Rub-Ons for Card Making

Rub-ons for card making have been around a long time.  They are sold in packs with ready to use rub-on transfers.

So, what are they and how do you use them?

Rub-ons are words and images on a plastic sheet that you rub onto your card front with a plastic tool or bone folder.  They then transfer to your card front.

The rub-ons are easy and quick to use.  They are great for when you need to create a lightweight card for posting as you can layer the transfers over each other.

They are sold on sheets that contain multiple images.  The pack may also be supplied with a plastic tool for rubbing the transfers.

They can be used for card making, scrapbooking and journals.

How to use Rub-Ons 

First cut out the image you want to transfer and remove the protective baking.

Place in position sticky side down and gently rub using the tool on your card front.  The rub-on will then transfer to your card.

Peel away the top layer.  If a piece doesn't transfer correctly just place back down and rub some more.

To create your card front I always start by die cutting my card layer as this gives me the perimeters to work around.

Then I chose the background transfers and add these to the card layer.  Other images are then added on top. 

The 49 and Market pack I used for these cards also contained the embellishments - a choice between beads or sequins.

If you run out of background transfers make your own by creating a watercolour wash on watercolour paper.

For these cards I used two paint colours leaving a little bit white space.

To increase the depth of the watercolour wash I added paint spots transfers on top before adding the remainder of the images.

My final card uses a cut out image from the Studio Light set "Awakening".  

To add a shadow to the Kingfisher I outlined it with a black watercolour pencil and painted over the lines with a water brush.

Sentiments for Rub-ons for Card Making

I chose to use my current favourite stamp and die set from Waffle Flower - "Essential Sentiments" for the majority of my cards.

The Vintage Artistry, Sky and Navy Rub-on Transfers from 49 and Market contained sentiments but in this instance I wanted more generic sentiments.

I like the rub-ons from 49 and Market as they are sold in beautiful colour matching packs with lots of butterflies and flowers.  I'm a real sucker for butterflies!

The price point is good and you can make loads of cards from just one pack.

Other makers of rub-ons include Studio Light, Sizzix, Tim Holtz and Prima Marketing.