Peel-offs are another name for stickers. These are the shapes that come on a sheet and are peeled off, because they are sticky backed they can then be placed onto an item. In the card making world they tend to be called ‘peel-offs’ because they have become a craft in their own right, advancing way beyond the regular sticker.
Many traditional card makers have previously been sceptical of peel-offs as they have been deemed too easy to use for a real crafter, however these people have soon come round to changing their minds. A peel-off can be used in many ways as the central feature to a card, to add a message or to add a border. The designs have really become more intricate and modern, appealing to all levels of ability.
Types
Peel-offs come in all shapes and sizes, all themes and all colours. There is a huge variety to choose from – another reason they are a favourite of card makers.
Outline
These only have the outline of the image, leaving blank areas to be coloured in or left as they are – just the same as outline rubber stamps.
Solid
As the name suggests they are solid images without gaps.
3-Dimensional
3-D or ‘medallion’ peel-offs still come in the regular form of outline peel-offs but on one sheet are decreasing sizes of the same shape. These are then placed on to card, cut out and layered using foam pads, with the largest at the base, to form a 3-dimensional medallion effect.
Embroidery Stitching
These are brand new to peel-offs and have dots marked out ready for you to prick through and then stitch, once the peel-off is on card stock. These come in the shape of hats, fans, handbags and look fantastic when stitched.
Step 1
Numbers and Letters
These are great for adding text to a card and are quick and easy to use. The numbers are ideal for children’s’ cards or anniversaries.
How to Use Peel-Offs
1. Remove the image from the backing sheet using the edge of a craft knife. Allow the peel-off to spring back into shape. For larger images take care not to tear parts as you remove it.
2. Place the peel-off onto card, placing one edge or end down first and trying to let the rest fall into shape. Too much handling and the peel-off will distort.
3. Depending on the style of the peel-off you may wish to cut around the image to then mount onto a card and colour it in using felt-pens, watercolours or gel pens.
Ideas/Tips
The ‘negative’ parts left on the sheet can be used. Try placing these parts back into the image.
Colouring pens are available to colour the peel-off itself. These are permanent pens as regular pens will not take to the shiny plastic. It is best to colour the peel-off before removing it from the sheet. You can change all or only part of the peel-off as you wish.
Why not colour in a peel-off using PVA glue and then covering with glitter, accent beads, flock or fine coloured sand?
Use a peel-off as a stencil through which to rub chalks for soft images, ideal for a background paper.
Place a peel-off onto acetate and colour in using glass paints for a stained glass effect.
