Christmas Countdown Panel with Iron-on-Ink

Hi again, Sarah here with a fun new post! My kids love to count down the days to Christmas. What better way to do that then with a Decorative metal panel!! This project was so much fun. I used my Silhouette Alta+ 3D printer to print the “marker” for the days.

What are Artesprix Sublimation Markers?

Everyone should own some Artesprix Sublimation products. I use either my markers or ink pad almost every day to create some fun projects. My kids love to use them to make things too. Artesprix makes it so easy to create things that will last a lifetime. All you need is some Artesprix markers or stamp pad, plain copy paper, a sublimation blank, and a heat source.

Materials:
Metal Panel

Sublimation Markers 

Project Mat

Copy Paper

Heat Tape

Protective paper

Heat Press or iron

Optional Materials:

My Silhouette Portrait 3 and my Silhouette Alta+ 3D printer

A couple of magnets

Glue gun

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: For this project, I did not trace my blank. I used the tools in the Silhouette studio software to create a rectangle the same size as the metal panel (you can measure. or look on the back of the Artesprix packaging). Then I used a design from the Silhouette Design Store and sized it to fit in my rectangle. I used Design ID 281832 Days Until Christmas by Lori Whitlock. When I set up my design, I made sure to center it to the page, so I had plenty of room around all sides.

Step 2: Because my design has text, it needs to be mirrored (or flipped horizontally) so the text reads backwards. This is because when you press it, it will press the correct way. Using your Silhouette machine, pen holder with the large adapter, and your Artesprix Sublimation Markers sketch out your design on the copy paper you traced your blank on. To learn how to sketch with your Artesprix markers and your Silhouette, check out my blog post on Sketching with Your Silhouette.

Step 3: When I was sketching, I used the “cut by fill” option. I did not unload my mat when switching pen colors. I simply changed the marker in the holder and sketched the appropriate color. Once the design is sketched, unload it from your machine, remove it carefully from the mat.

Step 4: After your Silhouette is finished sketching, it’s time to start coloring. I used 3 different colors for my design.

Step 5: Heat your press to 400°F. 

Step 6: Once I was done coloring, I lined up my blank and taped it in place. I did hold the blank and page up to the light so I could see through the paper to line up my blank how I wanted it.

Step 7: Once it is secured in place with heat resistant tape, create your "sublimation sandwich". A sublimation sandwich is made up of a layer of protective paper, your blank with the design secured to it, and another piece of protective paper.

Step 8: Place the sublimation sandwich on your press. Once your heat source reaches temperature, press your metal panel for 90 seconds.

Step 9: When the time is up, do a "peek test" to make sure you got a good transfer. It is important not to remove any tape during the "peek". This way you can re-press easily if needed. Your colors should be bright and vivid. 

Step 10: If you got a good transfer, use heat gloves (or tweezers, something to protective yourself!) to move the panel to a heat resistant surface. I use my Artesprix Protective Project mat, perfect for metal blanks or drinkware. Once cooled enough to touch, remove the copy paper and heat tape to reveal your design!

Step 11: After your Panel has cooled, attach the included “stand”. Simply peel off the adhesive and stick it to the back of your panel. Make sure you line up the bottom of the panel with the bottom and hang just enough off the edge for easy bending, or it will not stand up right!

Step 12: For the date marker I used my Alta+ to print out a “gingerbread” snowflake. I used a snowflake design from the design store. Once it was done printing, I used a paint marker to add white to the wood-colored filament.

Step 13: After coloring, I used hot glue to attach a magnet to the back of the snowflake. Since metal panel isn’t magnetic, my solution was to use a slightly bigger magnet on the back of the panel so the two magnets “attach” to each other.

I love the Decorative Metal Panel. The metal panel is one of my favorite Artesprix blanks. Check out this BEAUTIFUL metal panel done by Alison on the Artesprix blog. Oh! and join the Iron-on-ink Inspirational Group on Facebook. You can see what others are creating and share your projects. 

Until next time,

Sarah Clark
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