Can I transfer a picture I have onto polymer clay?

Question

I have this nice picture of my kids that I would love to transfer onto clay. Ive never done this before but Ive heard you can use Translucnt Liquid Sculpey (TLS) ... My question is my picture is a picture I developed at a store, will that work and if anyone has any pointers please let me know. I wanna make a charm of it to make a necklace. Thanks!

Answer 1

Here are some instructions - you need to photocopy or scan the photo to get ink that will transfer to the clay.
http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/pcc/featured/mcmillanlesson.html
.

Answer 2

There are actually a LOT of ways to transfer images onto polymer clay, and unfortunately lots of factors that can go right or wrong. There are some simpler ways though that are easier and/or more foolproof, so you might want to try those.

All the ways (and the factors, etc.) are discussed on this page of my polymer clay "encyclopedia" (see link below), but here are at least a few basics to be aware of:

...originals can be ink jet prints made from scans or somehow gotten into digital form on your computer (but must be printed onto special papers), or they can be toner-based copies (made with photocopiers or lasers and plain or other papers), or magazine pages, or other things too (but won't confuse you with those)

...sometimes special papers are required, sometimes not

..."helpers" may be required (heat, rubbing, liquid clay, water or other solvents, etc.)

..."direct" transfers result in the image being transferred directly onto the clay.... "decal" transfers result in an intermediate decal which can then be placed onto the clay (or anywhere) . . . both may use liquid clay

....TLS is one *brand* of liquid clay, put out by Polyform... it's a bit less clear than the other two (Fimo Liquid Decorating Gel and Kato Clear Medium)

... IF you want the image to be put onto the clay in the same orientation as the image you began with, you'll either have to reverse the image in your printer or photoediting software, or you'll need to use a decal and flip it over to the other side (or use a "decoupage" or other method)

...keep in mind that the technique given on the page linked to by the previous answerer was written a long time ago, when not as many ways of transferring had been discovered or tinkered with (it uses a color photocopy, on plain paper)

Here's the page:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/transfers.htm
(....under the first category, there's a subcategory called EASIEST WAYS that you might want to look at so you can try one of the easier methods lower on the page)


HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 3

check with www.firemountiangemsandbeads.com if you cant find the info on the site by yourself click on the live help button and ask them they will help you their a really good online store to buy from. i think you can transfer a pic but im not 100% sure.