Iron-on-Ink Sweet Sunrise Blank of the Month Heart Ornament

**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 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!

Supplies:
Blank of the Month - Heart Ornaments 2ct
Hero Arts Clear Stamps Color Layering SEA AND SKY
Hero Arts - Clear Photopolymer Stamps - Color Layering Waves
Sublimation Stamp Pad
Original Sublimation Markers 10ct
Heat Tape
Protective Paper Roll
MISTI Stamping Tool
Heat Resistant Gloves
Reverse Tweezers
Heat Press or Handheld Craft Press 
Plain Paper or Card Stock
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Trace the blank on plain paper that we’ll add the design to. I’m using cardstock (because I’m more comfortable using it for stamping) but you can use plain copy paper for this.

Place the blank in roughly the center of the paper, and trace it with a pencil. DO NOT use a sublimation marker as the ink will transfer when we apply ink later on. 
Step 2: Next I added some color to the Heart template using some Sublimation Stamp Pads and blending brushes.  
I added some light yellow in the center to represent sun glow, and light blue around the edges to represent the rest of the sky. 
Pro Tip: To get a lighter shade of color, use scrap to remove some of the ink from your brush. It’s always best to start lighter and add more ink if you need to. I achieved the light blue by using a paper towel to brush off some of the ink helped me get the right shade.

Step 3: Next I put the card stock panel into my MISTI Stamping Tool and stamped out the water area using a stamp from the Hero Arts - Clear Photopolymer Stamps - Color Layering Waves stamp set and using the same Blue Sublimation Ink Pad.  I stamped it a couple of times to get nice, dark coverage (which is a breeze using the MISTI).
I took the panel out of the MISTI and used the blue blending brush to lightly add more blue ink over the waves.  This gives us light blue and dark blue waves.
Pro Tip #2: Keep a set of blending brushes to use specifically with your sublimation inks. Sublimation Ink acts differently then regular dye or pigment ink, cross contamination of the inks could had averse affect on future projects.
Step 4: Then I masked the horizon line with some purple tape and added some clouds, a dolphin, and a boat using the Black Sublimation Ink Pad. I double stamped this as well to get a darker silhouette. 
Pro Tip #3: I noticed that the boat wasn’t exactly lined up on the surface of the water… but that’s ok! I used a black sublimation marker to fill in the gap.

Step 5: Time to transfer! Place the blank onto your design and line it up approximately with the pencil line template. I added enough ink that the pencil was a little difficult to see. But, since I colored intentionally outside the lines, that will work perfectly. Tape the blank onto the card with Heat Tape. 
Step 6: Next we create the "Sublimation Sandwich". Cut two pieces of protective paper larger than your design. The protective paper is used to “protect” your heat press from the ink. 
Make your sandwich like this: 

1. Protective paper on the bottom (bottom bun)
2. Your blank with taped design.
3. And another layer of the protective paper on top. (top bun)

Step 7: Set your heat source to 400℉. Placed the "sublimation sandwich" in the press and closed the lid and transfer for 75 seconds.

Step 8: "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. 
Step 9: Once you confirmed your transfer was successful, remove your design for the big reveal! 

Step 10: OOooOOoo! This turned out so pretty! Add your ribbon for the very last step.

The stamped images layered perfectly over the lighter blended background. I really appreciate you hanging out with me today and would love to see what you create using your craft supplies and Artesprix Iron-on-Ink!  After all, "if I can make it, you can too"! If you do not have any in your Maker's toolbox yet, head on over to the Artesprix Shop, right now. 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.
Because, if I can make it, You Can too!
Big Hugs!
Debbie Jenkins

**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.**