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    Home » Crafts

    Transfer an Image to Fabric to Create a Fun Notebook.

    February 21, 2023 by Patti Estep 4 Comments

    Jump to How-to Card
    Transferred image to fabric on a notebook.

    Learn how to make a customized fabric photo transfer notebook to give to someone special using their own personal images.

    Fabric photo transfer notebook.

    It's my brother-in-law's birthday. He's a fellow blogger, the creator of Daytripping with Rick, so I thought I would make him a personalized blogger gift.  I know I am forever taking notes and jotting down ideas, so I created a fabric photo transfer notebook, using a couple of pics from our trip to Sonoma.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there’s no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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    Materials

    • Notebook
    • Fabric (I used drop cloth canvas fabric, but any nice cotton will work)
    • Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
    • Color photocopies or prints of your photo(s) or a computer and inkjet printer
    Journal on some drop cloth fabric.

    I picked up this nice notebook for around $5. The drop cloth canvas was leftover from my Botanical Pillows article. 

    You can experiment with different types of fabric. However, I liked the rustic feel of the canvas, and I wanted something heavy enough to cover the stripes and dots of the notebook.

    Pencil Outline on dropcloth fabric.

    How to Make an Image Transfer onto Fabric

    Step 1

    Draw an outline of the notebook on the fabric on the wrong side (this drop cloth had no wrong side), in pencil. Be sure to indicate the area of the spine to help with alignment.

    Photos on outlined area of cloth

    Step 2

    Print, and cut out your photo(s). If you don't have access to a color printer, you can have them photocopied in color at a local copy shop. Roughly position the photos on the cloth. I chose to make mine slightly smaller than the fabric.

    Although, I do think full photo coverage could look really nice. The front cover will display the picture on the right, of Rick's son, Max, also my Godson, amidst the redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The back cover, on the left, is a picture of Rick and Max combing at Goat Rock Beach.

    Note: Be sure to reverse, or make a mirror image of your photo, if you are using any letters or images that show direction. 

    Transfer medium brushed on top of a photo.

    Step 3

    Brush on a thick coat of the transfer medium on top of the paper with your photo.

    Photos faced down on drop cloth fabric.

    Step 4

    Place the photos carefully face down on the right side of your fabric. Try to avoid touching the gel medium. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles with your fingers, or with a straight edge, such as a ruler, or credit card. Wipe away any medium that sneaks out from the edge. Let sit for 24 hours

    Wet image with sponge to begin rubbing and revealing process.

    Step 5

    After 24 hours wet the image face all over with a sponge, spray bottle, or wet rag.

    Removing more paper with sponge.

    Step 6

    After 2 minutes start removing the excess paper by making circles with a damp sponge. The paper will pill up, revealing the image underneath, like magic.

    I noticed that I was getting some ink on the canvas outside the photo. This worked out for me because it gave the project a nice rustic look. However, you could tape off the edges and/or be more diligent with cleaning your sponge.

    Fitting transferred photo to fabric to the notebook.

    Step 7

    After allowing the fabric to dry, re-fit it to the notebook, marking off where you want to cut the final piece. Cut and glue the fabric to the notebook, using  Mod Podge, white glue or spray adhesive.

    Back side of notebook with second transferred image.

    I'm happy to say that Rick loved this fabric photo transfer notebook, and I loved making it.

    This project turned out to be a really nice personalized gift that anyone would enjoy, and I will definitely do it again.

    Patti signature

    More Mod Podge Crafts

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    • DIY Family Photo Coasters
    • Colorful Magnet Closepins
    • Crafting with Maps
    Fabric covered notebook with an image transferred for a special gift.
    Fabric-Photo-Transfer-Notebook - gardenmatter.com
    Print
    5 from 1 vote

    Fabric Photo Transfer Notebook

    Here's a great craft that shows you how to customize a notebook by transferring an image to fabric.
    Active Time1 hour hr
    Resting Time1 day d
    Total Time1 day d 1 hour hr
    Cost: $15

    Equipment

    • Computer
    • Color printer
    • scissors

    Materials

    • Notebook
    • Drop Cloth Fabric
    • Photo Transfer Medium
    • Photos

    Instructions

    • Draw an outline of the notebook on the fabric on the wrong side (this drop cloth had no wrong side), in pencil. Be sure to indicate the area of the spine to help with alignment.
    • Print, and cut out your photo(s). If you don't have access to a color printer, you can have them photocopied in color at a local copy shop. Roughly position the photos on the cloth.
    • Apply a thick coat of the transfer medium on top of the photo.
    • Place the photos face down very carefully on the right side of the fabric.. Try to avoid touching the transfer medium. Smooth out any air bubbles with your fingers, or with a straight edge, such as a ruler. Wipe away any medium that sneaks out from the edge.
    • Let sit for 24 hours
    • After 24 hours wet the image all over with a sponge. 
    • After 2 minutes start removing the paper by making circles with a damp sponge. The paper will pill up, revealing the image underneath.
    • After allowing the fabric to dry, re-fit it to the notebook, marking off where you want to cut the final piece.
    • Cut and glue the fabric to the notebook, using  Mod Podge, white glue or spray adhesive.

    Notes

    I noticed that I was getting some ink on the canvas outside of the photo as I rubbed and peel off the image transfer paper. This worked out for me because it gave the project a nice rustic look. However, you could tape off the edges and/or be more diligent with cleaning your sponge.
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Donna Fox

      February 27, 2023 at 8:37 am

      Patti, just so I understand, you put the picture face down on the wrong side of the fabric, and it shows through on the right side? I have never worked with Modge Podge photo transfer medium. Thanks, Donna

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 27, 2023 at 9:16 am

        Donna, that's a good question. You want to place the image face down on the Right Side of the fabric. Make sure that the image is reversed when you print it. The canvas I used really doesn't have a right side but now I see that I should have added this point. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I will update the post.

        Reply
    2. Victoria Conery

      February 22, 2023 at 8:05 am

      5 stars
      Very lovely I think I would love to do this my son passed would love to do his picture and frame it thank you,P.S was this your first time doing this vicky

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 22, 2023 at 8:23 am

        Vicky that would be lovely too. I'm so sorry for your loss. And yes it was the first time for me but it turned out pretty good.

        Reply

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