This post was originally written by me for and posted on 11/03/2022 on the Artesprix Blog.
Hi guys! I’m Debbie from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner. I am super excited to be doing my first Design Team Project for Artesprix! I have loved creating with their Iron-on-Ink over the last year or so as a Guest Designer, and can’t wait to get in a lot more play time as a full time Designer this term! I’m always amazed at how easy it is to use the crafty supplies we already have to create permanent projects that are perfect for gifts… or for keeping long term! I’m not sure if I’ll keep my sign… or give it to one of my crafty friends. What would YOU do?
What is Artesprix Iron-on-Ink?
Artesprix Iron-on-Ink is specialty sublimation ink in craft form. Traditionally sublimation ink is found in a fancy (expensive) printer. However, Artesprix hit the crafting scene in 2018 giving Makers, like me, the ability to experience sublimation without high-end equipment. Sublimation is when ink transforms to a gas and then binds to a compatible blank once combined with heat and pressure. The big deal? Once the design is infused to the polyester coated blank or polyester fabric, it is lifetime permanent!
Supplies:
- Heat Tape
- Sublimation Stamp Pad – Black
- Original Sublimation Markers 10ct
- Sublimation Paints
- Protective Paper Roll
- Heat Press
- November Blank of the Month Decorative Sign <NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME, but there are lots of sublimation blanks so that you can create something similar>
- Plain Paper
- Printer
- Digital Design from The Hungry JPEG
- Fresh Brewed Blueprint Sketch Stamps
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: I used my computer to create my template. In Microsoft Word, I inserted a box and sized it to 8” x 10”, which is the size of my sign blank. I inserted the digital image into the document, flipped the image horizontally and centered it.
Step 2: Then I printed it on a regular laser printer.
Step 3: I wanted more than just the saying for my design. I picked out one of my stamp sets that I thought would work well. I used one of the coffee cup cling mounted stamps from the Tim Holtz Fresh Brewed Stamp Set. I needed to decide where I wanted the coffee cup to be placed. I liked the orientation of the cup on the stamp and didn’t want to reverse it. So, I stamped onto the back of the paper in regular/non-sublimation stamp ink.
Step 4: Next, I traced it with a black sublimation marker on the front of the design. I used a light box to make it a bit easier to see the image.
Step 5: Now we are ready for some color. I traced and colored the saying in various colors of ink and colored in my coffee mug. But there was still too much white space! I pulled out the Artesprix Paints, mixed a few colors, and added splatter!
Step 6: After giving the paint some time to dry, I lined up the sign blank with the printed box line from my template. You want the colored side of your paper to touch the white side of the blank, because the white side has a polyester coating. Once the blank is in position, secure it to your design with heat resistant tape.
Step 7: Next we create the “Sublimation Sandwich”. First, I cut two large pieces of protective paper. Each piece needs to be larger than the blank. The protective paper is used to “protect” your heat press from the ink. If you transfer ink to your press, you MAY transfer some to your NEXT project.
Make your sandwich like this: Protective paper on the bottom (bottom bun), your blank with taped design (the blank is the burger, the design in the cheese), and another layer of the protective paper on top. (top bun)
Step 8: Time to transfer! I set the temperature to 400℉ and time to 105 seconds, and let it heat up. Then I placed my “sublimation sandwich” in my press and closed the lid…. And then waited 105 seconds!
Step 9: “Peek Test” time, this can be a project saver! Before removing any tape, peel back a small part of your design to ensure the transfer was successful.
Step 10: Once you confirmed your transfer was successful, remove your design for the big reveal!
Step 11: I let my design cool. Yes. You have to be a little patient. 400℉ means that it got pretty hot. Once it had cooled down enough, I added the ribbon that is included with the blank so that I could hang it on the wall!
Was this a fun project or what? I really appreciate you hanging out with me today and would love to see what you create using your craft supplies and Artesprix Iron-on-Ink!
If you do not have any Artesprix products in your Maker’s toolbox yet, head on over to the Artesprix Shop, right now. They have a “Starter Kit” that I highly recommend. Share your Artesprix projects with us by using #Artesprix and #IrononInk or post it to the Artesprix Facebook Group. Don’t forget, this Blank Decorative Sign is only available for the month of November 2022, so don’t wait to get yours!
Because, if I can make it, You Can too!
Debbie Jenkins
**This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated.**
