Transparencies: Using Tape

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

• Print/Wrapping Paper/Image
• Packing Tape ($2/Roll)
• Scissors
• Paper Towel
• Water

Things to Consider

The transparency image that you choose should be a matte (not glossy like magazine paper) finish printed image on paper. Stamped images, newspaper and printed computer inkjet paper are a few examples of what materials work best for tape transparencies. Magazine images and photos will not work as well - although, you can always experiment with what you think will work best for your project.

Step 1:

Cut out your image. The image in this example is taken from store-bought wrapping paper with ink prints on craft paper.

Step 2:

Tear off a piece of shipping tape that is large enough to cover the entire image. Shipping tape is used, although regular tape or clear contact paper can also be used. The difference depends simply on the size of your image and if you want to layer the tape.

Apply the tape onto the image.

Rub the tape vigorously to adhere the image and attach the ink.

Step 3:

Wet the paper towel with water. Then, turn the tape and image over. Begin blotting the back of the paper with the wet paper towel until the paper is thoroughly wet.

Step 4:

Once the paper is wet, slowly roll your fingertip over one corner. Gently pull the paper up to separate it from the tape. A transparent image will remain on the tape. If your paper begins to dry, simply blot the wet paper towel over the surface again.

Step 5:

Once the undesired background paper has been removed, pat the tape to dry off any excess water. The image transparency should remain on the tape. If necessary, trim the additional tape from the edges of the image to create a clean transparent image.

Finished tape transparency image

Trim excess tape, if desired.

Step 6:

Apply Mod Podge or clear glue to the back of the tape transparency. Then, adhere the image and allow the glue to dry.

Variations

Transparencies can be printed off the computer on printer-friendly acetate. This technique is more expensive because the plastic sheet is will trap ink from inkjet printers. Regular acetate sheets cannot be put through common household printers. 

As noted before, regular scotch tape or clear contact paper can be used as an alternative to shipping tape. Scotch tape may need to be layered in strips to cover the entire image. Contact paper, on the other hand, may not be sticky enough to separate the ink from the paper. As always, test different methods to achieve the best results for your project.

Get the Look: Ink Stains on Painted Surfaces

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

• Liquitex Ink ($3)
• Acrylic Craft Paint ($2)
• Cheap Wide Paint Brush
• Canvas/Board

Things to Consider

If you're using a surface made of paper or coated in paper, the porous materials will absorb most of the paint and ink. For best results, use on blank or painted canvas, on top of glossy magazine clippings, or pre-treat the paper surface with a sealer or Mod Podge.

Step 1:

Add paint to the surface where the ink stains are desired. 

Step 2:

While the paint is still wet, use the wide brush to spread the paint horizontally or vertically. Add more paint until the surface is evenly covered.

Step 3:

Set the canvas on a flat surface and use the Liquitex eyedropper to apply the ink. The greater the distance from which the ink is dropped, the larger the splatter. 

Step 4:

Allow the ink to seep into the paint for 1-2 minutes. Then, place the board vertically to let the ink run. Once the ink has dripped to the desired length, set the board on a flat surface again. Wait 5 minutes for the ink to penetrate the paint.

Step 5:

Use the wide paintbrush to gently brush over the surface in the same direction as the paint was applied (horizontal or vertical strokes). The ink will begin to spread and blend into the paint, but the areas where the ink was applied will have a lighter, "stained" appearance.

Step 6:

Allow the ink to dry. Repeat Steps 3-5 if necessary or change the ink color to create an alternative stained look.

Get the Look: Thick Wrinkled Textures With Masking Tape

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

• Masking Tape ($1)
• Mod Podge ($4)
• Plastic Knife ($1/Package)
• Canvas/Board

Things to Consider

Wider masking tape works better and uses less pieces to cover a large surface. Light beige masking tape is easier to cover with paint, but other colors works just the same.

Step 1:

Tear off various length strips of masking tape. Crinkle each strip so that it wrinkles the tape. Ensure that the wrinkled tape is still sticky in various areas so that it can be adhered to the board.

Tear off various lengths of masking tape strips.

Crinkle areas of the strip so that it will not adhere completely flat to the surface.

Step 2:

Apply the tape sticky-side down onto the surface. Burnish the tape to ensure it sticks properly.

Apply the tape to the board surface and rub it to help it adhere.

Step 3:

Continue to add strips of crinkled tape to the surface. Layering and overlapping the tape will create a thicker, more consistent texture.

Overlapped masking tape layers.

Step 4 (Optional):

Generously spread Mod Podge with a plastic knife over the masking tape. The Mod Podge will seal the tape and help keep it adhered to the board. Once complete, set the board aside to dry until the Mod Podge is clear.

Spread Mod Podge over the entire masking tape surface.

Variations

Crumpled tissue paper and crepe paper can be used to create a similar texture. However, the paper has to fully dry before layering anything on top of the texture. Masking tape, on the other hand, can be adhered to the surface and will stick without the use of a sealer. Tissue paper and crepe paper also tear easier when being glued to a surface.

Any other tape can be used instead of masking tape. Masking tape is often a better choice for collaging because it has a semi-porous surface and paint can adhere better. 

Finished Masking Tape Collage Examples

Masking Tape Example #1

Masking Tape Example #2

Paint Runs: Hairspray

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

• Aqua Net Hair Spray ($3)
• Acrylic Craft Paint ($2)
• Cheap Paint Brush ($4/Package)
• Canvas/Board

Things to Consider

If you're using a surface made of paper or coated in paper, the porous materials will absorb most of the paint and hairspray. It will not have the same lengthy paint runs. For best results, use on blank or painted canvas, on top of glossy magazine clippings, or pre-treat the paper surface with a sealer or Mod Podge.

Step 1:

Dip the paintbrush in the paint. Then, dab the paint brush on the surface where you would like the drip to begin.

Apply paint to the surface with a paintbrush.

Step 2:

While the paint is still wet, spray the dabbed paint generously with hairspray until the hairspray creates a small pool on the surface.

Spray the paint with hairspray.

Step 3:

Tilt the surface forward so that the board is vertical. The paint and hairspray will begin to drip downward. If the effect is not dripping as much as desired, spray more hairspray on the area while it is still vertical.

Let the paint and hairspray run down the vertical surface.

Step 4:

Prop the board against a wall to let the drips continue to run until they dry. At this point, you can continue to repeat the technique on other areas of the board while it is still vertical. Vary the paint colors to create more interest, if desired.

Completed work with various paint runs.

Variations

A few variations of this technique exist. One way is to spray water onto the area as opposed to hairspray. Hairspray, however, dries faster and will drip as much. 

Another alternative is using ink. Ink, in comparison is more expensive and applied with an eyedropper. It also keeps a consistent color and opacity as it spreads. Ink will drip better on porous surfaces as opposed to the hairspray and paint technique.