Rubons

Rubons are images that have a sticky backing.

"Life is just a scrapbook
waiting for us to put it on acid free paper.
~Author Unknown"

These papercraft embellishments are different from stickers as they do not have the clear outline around them that stickers have and they are more finely detailed in many cases.

They can be applied to almost any flattish surface, so really they can be used in cardmaking or off-the-page projects as well.

Small Warning! Once they are stuck down, they are almost impossible to remove, so do be sure you have found the right place for them before applying them.

So how do you use them?

Rubons are applied using a flat stick like a paddle-pop stick (there is usually a wooden ice cream stick included in the packet). The secret is to keep the image attached to its clear plastic backing until you actually rub it onto your project:

• First, decide which image you want to use where. Carefully cut around this image, keeping the clear plastic sheet AND the backing sheet with it to protect the delicate image from rubbing off or distorting before it reaches its destination. Cover and replace the other images back into their packet for future use so they won't get accidentally damaged

• Carefully turn your image over and place the sticky side onto your project, without sliding it if possible as this may dislodge your image from the backing sheet too soon

• Now use the angled end of the wooden paddle pop or ice cream stick (depends which country you are from what you call it!) to rub all over the image, pressing it onto your project so the sticky parts adhere. Use a firm and even pressure

• Now slowly lift off the backing sheet, checking to be sure all of the image is stuck down. If there is a part of the image still on the backing sheet, just lay it back down and rub the image a bit more

And there you have it! Your rub on should now be safely in place and looking good!

How can you use them?

• I love the scrolly ones and use them to embellish around photos, the corners of pages, or around a heading or other text
• Decorate a tag you plan to use in your layout
• Place them on the covers of your albums
• Make a special keepsake using Foil, Glitter and Flock images you can get them from a craft store as I have done on acetate for this special engagement card.

Now for a challenge:

If you would like to go a step beyond and make your own customised transfers, you might be surprised at how simple this can be to do.

Top of page

New! Comments