Let’s Make a Custom Button with Artesprix Iron-On Ink!

Hi guys! I’m Debbie from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner.

Now this is a fun – and EASY – project.  Who doesn’t love a little Flair now and then?  Today I’m going to make a custom button!

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: First let’s prep the template.  I placed the button onto a piece of card stock (I find ink blending and stamping works a little better for me on cardstock instead of plain paper.  But you use what you have) and traced around the button. 

This will show me where to place my design.

Step 2: Next, I’m adding some sublimation ink to the template with stamping and a stencil.

For the background, I blended some yellow and blue ink through the Lacy Floral Stencil from Hero Arts.  This is going to add some texture. 

Then I added some more of the same inks over the stenciled portions of the panel.   This will give some color to the white portions of the blank and deepen what was already stenciled on.

The final part of my design is a palm tree made using the Color Layering Palm Tree Stamps from Hero Arts in brown for the trunk, and green for the branches.

Step 3:  Next we’ll tape the design to the blank. Lay the “blank” on top of your design and line it up with your pencil outline.  Be sure to place the image with the colored side touching the button and tape it down with Heat Tape.  You want to make sure to use Heat Tape, and NOT Scotch Tape or washi tape.  The other tapes will NOT protect your project your heat press!

Step 4: Now we need to create the “Sublimation Sandwich”.  For this pressing, I’m reusing a piece of protective paper.  I’m only able to do this because there is no sublimation ink on this piece.  Most of the time, I do have some ink transfer to the protective paper. DO NOT reuse any  protective paper that has any ink on it as it could transfer to your new project.

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 5: Now it’s time to transfer! Always make sure that the paper with the design is closest to the heat. I set the temperature and time and let it heat up. Then I placed my “sublimation sandwich” on a Protective Project Mat. 

I’m using a Cricut Easy Press today and it is super easy.  Place the Easy Press onto the sublimation sandwich. Press the Cricut symbol to start the times and wait 60 seconds!

Pro Tip: Check the instructions for your sublimation blank. The Artesprix website gives transfer specifications of 400℉ for 60 seconds. I set the temperature and time on my heat press.

Step 6: “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 7: Once you confirmed your transfer was successful, remove your design for the big reveal! 

Step 8: This was just so quick and easy!  And now I have a fun tropical pin to wear on my shirt, or attach to a bag or lanyard.

Check out the video!

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!  

After all, if I can make it, You Can Too!

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!

~Big Hugs!

Debbie J

Thanks for joining me in some crafty fun!

Let me inspire you to create something great!

Because, if I can make it, YOU CAN TOO!

~ Big Hugs!

Debbie Jenkins

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