Please always test on a scrap of material to determine compatibility with the decorating materials you want to use, so you don't waste valuable time and supplies. Just be sure not to cover TOO much of the surface of the material - or you'll block the scent throw! (HINT - we've gotten around that in some cases by HIGHLY scenting one side, and decorating the other.) For best results, always allow the material to dry completely after coloring/painting/stamping, then add the fragrance. Here are a few of the ways you can decorate it:
RUBBER STAMP
Use stamp pads made to be permanent on fabric (Fabrico and VersaCraft are two brand names we've tested with excellent results!)
DRAW or WRITE
Use markers, paint pens, gel pens, etc. - ***NOTE*** Alcohol-based markers (like Sharpies) do NOT work! Markers that are promoted as "chemical-resistant" have the best chance of standing up to the fragrance oil without running or bleeding. Some brands that we've tested with excellent results are Pigma Markers and Sakura Gel Pens (including the metallic ones!).
COLOR
With crayons for a home-spun, handmade look - great project for even the smallest child!
PAINT
Watercolor paints create an abstract look, or use tempera or poster paints for a quick way to get a solid color. And the best part is - they wash up with soap and water, so the kids can have fun and it's still easy for you to clean up!
DYE
Brush on either water-based soap dye or food color, diluted slightly with water if needed to produce the desired color. Don't soak material in the dye mixture - it will take forever to dry, and decrease the amount of fragrance oil the material will hold! If water is used, the material may have a slight tendency to curl as it dries - if you see this starting, simply place a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper over the material, then set something heavy (book, canned goods, etc.) on top of it ... it will take longer to dry this way, but the end product will remain flat. ***NOTE*** Mix your liquid candle dyes with the fragrance oil, then painted it on or dip it to get interesting results. This method creates an uneven, primitive texture that looks really cool! As always, experiment first before making large batches.
SPATTER
Use paints or dye solution (see above) using an old toothbrush! Make sure to do this in the sink or an old cardboard box so the coloring doesn't fly everywhere.
SPRAY
Place the shape in a large bowl or pan with the candle dye and fragrance solution (as described above).
SPRAY PAINT
One brand reported to work very well by one of our customers is FloraLife, which is made for use with silk flowers/fabric.
ADHERE
decorations on the material (after testing for compatibility with your fragrance oil!) with a hot glue gun or ModPodge. Suggestions include bits of beaded trim, ribbon, gold braid, rickrack, sequins, beads, rhinestones, small mirrored disks, charms - the sky's the limit!
SPARKLE
up the material by drawing borders or designs with washable "glitter glue". You can also use spray adhesive, or brush lightly with ModPodge (you can thin it with a few drops of water), then sprinkle with glitter.
SNOW
frost areas of the material by using brush-on "fake snow" to create winter scenes - our customers have used Delta brand with beautiful results.
DECOUPAGE
the material using small cutouts from fabric, applied with ModPodge.
IRON ON your favorite photos, clip art, and logos using ink jet transfer paper. Print images with your home inkjet printer, then iron them on to the material. The fragrance will soak through transfer into the absorbent center of the material. (TEST first with your printer and desired fragrance oil to ensure compatability before making multiple fresheners.) Laser printer transfers DO NOT work with this material.
As with any soap or candle crafting project, TESTING is fun and the key to great results. Results can vary, depending on the combination of decorating materials and fragrance oils, and unfortunately we cannot guarantee how the material will react with your chosen materials. We've found, though, that the experimenting and testing process is the most fun part! LOL Please contact us if you have any additional questions or different ideas!
Have fun!