Guest Mary O'Neil from "Hot Potatoes" shares her feelings about imprinted velvet:
"This is the most exciting and rewarding craft I have ever delved into. I am totally addicted to the satisfaction I get from every impression I make to achieve this rich and luscious fabric. After trying this process with many stamps, I have found that the big, solid images are the only way to go. They have much more impact and hold up to dry cleaning. Now let me warn you that velvet is not cheap, so ladies, watch for those sales.
We had been experimenting on velvet for several years before I was willing to share this with the world. As with many arts and crafts, there seems to be no technique that is really undiscovered, but in my own little world I stumbled upon this in 1995. I found that the foam cushion and glues used to mount my rubber to wood were essential to this craft. So what I am telling you is that most stamps will not work...unless you do not mind sacrificing them to the garbage afterwards. So with a HOT POTATO stamp in your hand, go have a blast."
Materials
velvet - must be silk, rayon, acetate rayon or any combination of the above;
rayon-acetate gives the most dramatic results;
avoid nylon, polyester, or washable velvets
iron - on wool or cotton setting, no steam
mister bottle with water
big, bold fabric stamps - guarantees this process only with Hot Potatoes brand
Steps
- Lightly mist either side of the fabric. (O'Neil prefers to mist the back side but it really does not matter.)
- Place the stamp image, rubber side up, on the ironing board.
- Lay the fabric right side down against the stamp image.
- Press the iron to fabric and DO NOT move it. Count to 20 and carefully lift up iron. You might want to press again for ten seconds, just for good measure.
A Note From O'Neil:
A little trial and error will make you an expert. Use the part of your iron where there are no steam holes, and hold the iron in place rather than moving it. If you have a problem with steam holes showing, you may want to use a Teflon pressing cloth. Everyone who sees this fabric has to touch it and then wants it for pillows, clothing, drapes, and more. And it does hold up to dry cleaning! 
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