Method of imparting a graphic design to a substrate

A method for imparting a predetermined graphic design to a substrate, comprising the steps of:

• (a) positioning at a predetermined location on the substrate a planar foundation layer formed from a fusible material having an elongated pile article attached thereto, the elongated pile article comprising an elongated support strand having a plurality of filament bundles attached thereto,
• wherein the substrate, the planar foundation layer, the support strand and the filament bundles each have a predetermined melting temperature associated therewith, and
• wherein the melting temperature of the planar foundation layer is lower than the melting temperature of the substrate, the melting temperature of the support strand and the melting temperature of the filament bundles,
• (b) applying ultrasonic energy to the elongated pile article thereby attaching the elongated pile article to the substrate and simultaneously melting the planar foundation layer in the vicinity of the elongated pile article, and
• (c) removing the remaining planar foundation layer from the substrate.