Show Some Love Sublimation Ornament with Iron-on-Ink
Artesprix Design Teamblank of the month, ornaments, stamp pads
Hello and welcome! My name is Linh from LVHandcrafted and today I’m sharing a fun project to celebrate anything from Valentine’s Day to anniversaries, weddings, engagements, etc. What better way to say “I Love You” than custom-monogramming this heart ornament? And the best part is that it’s double-sided! You can create a lovely design on one side and personalize the other!
**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 are Sublimation Arts & Crafts Supplies?
The word "sublimation" is a chemistry term that describes the process of a substance (like Iron-on-Ink) going from a solid state to a gaseous phase and skipping over the liquid phase. In the world of designing custom goods, sublimation offers a permanent way to transfer a design to a polyester surface. The result is a vibrant, custom designed product that is long-lasting and durable. If you’ve always wanted to try sublimation but thought you needed an expensive, specialty printer, you’re in luck because Artesprix makes it possible to sublimate without a sublimation printer!
Supplies:
Sublimation Ink Pad - Pink
Sublimation Markers - Black
Blending brush
Heat Source
Copy Paper/Cardstock
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Start by outlining the blank onto plain copy / printer paper. Be sure to use a pencil because anything else might transfer to your blank.
Pro Tip: outline the hole at the top so you can plan your design around it.
Step 2: Pick your preferred Artesprix Ink Pad color and smoosh it onto a non-porous surface (like a glass or silicone mat). Then, give the ink a light spritz of water.
Step 3: “Dip” your copy paper into the watery ink. You can dip multiple times to get areas that are a little darker and some areas a little lighter.
Step 4: I used the Modern Alphabet stencil to personalize this blank. Stencils are a FABULOUS way to do lettering because you can use a stencil from the front or the back. For sublimation, you will want to stencil so that your letters look mirrored and you want to remember to stencil from Right to Left.
Pro Tip #2: Use some low tack tape to mask off the surrounding letters so you don’t accidentally stencil through them. The tape also has the added benefit of holding your stencil down as well.
Step 5: Background stencils are a great way to add even more texture. I used a heart stencil to add even more pattern to the background. I was careful to use light pressure so it’s not as dark as the monogramming and I avoided stenciling any hearts over the letters.
Step 6: Secure your design to the blank using heat resistant tape.
Step 7: I placed the blank with the design taped to it inside a folded sheet of protective paper. Some call it a "Sublimation Taco".
Step 8: Press your design into your blank at 400°F for 75 seconds. Make sure the design is on top of the blank and closest to the heat press.
Pro Tip #3: Small handheld heat presses like the one I’m using might not reach the suggested temperature, so your design might be less vivid, which I tend to like for this project. Mini heat presses and small blanks like these are a great way to get into sublimation, but remember to add additional time to compensate for lower temperatures. That is why the next step is so important...
Step 9: Take a peek to make sure the sublimation ink has transferred without removing the design out of place.
Step 10: Allow to cool before transferring to the other side. If your Protective Paper from Step 7 does not have any ink residue on it, you can reuse it!
Step 11: Affix included red ribbon and share with a loved one.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my project on the Artesprix Blog! Share your next sublimation project in the Artesprix Iron-on-Ink Inspirational Group on Facebook, we would love to see your creations. Be sure to use the tags #Artesprix and #IrononInk so we don't miss it. If you want to learn more about me and see more projects click here: @LVHandcrafted.
Thanks so much for checking out my project. Have a fabulous day!
Linh Van
**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.**
