How to Apply Your Decor Elements

Decor Elements is Stampin' Up!'s newest addition to the Definitely Decorative product line. These self-adhesive vinyl elements can be used throughout your home to create a customized, unique space.  Decor Elements are easy to remove making it simple to change your space quickly and without the need for repainting.  Prices start as low as $3.95.  Designs include monogram letters, phrases, flowers, flourishes and much more!

Where can I apply Decor Elements?
Decor Elements work best on smooth, non-textured surfaces including drywalled walls painted with matte or glossy paint, glass or metal, wallpaper and finished wood surfaces, such as paneling and doors.

For best placement, try to avoid textured or uneven surface, brick or oil-based surfaces.  If you have recently painted your walls, wait at least 5 days before apply Decor Elements to them.

Application Tips:

• Carefully and throughly read the instructions that come with your Decor Elements. Please note that this tutorial is merely a guide.
• There are three layers to the Decor Elements: the grid-lined backing sheet, the image and the transfer sheet.
• Work slowly when removing the image from the backing and applying the image.  Detailed images, such as "create" can be tricky.
• Work at room temperature.  If you find your image is sticking to the backing paper, put in it the refrigerator for a few minutes.
• Do not let exposed images (those where the backing is removed) touch anything.  It may transfer to whatever it touches.
• Decor Elements are removable, but not reusable.

Before applying your image, prep your surface area:

• Make sure the surface you are applying to is clean and dry.
• Measure your surface to make sure your Decor Elements fit.
• Use temporary tape to hold your image in place.  Adjust so your image lies where you want it
• Lightly mark the corners and the middle of your image.  This will insure correct placement when you are ready to apply the image.

Now you are ready to apply your Decor Elements.  Follow these steps:

In this tutorial, "Create Definition" (Item 114140) is applied to a canvas board.

Step 1: Turn your image grid-side up on a hard flat surface, such as your craft table.  Use the Applicator tool (Item 114285, $1.95) to burnish the back side.  This step transfers your image from the backing paper to the transfer sheet.  You may want to do this step several times.
Step 2: Keeping your image flat, take up one corner of the backing paper and start to peel it away from the image. Hold down one end and slowly pull the backing paper straight back onto itself towards the opposite end.  Work slowly as images may stick.
Step 3: Here you can see where the letter "g" is half on the transfer sheet and half on the backing sheet.  This is why you want to work slowly.  If you work too fast, your image may rip.
Step 4: To get the letter "g" to transfer,  fold the backing paper back over it and use your thumbnail to burnish it down.  Gently roll the paper back.  If you find it is still sticking, just repeat this step.
Step 5: Once your backing sheet has successfully been removed, gently place your image upright on the surface you want to apply it.  Use a ruler to insure that your image is straight.
Step 6: Once you are sure your image is where you want it, smooth your hand over the entire image.  This loosely sticks it into position.  Then take the Applicator tool and burnish the entire area, much like you did in step 1.  This transfers the vinyl images from the transfer paper to your surface.
Step 7: As you did the backing paper, gently roll back the transfer paper.  Work slowly and use the same methods as described above.
Step 8: Now your transfer is complete.
Step 9: Finish your project as desired.

Bonus tip: Do you have textured walls?  Apply your Decor Elements to a canvas board, mirror or other decorative surface.

Comments

[Aimee]

Michelle,
I LOVE this idea! I didn't think about making it a transportable sign. I was getting ready to put it on my craft room wall when I came across this. I am SO glad I did. This is simply gorgeous! Thank you for the awesome tutorial AND beautiful idea! Thank you!