Creating tape transfers from vintage magazine and book pages is a fun and easy way to add unique, vintage-inspired elements to your artwork, scrapbooking, or mixed media projects. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own tape transfers.
Materials you’ll need:
- Vintage magazine or book pages
- Clear packing tape
- Bowl of water
- Towel
- Scissors
Step 1: Choose your Image
Flip through your vintage magazines or books and choose an image you want to transfer.
Step 2: Cut a Piece of Tape
Cut a piece of clear packing tape slightly larger than your image.
Step 3: Place Tape on Image
Carefully place your image (sticky side of the tape) on your image. Smooth out any wrinkles.
Step 4: Rub the Tape
Use a burnishing tool or the back of a spoon to firmly rub the back of the tape to ensure the image is sticking to the tape.
Step 5: Soak the Tape in Water
Fill a bowl with water and place your tape transfer image in the water, image side down. Let is soak for 5-10 minutes until paper backing of the image begins to separate from the tape.
Step 6: Gently Rub Back Off
Remove the tape transfer from the water and lay it flat on a towel. Gently rub the paper backing in circular motions. The backing should start to peel away, revealing your transferred image on the tape. Keep rubbing until all the paper backing is removed.
Step 7: Dry the Tape Transfer
Allow the tape transfer to air dry on the towel for a few minutes until it’s mostly dry. Then, gently pat it dry with a paper towel or another clean towel. I like to store my transfers on wax paper or plastic sheet.
Step 8: Apply the Transfer to Your Project
Many times the tape remains sticky, but you may need to add glue to attach to your projects.
Heidi Cogdill 