DIY Bossy Squirrel Sublimation Garden Flag with Artesprix Ink

September 3, 2024 Artesprix Design Team
Garden Flag, Markers, Paints

Hey there crafty friends! It’s Kelly Nagy, back again to share a little Artesprix magic with you! Dive into my latest project where I combine the Artesprix Blank of the Month Garden Flag with their Iron-on Ink products to make a unique design featuring a bossy squirrel who rules our yard, ensuring the bird feeder is always stocked with her favorite treats. From demanding her peanuts to tapping on our windows for attention, this charming flag has captured her bossy spirit and is such is a fun way to greet visitors to our front yard.

**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?
Imagine having a magical ink that lets you unleash your creativity using specially formulated mediums like acrylic paint, markers, stamp pads, and ink refills. Artesprix Iron-on Ink is your crafting companion that elevates your rubber stamping routine to new heights. By applying this innovative ink to specially coated sublimation blanks and using heat, you can effortlessly transfer your designs permanently. The sublimation process transforms the ink into a gas, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting results on your crafted masterpieces.

Supplies:

Garden Flag Blank

Sublimation Markers - Bold Chisel 10ct

Sublimation Acrylic Paint

Heat Tape

Protective Paper Roll

Heat Source

Copy Paper

Printer with access to internet

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: This Garden Flag blank is the perfect size to utilize the entire space of an 8.5x11" sheet of copy paper.

Step 2: For the design, I searched the internet for funny squirrel yard signs and found this. I then printed it in the mirror image.

Step 3: Trace and color the printed design with Iron-on-Ink. I used a combination of sublimation markers and paint.

Pro Tip: For any area you want white, simply leave the paper uncolored. The lightening white paint is simply used to lessen the intensity of the color bringing to a lighter shade or the origin. If you try to use the white paint on top of sublimation paint, the color behind will overpower the white during the transfer process.

Step 4: Allow ink to dry completely. Trim down and tear the edges as needed. Preheat your heat source to 400°F.

Step 5: I cut several small pieces of heat tape and applied generously to secure the transfer face-down on the flag, securing my text and all items where I wanted them to be.

Step 6: Make the "sublimation sandwich" by placing a piece of the siliconized paper on the bottom, my flag with the secured transfer and then a second piece of siliconized paper on top to complete the "sandwich".

Step 7: Once your heat source has reached 400°F, (if using a handheld press) protect your table with the Artesprix Protective Project Mat, and place the "sublimation sandwich" on top, and press down with firm pressure for 55 seconds.

Step 8: Do a "peek test" to ensure the color has transferred. If not, you can simply re-apply and press again, and repeat this process until you are satisfied with the outcome. Some areas of my peek-test were perfect and didn’t need any re-pressing; however, when looking at some of the text, you will see that the “R” in Feeder didn’t get completely transferred, so I was able to re-press and correct this without issue.

Pro Tip #2: You can only successfully do a "peek test" if you do not move any heat tape out of place.

Step 9: If Step 8 was successful, allow to cool and remove all of the paper to reveal your vibrate transfer.

Step 10: Add to Garden Flag stand (not included) and enjoy! Because it is sublimation, it will last for seasons and years to come!

I am thrilled how my custom Garden Flag project came out! Get ready for the fall season with endless possibilities for creating personalized flags as perfect gifts or for adding a charming touch to your outdoor space.

Join the crafting fun and explore a world of creative potential with these amazing products from Artesprix. Don’t forget to visit the Artesprix Facebook Group where Makers are always sharing inspirational projects. To learn more about me, visit my Instagram!

Happy Crafting,

Kelly Nagy