Supplies:
- Laser printer copy paper.
- Infusible ink markers/pens. I used the 1.0 thickness
- A heat press or other heat source. For best results it should be able to get to at least 385 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use an iron or lower heat setting, then the colors will be more muted/not as bright.
- Heat resistance tape
- A plastic lid or other type of plastic that a marker would not soak into.
- A canvas or other surface to put your design on to. Any sublimation blank should work.
- A cup of water. The temperature does not matter.
- Optional: Cricut machine or other similar machines infusible markers can work in. (If you do not have a machine, then you can draw or trace your own design or print out mine and trace it.)
- Optional: My bunny design, which you can get for free from my library. You could also do your own design.
Steps:
- Upload or select a design you would like to use. If you would like help on how to upload a design then click here or how to unzip a folder so you can upload it then click here.
- Size the design to fit your canvas. I made my slightly larger than my canvas so the design would look continuous. Do not forget to consider the size of your laser copy paper when determining the size of your design.
- In my design I made the eye easy to remove if you would like too. Simply click on the eye and either delete it or click the eye icon on the right hand side to hide it. If you would like to keep the eye, then make sure to select the eye and the rest of the design and click attach on the bottom right side. If you forget to do this, then the eye will not be placed on your bunny when you go to make it.
- Do not forget to mirror your image, especially if you have any words in your design. I used copy paper 20 as my setting. Since we are only using the markers and not cutting anything (you can if you want to) then the settings are not as important.
- Once your machine is finished drawling your design, flip your mat over and carefully pull it up to remove your paper. This will help to keep your paper from curling.
6. Take your infusible ink marker and scribble on a piece of plastic.
7. Get your paint brush wet, then move it around the marker scribble to pick up some of the ink. Then start painting your design.
- You can use any color of infusible ink marker that you would like to do this.
- You can make the water color darker or lighter depending on how much water and ink you pick up. So, play around with this and have fun.
- Remember this is just paper and too much water can make it start to dissolve.
- As the watercolor dries it will get a little lighter.
- You can stop and come back to this if needed. You do not have to finish it in a certain time frame. You can also add water to the marker scribble after it has dried on the plastic and use that ink again.
8. Once you are finished with your design, it is time to heat set it into your canvas. First lay your canvas down. Then place your design on top of the canvas with the design/color touching the canvas. Apply heat resistance tape to help hold your design onto the canvas. Next place a piece of butcher paper on top. The butcher paper will absorb any of the color so it does not ruin your heat source. I like to then place a Teflon or other similar item on top of the butcher paper as an extra protection.
- I like to let my artwork dry a little, just so the colors do not bleed, but it is okay if it is still a little wet.
- If your canvas is not flat like mine, then you will want to place a pressing mat or towels inside the canvas to ensure equal amount of pressure is pressed throughout the canvas.
9. Apply heat for 40 seconds at 385 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel off layers to reveal your design when it has cooled to the touch. If you peel while it is still hot not all of the design will be fully transferred, and you could also make the design have a ghosting effect. So, be patient and wait for it to fully cool for the best results.
Right side is the canvas the Infusible Ink was transferred too.
This is such a cool effect. You could use a mix of colors, but I like the different shades I got with using the same shade of blue. You can apply this to any sublimation blank or material that is suitable for infusible ink. The watercolor effect might show up differently on different materials. A white surface would work best to see the effect. This is a fun project to play around with and try out, and it does not require a long list of expensive supplies. So, it is definitely a must try. I look forward to seeing what you make!
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
