custom stone transfers...

I don't know about you, but I love the rhinestone, rhinestud, and nailhead transfer designs that can be seen everywhere from clothes to scrapbooks!  Have you ever wished that you could make your own?  Choose your own colors, patterns and size?  Well, let me share a little secret with you...

You can!

I've already shared a video showing how to make a template with an electronic die cutter, but what about those who don't have one, or don't want to spend the time carefully arranging circles?  Well, you can free hand the design if you are so inclined, but I find an easy way to design is by using stamps. 

Today I'm going to be using the new Metallic Inspirations. I love how thin they are! Perfect for that extra bling without the extra bulk!

What you need:

Metallic Inspirations

Simple Stamp

Staz-on ink

Acetate

Vinyl (or heat transfer tape)

Strong Liquid Glue

*when choosing stamps to use, keep these two things in mind: 1) keep it simple. The size of the rhinestones or nail heads will determine how detailed you can go. The larger the stone, the less detail you can make. {I personally prefer the smaller sizes for the detail, but it does take a lot longer!}  2) you don't have to use the entire image of any one stamp, and you can combine stamps together to get a whole new look. Try it!

 Step 1: Using Staz-on ink, stamp your image onto a piece of acetate. By stamping on the acetate, your pattern will last longer, and can be flipped over for a mirror image! How fun is that!

 Step 2: Carefully arrange your stones on your stamped design. Remember that the stamp is just a guide line. You don't have to follow it exactly. I decided not to do the flower or the leaves on this image.

*I have found that a good pair of tweezers is very helpful for this!*

 *If you have heat transfer tape, go ahead and use that, but since I don't, I use what I have around... scraps of vinyl. (for smaller or thinner designs, a low tack masking tape also works... Just be sure it is the kind you can stick on paper and remove it without tearing your paper.)*

Step 3: Without moving any of the stones, press the sticky side of the vinyl on top of your design. Run your finger over the design to make sure all your stones are firmly sticking to your vinyl. 

 Step 4: Flip your design over and slowly peel away the acetate. Start at one corner and slowly work the acetate off. Watch to make sure all the stones are staying firmly stuck in place on the vinyl. 

 *If you are using heat transfer tape, simply iron on to your project.... DON'T iron if you are using vinyl!)*

Step 5: Put a small dot of a strong liquid glue on the back of each stone. (I like to use Glossy Accents because it works well with both the paper and the metal... and most any other surface!!!)

 Step 6: Lay your design (glue side down) onto your project. Run your finger over the design to ensure all the stones are touching your project. 

Step 7: Allow to dry. (this may take a while depending on which glue you use, and what you are gluing your design to. Don't rush it.)

 Step 8: When all the glue is dry, slowly peel off the vinyl starting at one corner and working your way across. Your custom design is now successfully transferred!

Paper: My Minds Eye, Grungeboard shapes, Chipboard mini album page

Stamp: Fancy Pants "From the Garden", "In My Words"

Ink: Distress Ink (Rusty Hinge)

Creative Inspirations Paint: Canary, Sapphire

Metallic Inspirations: Blue, Aquamarine

Jeweled Inspirations: 34, 30, 20

Other: Gesso, white acrylic paint

Enjoy!

~Kassi