How to Make a Handwriting Ornament with Sublimation

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6:00 AM

How to Make a Handwriting Ornament with Sublimation

Turn a loved ones handwriting into a treasured ornament using sublimation.

When a person passes away, everything they worte, said or made becomes a treasure. My mom passed away from cancer in January 1998 and I decided to turn her handwriting into ornaments this year.

I scoured through all my old notes, pictures and papers to find the perfect sample of her writing.

I found the last line in a letter she wrote me, when she knew she was going to die, and it was such a wonderful letter legacy.

Turn a loved ones handwriting into a cherished keepsake ornament using sublimation!

First, take the handwriting sample and scan it or take a picture of it.

I did a little work with my sample, since it was written on yellow paper with a purple pen! I changed the mode to grayscale and brightened up the whites and darkened the black.

I use photoshop for this editing, but pretty much any photo editing app can do this type of adjustments.

Supplies Needed for Memorial Handwriting Ornaments:

Step 1: Sublimation Print!

Sublimation printers are awesome, they use a special ink that infuses right into the surface for a smooth and seamless finish.

I had an unfortunate total failure with my last Ecotank printer and had to throw it away. I was sad, since it only lasted me one year...but I hurried and ordered a new one because I do love the sublimation technique so much!

This was the last project I did with my old Ecotank printer. The link above in the supplies list is the new machine I bought and love.

Take the image and size it to fit on the ornaments. Flip the image horizontally, so it will press the right direction.

Then print off the image with the sublimation printer. I made 6 ornaments for my siblings, my dad and myself.

Check this post for getting set up with a sublimation printer.

Step 1: Sublimation Print! Sublimation printers are awesome, they use a special ink that infuses right into the surface for a smooth and seamless finish. I had an unfortunate total failure with my last Ecotank printer and had to throw it away. I was sad, since it only lasted me one year...but I hurried and ordered a new one because I do love the sublimation technique so much! This was the last project I did with my old Ecotank printer. The link above in the supplies list is the new machine I bought and love. Take the image and size it to fit on the ornaments. Flip the image horizontally, so it will press the right direction. Then print off the image with the sublimation printer. I made 6 ornaments for my siblings, my dad and myself. Check this post for getting set up with a sublimation printer.

Step 2: Peel Sublimation Blank!

There's always a clear plastic cover on sublimation blanks. I have forgotten and screwed up so many projects!

So, start by peeling the plastic layer off the ornament.

Be cautious and don't touch the surface after removing the plastic.

Step 2: Peel Sublimation Blank! There's always a clear plastic cover on sublimation blanks. I have forgotten and screwed up so many projects! So, start by peeling the plastic layer off the ornament. Be cautious and don't touch the surface after removing the plastic.

These ornaments have sublimation surface on both faces, so remove the plastic on both sides or the plastic will melt during the heat process.

You can also add a photo to the other side of the ornament!

Step 3: Heat Tape!

Now place the sublimation ornament blank on the sublimation paper with the printed handwriting. Tape the ornament in place with the heat resistant tape.

Hold the paper/ornament up and make sure it's centered.

Step 3: Heat Tape! Now place the sublimation ornament blank on the sublimation paper with the printed handwriting. Tape the ornament in place with the heat resistant tape. Hold the paper/ornament up and make sure it's centered.

Step 4: Heat Press

Now place the ornament down on the parchment paper with the sublimation paper on top. Then fold the parchment paper over the top of the paper and ornament, creating a little sandwich.

Heat up the EasyPress to 400*F.

Step 4: Heat Press Now place the ornament down on the parchment paper with the sublimation paper on top. Then fold the parchment paper over the top of the paper and ornament, creating a little sandwich. Heat up the EasyPress to 400*F.

Now press the ornament for 2 full minutes. (I just let Alexa do the timing for me)

Apply gentle pressure.

That's it!

Remove the heat press and let the ornament cool down completely. Then add a big beautiful ribbon!

You can sublimate a photograph on the other side if desired. I would tape both sides and press for 2 minutes, then flip over and press for another full minute.

These personalized handwriting memorial ornaments are the perfect handmade gift and a way to make the ones we've lost a little closer during the holidays.