Hi everyone! Debbie here from Debbie J’s Crafting Corner, and today I’m getting into the Halloween spirit with a fun new project using Artesprix Iron-On Ink! If you’re like me and love a good seasonal craft, then you’re going to enjoy transforming a simple potholder into a spooky kitchen accessory with some creative stamping and sublimation techniques. Let’s dive in!
**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 a game-changer for crafters. It's a specialized sublimation ink that allows you to transfer vibrant designs onto compatible surfaces with heat and pressure. Unlike traditional sublimation, which requires expensive printers, Artesprix makes it accessible for all makers. Once your design is transferred, it's permanently infused, making it durable and long-lasting.
Supplies:
Sublimation Stamp Pad
Potholder
Heat Tape
Protective Paper Roll
Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Mirror Stamp
Heat Source
MISTI Stamp Platform
Tombow Mono Glue Stick
Waffleflower Grip Mat
Blending brushes
Picket Fence Paper Pouncers
Heat Protective Gloves
Pencil
Cardstock
Step 1: Using a pencil, trace around the potholder on plain paper or card stock. Graphite from the pencil won’t transfer during the sublimation process, so don’t worry about it showing up on your final product.
Step 2: For this project, I’m using a Halloween stamp set from Tim Holtz that I’ve had in my stash for years. The sentiment I chose says, "I’m here for the candy"—perfect for Halloween! But there’s a trick to stamping for sublimation: you need to mirror the image.
I placed the stamp onto a piece of acetate with the image facing up (instead of down). I placed the Artesprix Mirror stamp onto the MISTI stamp platform lid. I then inked up the sentiment using Artesprix Ink.
When I closed the MISTI stamp platform lid, I was able to pick up the ink from the sentiment with the mirror stamp.
I removed the piece of acetate that has my sentiment stamp on it and closed the platform lid, essentially “stamping” with the Mirror Stamp Plate onto the card stock.
Since the only ink that is on the Mirror Stamp is what was added from the sentiment stamp, this is what transfers. A mirror image of what we would normally see when using the sentiment stamp.
Pro Tip: The reason I recommend using a stamp platform for this is that you will probably not get a dark stamping on the first time around. You’ll need to repeat the process until the final image is dark enough. And be careful not to shift the stamp or you will get a ghost image.
Step 3: Now it’s time to get creative with the background. I’m using the bat stencil from the same Tim Holtz set. For the background, I started with some purple Artesprix Ink using both a blending brush and a paper pouncer. The pouncer gives a more intense color, while the brush gave a soft color for the background
Step 4: Next, I cut out the sentiment and adhered it to the center of the card stock with a glue stick.
Step 5: Then, I placed the decorated card stock over the traced area on the potholder (white sublimatable surface touching my design) and secured it with heat-resistant tape.
Pro Tip #3: Be sure to use enough tape to prevent any shifting during the heat press process. "Ghosting" might be an appropriate theme for a spooky Halloween design, but I want clean, crisp lines for this project!
Step 5: Make a "sublimation sandwich" with protective paper on the bottom, the potholder with the design secured on top, and another layer of protective paper on top. This protects your heat press from any transferred ink.
Step 6: For this project, I used a clamshell heat press. With the "sandwich" assembled, place it in the press and close it at the recommended temperature and time. You can find the time and temperature for all Artesprix blanks on the product page on the Artesprix website. For this potholder, transfer specifications are 400℉ for 60 seconds.
Step 7: Before removing the tape, peel back a small part of your design to ensure the transfer was successful.
Pro Tip #4: Remember, the protective paper on top will likely have some ink on it, which is a good sign of a successful transfer. But don’t reuse any protective paper where there is ink on it for your next project.
Step 8: If Step 7 was successful and you did not need to re-press, remove the tape and peel back the paper to reveal your new Halloween potholder!
I’m so pleased with how this potholder turned out! The bats are delightfully spooky, and the mirrored sentiment came out perfectly. This project was a fun way to mix up my usual crafting routine and try some new techniques with Artesprix Iron-On Ink.
I’d love to see your creations using Artesprix Iron-on-Ink. Share your projects with us using #Artesprix, and #IrononInk, or post them in 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.**
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