I’ve been having a blast designing unique designs with my Cricut Explore Air 2, but it’s also fun using the different elements that can be used with Cricut. Today I want to show you how fun and EASY it is to create items using the Cricut Infusible Ink pens.
I’ve previously shared craft items using my Cricut machine. In the fall, we created a cute fall shadow box, and for Thanksgiving, we made one of a kind Thanksgiving tees. The hardest part about using your Cricut machine, in my opinion, is finding or creating a design that you love. With Cricut Design Space, the possibilities and choices are endless.
While I enjoyed using vinyl and iron-on, I especially wanted to try their new infusible ink. However, using the infusible ink sheet was very similar to using iron-on and vinyl. I was more interested in using the infusible ink pens because I knew that the possibilities were endless. However, if I was honest with myself, I’d say that I was being cheap as the infusible ink sheets are a bit pricy (unless on sale), and I wanted to create something that was a bit more cost-efficient and would save me time and money. This is why I know you’re going to love creating your own one of a kind gifts with the infusible ink pens, just like I did with the tote Madison is holding.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut Easy Press 2
Cricut Infusible Ink Pens
Cricut Grip Mat
Easy Press Mat
Copy Paper
Butcher Paper
Heat Resistant Tape (optional but preferred)
Totes (Tees or whatever you desire)
DIRECTIONS:
(We created our own design in the Cricut Design Space (you can check out my project here which I’ve left as a cut for those who would prefer to use iron-on), but you can choose a pre-made design or create one of your own as well.)
1. Open Cricut Design Space and start a new project. Since we were doing both words and objects, we looked for snowflakes and chose a font that we wanted for each word. The Cricut Design Space comes loaded with fonts and graphics, so select the one you love the most.
2. Since we’re going to be using the Infusible Ink Pens instead of the sheets, you’re going to want to change your layer to draw instead of cut. Otherwise, you’d be cutting the paper when it’s time to create your project.
3. Once you’re satisfied with your project, it’s time to create. Be sure to mirror your words. Look it over and verify that it’s the way that you want. When I did it the first time, I didn’t pay attention, and the words weren’t exactly how I wanted it when it was mirrored, and it had to be redone.
4. Place your copy paper on your easy grip mat (we used the light grip mat, which is blue), and follow the prompts. It will alert you when it’s time to change the colors of your pens.
When you’re done with your design, it’s easy to infuse your design onto your tote, tee, or whatever you plan on decorating.
5. As I was designing a tote, I consulted the Cricut Heat Guide. For a tote, you’re going to heat up your press to 385°F and lightly press your tote for 15 secs to get all wrinkles out.
6. Next, place your easy press mat inside your tote with butcher paper on the inside to protect your mat from bleed through. If you don’t have butcher paper, you can use cardstock paper or a few sheets of regular copy paper.
7. Place your design face down on your tote (or tee) and tape it in place with your heat resistant tape. I didn’t use the tape as I had none, and my design was simple enough to place without it.
8. Place another sheet of butcher paper or copy paper (larger than the design and your press) over the design.
9. Press with light pressure for 40 seconds, then slowly remove the butcher paper and the design paper while warm.
That’s it! Your design is done, and you have the coolest design that you created yourself, and it really doesn’t get any easier or more beautiful than with the new Cricut Infusible Ink Pens. And your design lasts forever. Think holiday, birthday or just because of gifts. Create tees, totes, coasters, or anything your heart desires. Cricut has you covered!
