Stir it up Kitchen Towel with Artesprix Iron-on-Ink

Hello and welcome! Design Team Member Linh here, from LVHandcrafted and today I’m going to use a layered stencil created from an SVG file to make a fun and sassy kitchen towel. The Artesprix Iron-on-Ink pads are perfect for stenciling designs big and small. This Blank is large which means there is ample room to personalize! The best part? Artesprix Inks and compatible blanks can be washed numerous times and never will never wash out, you can use this project like you would any Dish Towel! 

**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: 
Kitchen Towel Blank
Sublimation Stamp Pad
Blending Brushes
Protective Paper 
Heat Tape 
Heat Tape Dispenser
Protective Project Mat 
Heat Resistant Gloves 
Multi Purpose Cleaner.
Heat Source
Copy Paper
Pencil
Scissors

Step-by-Step Tutorial: 
Step 1: I used a fun SVG file to create a 3-layer stencil that is roughly 5” x 7”. I’ve cut it out of plain card stock using my Cricut. My stencil has words, so I will stencil through the back of the stencil in order to mirror the design.

Step 2: When I stencil my first layer, I also ink through the 2 registration triangles I added to my cut design. This helps me line up each layer of my stencil so it’s perfectly positioned as I ink through the next color.

Step 3: Using a blending brush or pouncer, I continue to ink through each layer of my stencil design. Every layer of my stencil will be a different color of my design.
Step 4: With my stenciling complete, I need to trim off the areas that I don’t want to transfer onto my blank (red line). It’s important to trim off the registration triangles and any “oopsies”. I have some ink smudges where I inked outside of my stencil. But leave enough paper so you can tape your design down without your tape overlapping your design.

Pro Tip: If you have an "oopsies" you can't cut out, put a piece of Heat Tape over it to prevent it from transferring.

Step 5: Tape down your design with the ink touching your Kitchen Towel Blank. You can measure to find the center, or "eye-ball" it like me. 

Pro Tip #2: If you are using a handheld craft heat press that you have to manually hold and press down, make sure you tape down your design very securely. Be generous with your tape. 
Step 6: Line your Protective Project Mat with some Protective Paper. Put your Kitchen Towel Blank on top with the sublimation design on the top. Add another layer of protective paper to protect your heat source.

Step 7: Heat for 60 seconds at 380℉ degrees. If using a handheld press, hold stationary while adding firm pressure.

Step 8: Gently lift a small corner of your design to do a little “peek test” to see if your design has transferred. If you see nice, vibrant color, you are good to go! If it doesn’t look like your design is complete or it’s not vibrant, heat again and try adding a bit more pressure. The most important part of this step, is not moving your design out of place.

Step 9: Allow Kitchen Towel Blank to cool to room temperature, it does not take long as it is fabric, and reveal your design! 

I love how bright and vibrant the Iron-on-Ink looks after sublimation. It’s always so satisfying to see the final project!

If you enjoy watching process videos, here’s my tutorial video from my YT Channel.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my project on the Artesprix Blog!  If you try stenciling your sublimation designs, please share it 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.**