Sublimation is huge in the crafting world right now. Although it isn’t a new technique or a new process, you can find sublimation projects all over Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. There is no shortage of video tutorials about how to sublimate. There are many crafters with amazing sublimation content, and I’ll share a few of my favorites at the end of this post.
First Encounters with Sublimation
I started playing around with sublimation about 2 years ago. YouTube had lots of videos out and I really wanted to try it. I purchased an Epson printer with a sublimation conversion kit from E-Bay. It was a pretty safe investment. The printer was new and it was under $200 at the time. I already had a heat press, so I was pretty much set. The first sublimation projects I tried were mousepads and neoprene coasters. Later I worked on mugs and shirts. I was really proud when I added my logo to a table runner for my local market set-up. The process was super easy and fun.
Cricut Infusible Ink
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In 2018, Cricut introduced Infusible Ink products. With the addition of transfer sheets, markers, and pens that “become one with your blank”, the basic sublimation process became more accessible to crafters and hobbyists. More recently, Cricut released the Cricut Mug Press. This further opened the world of sublimation. Add in the templates you can get in Cricut Design Space and on sites like Creative Fabrica and others, and you can really make a home hobby a business.
As time has passed, I have experimented with sublimation on shirts, onesies, and mugs. Sometimes, though, it can be a challenge coming up with ideas for things to sublimate. Besides cups and shirts, what else is there? Let me tell you: the list is longer than I ever realized. I’ve come across things I would have never thought to use with sublimation or Infusible Ink. Below, I’d like to show you five easy beginner sublimation projects I have made. Take a look.
Materials and Supplies
Before we get into those five sublimation projects, let’s talk a little bit about the supplies you’ll need. After all, I don’t want you to get excited and then realize you don’t have the tools you need. I’ll also add links to my picks for some of the items I mention.
- Heat source. Sublimation requires high heat. So you’ll want a good heat press or sublimation oven that will reach about 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sublimation paper (you can use laser copy paper if you’re just getting started)
- Sublimation printer. Many people are currently using “converted” inkjet printers, which is how I started out. Recently, I was able to upgrade to an actual sublimation printer. I use the Sawgrass SG500 and I love it!
- Sublimation blanks. Items that you will directly sublimate on have to have a coating or be a fiber that will allow the dye to bond with the material. That is why you’ll hear “polyester” a lot.
- Heat resistant tape. This is super helpful for holding your images in place.
- Teflon sheets or butcher paper. This will protect your heat press from the ink while pressing.
Here’s the thing: if you do not have access to a sublimation printer, that doesn’t mean your dream of trying this cool process is ruined. There are places where you can purchase pre-printed and customized sublimation prints. Plus, you can also use Cricut Infusible Ink products to obtain similar results. Now who’s ready to dive into those five easy projects? Let’s go!
T-Shirts
T-shirts are probably the first thing most of us think of when sublimation is mentioned. One reason is because they are a super easy and fairly inexpensive item to make. The main thing is the be sure your shirt contains a high polyester count if sublimating directly onto the shirt. (There are ways to sublimate on other materials, but that’s a story for another article.) I prefer shirts that are at least 60% polyester. Cricut Infusible Ink shirts are a great option to try.
Coffee Mugs
As you may have guessed, coffee mugs are the number two item for easy sublimation. All you need is a cup press, Cricut Mug Press, or sublimation oven and you’ve got it made. There is no vinyl to fuss with lining up and curving correctly. You don’t have to worry about the “hand wash, do not soak” reminder. Here’s something to remember, though: you can’t use just any mug. You’ll need to use a mug that is meant for sublimation. It has a special coating on it that allows it to absorb and hold the ink properly. Overall, this is also an affordable sublimation project to try.
Coasters
If you have a coffee mug, you’re going to need a coaster, right? I doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily use the coaster. I mean, I am forever wiping off cup rings from my table. But coasters look cool. You can use either ceramic coasters like the ones Cricut makes for Infusible Ink, or you can use neoprene coasters like the one I made here. They are also super easy to complete and they make a great gift.
Mousepads
What desk set would be complete without a mousepad these days? For this set, I used a mousepad with a neoprene, sublimate-able (is that a word?). The image came out nice and crisp. Again, this option doesn’t have a high price tag to make, which makes it another perfect beginner project.
Earrings
How about this one? Did you know that you can use the sublimation process to make (wait for it…) JEWELRY? For real! While I knew about all of the other projects I listed above, this one was a new one to me. I was so happy to Megan from Lovebird Heartworks for introducing this to me. Don’t these look amazing? They were made by request to match specific outfits. You can always have the right accessories! If you’d like to learn how to make earrings like these, I have a how-to article over on The Artistry, Creative Fabrica‘s blog.
Wrapping it Up
So what do you think? Sublimation can be a fun and exciting hobby. There are so many things you can try. I hope this article has given you a little insight into things you can make to get started. If you would like to do a little more research and digging into sublimation, I have a few friends, colleagues, and resources that I’ll leave below. If you make anything, I’d love to see it! CONNECT with me! I am EJ’s Fun Crafting on all platforms. Now, go make something fun!
- The Country Chic Cottage
- Jamela By Pink
- Heat Transfer Warehouse
- Amor to Create
- Jackie Lopez Designs
- Lorrie Nunemaker
