Custom Blank of the Month Button with Hero Arts

Hi guys! It's Design Team Member Debbie from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner. Now this is a fun, and EASY, project. Who doesn’t love a little Flair now and then? Today I’m going to make a custom button! These Buttons are Artesprix's March Blank of the Month, which means they are only available in the Artesprix Shop for the month. So don't wait to grab a set if you decide to try this project for yourself! This month also kicks off a collaboration between Artesprix and Hero Arts! Read on to find out what Hero Arts supplies I used to create this fun design for my button. 

**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 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:
Buttons
Hero Arts Color Layering Palm Tree Stamp Set
Artesprix Sublimation Stamp Pad
Ink Blending Brushes
Protective Project Mat 
Heat Tape
Protective Paper Roll
Cricut Easy Press
Reverse Tweezers
Magnetic Glass Mat from glassboardstudio.com - use discount code DEBBIE20 for 20% off
Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Acrylic Block
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: First let’s prep the template. I placed the button onto a piece of card stock (I find ink blending and stamping works a little better for me on cardstock instead of plain paper.) and traced around the button.  

This will create a template for my design. 
Step 2: Next, I’m adding some sublimation ink to the template with stamping and a stencil. For the background, I blended some yellow and blue ink through the Lacy Floral Stencil from Hero Arts. This is going to add some texture. 

 
Then I added some more of the same inks over the stenciled portions of the panel. This will give some color to the white portions of the blank and deepen what was already stenciled on.
The final part of my design is a palm tree made using the Color Layering Palm Tree Stamps from Hero Arts in brown for the trunk, and green for the branches.

Step 3:  Next we’ll tape the design to the blank. Lay the “blank” on top of your design and line it up with your pencil outline.  Be sure to place the image with the colored side touching the button and tape it down with Heat Tape. 

Step 4: Now we need to create the "Sublimation Sandwich”. For this pressing, I’m reusing a piece of protective paper. I’m only able to do this because there is no sublimation ink on this piece. Most of the time, I do have some ink transfer to the protective paper. DO NOT reuse any  protective paper that has any ink on it as it could transfer to your new project.
The protective paper is used to “protect” your heat press and work surfaces from the ink.  The ink is transferred by heat. Lay one piece down, then place your secured project with the paper on top, and lastly add the second piece of protective paper on top to protect your heat source.

Step 5: Now it’s time to transfer! Always make sure that the paper with the design is closest to the heat. I set the temperature and time and let it heat up. Then I placed my "sublimation sandwich" on a Protective Project Mat.  
I’m using a Cricut Easy Press today and it is super easy. Place the Easy Press onto the sublimation sandwich. The Artesprix website gives transfer specifications of 400℉ for 60 seconds. I set the temperature and time on my Cricut Easy 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: Once cooled, add the fastener that is included from Artesprix.
This was just so quick and easy!  And now I have a fun tropical pin to wear on my shirt, or attach to a bag or lanyard.

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!  
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 Jenkins

**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.**