How to Transfer an Image with Gel Medium

I decided to create my own art for Ella's wall using an image of her.  



This is the original photo that I started with.

See how I did it on the next page...

I edited this photo of her, adding the poem "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein.  I reversed the image so the words were backwards, using picnik.com for the editing.  I enlarged my image and printed it on multiple sheets of paper using blockposters.com.  After making laser copies I cut them out.  (Ink jet copies won't work well for this type of transfer.)

On a large canvas I painted a background using the colors of Ella's bedroom. 

I transferred the image using a gel medium. 

Gel Image Transfer Tutorial:

Apply a generous coat of Gel Medium to your canvas.

Place a (mirror image) photocopy face down on the gel. 

Smooth the paper to remove any air bubbles.  A brayer works well for this.

Allow the gel to dry completely (1-2 hours).

Dampen the back of the paper with water.

Use your finger to gently rub off the paper, leaving the image behind.

I rubbed the paper off too soon, so I had to draw in the nose, eye and some words.  Then I added a heart with wings, a little glitter and a silver thumbtack border.