Tutorial - Your printer is not just for copy paper.

I'll try anything once...well at least when it comes to our printer!  I've run a long list of items through the printer with much success and a few scary "paper" jams.  The best items I've found to use are: cardstock, recycled paper bags, lightweight and flexible cardboard (like a recycled snack box), fabric, used dryer sheets and printed vintage pages (like dictionary or sheet music).  The results are one of a kind.  Let's get started!

 You'll need the items pictured above:  scrap cardstock, a paper lunch bag, sheet music or dictionary page, a piece of 8.5 x 11 fabric, spray adhesive and scissors.  Obviously, you'll need a printer and some digital images.  I suggest you visit The Graphics Fairy for your free digital image downloads. You can use your photo editing software to adjust the size, if needed. I use Picasa and Picnik.

One of my favorite items to print on is a brown paper lunch bag.  Cut the bottom of the bag off then cut down one side. Unfold the bag into one long sheet.

Next spray a fine mist of adhesive onto scrap cardstock.  If you put too much on, your bag will stick permanently.  Your cardstock should be tacky not wet.  Rub the cardstock to make sure the bag is adhered. Trim the excess paper bag to avoid paper jams. I prefer the adhesive spray vs. tape. Tape does not adhere the entire piece and that can cause paper jams too.  Insert the paper, "bag down" into most printers (same way you insert photo paper) and print your digital image or photograph directly on the paper.  Use printer settings for 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and use the "best" quality printing option under "properties" in your printer set up for each print job I"m demonstrating today.

Here's the page once printed.  I purchased these graphics from Dawn at The Feathered Nest last year. Dawn has great tutorials for purchase and often shares beautiful images on her site.

Here's a closer look of one of my favorite images printed on the paper bag.  I then cut the image, crumpled it in my hand and now we have...

Perfection! A beautiful distressed color and texture for your project.  Add some distressed edges and you are done!  Let's try sheet music -

The same rules apply.  Apply light mist of adhesive to cardstock then rub on the sheet music. If you are using very lightweight vintage pages (like hymnal sheets or dictionary pages), you may want to try tape here first.  I have a designated piece of scrap card stock that I use and it has become like a Cricket mat. It is so sticky now that I rarely have to add more adhesive. Now, why not just send the paper bag or sheet music through the printer by itself? Why do we have to adhere it to cardstock first?  Well, it will shift during printing and your images will not be straight. It will also jam most of the time. Adhere the sheet music to cardstock, insert into printer "music" down, use printer settings mentioned above...go!

Beautiful! This Santa is from The Graphics Fairy.  Isn't he gorgeous on the sheet music? Peel him off the cardstock or simply trim and distress.  He's ready to be framed or used in your next project.

Let's try some fabric!  Of course, you can buy fabric transfer sheets, but that just adds to the expense of your project.  If the project is not something that needs to be washed, you can run the fabric right through the printer. I used 100% cotton canvas. It was quite thin and flexible. Use your cardstock or a book (see above) to trace an 8.5 x 11 rectangle onto your fabric. Cut the fabric and adhere to your scrap cardstock with the spray adhesive. Make sure you rub the fabric onto the cardstock and that the edges are attached.  I will typically cut my fabric a bit smaller than 8.5 x 11. Otherwise, sometimes the edges will roll and jam in the printer. If you are having issues, do the same. Place the cardstock and fabric face down into the printer, use the printer settings mentioned above and print!

Aren't these vintage images great? They have a soft, matte finish thanks to the fabric. Peel away the cardstock. Trim your image. Distress the edges a bit with scissors and ink.

She's ready for your next creation!  You can use the spray adhesive or a simple running stitch to attach her to your next project. No sewing machine needed here.  Printing on USED dryer sheets is very similar. You should iron them first if needed.  The ink may run with certain brands.  There is a film on them that can create problems. I will sometimes wash in soap and water, dry and then print (or stamp) on them. They are better candidates for an image transfer.  I prefer printing on canvas but do like a recycled option.  It is better to stamp on burlap. Too many tiny pieces to jam your printer. I know it is tempting but I don't suggest it! so, tell me...what do you like to print on?  What should we try next? Thanks for stopping by! If you have questions, post in the comments below. This is my first tutorial so let me know how I can improve.  Thanks! p.s. I'm linking this post to Mad in Crafts link party!