Halloween is the perfect time to get creative with your sublimation projects! In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through sublimating a spooky Halloween scene on Craft Express wood sublimation placemats. These placemats make great decorative pieces or party favors for your Halloween gatherings. We’ll go over the entire process, from pressing with a flat heat press to adding a personal touch with washi tape, rope, ribbon, and twine. Let’s dive in!
Disclosure: As part of the Craft Express influencer team, I receive complimentary products to share projects with you. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
How to Sublimate a Halloween Scene on Craft Express Wood Sublimation Placemats
Part of the fun of creating is using what you have and making something unexpected. I had these Craft Express Wood Sublimation Placemats and thought they’d make great signs for Halloween.
Supplies You’ll Need:
Before we get started, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:
- Craft Express Wood Sublimation Placemats
- Sublimation printer (e.g., Converted Epson EcoTank or Epson F170)
- 8.5×11 Sublimation paper
- Sublimation ink
- Heat-resistant tape
- Flat heat press
- Washi tape
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Rope (for the hanger)
- Ribbon and twine (for embellishments)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Halloween-themed design (either create your own or purchase from Creative Fabrica)
- Heat-resistant gloves
Step 1: Design Your Halloween Scene
To kick things off, create or download your Halloween design. If you’re looking for inspiration, Creative Fabrica has a vast selection of Halloween-themed sublimation graphics that are perfect for wood projects. Whether it’s haunted houses, pumpkins, bats, or ghosts, the key is to choose a design that suits your Halloween aesthetic.
Tips for Creating Your Design:
- Image Size: Measure your wood placemats using a ruler or measuring tape to ensure the image is correctly sized. Adjust your design accordingly in your preferred design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva).
- Colors: Keep in mind that sublimation works best with vibrant colors, so make sure your Halloween scene includes rich oranges, blacks, purples, and greens to create a bold, festive look. Or pick a design with a woody scene to bring in the wood of the placemat.
Step 2: Print Your Design
Once your design is ready, it’s time to print it using your sublimation printer. Make sure your sublimation paper is loaded correctly in the printer and that your print settings are set to high-quality photo or presentation mode for the best results.
Printing Checklist:
- Ensure that you print your design mirrored (flipped horizontally), especially if it includes any text.
- Use quality sublimation ink for vibrant colors that will transfer properly to the wood placemat.
I created a quick video demonstrating the remaining steps, see it below:
Step 3: Prepare Your Wood Sublimation Placemat
Before pressing, wipe down the surface of your Craft Express wood placemat to remove any dust or debris. This will ensure a smooth, clean sublimation transfer.
Step 4: Position the Sublimation Print
Once your print is ready, cut it to size if needed and position it on the wood placemat with the printed side facing down onto the placemat’s sublimation coating. Secure the design in place with heat-resistant tape along the edges to prevent any shifting during the heat press process.
Step 5: Heat Press Your Design
Now it’s time for the fun part—sublimating the design onto your placemat!
Heat Press Settings:
- Temperature: 374°F
- Time: 60 seconds
- Pressure: Medium
Place your placemat with the taped design in your heat press. Be sure to use protective paper on both sides (top and bottom) of the placemat to prevent any sublimation ink from transferring to the heat press plates.
Once everything is in place, press the placemat at 374°F for 60 seconds with medium pressure.
Step 6: Remove and Cool
After the press is complete, carefully remove the placemat from the heat press using heat-resistant gloves. Allow the placemat to cool for a few minutes before handling it further. This will prevent any smudging or distortion of the design.
Step 7: Add the Washi Tape Frame
To give your sublimated placemat a finished look, we’ll add washi tape along the edges to create a fun, decorative frame. Choose a washi tape that complements your Halloween design—something with stripes, polka dots, or even a spooky pattern.
How to Apply:
- Carefully apply the washi tape along the edges of the placemat, making sure the tape is evenly spaced on all sides.
- Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles as you apply the tape.
Step 8: Attach the Rope Hanger
Turn your placemat into a wall decoration by adding a rope hanger to the back. Using a hot glue gun, apply a generous amount of hot glue along the top back side of the placemat and press the ends of the rope into the glue. Hold the rope in place for a few seconds until the glue sets.
Tips for Attaching the Rope:
- Make sure the rope is centered so the placemat hangs evenly.
- You can use a ruler to ensure equal spacing on both sides.
Step 9: Embellish the Rope with Ribbon and Twine
Now that your rope hanger is in place, it’s time to add some flair with ribbon and twine! Choose colors and patterns that match your Halloween theme. You can opt for classic orange and black ribbon or add some sparkle with metallic accents.
How to Embellish:
- Tie small bows or knots with the ribbon and twine and attach them to the rope using hot glue.
- Feel free to layer different types of ribbon and twine to create texture and dimension.
Step 10: Display and Enjoy!
Your Halloween sublimation placemat is now complete and ready to be displayed! Whether you hang it on the wall or use it as a decorative piece for your Halloween party, this custom-made placemat is sure to impress.
Additional Tips:
- Test Your Design: If this is your first time sublimating on wood placemats, it’s always a good idea to test your design on a scrap piece of wood or another sublimation surface.
- Care and Maintenance: To keep your placemat looking fresh and vibrant, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause the colors to fade over time.
This fun Halloween sublimation project is perfect for adding a spooky touch to your décor. With these simple steps, you can create a custom sublimated placemat that not only looks great but also makes a unique, handcrafted decoration for your home!
Need more Halloween decor ideas? Check these out!
DIY Outdoor Dollar Tree Halloween Pillow Covers
DIY Freddy Krueger Halloween Bag
Happy crafting!
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