Cloud Nine Apron with Iron-on-Ink

Hello! Nicole here with a cute apron I created using this month’s blank of the month! I must admit, I was a bit intimidated by this project. I really had no idea what I wanted to do this month until I received some adorable stamps from Sassy and Crafty. The Happy Dragon Stamp really caught my eye and that’s what I decided to use for this project. Let me show you how this adorable apron came together!

What are Artesprix 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 with sublimation, which is specially formulated inks that transfer only when activated with heat.

Materials:

1. Pastel and Original Sublimation Markers
2. Blank Copy Paper
3. Apron
4. Happy Dragon Stamp set from Sassy & Crafty
5. Acrylic Stamp Block
6. Sublimation Ink Pad
7. Project Mat
8. Protective Paper
9. Heat Tape
10. Heat Source (Heat Press or Iron)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Stamp images onto a sheet of copy paper using the Sublimation Ink Pad. Tip: 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 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! Just try it.

Tip: Set your heat press at 400 degrees fahrenheit for 60 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. :)

Step 2: Color in the images using your sublimation markers. This is my favorite process. Who doesn’t enjoy coloring? Especially on a Friday night when you have no plans.

Step 3: Use a lightbox to create a mirror image of text. While I was creating this, I discovered that my lightbox broke. I’m not sure what happened, but it was nighttime and I needed to create a mirror text. Since I couldn’t do it using sunlight and a window, I used my cell phone. It worked!

Step 4: Use a lint roller to remove any fuzzies from your apron.

Step 5: Pre-Press the apron for ~5 seconds at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare  your apron for sublimation! This will help against wrinkles and prevent the possibility of a "ghost image" on your apron. Be sure to protect your apron during the Pre-Press step by using Protective Paper. This is also a great time to check your pressure.

Step 6:  Using heat tape, tape down the stamped images face-down on the apron. Tip: Notice I did not use any tape near my designs, the heat resistance characteristics of the tape

Step 7: Place a piece of Protective Paper at the top and bottom of your apron. 

Step 8: Place your "Sublimation Sandwich" inside the heat press and press for 60 seconds at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Step 8:  Carefully, remove the apron from the heat press using gloves or something to protect your hands from the heat. Then place the apron onto the Project Mat to cool down. After a minute or two, it is time to do the "Peek Test". Slightly remove one corner of your copy paper to see if you got a successful transfer. Your project should be bright and vivid. If not recheck your time, temperature, sublimation sandwich, and pressure, then repress. If you did get a successful transfer then remove all your heat tape to reveal your vivid designs!

Step 8: Put it on and admire your beautiful design!

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

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 for sharing. **