I use the pencil-transfer method to get my images onto the carving material - these days my material of choice is Firm Kut from Webfoot, hands down. There are many times though, no matter how carefully I trace out the image, I just don't get an image on my material that is as crisp and clear as I would like. I am left with trying to modify the image either with pencil applied directly to the material, or with my tools while carving - not ideal. I have looked into alternative transfer methods with not much success (haven't tried parchment/inkjet yet). I guess I have always just gone for the low-tech method, especially since I don't own a laser printer. But, I just discovered another.
Obimaster was thrilled when the new inkjet printers with refillable liquid ink hit Costco. We bought a Canon G2020, and it has been working great. I have had to print quite a bit for school work, and this really cut down on replacing ink cartridges.
 |
| liquid ink-jet printer with ink reservoirs |
But in a happy accident, I discovered that the liquid ink printed on copy paper, even when dry, will transfer onto my carving material. It may not be as dark as preferred, but look:
This was achieved by simply rubbing the printed image onto the material with my bone folder, just like with the pencil transfer method - except I didn't trace it out first. I have tried this method on other images, as well (text seemed to work particularly well). At first, I thought I needed to make the image darker on the material prior to carving (which I did on the 'inky smudges' stamp), but because I use a magnifying lamp, I have determined this may not be necessary - especially with an image such as the one above, where it is a silhouette with lots of dark space. For images that are mostly lines, or text, I may want to darken it up.
The good thing is that this image does not smear like pencil. The not-so-good thing is that you must rub diligently to get a dark enough image to see, and with a bone folder, not your fingernail or other rather inconsistent rubbing tool.
Here is another example, this time with a more complicated image, and had been printed about a week ago. It did require a bit more rubbing than pencil transfer, but not excessive.
 |
| image 2.5" x 2.5" |
So, what do you think? Would that be too light for you to carve? What is your go-to transfer method?
4 comments:
I've done this in the past with my HP injection. The image must be freshly printed for best results.
That said, pencil transfer has always been my transfer of choice.
• FungusWoman
I like doing a hear transfer (with an iron). I can usually get crisp images that way, but it only works with some printers/toner.
~Nature Hikers
In the past I've used the pencil method but now I'm starting to get more personal and original and create my own drawing by using an ink pen. How much did the ink printer cost ?
Hi Creeping Death! The Canon G6020 retails for $279, but we got ours at Costco. I am not sure they still carry it, as their stock changes regularly, but I am thinking we paid around $250-ish. The ink lasts for a long time, and I think they sell that at Costco, as well (if you have one close).
Hope that helps!
SHH :)
Post a Comment