When I was asked to be a part of this blog hop to promote a new environmentally friendly product, I can't tell you how excited I was. Neenah EPC Film is a vinyl free, cuttable film from Neenah Paper Inc. It comes in red, blue, green, white and black but as soon as a received by product, I knew straight away that I would be using a ton of the black. Currently, it can be purchased on Amazon.com.
I love to die cut, specifically using products by Sizzix. So I grabbed a few of the newer dies I recently recieved and my big shot machine and went into action. I also used Rit dye to customize white t shirts that were stained and needed a face lift.
I used Apple Green and Fuschia to dye my shirts in a container filled with hot water. These are two of my favorite Rit Dye colors and I knew I would be pleased with the result.
You can use Rit powdered or liquid dyes in the washing machine as well but I like to maintain a certain degree of control over the intensity of the shades so I usually dye using water that is at least 140 degrees and heat set my fabric in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl with the fabric wrapped in plastic. Along with ringing and rinsing the excess dye from the fabric using an old towel, this seems to prevent the dye from fading or bleeding in the wash. Another tip is to always hand dye using latex gloves. This saves a lot of time washing dye off your hands and from under your nails!
I chose Sizzix Bigz Die in Bird images and Chandelier to cut images from the EPC Film along with Serif Essentials die cut set. It is very important to note that you must die cut with the paper side facing up when using symbols like letters or numbers or when you want your motif to face a certain direction.
Here are my birds facing different directions. I added some Elegant Flourishes to resemble branches after seeing them all laid out.
Tranferring the EPC Film to the fabric is very similar to using iron on t shirt transfers. If you follow a few rules, its easy.
Never use an ironing board. You will need a firm surface, preferably waist high so that you can apply firm, two handed pressure to the images. Use the highest heat setting on your iron. Work patiently, the larger the image, the more time it will take to transfer. Let the images cool completely before peeling back the paper to make sure the film has transferred.
If your image has not transfered onto the fabric when you check, repeat the process.
Additionally, I would highly recommend not peeling away any of the paper until your entire design has transfered. When a hot iron hits the film, it will burn very easily.
I added some textured embellishments, hand sewn onto my shirts to add some dimension.
I can see lots of possibilities for using this product with fashion and home decor items. Tote bags, canvas shoes, hats and aprons to name a few. How about pillows, tea towels or even custom curtains?
Looking forward to see what the other designers come up with? Every Thursday from now until October 18th, you can see a cool project from some of the industries most talented designers. Here is the line up-
Thursday September 27 Ann Butler- www.creativitystirsthesoul.com
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Posted by: Eye Toy Games | September 18, 2013 at 09:39 PM
Hi, I had started the beautiful ink photo frame you had on your site, but have come back to do the final touches but can't find the page? Has it gone?
Posted by: Jayne | October 29, 2012 at 10:24 PM
What a professional and beautiful result! Thanks very much for the tips, I will be purchasing some EPC film and Rit dye and trying it out myself!
Posted by: Bravo 95 | October 15, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Really greaqt post, hope to see more from you
Posted by: architekt kraków | October 10, 2012 at 06:52 AM
so great--love that it's vinyl free. You did a fab job!
Posted by: charlene | September 23, 2012 at 03:53 PM
Love your t-shirt makeovers Melony! This EPC film is so much fun!
Posted by: eileen hull | September 21, 2012 at 11:35 AM
Gorgeous. I love how the flourishes are branches, and how you added dimension with the rosettes. These would sell for so much money at a store.
Posted by: Jonathan | September 20, 2012 at 11:36 PM
Great projects Mel.....love that EPC film!
Posted by: Ann Butler | September 20, 2012 at 10:49 PM
I love the birds going in both directions...such a fun design.
Great job with this product
Posted by: Dawnll | September 20, 2012 at 10:27 AM