Sublimation is one of my favorite crafting genres. When I first started experimenting with sublimation in 2019, I invested in a sublimation printer and I already had a heat press that I was using for my Cricut HTV projects. But what if I told you that you could dive into sublimation crafting without a printer and without a heat press? It’s true! I’m here to guide you through creating a beautiful Artesprix Drawstring Bag using just a few simple tools and materials. Let’s get colorful!
You can also watch the process by clicking on the video below.
Embrace Simplicity
Most of you know I love keeping things simple, and this project is no exception. All you need is a bit of creativity, your Artesprix fine-tipped markers, and some time to relax and enjoy coloring. I started by grabbing a pretty 4” x 6” floral stamp from my stash. This one is from a set by Hero Arts called “Day Flower.” Next, I used my green Artesprix stamp pad to stamp it onto a sheet of plain copy paper. Then came the calming and relaxing part: coloring my design.
How I Picked My No-Press Sublimation Bag Colors
For the flowers, I’m going purple and pink – my go-to colors. I added in a couple of shades of each plus a touch of orange. Yellow made the perfect center for each flower. I wanted to add green for sure. So I used it for the parts of the design that look like leaves and stems. Even if your green isn’t looking perfect, embrace the change; imperfections can add character. Switching between fine and chisel tips just makes the process even easier and more fun.
Outline & Enhance
Once your colors are in place, double-check everything and fill in any details you may have missed. Adding a little gold gives a nice touch. Don’t forget those little finishing touches – they make all the difference.
Preparing the Canvas
Before applying any design, make sure to protect your work surface with a protective pad or pressing pad. Even if you will be using a home iron, you won’t want to use an ironing board as your surface. A firm, flat surface is best.. This helps manage heat transfer efficiently.
Transfer with Ease
Even without a heat press, you can achieve brilliant results. Position your design on the bag, and secure it with heat tape to avoid any movement during pressing. You can even add personalized messages or names, giving your design that extra special touch.
Home-Friendly Heat Application
Don’t own fancy equipment? No worries! Your home iron set to its highest heat setting (with no steam) works wonders. For about 45 seconds of firm pressure, you’ll begin to see your vibrant design taking shape. For guidance on time and temperature settings with the Artesprix Drawstring Bag or any of Artesprix blanks, visit the Artesprix website and check the section under ‘Blanks.’
Let’s break down the process step by step.
Materials and Supplies
- Artesprix Drawstring bag
- Sublimation markers
- Sublimation stamp pad
- Sheet of white copy paper
- Heat tape
- Protective paper
- Protective pad or pressing pad
- Home iron
- Acrylic stamp block
- Lint roller
Step-By-Step Process
1. Use an Artesprix stamp pad to stamp your desired design onto a sheet of plain copy paper
2. Color in the design using your sublimation markers. Take your time and get creative
3. Trim down your design so that it will fit on the bag. Leave a small border around the design
4. Clean off the drawstring bag using a lint roller
5. Place a piece of protective paper inside of the drawstring bag to catch any ink that might try to transfer to the back
6. Use heat tape to secure your stamped design face down onto the bag
7. Complete your sublimation sandwich by layering your items in this order on top of your protective pad or pressing pad:
- Protective paper
- Drawstring bag with a piece of protective paper inside
- Stamped design (face down)
- Another sheet of protective paper on top
8. Set your home iron to the highest heat setting (usually cotton or linen) and make sure it is set to NO STEAM
9. Apply firm, direct pressure (no moving around) with the iron to your design for about 45 seconds.
10. If you need to press another part of the design, lift the iron straight up without sliding it and apply it to the next section
11. Lift a corner of the design to make sure that your design transferred correctly. If it did, you are done! If not, replace the design and protective paper and press for a few more seconds.
Pro Tip: You can reuse your protective paper if there is no ink transfer on it. If, like in my photo below, there is any ink on the protective paper, go ahead and throw it away. Otherwise, you may end up transferring ink to your heat press, iron, or the next project.
Wrapping it Up
And there you have it – a completely custom, handmade drawstring bag, no heat press necessary. I honestly had no idea that I could get such beautiful, vibrant results using just my home iron. I am loving this design and couldn’t be happier with the results.
What kind of no-printer, no-heat press sublimation project will you create? I’d love to see it when you’re done. You can email me, leave a comment on this post, or tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I am also on Pinterest, YouTube, and Threads. Just look for EJsFunCrafting.
Now go make something relaxing!
