How To Transfer Patterns & Graphics

Someone recently asked how to transfer patterns. It made me realize that sometimes I skip over some crucial parts of my paint projects. I don’t mean to, really. I just forget.

It’s one of the reasons I’m excited to host Google+ hangouts – so you can ask any questions you want, live! Of course, you are always welcome to email me or leave a comment with questions too. And your tips are also welcome!

Working on the blog redesign, I’ve noticed I neglected to make patterns for some of my projects too. I promise I’ll get started on the Fall and Halloween patterns this month.

But say you don’t feel like using one of my patterns. Let’s say you want some really cool graphics or printables. Have you heard of the Graphics Fairy? I bet you have. Karen’s site is amazing, full of vintage graphics, cool printables and all sorts of fun stuff. Know what else? Karen is amazing too. She’s become a dear friend and is truly one of the most gracious people I’ve met online.

Karen posts a free graphic every.single.day on her blog, as well as other great projects and ideas. She’s also posted various ways to transfer images and I thought you’d find them really helpful.

How to Paint Clay Pot (3 colors)

As far as my simple hand drawn patterns, I use graphite paper. It’s just like carbon paper. Just slip it in between your pattern and whatever you’re painting on. Then take a stylus (or ballpoint pen) and trace the pattern.

You can find graphite paper at any arts and crafts store usually. Sewing pattern transfer paper works too and comes in more colors. Just be aware of covering your marks, or how to remove them. With graphite paper, you can erase your marks or sometimes I use a damp cloth.

Maybe it’s just me, but I always seem to have some marks outside the painted area. I tell myself to transfer inside the pattern lines, but Self doesn’t listen to Me. Huh.

Now, in a pinch, you can flip over your pattern, take a regular pencil and rub it on the backside. Flip it back over and use a ball point pen and it’ll transfer nicely too. It just takes a little more time.

If you’re working on a dark surface, canvas, T shirt, or whatevs, try white chalk. Graphite paper comes in white too, but chalk works pretty well.

Alrighty! I’m off to work on some Fall projects, with patterns, and figure out when we’re gonna Hangout together. Don’t forget to drop by and see Karen at Graphics Fairy, ok? I’ll warn you though, you’ll need to set some time aside. There are so many fun things to see at Graphics Fairy, you won’t believe it!

(pssst . . . think holiday gifts, ok? You can thank me later )