Iron-on-Ink I Love Crafts Custom Tote Bag

December 30, 2022 Artesprix Design Team
Favorites, Paints, Tote Bag

Hi guys! I'm Debbie from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner. Today I’m making my largest sublimation project with Artesprix Sublimation Iron-on-Ink…. A custom tote bag! I would say that this is the perfect gift. But I’m keeping it! This blank has plenty of space to get creative, and it is double-sided. Perfect for a quick trip to the farmer's market, grocery store, or the gym! These are available in the Artesprix Shop so I hope you feel inspired to grab one for yourself!

**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.**

sublimation tote bag with artesprix paint

What is Artesprix Iron-on-Ink?

Artesprix Iron-on-Ink is specialty sublimation ink in craft form. Traditionally sublimation ink is found in a fancy (expensive) printer. However, Artesprix hit the crafting scene in 2018 giving Makers, like me, the ability to experience sublimation without high-end equipment. Sublimation is when ink transforms to a gas and then binds to a compatible blank once combined with heat and pressure. The big deal? Once the design is infused to the polyester coated blank or polyester fabric, it is lifetime permanent!

polyester tote bag sublimation paint heat resistant tape

Supplies:

Canvas Tote Bag

Sublimation Acrylic Paint Set

Heat Tape

Protective Paper Roll

Heat Press

Plain Paper

Brother Scan N Cut

SVG from Erin Reed Makes

Paint Brush
Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: First we need out design. I’m using an SVG from Erin Reed Makes, and my Brother Scan-N-Cut to create my design today. I imported the SVG into Canvas Workspace and resized it to about 10 ½ inches wide. I also mirrored the words from the design in Canvas Workspace and exported the design from my computer to the machine. I imported and resized the PNG file that Erin included with the SVG into Microsoft Word and printed the word doc. This is my template for adding the design to the bag.

Step 2: Next I painted a piece of cardstock in various colors and let it dry.

Pro Tip: You can use your Ranger Heat-it Tool to speed up the drying process. Make sure that it is completely dry BEFORE you put it in your cutting machine. If it’s not dry, your electronic cutting machine with shred the wet paper.

Step 3: After the painted design is completely dry, I placed it onto a standard mat for my Brother Scan N Cut and scanned it into the machine. Then I repositioned the images that were previously imported to where I wanted and let the machine cut them.

Pro Tip #2: While your machine is doing all the work, set your heat source to the required setting for the blank. The Artesprix Tote Bag calls for 400℉.

Step 4: Once everything was cut out, I arranged the cut images onto the bag and taped them down with Heat Tape. You want to make sure to use Heat Tape, and NOT Scotch Tape or washi tape. Other tapes are not designed for high heat.

sublimation tote bag with secured designs before transfer

Step 5: Next we create the "Sublimation Sandwich". Cut three large pieces of protective paper. Tip pieces need to be larger than the tote bag, and one needs to be big enough to protect the inside/ink from transferring to the other side. The protective paper is used to “protect” your heat press from the ink and keep your tote bag white where intended.

Make your "sandwich" like this:

Protective paper on the bottom (bottom bun)
Your blank with taped design on the top, face-down, with a piece of protective paper in-between.
And another layer of the protective paper on top. (top bun)

Pro Tip #3: If there is no ink residue on your Artesprix Siliconized Protective Paper it can be used in future projects.

sublimation tote bag in heat press before transfer

Step 6: Time to transfer! Place the "sublimation sandwich" in the heat press and closed the lid and allowed to transfer for 45 seconds.

Step 7: "Peek Test" time, this can be a project saver! Before removing any tape, peel back a small part of your design to ensure the transfer was successful.

sublimation paint design on tote bag after transfer

Step 8: Once you confirmed your transfer was successful, remove your design for the big reveal!

I know I say this every time but "oh my goodness"! I LOVE how my project came out. I think one of most fun things about crafting is the amazement once you are finished. This transfer is just fantastic! I’ll be carrying around with me for quite a while. And I can wash the tote over and over and design will never come off!

sublimation tote bag with artesprix paint design

I really appreciate you stopping by and reading about my tote bag project. I would love to see what you create using your craft supplies and Artesprix Iron-on-Ink! If you do not have any Artesprix products your Maker's toolbox yet, head on over to the Artesprix Shop. They have a "Starter Kit" that I highly recommend. Share your Artesprix projects with us by using #Artesprix and #IrononInk or post it to the Artesprix Facebook Group.