Hello! I'm Susan from SMBdesign and I'm excited to share a fun stamped bookmark project. I love to create hand-colored scenes with my stash of rubber & clear acrylic stamps. Artesprix® Bookmark blanks are the perfect canvas to go bananas creating personalized art to mark your books. Before I dive back into my stack of summer reads, I'm excited to share one of my favorite stamping techniques using Artesprix® Iron-On-Ink Sublimation Markers.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/1_smBrown_HEADER_Final_collage_pinterest_480x480.jpg?v=1633030480)
What are Artesprix® Sublimation Markers? Artesprix® markers have a specially formulated ink that transforms anything colored onto plain copy paper a heat-transferrable iron-on design to customize a variety of polyester items. This is a game-changer for my stamping paradise. With the magical Artesprix® Sublimation Stamp Pad, Sublimation Markers and plain paper, I can customize tote-bags, coasters, winebags... all the things!
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/2_smBrown_materials_480x480.jpg?v=1633030525)
Materials:
Plain Copy Paper
Pencil
Sublimation Markers
Sublimation Stamp Pad – Black
Sublimation Stamps: Hand Lettered Basics
Acrylic Stamp Block
Heat Tape
Protective Paper Roll
Project Mat
Plain Copy Paper
Pencil
Sublimation Markers
Sublimation Stamp Pad – Black
Sublimation Stamps: Hand Lettered Basics
Acrylic Stamp Block
Heat Tape
Protective Paper Roll
Project Mat
Bookmarks 4ct
Misc. clear & red rubber stamps
Pentel Aquash Water Brush
Heat source: Cricut Easy-Press Mini™(Artesprix Heat Press or Home Iron)
Misc. clear & red rubber stamps
Pentel Aquash Water Brush
Heat source: Cricut Easy-Press Mini™(Artesprix Heat Press or Home Iron)
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Using a pencil trace Bookmark blank onto copy paper leaving approximately 2" on all sides to yield for coloring outside the shape and applying Heat Tape.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/3_smBrown_Step_1_ALT_traceBookmark_480x480.jpg?v=1633030563)
Step 2: Go bananas building a scene with stamped images. Mount stamps to acrylic block and apply color with Sublimation Markers by directly coloring onto stamp. Press stamps to paper. Re-ink and stamp to create layers of palm leaves at the top of the bookmark.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/7_smBrown_Step_3_inkStamp_480x480.jpg?v=1633030703)
Step 3: Apply feature stamp to acrylic stamp block and ink up with Iron-On-Ink Sublimation Stamp Pad. Center and impress stamp within the pencil traced bookmark area. How cute is this little monkey?!
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/5_smBrown_Step_2_inkBase_Quad_480x480.jpg?v=1633030667)
Step 4: Add dimension using faux watercolor technique by applying Sublimation Marker ink to an Acrylic Stamp Block (or other non-porous surface), then picking up color using waterbrush to apply color to paper in a painterly fashion. Slowly build up layers of color, letting dry between applications to create blended colors with additional depth and dimension. This will result in lighter, more subtle tones of Sublimation Marker ink colors as they have been diluted with water. Continue adding layers of color using the waterbrush. Add a sky background by blending green from the tree tops to blue down to the ground.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/9_smBrown_Step_4_addDetail_480x480.jpg?v=1633030822)
Pro Tip: my completed stamped & faux watercolored scene completely covering the bookmark outlined area with plenty of extra coloring outside the lines.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/10_smBrown_Step_4_ALT_Complete_ColorQuad_480x480.jpg?v=1633030801)
Step 5: Once finished with your design, preheat Cricut Easy-Press Mini™ to 400℉ and prepare Bookmark for its tropical transformation. Place blank face down within pencil lines and secure with Heat Tape.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/13_smBrown_Step_5_Layer_Sandwich_480x480.jpg?v=1633030854)
Step 6: Upon the protective Project Mat, place a piece of Protective Paper on the top and bottom of your bookmark stamped scene to make a "Sublimation Sandwich". I used two layers of protective paper for good measure.
Step 7: Apply heat. Starting at one end I press and hold my Cricut Easy-Press Mini™ stationary for 45 seconds, then move down to next unpressed area, slightly overlapping and press again. Repeat until entire length of bookmark has been heat-pressed.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/15_smBrown_Step_7_Peek_Check_480x480.jpg?v=1633030935)
Step 8: Take a peek check. Let cool off a bit and gently peel back one section of Heat Tape to peek and see if thermal transfer is complete.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/17_smBrown_Reveal_FULL_sideBYside_WM_480x480.jpg?v=1633030958)
Step 9: Once you have confirmed your transfer was successful, remove the heat tape and reveal your unique and vivid design.
![watercolor bookmark project with Artesprix sublimation ink](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0356/5279/6551/files/18_smBrown_FINAL_complete_TRIO_480x480.jpg?v=1633030983)
I am going totally B-A-N-A-N-A-S! Look how the bright and vibrant the colors are when heat transferred!! Wait for bookmark to cool fully before removing Heat Tape, then it's time to curl up with a good book!
I hope you have enjoyed this project. For more inspiration check out these fun stamped bookmarks by Nicole! And Don’t forget to visit the Artesprix Facebook Group where Makers are always sharing inspirational projects.
Happy stamping! Susan M. Brown {sbartist}
Happy stamping! Susan M. Brown {sbartist}
**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.**
These are sooooo great! Love them!
How easy and beautiful! What a great product!!!
I love how easy and fun Artesprix Sublimation Markers and blanks are to work with. The possibilities are endless!! My books are loving their mini masterpieces tucked inside. Thank you for the opportunity to be an Artesprix Guest Designer!!