How to Put My Photo on an Elvis Throw Rug

Take a close-up digital photograph of yourself, including your shoulders and head. Use a digital camera and set the camera to take the largest image possible in a JPEG format, which will make working with the image in the computer an easy task. Be sure your head fills most of the frame, but leave a small amount of space around the edge of the image. Ask the photographer to take several images to be sure you have the perfect shot.

Import your photo into a computer equipped with a photo editing software program using the USB connection for your camera. Most consumer digital cameras include a basic software editing program and there are a multitude of programs available online for download if your computer has no image editing software.

Crop your photo to include only your head and be sure the image dimensions are as large as possible. The size of your printed head will depend on the size of the Elvis throw rug where your image will be placed. Measure the Elvis head on the throw rug and make sure your digital image has similar dimensions. Make any additional adjustments, such as lightening or darkening the image or removing red-eye, and save the image.

Purchase an iron-on transfer printing material from your local craft store that accepts digital images from a printer. Read the instructions carefully and be sure that your printer is compatible with the printers stated on the packaging. Be sure to purchase a large enough transfer paper for the dimensions of the Elvis head you are covering.

Place the craft paper into the printer and open your digital image file on your computer. Print a test image onto the iron-on transfer and make sure the image prints at the desired size and quality. Once the quality is confirmed, print the master transfer for your throw rug.

Apply the test image to a material of a similar quality as the throw rug. Use a heated iron to apply the transfer and follow the instructions included in your transfer package as the methods of application may vary with different brands of iron-on transfers. (reference 1)

Trim the outside edges of the image around your head with a pair of sharp scissors and leave only your head for the transfer. Repeat the application process used in the test application and place your photo on the Elvis rug in the desired location. Practice with multiple test applications prior to working on the actual Elvis throw rug if you are unsure about your application abilities, as you most likely only have one shot to get it right.