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Lesley Riley

Art & Creativity

TAP Transfers + Lutradur

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Tip1 

Just a little over 24 hours left to enter the book giveaway. Add a comment at the end of this post in the Comments section to enter.

TAP (Transfer Artist Paper) is my new transfer product. I have been keeping it on the DQ but the word is spreading. I'll actually have my first ad in the next issue of Quilting Arts magazine. Right now, the only place to get it is through my TransferArtist.com website. By midyear I expect to be wholesaling it to quiltshops, and this fall (gulp), I'll have a booth at both Quilt Market and  the Quilt Festival in Houston. So now it's official, no turning back

TAP transfers are easy and fool-proof. And for fiber artists, the good news is that they are bright, vivid and washable. But I won't go into a long commercial for it now. You can get more info at the TAP website.  And yes, you can transfer to paper, wood, canvas, and more. 

Lutradur and TAP are a perfect match. I am working on a gorgeous Lutradur book right now that consists primarily of TAP transfers. Because Lutradur is translucent, the TAP transfers are visible from both sides of the page, which offers lot of possiblity and potential.

TAP1 

In the top photo, I TAP transferred the vintage postcard of the woman with balloons and then added more balloons above the image with paint. The decorative Lutradur edges were done with my Creative Textile Tool. 

TAP Transfer

Materials 

Transfer Artist Paper (TAP)
Lutradur (Painted or not)
Iron
Scissors
Press cloth or fabric scrap

1. Print your image onto TAP. Be sure to reverse it before printing so the final transferred image looks like the original.

2. Preheat your iron to its hottest setting for the fabric you are ironing. I use Linen setting for almost all transfers, even Lutradur. Protect the work area of the ironing board with a press cloth or fabric scrap. Because Lutradur is an open weave, some of the transfer inks may go through the fabric to the ironing board cover.

3. Cut out the image and any excess white areas. White areas transfer as clear. While you cannot see the clear polymer, you can feel it. It all depends on what you want/need for your project.

4. Place TAP, image side down on Lutradur and iron, continuously moving the iron over the surface to keep it at an even, hot temperature. It takes some time for the polymer to gas into the fabric. The transfer is complete when the paper lifts easily from the fabric. You cannot over-iron TAP, but under-ironing it may effect it's washability, which is not an issue with Lutradur since it is probably not going to be washed.

That's it! Be sure to check out the April/May issue of Qulting Arts magazine for my article on TAP transfers. There's a lot more to do with it it than straightforward iron-on transfers. 

Comments

  2. i just discovered tap and i cannot wait for it to arrive….i have so many ideas.what an exciting new medium, thank you very much, you have opened new horizons for the artist in me.

    • That’s great Jackie – I’m all for creating new horizons for artists & crafters! Let me know what you do with it.

  3. I’ve tried TAP and its fab …looking forward to you coming to Brisbane Australia.

  4. I love using TAP and have mentioned it at quilt guild a few times. Now people are seeking me out and asking me where to get it.
    Great product.

  5. Hi Leslie… I have followed your work for years and I am just thrilled that you have created this new product. Great White paper for inkjet tranfers is hard to find and the newer paper doesn’t seem to transfer as well.
    I would love to win your new book! Please put my name in the hat!
    Sharon
    http://www.mystoryart.com

  6. This sounds and looks like an easy and fast way to get beautiful transfers. I’m looking forward to trying the technique out.
    Debrynda

  7. This material and transfer agent are yummy. I love the semi transparent nature of the lutradur with its fibery composition. Three cheers!

  8. I am a transfer nut and am constantly looking for new transfer products. Cannot wait to try this one. I will be at the Houston Quilt show as a shopper and will certainly look up your booth. Toni

  9. We just got your new book in my quilt store yesterday. I am eager to begin exploring this stuff — it was a _great_ idea to put two pieces in the book! I am hoping to be able to get a source for stocking the stuff for my customers.
    Go Leslie!
    🙂 Linda

  10. I’ve promised myself I would create more “art” this year! Your techniques and work are fascinating! Please enter me into your giveaway – your work is very inspiring!
    Geri

  13. Leslie,
    Your product has became my priority Must Have for my birthday, Jan 26! Can’t wait to try it out.
    cheers, Beth

  17. Hi Lesley
    Have only found your blog today and already learnt so much. Its great to find people who share the techniques they know.
    Thanks
    Claire

  18. How beautiful! I love transfer but have’t had very good results, I can’t wait to see your book and try your tecniques!
    Congrats! I think your going to have great sucess!
    I would love your book!!

  19. Thank you for sharing so generously of yourself Lesley. Even during your time off from teaching you have taught. As you share your moves (physically and otherwise) you teach. Can’t wait to get the new book! BTW: I love the EB White quote from a few posts ago. (Wish your booth was going to be in Chicago!!!)

  20. I bought Lutradur by accident…Thank you so much for showing me the many ways to use it.
    I love your site.
    Kathie

  21. Well I just have to get in on this giveaway as it all sounds so fabulous. Something new and exciting. It never stops in these wonderful creative times. Thanks for all of this. Deborah Guthrie

  23. Congratulations on the new book, and the timing – an inspirational moment all around. Please enter me in the drawing, I’m feeling lucky!…….
    Suzanne

  24. I hope you plan on teaching at art conferences. Transfer process always scares me until I SEE someone else doing it. Visual learner, like many artists.
    “Sam” from Lake Tahoe

  25. Lesley,
    Good info as usual! The book sounds exciting. Please enter me in the drawing for a free copy.
    Kate Lykins

  31. Seems that we finally have found a product that will make our transfers behave like we want to!
    Just a question: does it also work on dark grey Lutradur?
    Jacqueline

  32. Okay, now this looks like something I could possibly do. Would love to have a copy of the book so I can TAP into your creativity!

  33. Well, you have certainly opened my eyes to the possibilites with Lutradur. I’m not a fabric artist, and all of that frightened me to death – now I feel it’s Do-able. I have been following your instructions for years (right from when I joined the yahoo group many moons ago) which enabled me to teach the method accurately in my altered books classes. Since then I bought your DVD, which even my husband enjoyed – I particularly liked being able to follow your vision from start to finish rather than having odd, unrelated projects demonstrated.
    Having read your article in ClothPaperScissors Studio – I cannot believe you actually work on your bed due to lack of space. I too am limited (and wondering whether they can fit roof racks on apartments, LOL) so I’m in awe – you must be so organised. I am very much looking forward to the publication of your book. Well done, and good luck with it and your imminent marketing of your new product.

  34. love your stuff Lesley, because of your articles and information i hounded my craft stores in Australia,till i got some lutrador and now i use it all the time,cant wait to try the TAP

  37. Thanks so much for this awesome give-away, Lesley! Am very excited for this newest venture in your creative life, cannot wait to see the new book.
    Cynthia

  38. Faith & More Faith,
    It’s been a rollercoaster ride for myself & my family. I was diagnosed 4 months ago with stage 4 cancer, W/20% chance to survive!
    Well, I’m still here & I’m still fighting. This is where the faith and crafting come in. For me they are as essential as breathing. They both give hope & are allways surprising.-Congradulations, Kathy

  40. Wow! I’ve been away from the yahoo group for awhile and it looks like I came back just in time! These look like fantastic products, I can’t wait to try them.

  42. Dear Lesley, Your DVD changed my artistic life from fine art photographer to also fiber collage artist! I have made 4 books and love the creative process. I’m looking forward to your new transfer process.
    Warm wishes, Bonnie

  44. I can’t wait to try your Transfer Artist Paper (TAP), it sounds so exciting. I will purchase your book as soon as I see it if I don’t win. I am 68 years old and I still Love to learn new techniques! Thanks for this opportunity!

  46. Wowsers!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE learning new things!! I have never heard of Lutradrur before but thanks to the Crafty Chica knew about the Fabric transfer. I can’t wait to try this!! Thanks so much!

  47. Would love to experiment with your new materials and would love the new book. Transfers intrigue me but I have very limited experience with them. Pick me Pick me Sue in MI

  48. the book sounds so interesting, i’d love to own it! look forward to the article.
    thanks,
    debby wolff

  49. Hi Leslie, Your TAP looks interesting. Does it only transfer to Lutradur or can I use it anywhere??? Like on cotton fabric.
    Doni

  51. I can’t wait to try out the TAP transfer paper….and see your new book. This looks very interesting and I will be awaiting the April/May Quilting Arts issue.

  52. Thank you for sharing this new product. I can’t wait to read more. I am really excited about using it on a future project.
    Maureen

  53. This looks like a fun product my a couple of my high schoolers would love to work with. (I’ve turned a couple of them into fiber junkies :~) Looking forward to learning more.
    Staci

  54. Transfering pictures is new art form for me and I can’t wait to give it a go.
    Thanks for sharing and Good Luck in your new Ventures.
    Noelene

  60. Linda here from SC I have taken 6 mo off to clear out my junk, I give up I’m ready to play, it looks like fun.
    Please enter me in you give away

  62. OMG … your artwork is stunning. Now I have to have some Lutradur, so I can try! You make it sound so easy.

  63. Wow these techniques/products sound soooo intriguing. I’m not familiar with them so I better check this out! Thanks for the chance to win your fantastic book.
    Doreen aka LuniLadi
    cosenzas@optonline.net

  66. TAP sounds like a terrific tool! I’m heading over to read more about it right now, and keeping my fingers crossed that I win a copy of your new book.
    Here’s a big question — can it be used on color laser printers?
    Helen

  67. lOOKS LIKE A FABULOUS PRODUCT LESLEY. I CAN’T WAIT TO TRY IT AND TO READ YOUR NEW BOOK.
    KAREN BELTRY

  68. Leslie, Congratulations on your new book….looks wonderful. I’ve never used Lutrador but it sounds like an interesting product…really appreciate all the information you share with everyone…Judy

  69. I’m looking forward to using TAP in my work, both for quilts and clothing. Please enter me in your give-away. Thanks!

  71. The book sounds great. I am at the point in my beginning MM efforts to branch out and try more methods. Image transfers would be a great start.

  72. Wow! I am mostly just a stitcher and have been browsing the quilt art emails wondering how to actually transfer a self portrait my mom did before she died and I do beleive I have the answer!!!
    thank you, thank you , thank you!!

  76. Just found out about your site. Wow! Great information, and your directions are very clear and helpful. Thanks for being so generous and posting this technique instruction on your blog. Please enter me in the drawing for your new book.

  77. I would love your lutradur book if I win it. I can’t wait to try your TAP. I was waiting for it to come to a store near me but will check out your website. Thanks for always sharing. Peggy

  80. thanks for the tips info and update on book release. I am new with transfer art on fabric and am just leaning the ropes. Sounds like your TAP transfer may make things a lot easier.

  82. Having just watched your wonderful DVD on Lutrador, I am playing with it and having fun. I think that the TAP sounds terrific. There is nothing I like as much as trying new products and new techniques! Congratulations on taking this big step. I am sure you will do beautifully with it.

  84. It’s been a while since I’ve done any form of transfer because in the past, using the matte medium, it was just so messy. Effective, but messy, so that’s when I quit. I’d like to give thisd a try.

  87. I love Lutradur and have had some for a while. This is definitely the boost I needed to try TAP…congrats on your widespread product launch! – Elinor J

  88. The Quilting Arts magazine article sounds interesting. I’ll watch for it! Please enter me in your giveaway, too.

  89. This seems easy and fun. I can’t wait to try it. Please enter me in the drawing …. I’m feeling lucky! nancy

  91. This sounds really, really interesting and I would love to win your give-away. Please enter my name and thank you for the opportunity!

  93. This is absolutely fascinating! I will be wandering over to the TAP site and checking out the transfers more closely. I love how it looks on Lutradur!
    PS– I always read your site, and congrats on the new book. How exciting!!
    Dahn