Artesprix Sublimation Paint with Bottle Opener

Hello my crafty friends! This is Terra O’Brien and I am here with a with my first design team member  project showcasing the Artesprix Blank of the Month the Bottle Opener Sublimation Blank! I am a paper crafter by nature but have fallen in love with Artesprix’s products. I always thought sublimation was a little intimidating until I tried it for myself. I was impressed the first time I made a project!

What is Sublimation Acrylic Paint?
Artesprix Sublimation Acrylic Paint is a fantastic medium that is water based, However, one key difference with Artesprix Sublimation Acrylic Paint is the ability to mix your own colors! With three primary colors, plus black and white, you can mix your color pallet any way you like. Just keep in mind your colors always appear brighter and more vibrant after they are transferred.
Materials:
Artesprix Bottle Opener Sublimation Blank
Artesprix Sublimation Acrylic Paint Red, Blue & Yellow
Artesprix Protective Paper
Artesprix Heat Tape
Heat Source: Home Iron or Artesprix Heat Press.
Paint Brushes
Watercolor Paper
Pencil
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Trace your blank on your copy paper. Don't worry the pencil will not transfer onto your blank. This will help figure out where you want your design to be.

Step 2: Once I had my blank traced on water color paper I wanted to do an ombre of colors so I needed to add water to the paper before I placed my 1st color so when I layed my paint down it would blend into each other. I started at the top of the blank with Yellow, then the Red followed by the Blue Acrylic Paint. Once I had my colors placed where I wanted them I decided to add a bit of splatter, so I added just a bit of water to the paint, and tapped my paint brush on an acrylic block.

Step 3: Let it dry! You need to let the paint dry before you place it in the heat press! Using the water color paper it didn’t take long to dry. If you don’t have watercolor paper dont worry it will work on regular copy paper as well.
This is the design before adding heat!
Pro Tip: While I am waiting for the paint to dry I will start to heat up my heat press. This blank calls for 400℉.

Step 4: Once your paper is dry it's time to grab your Artesprix Heat Resistant Tape and don't be afraid to use it. I tend to add a good bit just because I don't want my image to shift and cause ghosting.
Pro Tip: If you are using a heat press you may not need as much tape since there is consistent pressure and less likely to move.

Step 5: Once your design is securely in place it's time to press your Bottle Opener into a  Sublimation Sandwich! Cut 2 pieces of the protective paper, you want to have a piece of the protective paper on the bottom, place your blank down, then you want to add a piece of the protective paper on the top. It is important to have the sandwich the ink is very powerful and will transfer and be permanent once heat and pressure are added! Make sure after you make your "Sandwich" like pictured above, you flip it over so the heat only has to go through the paper. 
Step 6: Set your Artesprix heat press timer for 75 seconds and press to 400℉. If using a Home Iron/Dry Iron, place “Sublimation Sandwich” on your Artesprix Project Mat and hold stationary while pressing firmly for approximately 3 minutes. If you are using a home iron you want to make sure it is on its highest setting with no steam.
Note: DO NOT leave Heat Source unattended.

Step 7: Now it's time for the peek Test! Before removing any tape, peel back a small section of the design and ensure you got a good transfer. You don't want to remove too much in case you need to press it again. 
Step 8: The Big Reveal!! This is the most exciting step!! You get to see your finished design and look at how vibrantly stunning those colors are. The flowers just pop!

The new paint is so much fun to make new projects with! I love the flexibility to mix my own colors, there are so many possibilities with this paint! I was able to make my own creation without being held to one design image. I had such a great time with this project and can't wait to see what the projects you have made! Be sure to check out more inspiration from the other design team members blog post, you can also find more inspiration on the Artesprix Facebook group and YouTube channel.

I hope you have a fantastic day!

Terra O'Brien

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