Hello! I am Paula from Paula’s Studio and I am honored to be this month's Guest Designer! I am primarily a paper crafter who loves to make greeting cards but I also love using paper and my creativity to make other things! My excitement for Artesprix products comes from the ability to use the inks in different forms and techniques to expand on the options of how I can use my skills and artwork. I made a Class of 2025 keychain to celebrate the beginning of a new school year using sublimation on an Artesprix Maple Key Chain using Artesprix Ink Pads and Markers.
**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 are Artesprix Sublimation Arts & Crafts Supplies?
Sublimation is the process of taking a solid ink design and applying heat and pressure to allow it to vaporize skipping the liquid state. This causes the ink to permanently bind to the surface if it is a form of polyester or poly-coating as the heat causes the surface to accept the gases leaving behind vibrant and permanent colors. Commercially, printers are used to print the designs. Artesprix provides products such as markers, ink pads, and paints to allow us to create projects at home without committing to a printer and lets us dip into our creative side too.
Supplies:
Artesprix Ink Pads – Red and Black
Artesprix Markers – Basic Chisel 10ct – Gray
Artesprix Protective Paper Roll
Copy paper
Cardstock
Pencil
Graduation Day Stencil by Echo Park Paper Co.
Preferred cutting machine or stencils
Scissors
Heat source
Project Mat
Tape or magnets (optional)
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Trace the blank two times onto the paper towards the center of the page to create two separate templates for each side.
Pro Tip: Include the holes so you know how your design will hang.
Step 2: In the software for your cutting machine, choose a font that you would like for the numbers. I chose a simple stencil text. I like it as it is classic but you do not have to worry about the center of the zero falling out.
Step 3: Type “2025” and separately type “ ‘25” as one will go on one side of the keychain and one for the other side of the keychain. You can do just one if you want both sides to be the same.
Step 4: Create 2 squares and size them to be the size of the key chain in the design software.
Step 5: Place the text into the boxes and size to fit and then mirror them horizontally. I want the hole of the key chain to be at the top so I adjusted the boxes to be more like a diamond.
Step 6: Once they are positioned and sized, send them to the cutting machine to be cut on cardstock. Now, we have two stencils!
Pro Tip #2: This can also be done using pre-made stencils or even stamps you already own or you can hand write them.
Step 7: Position the stencil over the templates from Step 1 and secure with washi tape (optional).
Step 8: Choose your color(s) ink pads. The school colors I’m using are red and gray so I chose the red ink pad for all the caps. Use a blending brush to apply the ink from the ink pad to the stencil in a circular motion.
Step 9: Place one of your stencils with the year on it onto the keychain template that you stenciled with graduation caps. It should be cut to the size of the keychain if you used an electronic cutter. Make sure you have the hole for the key ring in the correct corner.
Step 10: I chose black ink for the numbers as I felt it would stand out more with the red graduation caps.
Pro Tip #3: Put scrap paper on edges of stencil so you do not accidentally get black ink on the background design.
Step 11: Repeat steps above for the second template with the other year or again with the same one, make it your own!
Step 12: This stencil also has dots in the design. I went over those with a gray marker to bring in the other school color.
Step 13: Turn on your heat source to allow it to heat. The maple keychain requires a temperature of 400℉.
Step 14: Cut the two finished designs apart. Place the paper with your design face up on table. Put your keychain face down and in position on top of it. Attach very securely using Heat Tape.
Step 15: Now create a "sublimation sandwich" by placing your taped blank between two pieces of protective paper. This protects your heat source from any ink that may be released.
Step 16: Once your heat source has reached 400℉, apply heat to the side of sandwiched keychain that is where your artwork is for 60 seconds.
Step 17: Use caution as this step is extremely hot, heat gloves are recommended. After 60 seconds, lift a corner of the paper and "peek" to ensure that the ink has transferred and is vibrant on the keychain. If not, heat again and do another test.
Step 18: If your project passed the "peek test", carefully remove the paper and tape.
Step 19: Allow blank to cool before repeating the above steps for the other side of key chain.
Step 20: Once both sides are personalized, assemble the keychain by attaching the ring with the plastic tab as it just presses together. I added a tassel to match school colors.
I’m so excited to hand this over to a special student starting their senior year soon! It’s a simple project to start using Artesprix products and you’ll fall in love with them as I have! You can learn more and see more project inspiration in the Artesprix Iron-on Ink Inspirational Facebook Group. Please use tags #Artesprix and #IrononInk for your projects on your social media posts so we can find them. You can shop for more Artesprix products right here.
Thank you so much for following along on my project. To see more of what I am up to you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and my blog: Paula’s Studio.
Happy making!
Paula Portelli
**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.**
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