October 2013
How to Create Dye Sublimation Ceramic Tile Coasters or Trivets a Tutorial
Posted October 23, 2013
Creating Dye Sublimation Ceramic Tiles 
Its craft show time at the retirement community. The first Saturday in November is the date our clubhouse gets filled with people ( I hope buyers). This is the first year I am not selling my painted silk accessories. I think I saturated the local market with my silks. I am making dye sublimation tile coasters and trivets. I used to teach middle and high school deaf students how to create these. My friend gave me his unused heat press and specially coated ceramic tiles. I ordered prints from RPL supplies http://www.rplsupplies.com in New Jersey and I'm ready. Materials Needed:
- heat press machine ( aka tee shirt press )
- dye sublimation prints ( If you are lucky enough to have a dye sub printer you can print your own )
- specially coated dye sublimatable ceramic tiles ( the ones from Home Depot just won't do )
- heat tape, teflon sheet for the press, cork to finish the backs and a glue like Mod Podge

How to Create Dye Sublimation Tiles: 1. Cut your desired image from a dye sublimation print. You can print any image you want if you have your own dye sub printer. I don't have mine any more so I ordered ready made prints from RPL Supplies. 2. Set the temperature of the heat press to 400 degrees and wait for the press to reach optimum temp.

3. Place your tile coated side up on the center of the press. Carefully place your dye sub print face down on the tile. Use a little heat tape to secure the print in the exact place. Place the teflon sheet over the print. This stops any stray ink from staining the top of the press.

4. Close the top of the press and be sure there is good pressure on the tile. All models heat presses have different ways to adjust the pressure. Set the timer for 40 seconds and get ready to lift up the top of the press when your timer rings.

5. Use a spatula to lift up your tile. It will be hot! Let it cool. It doesn't have to cool completely before you remove the paper transfer and throw it away.


6. I finish my tiles with a piece of cork cut exactly to fit the tile's dimensions. I use a glue or decoupage sealer with a matte finish like Mod Podge. The glue is put on the back of the tile and the cork. I find a weight is needed to press down on the tile so there is good adhesion.

The 4 inch tiles make great coasters and the 6 inch ones are trivets. I will update this post with the results of my sales. I have 100 tiles ready to sell. Wish me luck.

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My Word Press Blog
Posted October 23, 2013
Click below to visit my blog on Word Press called : a handful of brushes.com
It is tracking the creative events in my life and gives tutorials of techniques and art projects.
How to Mount a Silk Painting on a Canvas
Posted October 2, 2013
Mounting a silk painting on a canvas
materials needed:
your finished silk painting
a canvas 2 to 4 inches shorter than your silk in each dimension
for example: a 16 x 20 x 1 canvas needs a silk that is at least 22 x 26 inches
a 16 x 20 x 2 canvas needs a silk that is at least 24 x 28 inches
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