Capture the delicate veins of a beautiful leaf with a simple rubber-stamping technique, and then use TransferMagic.com heat transfer paper to make a mouse pad for yourself or to give as a gift.

Materials:

• Transfer Magic.com photo transfer paper for color laser copier or ink jet printer
• Transfer Magic.com rectangular mouse pad (MP-1002)
• Leaf or other textured object (lace, woven basket)
• Magic Stamp moldable foam block 3" x 4" (from Clearsnap)
• Crafter's embossing heat tool
• White (as shown) or any light color paper (tan, pale green, peach, etc.)
• Rainbow dye inkpad for rubber-stamping
• Iron or heat press

Instructions:
NOTE - Remember to MIRROR IMAGE (reverse) your fortunes so they are backward on the transfer! When you transfer them onto the calendar you will be able to read them.

1. Following manufacturer's instructions that come with Magic Stamp blocks, heat and impress leaf pattern (or other texture) onto foam. Stamp on scrap paper to test the block. Re-heat block to "erase" the texture if you want to change the stamp, foam can be reused. If you want to keep the stamp permanently, store it face up in a cool place with nothing resting on top.
2. Stamp the block at an angle, repeating to fill paper at least ½" larger than the mouse pad. The rainbow inkpad will give subtle color variations. Wash the block with water or clean it with a baby wipe before storing.
3. Make a TransferMagic.com Iron-On transfer using your scanner and home computer or by taking the photo to a copy center depending on which type of TransferMagic.com heat transfer paper you are planning to use.
4. Iron the transfer onto mouse pad.

Ideas:
*Stamp leaf blocks as a border, add a poem, name or message to the center area. *Instead of a rainbow dye inkpad, use solid color ink. *Add color to the stamped design with markers, crayons, or colored pencils before making the TransferMagic.com iron-on.

If the rubber stamping supplies aren't available at your local craft retailer contact manufacturers to find a store or mail order source: