Friday, December 31, 2010

New Printer & Neocolor II Portraits


This new wide path printer will allow me to print images
13 x 19 inches

I am interested in printing onto fabric



Epson WorkForce 1100





My interest in this printer is the DuraBrite Inks
They are water resistant and fade resistant.

Which means, I can print directly on my own fabric.
I no longer need the commercial treated fabric sheets.

I can cut fabric to the size I need, and am not limited to the 8x11 fabric sheets.
This means freedom to print and create on fabric.





time to unpack it, set it up,
and let her stretch her legs...



I ironed 13 x 19 white fabric onto freezer paper
and made my first print:


This is our dog, Gunnr, printed on Fabric

He has a face that is just perfect for portrait work

I am making a 12 x 12 inch portrait





Neocolor II Water Soluble Crayons
are perfect for this technique.

I start with the lighter colors, then work my way to the darkest.
This is like coloring in a child's coloring book.

After all of the coloring is done, I use a brush to apply water to the fabric.
This brings out the vibrant pigments in the Neocolor II Crayons.



A hair dryer speeds up the drying process, and also helps inhibit too much color blending.




Gunnr 12 x 12 Portrait

This is now ready to be basted with batting and backing fabric.
Can't wait to get this under the needle...



I couldn't resist printing out a couple more images with the new printer:


Baby Goat





Suzy

The fabric sheets feed easily through this new printer.
I think it is a keeper.


CLICK HERE:  to see My Quilts


CLICK HERE to view a Neocolor Tutorial


To print your image like a coloring page:
Import the image into Photo shop.
Using your filters: double click photocopy.
This will remove all of the color.
You now have a coloring page image to print out on fabric.

CLICK HERE to view Photoshop Elements Tutorial


May Your Bobbin Always Be Full,
LuAnn

16 comments:

  1. Amazing printer and great photos you have "colored." Very inspiring and thanks for telling us about the printer too. It is all new to me.

    Smiles,
    Kelly

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  2. Thanks for sharing this information... IN South Africa, I don't get to see all the new stuff.. on the shelf like in the states... I have the C88... but would love a larger format. I have a Brother that will print 11x17 (a bit larger too), but it doesn't like paper backed fabric... Guess whats on my I'm gonna get myself list?

    BTW-Happy New Year!

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  3. To print your image like a coloring page:
    Import the image into Photo shop.
    Using your filters: double click Poster Edges
    This will define the edges in the image, but it will still be in color.
    Using your filtes: double click photocopy.
    This will remove all of the color.
    You now have a coloring page image to print out on fabric.
    Have Fun!
    LuAnn

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  4. Really enjoyed reading about your new printer and seeing what you have made! I can't wait to see what else you do with it.

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  5. I hope I'm in town for your class; this reminds me of the fabulous David Taylor quilts I saw in Steamboat. Really an exciting method!

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  6. Oh gosh, that's super! Where did you find the printer? I've been curious for a long time about "how to" and the "go to" type of product! Your DOG IS VERY SWEET! (the real and the image!!)
    I can't wait to see MORE! Thanks bunches.

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  7. The most important part of fusing the freezer paper to the fabric is patience...
    Iron on a firm surface.
    Take your time as you press with the hot iron.
    You are not ironing a shirt.
    You are pressing a sheet of paper and fabric together.
    Go slowly, and give the wax time to melt and adhere to the fabric evenly.
    Be most certain the edges are sealed together well.
    They need to be tightly pressed together so they will move through the printer as one unit.
    LuAnn in Oregon

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  8. I found the Epson Workforce 1100 at staples for $125.
    You can also find them on Amazon.com

    LuAnn

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  9. I have better luck using card stock and quilt stray adhesive. Spray the paper lightly, place fabric 1/8" down from the top. Feed through printer.

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  10. Wow great info. I have used my printer for creating quilt labels, but have never thought of taking it any further. Gunnr's picture looks great.

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  11. So glad to see that you chose an Epson printer. I have a 1800. It is older...but I've been printing on fabrics for years. I can print 20" wide by LONG. (Although I've never used the roller function yet...and probably never will.)

    The BEST thing to do with your photo fabric is to use the Bubble Jet set products. Trust me...as I've said...I've been doing this for years!

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  12. what an awesome printer! and your portraits are soo adorable.

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  13. Your work is wonderful and very inspiring.Thanks for sharing the great info on the printer. I bought one of these about a year ago and am so excited to find this information. I will be giving it a try!

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  14. Thanks so much for the printer info. I am looking for a new printer and this one looks like a great choice.

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  15. Thank you for sharing your experience and technique. I find that your quilts really lift my spirit and find a small smile crossing my face. Now that you have had this printer for a while, any regrets or new hints to keep your art at its best?

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  16. Hi Tracy,
    The wide path printer is wonderful.
    Fabric sheets feed through it beautifully.
    The Durabrite Pigment inks are the best.
    Definitely a worthwhile purchase for me.
    LuAnn

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