Hello my crafty peeps! I am back today to share another fun project using Sublimation markers to create your own Bag Tags!

 

I am also sharing a process video to share some tips on how to get a clear impression of your images. The first Bag Tag that I made turned out cute but I had some bleeding issues with my marker. I created a second one to show you the difference between the two bag tags.

 

Materials:

• Artesprix Blank Bag Tags
• Artesprix Iron On Ink Sublimation Markers (Black, Original, Gnomie Botanical and Pastel markers)
• Artesprix Sublimation Ink Pad – Black
• Stamp Set to use for your design
• Photopolymer stamps – Hand Lettered Basics Mirrored Words for Sublimation – 4×6
• Stamping Acrylic Block – or your MISTI
• Plain Copy Paper
• Pencil
• Artesprix Heat Tape
• Artesprix Protective Paper
• Artesprix Project Mat

Tools:

• Heat Source: Artesprix Heat Press, Dry Iron or Home Iron (without steam)
•  

Step-by-step Tutorial:

Step 1.

First, place the bookmark on a piece of plain copy paper and trace the outline using a pencil. This will then determine the area that you have to work with. Don’t worry about the pencil lines because this will not transfer to your bag tag.

Step 2.

Mount your stamp on an acrylic block (or stamping tool) and stamp the image on the copy paper using Artesprix Sublimation Ink Pad. Repeat this process for the rest of the images that you need to use for your bookmark.

Helpful TIP No. 1: Stamp the sentiment first and trace using the Fine Point Sublimation Marker in Black before coloring the image. Use a heating tool to speed up the drying process before coloring everything to avoid bleeding on your images.

Step 3.

Next, color your stamp design using your Iron-on-Ink sublimation markers. I used the Artesprix Original, Gnomie Botanical and Pastel Sublimation Markers to color my images. Don’t worry if the color looks a little muted, it will come to life when the heat is applied to your project.

Step 4.

Take your Bag Tag and place it against the ink. Use the Artesprix Heat Tape and tape it down so your design doesn’t shift. If you are using the Artesprix Heat Press, you only need one on each side to hold it down. If you are using an iron, you will need more. Sometimes the iron will cause the image to slip and you will get a ghost image. [Only use Artesprix Heat Tape on the outer edge of the design (not over it).]

If using an Artesprix Heat Press, set the temperature to 400 degrees F and timer to 45 seconds. If using a dry iron, set to linen or highest setting. [For a home iron, set to linen and “no steam.” Note: The holes in your home iron do not allow the heat to pass through evenly.]

Step 5.

Now, it is time for a sublimation sandwich. Cut two pieces of Artesprix Protective Paper to cover your project on the top and bottom. Place it inside the Heat Press and close the machine. You’ll want your Artesprix Project Mat handy because your project will be hot, and you don’t want it to damage your work space.

Step 6.

When the Heat Press beeps, this indicates that your project is ready. Pull the handle up and use protective gloves or oven mitts to protect your hands before taking the project out. Place it on top of the project mat and wait for about 20 minutes to cool down.

Step 7.

Gently remove the paper from the Bag Tag to reveal the design.

As you can see, I didn’t get a good impression on the sentiment for the first bag tag. The second one looks a lot better.

For the Bag Tag on the right, I stamped the sentiment first and traced it on the other side. I also used my heating tool to make sure that the sentiment is dry before I colored the entire background and the images. Here’s a closer look at the second tag.

I love being able to stamp or draw and color my designs on a plain piece of paper and transfer onto a blank to create a unique DIY project!

Helpful TIP no. 2 – If you are using an image printed out using your laser printer (traced using your sublimation marker), make sure to use the heat tape to “cover” any image or marks that you don’t want to get transferred onto your blank. I didn’t realize this until I heat press the tag. Take a look at the photo below:

For Tag No. 2, I used the Photopolymer Stamps – Hand Lettered Basics for the back of the Bag Tag.

 

The back of the second tag is what’s shown on the right in the photo below:

I absolutely LOVE the second tag. I am quite happy how it turned out and I think it looks really cute! I am planning on adding some iridescent gem stones to cover the bubbles and make it look 3D. For that, I think I will have to use a strong adhesive like E-6000. I will let you know how it turned out.

Here’s my process video:

 

You can FOLLOW this tutorial to create more than just Bag Tags. You will find all the blanks available for purchase on the Artespix website. The supplies are also listed and linked below. Thank you for stopping by and happy crafting!

 

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