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

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

You are gonna love what I made today! Today’s project was just so fun.  We are making a custom decorative panel.  I had so many ideas for this one… and really couldn’t make up my mind until the last minute.

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.  Using a pencil, trace around the blank onto a plain piece of paper.  This will show us where we want to add our design.

Step 2: Next, let’s add a design.  I’m just loving the Dark Sea Bold Prints cling stamp from Hero Arts. I did some easy ink blending with blue, green, yellow and purple Artesprix Sublimation Stamp Pads and a brayer.  I may have over blended, but I really like the result. 

Step 3:  Next we’ll tape the design to the metal panel with Artesprix 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: For the “Sublimation Sandwich” you need protective paper. I cut a fairly large 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 5: Now it’s time to transfer! I placed my “sublimation sandwich” onto my Protective Project mat. Always make sure that the paper with the design is closest to the heat. I set the temperature and time on my Cricut Easy Press and let it heat up. Once it is hot enough, I “pressed” the design with my easy press.  Be careful not to slide the press because you COULD get ghosting.  I got a little ghosting but I love the effect with this stamp!

Pro Tip: Check the instructions for your sublimation blank. The Artesprix website gives transfer specifications of 400℉ for 90 seconds. 

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 looks incredible!  And the little bit of ghosting makes it look more like it’s underwater.  To finish up the project, for now, I added some vinyl words.  If I change my mind… which is entirely possible, I should be able to remove the letter and add something different. (Un-Du should work)

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 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