Iron-on-Ink Happy Birthday Picture Frame

Hello! Nicole here with a fun birthday frame I created using Sassy & Crafty’s adorable Let’s Eat Cake stamps! As soon as I saw the cute little bears I just knew I had to create something with these guys. They are too cute and HAPPY! Who doesn’t need a little more happiness in their lives?! These guys made me smile, for sure.

Sublimation happy birthday DIY picture frame

What are Sublimation Markers?

Magic Ink that transfers their beautiful colors from plain copy paper to a polyester product with a heat source. Iron-on-Ink Markers are the way to personalize sublimation, which is specially formulated inks that transfer only when activated with heat.

Materials:

Let’s Eat Cake Stamp Set from Sassy & Crafty

Pastel, Gnomie Botanical and Original Sublimation Markers

Plain Copy Paper

Sublimation Picture Frame 

Acrylic Stamp Block

Sublimation Ink Pad

Project Mat

Protective Paper

Heat Tape

Heat Source (Heat Press or Iron)

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: Using a sheet of copy paper and pencil, trace the frame onto the paper so you know how much space you are working with.

Pro Tip: This is also the step where you want to decide if you prefer a vertical or horizontal design. I went for the vertical. Your Artesprix Picture frame comes disables and you able it once the design is transferred. 

Sublimation Picture Frame DIY Template

Step 2: Stamp design stamps onto a sheet of copy paper using the Sublimation Ink Pad.

Pro Tip: If your stamp is brand new like mine (Thanks Sassy & Crafty!), before you stamp on your main project copy paper, you may want to stamp your image on a scrap piece of paper a few times. Sometimes, the ink does not cling to brand new stamps too well, which doesn’t always give you a crisp image. You can eliminate this issue just by stamping on a scrap piece of paper a few times… Trust me! 

Sublimation Design DIY Picture Frame

Pro Tip: Set your heat press at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds before you start coloring in your images. That way, the heat press will be hot enough to sublimate your images when you are finished designing. :)

Step 3: Color in the stamped designs using Sublimation Markers. 

Pro Tip: Markers need to be placed tip down before and during use. I recommend putting brand new markers tip down 30 minutes + before using. 

Sublimation Picture Frame Design DIY Sassy and Crafty stamps

Pro Tip: The colors on the paper look so muted, but as you saw in the photos the colors come to life once heat and pressure is applied. 

Step 4:  Using Heat Tape, tape down the frame with the images faced-up.

Sublimation Picture Frame DIY Heat Tape

Step 7: Time to make a "Sublimation Sandwich". Place a piece of Protective Paper at the top and bottom of your frame. 

Pro Tip: Ensure that your design is face-down on the top side of your "Sublimation Sandwich".

Sublimation Picture Frame DIY Sassy and Crafty Stamps

Step 8: Place your "Sublimation Sandwich" inside the heat press for 30 seconds at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Artesprix Clamshell Heat Press Sublimation

Step 9: Once the timer finishes, before removing any tape, take a little "peek test" to make sure the colors are vibrant.

Sublimation DIY Picture Frame

Step 10: Carefully, remove the frame from the heat press using some type of heat resistant protective supplies, like gloves. Then place the frame onto the Project Mat to cool down. After a minute or two, remove the paper and heat tape to reveal your vivid designs!

Sublimation Picture Frame DIY Design Happy Birthday

Step 11: Assemble picture frame as desired, vertically for this design. Place protective mylar film in picture frame before assembling.

Sublimation Picture Frame Assembly

Isn’t this adorable!? I just love it so much! Thank you for visiting today! If you enjoyed this tutorial, check out my Beach Frame. It’s super cute! Looking to make your first purchase? Click here to shop through my affiliate link!

Sublimation DIY Design happy birthday picture frame

Nicole Martel, Design Team Member

**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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