This post was originally written by me for and posted on 09/27/2022 on the Artesprix Blog.
Hi guys! I’m Debbie from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner and do I have treat for you! Artesprix asked if I would like to do a Guest Design Team blog for them this Term, and you know I just had to say YES! I will be making some fridge magnets using Artesprix Iron-on-Ink.
Their products are so fun and easy to use, work great with all of my card-making supplies. They push me just a little bit outside of my normal crafty comfort zone. Besides the fact that there are so many fun gifts that you can create with these. Christmas is coming! So this is a Win-Win-Win!
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
- Magnets 4ct
- Protective Paper Roll
- Protective Project Mat
- Disney Mickey Clear Stamp Set
- Disney Mickey and Minnie Clear Stamp Set
- Cricut Easy Press
- Plain Paper
- Pencil
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Create a template by tracing around the magnet blank with a pencil.
Step 2: Use your Blank Sublimation Stamp Pad and Disney stamps to create the designs. This is where you can keep it as simple or as creative as you want.
Pro Tip: Check the instructions for your sublimation blank. The Artesprix website gives transfer specifications of 400℉ for 75 seconds. I set my Cricut Easy Press to heat up while I finished designing.
Step 3: After I was happy with the stamped design, I colored it in with the Sublimation Markers. Don’t worry when you see the color. Sublimation ink is duller when you first put it down on paper. Once we do the heat transfer, you’ll see how vibrant it is!
Step 4: Line up your metal blank with your traced 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 5: Create the “Sublimation Sandwich”. Cut a piece of protective paper large enough to fold in half and enclose my project in it with lots of room to spare for one of my blanks, this makes it more like a “taco”. (I also cut a second piece in half to use on the second blank and showed both versions in the video). The sandwich works like this: Protective paper on bottom, your magnet blank with taped design, and another layer of the protective paper on top.
Step 6: Time to transfer! I placed my “sublimation sandwich” on the Protective Project Mat and used my Cricut Easy Press for 75 seconds.
Step 7: “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.
Pro Tip #2: I could see that my top piece of protective paper had an imprint of my design so I knew my transfer was successful as soon as I removed my Cricut Easy Press.
Step 8: Once you confirmed your transfer was successful, remove your design for the big reveal!
Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope you are inspired to create something awesome with your Iron-on-Ink Supplies. If you do not have any 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.
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.**
