Alternative Processing 101: Ink Jet Transfers

Usually when I am bored at home and looking for a project I turn to this easy (but rewarding) concept of making prints. 

You don't need any fancy chemicals, glass, or film for this process - but they look pretty damn cool.

What you need:

• a photo file on your computer
• a FULL ink cartridge in your printer
• well.. a printer
• a waxy type of paper [an empty label sheet works perfectly!]
• damp sponge
• paint brush [or Q tips]
• watercolor or sketch paper

The process:

• make sure that the photo you picked isn't super detailed... simple close ups and landscapes work best
• with even strokes, damp the watercolor paper using the sponge
• print off your photo on the waxy paper BE CAREFUL! the ink won't stick to the paper but will stick to things like your hands, the carpet, walls, etc.
• act fast! before the ink dries, carefully press the paper ink side down on the damp watercolor paper. smooth it out with even pressure
• carefully pull the wax paper off
• TADA! ink jet transfer.
• If the print is kind of grainy and you want it to look softer - use the paint brush or q-tips and blend the colors a bit.

Its kind of like a temporary tattoo. Same idea.. you learned this at Chuckie Cheese in the 2nd grade.