Hello, everyone! I’m very excited to be Artesprix’s featured artist for November! Sublimation art is one of my favorite creative activities. In this post, I’m sharing how I created beautiful, Caribbean-inspired luggage tags. They’re for an upcoming trip, made using Artesprix Iron-on-Ink markers and my handy heat press.
Last month, we Troxells decided to schedule time with friends before holiday madness begins. We booked a dreamy Caribbean cruise to Belize, Honduras, and Mexico. Naturally, we can’t wait to soak up some sun. Undeniably, I’m inspired by gorgeous beaches and the vibrant culture of the Caribbean.
Disclaimer: I’ve partnered with Artesprix to bring you this post. Photos plus opinions are my own, these are not influenced by Artesprix. Thanks for supporting my favorite brands, who provide me with product and/or compensation to bring you lots of creative inspiration!
What is Artesprix, and What is Sublimation?
Ready to learn about sublimation? If you’re new to this creative technique, I’m very happy to introduce you to Artesprix!
Sublimation is a creative process that involves heat and sublimation dye. Sublimating means fusing the dye into sublimation blanks, using heat. I use Artesprix products to create vibrant, permanent designs on a variety of surfaces. Notably, I’ve made t-shirts, tote bags, mugs and tumblers, ribbons and even hats and cutting boards! Unsurprisingly, I could go on for days about all the ways you can create unique projects with Artesprix. They offer a wide variety of sublimation craft supplies like paints, inks and all the items to transfer your art onto. Aptly, these items are called “blanks”.
When I started learning sublimation, I was amazed at what a low-commitment craft it was in terms of investment and space needed. Wonderfully, it’s a really cool and easy kid craft, too! If you’ve ever wished you knew how to transfer your hand-drawn art onto products, Artesprix sublimation supplies are a craft trend you’ll want to get your hands on right away.
A Bright (and Colorful) Idea
As I pulled out my suitcase to pack, I thought of crafting up something unique for my friend Desiree. Obviously, I said to myself, I’ll make her a personalized bag tag! Coincidentally, Artesprix’s sublimation luggage tag is this month’s featured item. What a perfect canvas for this creative travel accessory!
Read on to see how I used Artesprix sublimation craft supplies to make hand-drawn, Caribbean themed luggage tags.
Come Sail Away, Planning the Caribbean-Inspired Luggage Tags
Dreamily, I thought of tropical scenery, along with sandy beaches. Decidedly, I wanted each luggage tag to capture beautiful imagery from Belize, Honduras and Mexico. My imagination wandered to thoughts of sailing through turquoise waters, enjoying tropical Caribbean drinks with our friends. Picturesque images of cruise ships, sunsets and exotic islands in mind, I began sketching.
Colors Inspired by a Caribbean Cruise
First, a palette! To color my cruisy, island inspired art, I chose vibrant shades. Inspired, I pondered rows of unique colors of sublimation markers offered by Artesprix. Unsurprisingly, finding my palette was easy!
What You’ll Need to Create Your Own Sublimation Luggage Tags:
- Artesprix Sublimation Markers
- Artesprix Heat Resistant Tape
- Artesprix Luggage Tags
- Artesprix Protective Paper
- Scissors
- Plain White Printer or Copy Paper
- Pencil
- Regular black marker for tracing
- Heat Press or Iron
Creating Caribbean-Inspired Sublimation Luggage Tags
Sketching Design
Straightaway, I practiced drawing Caribbean inspired images like cruise ships, palm trees and tropical cocktails. Obviously, I’m ready for a vacay! After sketching out several ideas, I created my template by tracing the luggage tag onto white copy paper with a pencil.
Then, I then began drawing. Finally, I traced my completed drawings with a black Sharpie. This step helps me see my image in reverse for tracing.
Using Sublimation Markers
Next, I used plain printer paper to trace my custom luggage tag designs in reverse using Artesprix Iron-on-Ink sublimation markers. Choosing from so many vibrant colors, my art came to life. Admittedly, I was growing impatient to heat transfer the hand-drawn designs! First, a cruise ship against coral skies. Beneath it, I scripted the word, “Cruisin'”. Creativity growing, I combined my writing to emulate waves around the ship.
Next, I used my Artesprix Iron-on-Ink markers to create a second design. In this one, I blended sunset colors with the markers. Inspired, Being sure to color outside the perimeter to ensure my design would fill the blank, I added some palm trees and in block letters, “Belize”, in bright blue. These designs are created in reverse. Subsequently, they’ll transfer correctly when heat-pressed.
Preparing the Tags
Satisfied with my art, I trimmed it down and taped each design onto sublimation luggage tags using heat-resistant tape. Since this is not a double-sided design, I taped around the back of the luggage tag blank. One design was affixed onto Artesprix’s maple luggage tag blank; the other onto Artesprix’s white luggage tag.
Transferring Hand-Drawn Sublimation Art
Excitement growing, I added Artesprix protective paper over my designs.
Following Artesprix’s heat press settings for sublimation, (400°F for 45 seconds), I carefully pressed each design. With bated breath, I lifted the protective paper from one corner of the luggage tag to check my results.
What a thrill to see how beautifully they turned out! These transferred sublimation designs are permanent; specifically, they’ll never smear or fade.
My DIY luggage tags turned out so well; however, now I’m torn – I can’t decide between them which to give to Desiree, and which to keep for myself!
Sublimation Luggage Tags Are a Unique Vacation Souvenir
Creating custom sublimation luggage tags isn’t just about fun, easy crafting, it’s also unique! You can personalize your travel gear and create an instant souvenir.
Bonus, these beautiful travel mementos will stand out on any baggage carousel. Double bonus, these eye-catching colors are permanent, they’ll never fade!
Why Sublimation Luggage Tags Make Great Holiday Gifts
Conveniently, with holidays fast approaching, sublimation luggage tags make wonderful DIY stocking stuffers! Getting them in bundles tops my holiday crafting supplies list! I love how easily they can be made into handmade ornaments, custom gift tags or even personalized place cards. Just switch out your hang tag with some beautiful holiday ribbon.
Ready to make your own custom sublimation luggage tags with Artesprix markers? Explore their entire line of creative sublimation supplies online at Artesprix, or join me in their Facebook Group for endless inspiration!
Bon Voyage,