Sunday, November 1, 2009

Citra Solv Transfers- Take Two

Citra Solv Skeleton
I was so excited to get that Citra-Solv in the mail that I wasted no time in creating things. First I worked on patches for an I Spy quilt. That project isn't done yet, but I will be back soon with details on that before long.
Next, I finished the skeletons from a few weeks ago.

Working with two very different types of fabric was interesting. The transfer works much easier on smooth fabric such as this cotton patch.
Citra-Solv Photo Copy Transfer I Spy Riddle
The canvas I used for the skeleton takes much more burnishing and produced uneven results. However, I think the slightly faded and uneven quality adds to the project.

Without further delay: The process-
1. Tape paper face (copy side) down on fabric.
2. Douse a tissue with Citra-Solv full strength concentrate. The image will become easy to see through the paper.
3. Rub all over the back of the paper.
4. Rub hard with the back or edge of a spoon.
Rub Hard with the Edge of the Spoon
5 The paper should become a bit roughed up. Mine never tore though.
6. Carefully peel back just a tiny edge to peek at the results. Burnish more if needed.


Paper roughed up from burnishing with a spoon
Can you see how the black lines are lighter and the paper is quite roughed up?
Citra Solv Transfer Skeletons
Here you can see two side by side attempts. It's interesting the variations.

(To make the skeleton softie I photocopied one of my student's drawings. I transferred the image and cut it out. I then sewed it right sides facing to a scrap of orange fabric leaving an opening for turning. I turned it right side out and stuffed with crinkly plastic bags. Then I hand sewed it shut.)

Some thoughts on the Citra-Solv transfer method.

1. I like it. It's a little like magic.
2. Pleasant smelling!
3. Much more affordable than special printer friendly fabric.
4. There is less control over how an image comes out. However, the materials are so much more affordable than printer fabric and printer ink, that it's not precious. I can afford to try lots of new things with this method. I squirrel away my stash of printer fabric for only the best projects. I wasn't nervous or frustrated over wasting or making a mistake.
5. I kind of like the vintage quality of the uneven-ness.
6. A little dab will do you! This bottle is going to last a l-ong time!

I have many more ideas and plan to do a nearly weekly feature of my Citra Solv adventures. Thanks Michelle for sending me a bottle!

By the way, have you read about my Play Kitchen Build Along?

6 comments:

HollyLynne said...

Neat!!!

Anonymous said...

Great Work! I'll make sure to try the Citra Solv transfer technique as soon as possible.

Amanda.

Barb said...

I know this is post is from long ago but i'm curious about citra solv. is goo-gone the same thing? Can you wash the fabric with a citra-solv transfer, will it wash off or is it best for embroidery transfers? I'm making some linen bread bags and want to transfer a design on and thought of your blogging about citra solv. I have goo-gone and can only find citra-solv on ebay. Thanks for answering my questions.

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi there,
I have tried the citra solve w/ great results at times and at other times not so great. On occasion it leaves a yellow ring around the image I am transferring. I wondered if you had anything like that happen? I'm wondering if it's from the dif fabrics or ???? Any thoughts?

Thanks a lot!
Shellagh

Glamorous Girl Gone Goofy said...

Wow, got to try this! I have been using cold pressed orange oil to clean my home for years! But use with caution. Citra solve is highly flammable. Should NOT be used around cats, at all!! Kills Fleas. Google it! I mix a couple of teaspoons of it with my sprayer during the summer and spray my yard and brick. It repels flies and mosquitoes and smells delish! Great to use before a party.

That being said... I gotta try this.
Kristtie ;o)

lynlamb said...

fantastic blog, thanks