Hi guys! I’m Debbie from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner. Today, I’m super excited to share a fun new project with you, perfect for the upcoming Halloween season! We’ll be making a spooky decorative sign using Artistry Iron-On Ink and a bit of crafty magic. Let’s dive in!
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:
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Preparing the Cardstock to add your design
Start by drawing the shape of your blank onto cardstock. This helps ensure your design fits perfectly on the blank.
Step 2: Create Your Design
For this project, I’m using a design from Design Bundles. Head over to their website, download the Fresh Boo’d Coffee Halloween Decor SVG, and unzip the file.
Step 3: Import and Resize Design
Open Brother Canvas Workspace, create an 8×10 rectangle to match the size of your blank, and import your SVG file. Adjust the design within the rectangle to ensure it fits perfectly. Remember to flip the design horizontally so it transfers correctly.
Step 4: Prepare for Drawing
Use the universal pen holder to secure an Artistry marker in your Scan and Cut machine. Scan your cardstock to ensure proper alignment, then let the machine draw and color your design. This might take some time, but the results are worth it! The machine adds PLENTY of ink so that you get a really dark colored result. To save some time, set your machine instead to “no fill” so it will draw the outline. Then you can color it in by hand.
Step 5: Trim and Tape Your Design
Once the design is drawn, trim the cardstock to match the size of your blank. Tape the design onto the blank using heat-resistant tape, ensuring it’s secure to avoid any shifting during the transfer process. (And I do mean SECURELY… I had my first sign shift… watch to the end of the video to see what happened.)
Step 6: Assembling the Sublimation Sandwich
For the “Sublimation Sandwich” you need protective paper. I cut a piece and folded in half. Make sure that each half is larger than your blank and design. The protective paper is used to “protect” your heat press from the ink. The ink is transferred by heat. And, if you transfer some to your press, you MAY transfer some to your NEXT project. And in areas that you don’t want.
Make your sandwich like this:
1. Protective paper on the bottom (bottom bun)
2. Your blank with taped design (the blank is the burger, the design in the cheese)
3. And another layer of the protective paper on top. (top bun)
Step 7: Heat Pressing
Now it’s time to transfer!
Preheat your heat press to 400°F. Place your sublimation sandwich in the press and set the timer for 105 seconds. Be careful not to move the press to avoid ghosting.
Pro Tip: Check the instructions for your sublimation blank. The Artesprix website gives transfer specifications of 400℉ for 60 seconds with medium pressure for the seconds for the Patch Blank.
Step 8: The Peek Test
After pressing, let the blank cool. It is VERY HOT. Before removing all the tape, peel back a small section of your design to ensure a successful transfer.
Step 9: Reveal Your Design
Carefully peel back the protective paper to reveal your perfectly transferred design.
Final Thoughts: I’m thrilled with how this Halloween coffee sign turned out! It’s a perfect addition to the coffee area of my kitchen. Remember, the key to a successful transfer is securing your design well to prevent shifting.
Thank you for joining me today as we explored the fun of sublimation with Artesprix Iron-On Ink.
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. (It even comes with several blanks, including some drawstring bags similar to this one, to get you started!)
I would love to see what you create using your craft supplies and Artesprix Iron-On Ink!
Share your Artesprix projects with us by using #debbiejscraftingcorner, #Artesprix and #IrononInk or post it to the Artesprix Facebook Group.
Because, if I can make it, You Can too!
~Big Hugs!
Debbie J
