Packing Tape Transfer Technique Challenge ATC Swap

I like any swap that challenges me to try a new technique. As far as transfers go, I've tried metallic acrylic paint before with so-so results and that's it. Thanks for posting the you-tube tutorial- very helpful.

I think I just learned my new thing for the day - how cool! I just tested it out & I love the results. But what's the best way to get them to stick to the ATC (paper) base? Thanks!

Hi everyone, To get them to stick to paper I use my usual Golden Acrylic Gel Medium, soft gloss, I use that as an adhesive for all my artwork.

Some of the other glues on the market will dry foggy, they may look clear when you apply it but they get foggy when hardened.

Also I will share I always used to use 3M brand packing tape and it worked great. I bought some generic packing tape at a dollar store, and for some reason it got all foggy after soaking in the water. I gave up with that and went back to 3M with excellent results.

In the YouTube video they show some kind of tear-able packign tape. That is not necessary at all. My little roll of packing tape has its own cutter attached so I don't get what the big deal is.

This is a fun technique.

If you have a really nice background you can transfer words or images on top of it and still see that background. You can also transfer words on top of an image or a graphic that you have laid down behind it.

I have a toner based computer printer so I am able to write anything in my computer word processing program, print it off and make a packing tape transfer with it.

The transfers work really easily with newspaper, comics, etc. and also with magazines so long as the paper is not too coated.

Lastly another tip is to let it soak in the water. I don't know why in that YouTube vido she rubs it off immediately. If your water is too hot it won't transfer well. Just use lukewarm water and let it sit while you do something else. I have even let stuff sit overnight and finished it the next day. The more rubbing you do on it the more you risk making it look "distressed" however maybe that is your goal?

Have fun everyone!

just a quick comment, before i sign up...i have purchase packaging tape from big lots, 88 cents, and the transfers i have gotten from it are amazing!!! the otly "bad" thing about it is that the transfers are not very translucent, they almost make a very clear copy of what you are transfering! I have used this tape on postcards, noewspapers, and it's always the same...I'll try the scotch brand too, because i'd like to see the difference, I just wanted to give a heads up, that I may make some with my big lots tape, if it's ok! susi

okay am well interested but have no idea how to/or what this methiod is! help please! What is this packing tape? Is it selotape, clear self adheisive tape as sold in Uk?

linie, packing tape is just a wide clear stronger than plain cello tape...if you don\'t fing any, i\'m sre you will though, i\'ll be happy to send you some!

I just experimented with this technique and really like the result, although I\'m not so keen on the tape\'s glossy finish. Any suggestions about how to dull the shine?

(about 5 hours later....)

Oh my goodness, ChristineMM. You have created a packing tape transfer monster here. I am sticking packing tape on anything that doesn\'t move and then giving it a nice long soak.

Still not crazy about the shiny finish, but I hope someone might have a suggestion or two.

sandpaper....it works for me. Just be gentle. Also, coating with a matte medium might work.

Susi I don't know if you have a Staples near you but thats where I got my wide clear tape

yes I have a staples near me...I dropped from the swap already, but I may join again.. I need to work more on this technique really! does just plain old scotch brand work well? or is that what you get at staples? susi

i just signed uo again... just what I need another swap! LOL

One of my favorite things to do is make an ATC using other methods, collage, paint, whatever. Then I do a transfer with words and overlay that on top of the ATC.

Another tip is to be careful about the color of the background. If you lay the transfer on top of a dark background you won't see much. However sometimes a not-white background gives an interesting effect. I also like to do a painted background then put a packing tape image over the top so you still see the painted effects behind it.

I keep mine glossy. When they are in the 9 card sleeves that I store them in you can't even see the glossy finish anyway as the whole thing looks glossy, know what I mean?

Have fun everyone!

I just uploaded one of my own ATCs to show what it looks like. In this ATC I hand painted the background. The geisha is a packing tape transfer. Then I typed song lyrics on the computer and printed onto my laser printer in black ink then made another packing tape transfer of that. The adhesive is Golden Acrylic Gel Medium in soft gloss and you can see how it dried clear.

Lyrics written by Tori Amos

Geisha image from collage sheet by Autumn Moon Paper Company http://www.autumnmoonpaper.com/

Hmmm.. this swap closed two days ago and still no partners.

Is there something wrong? Why no partners?

Thanks for posting the tutorial.I like to learn new techniques.

Mandy and Rachel your cards have gone postal from England today......Carolyn aka CazR

Janet your ATCs arrived today and they are great.

I am going to be putting the finishing touches on my own ATCs tonight.

I am hoping everyone had fun with this swap.

Also I am hoping for a 100% participation rate and no "no-send's", pretty please?

I recd great cards from Betsy today..Thank you! Yes, Christine, mine will be out on time!

ATC's are on their way today to Peas and Chinita. Enjoy!

Out in this morning's mail went ATCs to Susi and Mercury.Smith. I hope you enjoy them!

Sent my ATCs out today to Ellawitch and Kheli. And have already received both sets of ATCs from Evelyn and Melaine...thanks so much! Love adding to my ever growing collection!

I received wonderful cards from Chinita. Many thanks for matching the cards to my profile!

Received more lovely cards from Julianne in GA. Thank you very much!

Betsy your atc's arrived they are splendid!!!!! I love them all Thank you so much.....Carolyn

CazR, Great cards! Thank you!