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Stamping on Velvet!
From: Lenna Andrews Foster
Stamping on Velvet is one of those things that LOOKS a lot
harder to do than it really is. It does require some PRACTICE,
of course, but when you do, you'll see there are just a few things
you need to keep in mind when stamping velvet. First, gather
your materials: High Rayon or Silk content velvet. This is VERY
important in order to get good results. Before I knew this, I
tried this technique on Velveteen, with limited results. The
velvet I have had the best success with has been 35% Rayon/65%
Acetate. Silk velvet also works. Both are expensive, generally
$18.-$24.00 per yard, so look for sales! Make sure to ask about
fabric content as it is not always marked on the bolt. If possible,
buy a small amount, like 1/8 of a yard.Test it at home before
purchasing large amounts.
This technique works best with bold
rubber stamp designs. Your stamps don't have to be completely
solid, in fact, stamps with solid and open spaces impress the
velvet most beautifully. Images that are detailed line designs,
and are not deeply etched are not recommended because they do
not stamp well. My best advice to you would be to buy a little
extra velvet so you can practice your technique and test out
your stamp choices. I have gotten the most striking results with
bold images from Hot Potatoes, Zim Prints, and some of the new
bold Home-Decor choices from Personal Stamp Exchange. I have
also gotten great results with some of the DeNami designs. You
really need some scraps of velvet to test out the stamps that
you choose before starting your project.
How to do this: Gather up a few bold
rubber stamp designs, some rayon or silk velvet scraps, a spray
bottle filled with water, and your iron. It's easiest if your
iron has some space on it without any steam holes. You'll need
to work around the steam holes if your iron has them so THEY
won't make a pattern on your velvet! Or purchase a teflon iron
cover. Turn the iron on to Medium-High to High heat. You'll have
to test your iron for the best temperature for this project,
but it IS in the High heat range. Lay your rubber stamp down
on the table, on the wood, with the rubber side facing UP towards
you. Lay your velvet down on top of the rubber, with the fuzzy
RIGHT SIDE of the fabric DOWN on the rubber. Mist the wrong side
of the fabric that is facing you. It should be slightly wet,
NOT soaked. Put your iron down directly on the wrong side of
the velvet, trying to avoid the steam holes, press and hold for
10-20 seconds. If you are working with a small stamp, you do
not need to move the iron, just hold it in place. For larger
stamps that might get steam holes impressed across them, pick
up the iron and replace it carefully in a different position.
Hold it for another 10 seconds or so. Continue doing this until
about 30-40 seconds have elapsed. You will begin to see the outline
of the stamp from the back of the fabric when it is "done".
You'll especially want to do this if you stamp is large, or if
you have steam holes you are trying to work around. It's important
to hold the iron and count, so that the heat of the iron has
time to impress the stamp into the fabric. Also, make sure you
move to a new position if the stamp is large. Be sure you heat
the entire stamp and avoid steam holes. That's it! No ink, no
paint, no mess! Just heat, stamps, and beautiful, elegant fabric.
Just be sure to practice first! The stamped images will be permanent,
but I would definitely recommend dry cleaning your stamped velvet
pieces.
Be sure to check out Lenna's Website - creativelenna.com
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