Hi guys! I’m Debbie from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner.
You’ve probably seen People make T-shirts using iron on decals. Well, today I’m going to do something a little different. I’m going to be using iron ink from artistry to decorate my T-shirt.
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:
- T Shirt – Adult
- Floating Llama Face wearing Flower Crown
- Brother ScanNcut
- Brother ScanNcut craft pen holder
- T-Shirt Ruler
- Original Sublimation Markers 10ct
- Heat Tape
- Protective Paper Roll
- Reverse Tweezers
- Heat Press
- Plain Paper or Card Stock
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: I’ll be using my ScanNCut and an image from Creative Fabrica to create my design. This is actually my first T-Shirt design. So I’ll keep it simple. I’m also using a T-Shirt Ruler that I downloaded from Jennifer Maker’s website since so I can get the image placed correctly on the shirt.
I’ve been playing Fortnite with some of my friends lately, and there is a cute Llama in the game… so let’s make a llama TShirt! I uploaded the previously downloaded Llama Face SVG file into Brother Canvas Workspace on my computer, resized it and sent it to my ScanNCut. Then I used a pink sublimation marker in a Brother craft pen holder to DRAW the outline onto some cardstock (see my YouTube video for more detail on using the ScanNCut.).
Once the outline is drawn, I checked to make sure it would fit where I want it on the shirt. I recommend double and even triple checking your design. It would be so disappointing to get all of the coloring done only to find that it doesn’t fit quite right.
Step 2: Next I colored the image with more sublimation markers. Then I trimmed some of the excess cardstock off to make it easier to position.
Step 3: did a quick press on the shirt, folding it in half vertically first, and used the T-Shirt Ruler to help me line up the llama image. Be sure to place the image with the colored side touching the shirt 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 or heat press!
Step 4: Next we create the “Sublimation Sandwich”. I cut 2 large pieces of protective paper. The first will go under the shirt in my heat press. I also added a piece of cardstock inside the shirt to catch any ink that might bleed thru the front of the shirt. The second piece of protective paper will cover the shirt. 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:
- 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 5: Now it’s time to transfer! I set the temperature and time and let it heat up. Then I placed my “sublimation sandwich” in my press and closed the lid…. And then waited 35 seconds!
Pro Tip: Check the instructions for your sublimation blank. The Artesprix website gives transfer specifications of 370℉ for 35 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: I just love how the Llama turned out! And maybe I’ll do a more complex design for my next TShirt and use my ScanNCut to not only draw the outline, but maybe color it in too. I think some experimentation is definitely in order!
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
