Some of you have wondered how I keep my prices so low when I use expensive transfers on pieces. That got me thinking. After all, I don’t disagree. Transfers are not cheap.
But I am! So if I’m making it work, maybe I should share the math on that with you guys.
One of the transfers that I get lots of use out of on my smalls is the IOD Label Ephemera transfer. This one is actually retired (so disappointing), but you can still find it to buy (for now anyway). I have to admit that I have 3 of these in my cupboard unopened, just in case they get hard to find!
It’s usually priced right around $30. I get at least 10 projects out of this one transfer.
And often even more.
So that means that in the end, I’m spending $3 or less per piece.
Another transfer good for multiple projects is re.design with prima’s Classic Vintage Labels.
There are 27 separate labels, plus those two adorable bees. So obviously this one goes far.
I have a couple of favorites from this set, like this one …
and this one …
Oh, and this one …
and then there is this one …
OK, I love quite a few of them.
I have to admit that there are a couple of designs in the set that I don’t really like and tend not to use. So in all, I probably get around 20 pieces out of each Classic Vintage Labels transfer that I purchase. This one also retails for around $30, so I’m spending around $1.50 each.
Seriously, look how much personality I’m adding for $1.50!
Another one from re.design with prima that I’ve gotten many small projects out of is the Everyday Farmhouse transfer.
This one is awesome for just adding a little wording, especially if you like that farmhouse vibe.
You can get at least 20 projects out of this one.
It has a couple of designs that are sized just right for buckets.
The Everyday Farmhouse transfer also retails at around $30, so again, if you can get 20 items out of it, that’s about $1.50 each.
Last week I posted about the various IOD Pot transfers, those are also good for getting lots of projects out of one transfer.
You can also find this set online for around $30 (although some places charge more, so be sure to shop around). This one has 32 designs, so even less than $1 each!
All of this being said, on occasion I do really splurge like I did on this fabulous toolbox.
Although I only used half of it, this IOD transfer (June, Ode to Henry Fletcher) was also $30. So the half I used was a $15 expenditure (I’ll be able to use the other half on a future project). But I was able to sell this toolbox priced accordingly (for $65), so it was worth it.
And then sometimes you just have to go all out!
That’s re.design with prima’s Parisian Letter transfer. It also usually retails around $30.
It took two sets of their French Ceramics transfer to cover all of the drawers in this linen press …
But I still think that was worth it too!
And then of course there is the Rose Celebration transfer from re.design with prima.
This one is really a splurge at around $45, and you really can’t break it up for multiple projects. But if you want to make a statement, this is the way to do it.
So tell me, do you use transfers on your projects? Have I convinced you to give them a shot?
q is for quandie 
Thanks for sharing how you do your projects. I am hoping to search for pieces and get things going. It is so fun to see all of your ideas. Very creative!
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You bet Robin, good luck getting going 😉
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Yes, I use all of the transfers. They just bring life into everything.
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They really do don’t they? And they are just so much fun to play around with!
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I just like to look at your amazing work. It really floats my boat!
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Thanks so much Marla!
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The farm & garden transfers! Yes please.
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I agree!
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I love them all! From the small transfers to the really large ones! Let me know if you find another linen press dress – I am looking for something like that in my bathroom.
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I’ll keep you in mind!
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I love love the stencil’s but mostly your artistic use and refinishing projects ♡♡♡
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Thanks so much Diane!
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Yep, convinced me, I’m shopping right now. I certainly love the look, but have never invested in any transfers. Nice blog topic, sharing the inside info, thanks.
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You bet! Hope you’re getting some good ones!
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I love what you do with transfers and so want to use them on my projects but I had such a bad experience the first time using one that I’m hesitant to try again. I don’t know if the one I got was bad or if they just aren’t to my taste. It went on easy enough but there appeared to be a thousand tiny bubbles (high Mr. Q!) and it was very thick. So, not only was there quite a halo but also a thick surrounding ridge. I sanded the bugger out of that baby to make it presentable and painted some over the halo to mask that as much as I could. Thankfully, the owner of the piece loved it but it sure has made me scared to try again. Every time I see one of your masterpieces- be it small or large- I want to try again! I love your work!
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I think the transfers have been improved over the past year or two. Maybe you should give it another shot!
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I think I’m going to have to. I see what you and others have done and I swoon. I really think I had to have gotten a bad batch. Between that and the improvements you say have been done, I think I’m going to have to take the plunge!
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Hey Miss Quandie! I really enjoyed this post! It’s just fun to see how YOU use the transfers………because that’s the key. I could stare at them all day long without making a decision! Your eye for adding a little line here, a little bee there, a tiny number somewhere else is a real talent. It always seems “just right’ and never too much……except for flowers! But that’s just me! 😀
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OK, OK, I know, I’m not the biggest flower fan either, but you have to admit that the June toolbox was pretty fab. Right? LOL, or maybe not. But every now and then you gotta throw some flowers in.
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How does one reduce the halo?
Yours seem to disappear beautifully and that’s the thing that stops me from using transfers – the halo makes it look like a sticker to me.
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Have you used one recently Tammy? I think they have been improved over the last year or two. I don’t really notice much of a halo anymore.
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All of your pieces are so nice! It’s clear that you really pay attention to detail. I’ve never used these transfers. Are the designs made of vinyl or printed ink or what?
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That’s a really good question and really not something I’ve ever thought about. So I googled it, and here is what I found: “Dry transfers, also called rubdown transfers, are made using film negatives and photosensitive chemicals that superimpose an image onto transfer substrate.” Hmmm. Clear as mud, right?
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Thanks for your reply! I went & looked it up after I asked you & found that too. It didn’t make any sense to me. Do the letters feel “rubbery” or textured when you put them on the piece? Or smooth like it’s printed? Now I’m really curious. I should just go buy one and stop bothering you because now I have more questions. 😀 Thanks for your help though!
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No, the transfers don’t feel rubbery or textured really. They are very, very thin … and smooth. Yep, I definitely recommend that you get yourself some and try them out on some smaller projects to start. But don’t blame me if you get addicted to transfers like I am 😉
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I never used/tried transfers until I read your blog. I have bought a few and used a few, but at a furniture painting standstill right now. I did really enjoy them!
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Why a furniture painting standstill Sue?
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I had rotator cuff surgery on 12/9/21 and am still not able to use my left arm. I miss working on furniture!!
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The fine line of gold on the blue furniture press is lovely. You really create wonderful pieces. You’re not cheap, you’re thrifty and economical, plus you have creativity that just doesn’t quit.
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