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Thermal Fax Paper Backgrounds
By Kathie McGuire
Fast Track Tips Specialist 

Don’t throw away that old thermal fax paper!! Here’s a tip on how to make some beautiful and very inexpensive background papers for your western, and other themed projects! Here’s how: 

Supplies:

Fax (thermal, heat sensitive) paper

Heat Tool (brand of your choice)

Begin by taking a desired size piece of the fax paper. Place it on a work surface and begin applying heat from the heat tool in one spot. Concentrate on that one spot until it begins to turn black or dark brown. (The color that the paper’s becomes when heat is applied is related to the particular brand and make of the paper.) When the darkened area is the desired size, move to another spot on the sheet and simply heat again! WOW!!

Thermal/fax paper is sold in rolls and can be found at discount stores, warehouse type stores, Wal*Mart, and office supply stores. It also seems as though every thrift store I’ve ever visited has a roll or two that’s been donated by someone who has just purchased a new “plain paper” fax.

Here are some suggested uses for your what I call “Paint Horse” backgrounds:

Horse themed cards or projects. Especially Paint or Pinto horses!!

Cow themed cards or projects

Farm themed cards or projects

Dog (especially Dalmations~just make the heated spots smaller for this idea) themed cards or projects

Cat themed cards or projects (especially Calico cats~just add a little orange and voila! Instant calico look!!)

Wild Animal themed project (same as the domestic cats~just add a little ink color of your choice to imitate your favorite wild animal)

Jungle themed cards or projects

There are lots of possibilities for this ultra beautiful and inexpensive background paper! Let your imagination be your guide!!

©Copyright 2005 Kathie McGuire