Tim Holtz Blank of the Month Puzzle with Iron-on-Ink

Hello there, I'm Adam and I consider myself a paper crafting guru. I love making cards for all occasions and have done so for the past 8 years. I have since progressed to mixed media using stamping and other paper and metal pieces and now branching out into the world of sublimation ink crafts. 

I love how Artesprix offers so many different blanks to work with. Each month Artesprix features a new blank and this March it is jigsaw puzzle. This blank is perfect for my grandmother who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. I am making this puzzle in black and white with a bit of color to make it harder for her since it only has 30 pieces. She has been an avid puzzle hobbyist her whole life, and will love this project because I made it for her. Grandmas and puzzles are great!

What is Artesprix Iron-on-Ink?

For me, I see it as an extension of what I currently use. Artesprix Iron-on Ink offers a complete line of sublimation products that allow artists and crafters to personalize polyester-coated blanks with their own designs without a fancy printer!

I have discovered Artesprix Sublimation Markers and Sublimation Iron-on-Ink are two forms of the same product. It is heat transferable ink. I can color in stamped image with the markers after I stamp the design using the sublimation Iron-on-Ink onto a piece of printer paper.  This ink in marker form or pad form is amazingly intense and colorful once it is ironed or heat press set onto s sublimation blank. The ink really intensifies with the heat. It will appear dull on the printer paper but the final product is beyond belief.

Materials: 

Sublimation Markers  

Sublimation Stamp Pad – Black

Sublimation Stamps: Hand Lettered Basics

Acrylic Stamp Block

Tim Holtz Stamps

Heat Tape

Protective Paper Roll

Project Mat

Sublimation Puzzle

Copy Paper

Pencil

Scissors

Heat Press

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: Start by measuring the puzzle and create a template on white copy paper.  

Step 2: Using the Artesprix black sublimation Iron-on-Ink, stamp onto the printer paper template as desired. 

Step 3: After stamping, use sublimation markers color in the stamped designs on the printer paper.

Pro Tip: I usually turn on the heat press during this stage of my creating. This allows plenty of time to get the press to the proper temperature. For this puzzle blank, set the temperature to 400℉ and the timer for 60 seconds.

Step 4: After designing, remove the frame of the puzzle. Secure the design onto the puzzle using heat resistant tape. The heat resistant tape is important because it resists the heat and keep your project in place. 

Pro Tip: Always be careful to tape around the blank, no over it, the heat resistant characteristic can cause your design to transfer unevenly. 

Step 5: This step is referred to as a "sublimation sandwich". Cut two pieces of the protective paper larger than the puzzle. Place the puzzle with the secured design in-between the two sheets. This protects the heating surface from the sublimation ink and protects the bottom surface as well. 

Step 6: Heat press the puzzle according to the time and temperature suggested by manufacturer. Artesprix recommends 400℉ for 60 seconds. 

Step 7: One of the most important parts of your transfer is the "peek test". Do not remove the tape from the puzzle until you lift a corner of the paper to verify the transfer. If you did not get a good transfer, it could mean the heat source was not fully heated or your sandwich was placed incorrectly. Either way, it is an easy fix by simply repressing. I must admit this is always my favorite step in creating with sublimation ink and Artesprix blanks.

Step 8: Once you confirmed your transfer was successful, simply remove the tape and printer paper.  

I hope you enjoyed my jigsaw puzzle, this would be a great gifts for people of all ages. Simply design according to the age of the recipient using Artesprix blanks with Iron-on-Ink and stamps.

Be sure to grab yours before the end of the month as they won't be in the Artesprix Shop for long! If you liked this Blog, check out other projects from previous months at Artesprix Blog. You can find more of my work over on my Instagram at for more crafty inspiration.

Until next time, 

Adam Karle 

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