I'd Pick You Blank of the Month Pillow Case with Iron-on-Ink

Hi there! My name is Betsy Burnett I am super excited to be asked to join the amazing team of Designers at Artesprix! You will see projects from me for the next six months. If my name sounds familiar it is because I have been a Guest Designer a couple of times and it has been so fun. Spring time is finally blooming here in Chicago so naturally my thoughts turned to flowers when I was given the May Blank of the Month-the pillowcase! I grabbed my favorite foam Pebbles Inc. stamps and got busy creating! As flower- stamped images began piling up, I received a call from a friend who is a real blessing to me. This inspired me to add the quote ‘if friends were flowers…I’d pick you”! Follow along as I show you how I did it.

What is Artesprix Sublimation Craft Ink?

Artesprix Sublimation Inks are specially formulated heat transferred ink. These inks allow you to create personalized designs on polyester coated surfaces and polyester fabrics. Using plain copy paper, you create your design,, you then transfer the finished design onto your compatible blank using a heat source and pressure. The results are vibrant, colorful, and best of all permanent! Before Artesprix you needed a fancy printer to experience this level of personalization, but not anymore! 

Supplies:

Sublimation Pillow Case

Sublimation Stamp Pad

Protective Paper Roll

Heat Tape

Heat Source

Stamps: Pebbles Inc. (Bonbons and Fanciful) 

Scissors

Copy Paper

20” x 30” artist Tag Board (Optional)

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: With most Artesprix sublimation projects, I trace and outline of the blank onto my copy paper. With the size of the pillowcase this wasn’t really a possibility. So, I went a different route. I decided to make multiple small designs and position them individually on my Pillow Case.

Pro Tip: Consult with your supervisor on how to proceed with the project.

Step 2: Using Sublimation Stamp Pad and foam stamps, I started creating numerous flowers. If layering stamp colors I like beginning light and work to dark, I feel it gives the colors a cleaner look.

Pro Tip #2: When creating a sublimation piece this way, create more than you think you will use. You will probably end up needing more than you think and you can always use the additional stamped to give you a head start with another project.

Step 3: Plan out your words to create text. Remember you need to create a “mirror image” with your stamped words in order for them to be readable. Foam stamps are great because you can just use the other side. If you do not have foam stamps you can use Sublimation Stamps or a Mirror Stamp with your traditional text stamps. 

Pro Tip #3: While you are still creating preheat your heat source for transfer. This blank calls for 400℉.

Step 4: Trim down your flowers and words, but not too much as you need some space for Heat Tape. 

Pro Tip #4: Before the next step, place a piece of protective paper inside your Pillow Case. This is added as a precaution to ensure the design does not transfer through to the otherside. Alternatively, I inserted a piece of 20 x 30" artist tagboard into the Pillow Case. It helped me with moving around for multiple transfers. 

Step 5: Stage your pillowcase design. I found it helped to plan it out with the images “face up”. 

Step 6: Once you're satisfied with the layout, flip them over so the colored side of meets the Pillow Case. Secure each design with heat tape and ensure they do not overlap with another.

Step 6: Create your “sublimation sandwich” . To protect your image and your surface, you will need to sandwich your design. Place a layer of protective paper inside the pillowcase (I attached to the tag board to help keep it from shifting) and then on top of your taped down images.

Step 7: You are ready to transfer. The time and temperature for this blank is 400℉ for 45 seconds. Because we have designs secured all over the large blank, you will need to press in sections. Be sure to “peek test” each section before moving onto the next. To peek test, carefully lift a corner of your design while leaving the tape in place to make sure the color transferred correctly. 

Step 8: Allow everything to cool, remove the tape and designs, and admire your creation! 

Pro Tip #5: If there is no ink on the Artesprix Protective Paper you can save to use on future projects.  

I love how vibrant Iron-on-Ink turns once sublimated! Even though it looks really gorgeous on my bed, I can’t wait to give it to my friend as a gift. I love how Artesprix inks, and substrates allow me to make one-of-a-kind custom gifts for friends and loved ones. Looking for more Artesprix inspiration? Be sure to check out the Artesprix Facebook Group. 

Until next time, 

Betsy Burnett