Happy Holidays Blank of the Month Maple Ornament with Iron-on-Ink

Hi Everyone! My name is Sarah Goulet from A Paper Moment, and I’m excited to share with you some fabulous creations as a new Design Team member for Term 10! I’m kicking off the holiday season with a snowy scene on the Blank of the Month Maple Ornament using Iron-on-Ink sublimation Ink Pads. Keep reading how you can use layering stencils to create stunning transfers in minutes! 

**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?

Artesprix has produced specially formulated products that permanently transfer a design you create onto a polyester or polyester coated substrate (the blank) through sublimation. Sublimation is a chemical process in which the combination of heat and pressure allows the solid form of the design to turn into a gas and permanently integrate into your project so it won’t peel or fade. What’s great is that along with the Artesprix sublimation arts and craft supplies such as Sublimation Markers, Paints, and Inks, you can easily utilize supplies you may already have such as copy/printer paper, stamps, and stencils for quick and easy projects.

Supplies:

Maple Ornament 2ct Sublimation Blank

Sublimation Ink Pads

Sublimation Markers - Basic Fine 10ct (Black marker)

Heat Tape

Protective Paper Roll

Protective Project Mat

Ink Blending Tool with 5 Domed Foams

Layering stencils

Copy/Printer Paper

Scissors

Pencil

Heat Source

Heat Protective Gloves

Step-By-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Trace the Maple Ornament with a pencil onto copy/printer paper. Trace the ornament twice so you have a template for both sides of the ornament. 

Step 2: Place your first layering stencil onto your traced area. It’s ok if the design goes past the lines. I started with stencil #2 so I could see where I wanted the house to be placed.

Step 3: Tap a domed foam ink blending tool into the Blue Sublimation Ink Pad.

Pro Tip: I dabbed extra off into the lid so the color isn’t as intense. The pad is juicy! Blend the ink into the stencil for the areas that will become snow.

Step 4: Place the next layering stencil on top. I placed stencil 3 which gives details to the house. For this layer I used #3 different colors. Use low tack tape (or a Post-It Note) to mask off the door. For the windows, use the Yellow Sublimation Ink Pad. Then, blend a bit of Orange Sublimation Ink onto the bottoms of the window. This step would be easier with a smaller blending tool. Use the same tape to mask off the windows and use the Brown Sublimation Ink Pad for the door, chimney, and corner of the house.

Step 5: Place the last layering stencil on the design. I used stencil 1 for the tree. It was very easy to line up since the tree followed the contour of the house. Using another domed foam pad, ink the tree with Green Sublimation Ink.

Pro Tip #2: All areas without ink will result in the natural maple of the blank showing. This gives the house a fun wood look!

Step 6: Create your second design for the other side of the ornament. In the traced outline, I used a ruler to draw lines to help me create a sentiment. I decided to go with “Happy Holidays.” What’s great about using stencils is that they make it easy to mirror the letters.

Pro Tip #3: In order for your words to display correctly, you must mirror the letters when creating your design. I flipped the stencil over and wrote the letters backwards. To help make sure I had the correct orientation, I stenciled the letters in pencil first. Pencil won’t transfer during sublimation and you can easily correct any mistakes.

Step 7: Use the Black Basic Fine Marker to write your letters through the stencil. 

Step 8: Use a snowflake stencil to create a snowy scene around the sentiment. Use the Blue Sublimation Ink pad and the domed foam ink blending tool. 

Step 9: Trim your paper so each stenciled design is a bit larger than the blank. Secure the first design with the snowy house facing the Maple Ornament using Heat Tape.

Step 10: We need to make a "sublimation sandwich"! Cut 2 pieces of Protective Paper in order to protect your work surface and heat source. To assemble the “sublimation sandwich,” place one piece of Protective Paper on the bottom. Next, place your Maple Ornament blank onto the Protective Paper. Make sure the secured design is on the top facing the blank; this will be closest to the heat source. Finish your sandwich with another piece of Protective Paper.

Step 11: Time for sublimation science! If using a handheld heat source, place the Protective Project Mat on your surface. Place your “sublimation sandwich” onto the Protective Mat with the blank closest to the mat and design closest to the heat source. Press your design at 400 ℉ for 45 seconds with heavy pressure.

Step 12: Do a “peek test.” With heat protective gloves, carefully peel back one corner of the copy paper. If the colors are vibrant on the blank, the design has successfully transferred! If not, put your sandwich back together and press again.

Step 13: Once cooled, secure your “Happy Holidays” design facing the other side of the Maple Ornament with Heat Tape. 

Step 14: Repeat Steps 10-13 to personalize the other side. 

Step 15: Once your ornament has cooled, add the red ribbon that comes with the Maple Ornaments or use your own ribbon. Your project is now complete!

Optional: I mixed some IndigoBlu Luscious Pigment Powder in Gold Cast with water in a mini mister. I sprayed it onto the ornament for added shine. Note that this product is not a sublimation product so it is not permanently integrated into the blank. There is a chance larger drops will flake off.

I hope I inspired you to use your layering stencils to create a sublimation project! Artesprix makes it so easy to use your crafting supplies. Be sure to share your sublimation projects on the Artesprix Iron-on-Ink Inspirational Group on Facebook. Also use the hashtags #Artesprix and #IrononInk on your socials so we can see what you’re creating! Finally, check out the Artesprix Blog for more tutorials and inspiration. 

Thanks for taking the time to read about my project! I am so excited to bring you more inspiration for the upcoming months. You can click here to see more of my creations.

Have a great day!

Sarah Goulet

**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.**