Creating Custom Rub-Ons
Rub-on alphabets and embellishments have become more and more popular on scrapbook pages. They�re a great product to use when you want to add text or an embellishment across several layers of paper. They�re also handy when you can�t run the sheet of paper you want to print on through a printer (such as a 12� x 12� sheet that won�t fit in a standard printer).
Unlike fonts or stamps that can be re-used over and over again, once you�ve used the rub-ons, they�re gone. If you�re like me, you think hard before you decide to use them, so you won�t be left without an �E� when you need it most.
Wouldn�t it be nice if you could make your own and have any font or design of rub-on at your disposal anytime you needed it? I heard it could be done, so I gave it a shot. Sure enough, you CAN make your own custom rub-on designs! Here�s how:
Supplies
glossy page protector or transparency sheet
popsicle stick
computer
ink-jet printer

- Design an image. Design a title or embellishment on your computer in a word processing program.
- Print on the shiny side. Insert the transparency or page protector (cut to 8 �� x 11�) into your printer so that the ink will be deposited on the shiny side of the transparency. (If you�re using a glossy page protector, either side will work).
- Change to a mirror image. Change the print properties so that your document prints as a mirror image of itself.
- Print the document on �best� quality. This will deposit a thicker amount of ink onto the slick surface so that you can transfer it to a piece of paper.
- Let it dry. Let the ink dry onto the transparency for at least ten minutes. Do not touch the ink -- it will smear.
- Place the design. Once the ink has dried, place the title or embellishment over the piece of paper with the printed side touching the paper.
- Transfer the ink. Press firmly onto the transparency and use the end of a popsicle stick to rub over all of the text. This transfers the ink to the piece of paper.
- Admire your work. Gently remove the transparency from the paper, and admire your custom-made rub-on design!
Once you�ve transferred the image, the transparency or page protector you used can be wiped clean and re-used.
Good morning! I found this article and thought that it might be fun to try sometime.
Mary