- Steppingstone kits
- On paper (then frame the prints)
- Applied with paint on unfinished pieces of wood furniture (stool, etc.).
Q: We have used iron-on transfers to add pictures to T-shirts, but after a couple of washings, they wear off. What are we doing wrong?
A: There are several things that might be causing the transfers to wash off:
- You could be using the wrong paper for your applications.
- Remember that you must prewash T-shirts (to remove sizing) before you apply the iron-on or it will wash off.
- You could be washing the shirts in water that's too hot or too cold (the water needs to be warm).
Q: I am just getting into scrapbooking. How do I use a die-cut machine, and what materials can be used in it?
A: Die-cut machines are great for scrapbooking, and they're affordable now at about $80. You can make all kinds of cutouts with a variety of materials: paper, rubber or fabric.
Money-Saver Tip: Love the look of shabby chic, but don't want to pay a high price for it? Tea- or coffee-staining is the answer. Add about seven teabags to two gallons of water. Heat them up together and let the tea steep for at least 10 minute. Throw in linens, stained napkins or old doilies and give them a new "old" life. Tea-stain dime-store flags to achieve an American folk-art look. Instead of stapling them back onto that new looking dowel, tie them onto sticks with twine. All fabric items should stay in the tea bath for at least ten minutes. The longer it stays in, the better. Also, remember that different teas will give you a slightly different look (raspberry tea: pinkish; green tea: greenish; coffee: deeper brown). Also, you can always tea-stain paper: just leave it in for about 15 seconds and then dry it on a paper towel.
Editor's Note: American flag etiquette discourages the use of flags in decorating. Many patriotic-print fabrics are available nowadays that can be tea-stained and used for decorating and crafts, so it should be no problem to find a fabric that will look great in your projects.
