Tips for success when using rub-ons

• Notice how the color of the release sheet changes as the image transfers to your cardstock. Use this as a visual guide to see what portions of the rub-on need more pressure.
• Prevent stray images or letters on the rub-on sheet from transferring to your page by cutting out the portions you'll be using.
• Consider using colored cardstock with your rub-ons. Try different colors for different effects, like Kelly Purkey did here with the green rub-ons and the kraft cardstock. You could also try tone-on-tone (like green on green) or high-contrast looks (pairing a light and dark color together).
• Different brands of rub-ons require different amounts of pressure to apply. For best results, experiment with a spare rub-on to get the feel for how it will transfer to your cardstock.
• Mix and match rub-ons from different sheets to create distinctive looks.
• Consider applying rub-ons to patterned paper, transparencies and photos.

CK Rub-ons FAQ

Q. What can I do if I accidentally tear a rub-on when I lift off the release sheet?

A. Reposition the release sheet and the rest of the rub-on in place and continue applying it to your project. It should look just fine.

Q. Is there anything else I can use to apply the larger rub-ons? Popsicle sticks and most styluses are so small-they take a long time to apply.

A. Yes. Try using a nylon scraping tool-they have a larger surface area and are good at applying even amounts of pressure. (Try the Craft Scraper from Ranger Industries or the Nylon Pan Scrapers from Pampered Chef.)

Q. What other surfaces can I apply rub-ons to?

A. In addition to cardstock, patterned paper and transparencies, consider chipboard, metal or plastic accents, ribbon and canvas.

Q. How can I remove a stray rub-on?

A. There are a couple of different methods to try:

• Carefully apply a piece of tape to the stray rub-on and gently pull the tape up off the paper.
• Apply un-du to the stray rub-on and carefully wipe or scrap it off.
• Lightly rub the stray rub-on with an Adhesive Pick-up square from Therm O Web.

Check out the May/June 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes to learn two cool ways you can step up this technique to get even more great looks.

Appeared in:

May/June 2010