generations of your family. So special!
ReplyDeleteBetsy those turned out lovely!Rosemary inspires me too.
ReplyDeletexx
Anne
When you scanned the family photo, did you just print it out on regular paper?
ReplyDeleteThese are really neat. I want to try one.
Yes, I printed out on regular paper after reducing and reversing it, then brought it to a copy center to print on a laser printer.
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely! I had no idea it would be so easy to transfer to marble as well, but then again, mod podge is great. Beautiful!
ReplyDeletegrand idea!!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful and the perfect use for the pieces of marble. Well done!
ReplyDeleteNice one! I like it Betsy. I also appreciate the irregularly shaped marble. It adds character to the dainty photos.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are incredible Betsy!!! They turned out fantastic - I especially love the one of your family. What a great way to display their photo.
ReplyDeleteThey are just lovely, Betsy. I would like to try that -- now it's on MY list, LOL!
ReplyDeleteoh these are really cute(:)
ReplyDeleteWow! That is a very cool look and the images you chose definitely give off a sweet vibe!
ReplyDeleteLiz