Hi there! This is Rekha from Divine NY & Co. I’m an artist, illustrator, crafter and educator. I’m excited to be returning for my second time as an Artesprix Guest Designer. In today’s post, I’m going to show you how to custom design your very own bag tag that you can use as a unique way to identify your suitcase next time you go on vacation! Follow along for best sublimation craft practices when using your home iron.
**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.**
What is Sublimation Iron-on-Ink?
Sublimation Iron-on-Ink is line of craft supplies that allows you to create your own one-of-a-kind designs on ordinary copy paper and be able to heat-transfer your design idea onto a variety of sublimation blanks. Once a design is transferred onto a blank, it is permanent. No additional glazing or finishing is required. The products made by Artesprix include acrylic paints, markers, stamp pads and a variety of sublimation blanks to personalize.
Supplies:
Sublimation Stamp Pad (in black)
Scissors
Pencil
Copy paper
Home Iron
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Trace the outline shape of the bag tag onto copy paper using a pencil.
Pro Tip: Mark a cutting line that is about ¼” or ½ “ inch larger than the bag tag outline and cut out the template. This helps ensure you have paper to use your heat tape with.
Step 2: Create your design with Iron-on-Ink. Artesprix Bag Tags come in a set of two so I created two designs. One using the Sublimation Markers and one using a rubber stamp and the Sublimation Stamp Pad.
For the sun design, I selected 4 marker colors and drew freehand on the paper template. As you can see, I crossed over the outlines, which is ok, it is encouraged to go outside your template so you don't leave opportunity for empty space.
Step 3: For the second design, I used a rubber stamp that I purchased from Michaels. I inked the stamp using Sublimation Stamp pad in black and stamped it on the template.
Step 4: Now it’s time to transfer your design onto the bag tag. Place the bag tag onto the design and secure with heat tape.
Step 5: Cut two pieces of protective paper that are larger than the piece of paper. Start by place one sheet on a Protective Project mat to protect the mat. Then add the secured bag tag with the paper on top. Lastly, place the second sheet of protective paper on top. This is also known as the “sublimation sandwich”.
Step 6: Using a home iron, set the heat setting to the highest setting (cotton/linen). Make sure you turn off the steam setting. Once the iron is hot, place the iron on top of the sublimation sandwich. Set your timer to 3 minutes. Hold the iron steady (do not go back and forth) and apply pressure.
Step 7: Once 3 minutes have passed, remove the iron.
Before removing the heat tape, carefully do a quick “peek test” to make sure the design has transferred. Lift a corner of your design without removing the tape. If you see it has not transferred properly, repeat step 6.
Step 8: If you confirmed your transfer was successful, remove the heat tape to reveal your design.
Step 9: Before adding a design to the other side, allow bag tag to completely cool, and repeat the above steps. Once the bag tag has completely cooled, attach the clear plastic loop.
I hope you enjoyed this project and are inspired to design your own bag tag! If you have not given Artestprix Iron-on-Ink products a try yet, what are you waiting for? They have a Sublimation Starter Kit perfect for first timers. With your imagination, the creative possibilities are endless with Artesprix Sublimation Iron-on-Ink.
Happy crafting!
Rekha Krishnamurthi
**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.**
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