How to Create Rub-Ons
Rub-ons are used in many different crafts. They can be used to embellish scrapbook pages, homemade cards or school projects. Once a rub-on has been removed from the film and placed on paper, it cannot be moved, repositioned or reused. Rub-ons can be expensive to purchase. Making them at home is an easy way to have custom rub-ons at a fraction of the price.
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Things You'll Need
- Transparency paper Spray hair gel with a fine mist Hairspray Computer with word processing program or photo editing program Inkjet Printer with black and optional colored ink Craft stick
Instructions
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1
Open a word processing program or photo editing program on the computer and design the rub-on. Start with simple words or a favorite quote. Add a small image or embellishment.
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2
Decide if the rub-on will be printed in black or different colors.
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3
Flip the image so it is now a mirrored image of what was created. In some programs this will be an option to choose in design mode, and in other programs it needs to be done in the printing setup process.
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4
Spray a fine mist of hair gel on the transparency paper. Do not apply too much; just enough to coat it. Allow it to dry.
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5
Print the design onto the transparency paper. Select the best quality to print so the ink will be placed on the transparency as thick as possible.
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6
Set the transparency paper aside and allow it to dry completely. It will take at least 10 minutes. Be sure to not touch the ink at all during the drying time. It smears easily.
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7
Spray the rub-on with hairspray to help set it. Allow the hairspray to dry.
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8
Transfer the rub-on to paper. Flip the transparency paper over and position it in place. The ink side will now be on the paper. Use the craft stick to rub the transparency paper side to release the ink from the other side. The rub-on is now on the paper.
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9
Peel away the transfer paper.
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Tips & Warnings
Once the rub-on has been removed from the transparency paper, it can be washed and reused.
