Stenciled Artesprix Zip Case with Sublimation Stamp Pads

Hi! I’m Alison Heikkila and I am very happy you are visiting today. My second Artesprix project for September is a Zip Case, which is one of my favorite Blanks offered by Artesprix. Not only does the Zip Case have plenty of room for you to create awesome designs on, but it’s really useful and makes a great gift. My tutorial today is really simple and fast to recreate, so I hope it inspires you to try Artesprix for yourself.

What is Iron-on-Ink?
Artesprix Sublimation Markers, Ink, and Paint are specially formulated to allow you to use basic copy paper to: color, stamp, stencil, and monoprint anything you wish and turn it into a heat-transferable design. These designs are then applied to a polyester or polyester coated substrates with heat and pressure. You can use a heat press or a home iron! These designs, through this process of sublimation, will become permanent on your substrates.

Supplies:

Zip Case 3 Pack
Ink Pads
Protective Paper

Heat Tape
A Colorful Life Designs: Tranquil Spiro Stencil
Therm O Web: Pixie Spray
Blending Brushes (A dedicated brush for each color)
Copy Paper

Pencil
Heat Source: Home Iron or Heat Press

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: Trace the Zip Case on to a piece of copy paper with a pencil.

Step 2: Spray the back of your stencil with Pixie Spray to help keep it from moving when you begin inking it.

Step 3: Apply the stencil to the copy paper and begin inking it in rainbow order. You will find that the colors blend beautifully.

This is what my finished design looked like. I made sure to go past my template so that if I accidentally move my Zip Case when I tape it, there will not be any  unintended white space.

Step 4: Once we are finished designing, we are ready to transfer. Secure your design to the Zip Case face down using Heat resistant Tape. Be sure to secure it well.

Step 5: Let’s make our "Sublimation Sandwich"! Add a layer of siliconized paper to the top and bottom of your Blank. Your sandwich will be: Protective Paper, Colored design, Blank, then Protective Paper. The Protective Paper prevents any images accidentally transferring to either side of your Heat Press or to your home iron. Some blanks like this require you to put a piece of Protective Paper in-between to prevent any ink from transferring to the other side. Artesprix's Zip Case is high quality, so that is not necessary, but it is good to be aware of this in case you are using a different polyester blank. 

Step 6: Sublimate the Zip Case at 400℉ for 45 seconds. Be sure to keep the zipper out of the Heat Press so that it does not affect the functionality. 

Step 7: Time for the "Peek Test"! Carefully lift a small portion of the design off of the Blank to ensure a good transfer. If you need to re-press your piece, you can since you have not moved the art out of place.

Here’s my completed Zip Case, with the original design. I love seeing how bold the colors become through the sublimation process. And the stenciled lines are nice and crisp.

This Zip Case may look like it took a while to make, but it was actually really fast and simple. Artesprix’s Sublimation Stamp Pads blend so nicely, even on copy paper, you do not need much effort to get an amazing looking project.

How would you like to get more ideas on using Artesprix’s Sublimation Ink Pads, Markers, and Paint? There’s a Facebook Group that’s just for fans of Artesprix! You can click HERE to join. Also, don't forget to visit the Artesprix store to see all of the available blanks and bundles, so you can get started with sublimation.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Have an inspiring day! 

Alison Heikkila 

**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.**