Crafty Key Chain with Artesprix

Hi Guys! I'm Debbie from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner, here today sharing how to sublimate a metal  key chain with products from Artesprix.  I love crafting and cardmaking and have been wanting to try sublimation… you’re going to love how it turned out! I love showing the process when I’m creating. I hope my tutorial and video help you see that, if I can make it, You Can Too!

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: Draw everything out on copy paper.  First you need a template, so use a pencil to trace around the blank and make sure that you have an inch or two around the outside of your image. Then create and color your image. I used a discontinued sentiment stamp from Hampton Arts stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

Step 2: I then turned the paper over and traced the words in reverse using a black sublimation marker. I then created a mask by stamping with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto some Post-it tape, and cutting around the words.  This will prevent me from stamping over the sentiment.

For the rest of the design, I stamped the large heart from A Crafters Heart Clear Photopolymer 4x6 Stamp Set from Trinity Stamps in Artesprix Sublimation Ink and colored it in with the Sublimation Markers.

Step 3: Get ready to transfer. I used a Cricut Easy Press so I set it to 400 degrees.

I have to admit it.  Coloring was the easy part.  Getting it ready to add to the key chain was the point where my nerves started getting me. Why?  I hate wasting anything.  And if I did this wrong, I would have wasted the design that I just finished coloring AND the blank.  I needn’t have worried.  If you follow the instructions (and Artesprix has GREAT instructions), you really can’t go wrong.

All you do is line up your image with your blank with the side that has all of the sublimation ink touching the blank.  Then you tape it down on all 4 sides.  Ok… you might not need to do it on all 4, but that helps make sure that the paper doesn’t shift when you heat it up.  Also, be sure to use Artesprix Heat Tape (not scotch tape!) on the outer edge of your design.  If it covers some of the design on your blank, it could mess up the transfer.  I did this by taping the blank to my paper.  Paper with colored side up and the blank with the transfer side down.

Step 4: Create the "Sublimation Sandwich." This part is super easy!  I cut a piece of protective paper large enough to fold in half  and enclose my project in it with lots of room to spare.  I think the better habit would be to cut 2 pieces.  Especially for larger projects, but this worked for me. 

The sandwich works like this:

• Protective paper on bottom.
• My metal key chain blank with my design attached with heat tape, face down.  (This means that your design is on top)
• Another layer of the protective paper on top.

Step 6: "Peek Test" time. You want to pull back the edge of your design to make sure that it transferred before pulling it off completely… like I did.  Fortunately, 45 seconds with my Cricut Easy Press was perfect for this project! If you did not get a vibrant transfer, check your pressure, time and temperature and repress. 

Step 7: REVEAL! Once you know you got a great transfer, reveal your unique & vivid design. 

Step 8: All Artesprix Key Chains are double-sided and come with key rings and key tabs. Make sure you add your design to the other side before securing your tab and ring. 

Thank you so much for joining me today. Don’t forget to visit the Artesprix Facebook Group where Makers are always sharing inspirational projects.

I hope you are inspired to create something AWESOME!  Because, if I can make it, You Can too!

 

Thanks for having me Artesprix! 

Debbie

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