Sep 4, 2023

Sublimation on Cups: Personalize Your Sips with Style


Note: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

In the world of personalized gifts and custom merchandise, sublimation printing on cups has emerged as a popular and creative way to add a personal touch to your drinkware. Whether you're a business owner looking to offer unique merchandise or an individual looking for a special gift, sublimation on cups is a versatile and visually appealing option. In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating world of sublimation printing on cups and discover why it's becoming the go-to choice for customization.

What is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a heat-based transfer process that allows vibrant, full-color designs and images to be permanently infused into various materials, including ceramics, polyester fabrics, and specially coated surfaces. The key to sublimation's magic lies in its ability to transform a design from a solid to a gas state without passing through a liquid stage, ensuring a high-quality, durable print that won't fade or peel.

The Cup as a Canvas




Cups, mugs, and tumblers have become popular canvases for sublimation printing due to their widespread use and the limitless possibilities they offer for customization. Here are some reasons why sublimation on cups is gaining momentum:

1. Endless Design Options: Sublimation allows for intricate and detailed designs, including photographs, illustrations, logos, and text. You can create personalized cups for any occasion, from weddings and birthdays to corporate events and promotional giveaways.

2. Vibrant and Durable Prints: Sublimated designs become part of the cup's surface, resulting in sharp, vivid, and long-lasting prints. The colors won't fade or scratch off, even after multiple uses and washes.

3. Versatile Material Compatibility: Sublimation works exceptionally well on ceramics, porcelain, and coated polymer cups. This versatility means you can choose the cup material that best suits your needs and budget.

4. High-Quality Photo Reproduction: Sublimation is ideal for transferring high-resolution photos onto cups. It captures the nuances of colors and details with precision, making it perfect for treasured memories and gifts.

5. Personalized Gifts: Customized cups make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. You can add a personal touch with someone's name, a heartfelt message, or a cherished photo, turning a simple cup into a cherished keepsake.

6. Branding and Marketing: Businesses can use sublimated cups as promotional items, enhancing brand visibility and leaving a lasting impression on clients and customers. Custom cups are also excellent additions to merchandise offerings.

How the Process Works

Sublimation on cups involves several steps:

1. Design Creation: Start by designing or selecting the artwork you want to print on the cup. Make sure it fits the cup's dimensions and that the colors are vibrant and eye-catching.  You can find many designs on Etsy!

2. Printing: Using sublimation ink, print the design onto sublimation transfer paper. Ensure the design is mirrored or flipped horizontally as it will be transferred in reverse. 

3. Heat Press Transfer: Secure the sublimation transfer paper onto the cup using heat-resistant tape. Place the cup in a specialized heat press machine, which applies heat and pressure to transfer the design onto the cup.  I personally use this heat press:

4. Cooling and Quality Check: Allow the cup to cool, peel off the transfer paper, and inspect the print for quality and adherence. You'll be amazed at how the design fuses seamlessly with the cup's surface.

5. Final Touches: Clean the cup, ensuring it's free from any residual ink or adhesive. Your custom sublimated cup is now ready to be enjoyed or gifted.

I especially love the look of sublimation on frosted beer glasses, along with the skinny tumblers for keeping my drinks cool in the hot Hawaii sun!  I've found my blanks here.

Sublimation printing on cups is a versatile and visually appealing way to personalize your drinkware, commemorate special moments, and promote your brand. With its vibrant and durable prints, endless design options, and compatibility with various materials, sublimation has become a go-to choice for those looking to add a personal touch to their sips. Whether you're an individual creating a unique gift or a business owner seeking promotional merchandise, sublimation on cups offers endless possibilities for creativity and customization. So, raise your personalized cup and enjoy a sip of creativity and style!

Happy Crafting!

Favorite Paper Crafting Tools


Note: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Paper crafting is a versatile and captivating form of crafting, offering endless possibilities for creativity. While the act of crafting itself is rewarding, having the right tools can elevate your paper crafting experience to new heights. Here are some of my favorite paper crafting tools that can enhance your projects and make the creative process even more enjoyable:

1. Precision Cutting Tools: A reliable and sharp paper trimmer is essential for achieving clean, straight cuts in paper. Craft knives and cutting mats are also handy for intricate cutting and precise trimming.

2. Scissors: High-quality scissors are a must-have for paper crafting. They should be comfortable to hold and capable of cutting through various paper weights with ease. Detail scissors with fine points are perfect for intricate cuts, or fussy cutting.

3. Adhesives: Choose from an array of adhesive options, such as double-sided tape, glue sticks, liquid glue, and foam tape. The right adhesive ensures that your paper elements stay securely in place while maintaining a polished look.

4. Paper Punches: Paper punches come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, allowing you to create consistent and intricate shapes effortlessly. They are excellent for making embellishments and decorative elements.

5. Stamping Supplies: Stamps, ink pads, and markers open up a world of possibilities for adding designs, patterns, and sentiments to your paper projects. Experiment with different colors and stamping techniques to personalize your creations.

6. Scoring Board: Scoring boards are invaluable for creating precise and neat folds in paper, essential for making cards, envelopes, and 3D paper structures like boxes and bags.

7. Decorative Papers: Stock up on a variety of decorative papers, including patterned paper, cardstock, vellum, and specialty papers. These materials provide the foundation for your paper crafting projects.  As a standard base, my all-time favorite cardstock to use is the Neenah White 110lb Cardstock.  It's perfect to stamp on and the weight (gsm) of the paper is sturdy.

8. Embellishments: Sequins, buttons, rhinestones, and ribbon can add flair and sparkle to your paper crafts. These embellishments allow you to customize your projects and make them uniquely yours.

9. Crafting Brushes and Blending Tools: If you're into techniques like ink blending and distressing, soft-bristle brushes and blending tools are essential for achieving smooth and gradient effects.

10. Die-Cutting Machine: Die-cutting machines are a game-changer for paper crafting. They allow you to cut intricate shapes, letters, and designs quickly and consistently using metal dies or electronic files.

11. Storage Solutions: Organizational tools such as paper racks, storage boxes, and drawer units can help keep your paper crafting supplies tidy and easily accessible. An organized crafting space can boost your creativity and productivity.

12. Bone Folder: A bone folder is a simple yet invaluable tool for creating crisp, professional-looking creases and folds in paper.

13. Heat Gun: Essential for heat embossing and drying inks, a heat gun is a versatile tool in paper crafting.

14. Crafting Mat: A self-healing cutting mat protects your work surface and prolongs the life of your cutting tools while providing accurate measurements and guides.

These favorite paper crafting tools not only make the creative process smoother but also enhance the quality of your finished projects. Remember that while having the right tools is important, the most vital ingredient in crafting is your creativity and imagination. So, gather your tools, explore new techniques, and let your paper crafting projects come to life. Happy crafting!

May 10, 2012

Sister Stamps Release #8

Sister Stamps will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary soon...what better way then to celebrate with Mariko, Miyoko & Takeo?  Introducing Sister Stamps Release #8, which is scheduled for July 1, 2012.

These are available now for Pre-Order!  Place your orders by May 31 and you'll get $1 OFF each stamp.

To place your orders, please visit our NEW Online Store HERE!!

Existing Customers - We were unable to transfer your customer profile to this new site, therefore please take a few minutes to REGISTER for a new account. We apologize for this inconvenience.

You'll love the added features of this new site that we did not have the capability to do on our old website:
  • Lower Prices
  • Larger thumb nail pictures of products
  • Additional photos showcasing samples using the products
  • Ability to enter in COUPON CODES
  • Adding items to your Wish List
  • Share your favorite products on Facebook & Twitter
We hope you like the new site. We are currently working on adding additional items, so please bear with us during this construction phase.  We wanted to upload at least the Sister Stamps so that you could take advantage of this exceptionally GREAT pre-order Special!




Mar 1, 2012

Sister Stamps Release #7

Boy...we're on Release #7 already for Sister Stamps!!! There are never enough boy stamps out there..until now! These cuties are scheduled to release on April 7th and we're offering you a Pre-Order special of 10% off the lowest retail pricing of Sister Stamps.


Please visit our online store HERE to place your orders by March 11 to save 10% Off!

Jan 17, 2012

Sweetheart Box

Sweetheart Box Class
Valentine's day is coming up, give your sweetie a box filled with sweet treats!

Class Fee: $15

Dates:

Saturday 01/21/12
10:30 - 12:30

Sunday 01/22/12
12:30 - 2:30

Wednesday 01/25/12
10:30 - 12:30

Please bring: Scissors, double-sided adhesive, foam tape, scoring tool






























































Jan 14, 2012

Sister Stamps - Release #5 & Pre-Order Release #6

You'll fall in love with Release #5 of Sister Stamps! Pre-orders have all been filled and is in transit to your mailbox. In the works is a cute project using these cuties - sample will be done soon and class information posted here and on our facebook page.

As you start inking up for Valentine's day, you can pre-order for Release #6 which will be available March 1, 2012!

Introducing...













2 Easy Ways to Pre-Order & save 10%!

  • Visit our Webstore by clicking HERE - payments are taken securely via paypal.
  • Visit our store, or phone in your order by calling 735-3553. We accept all Credit Cards

Jan 3, 2012

Adjusted Store Hours

Happy New Year!! It was a quiet new year due to the fireworks ban here on Oahu, but still a great time spending with family & friends. Hope the new year is off to a great start for all of you!! We would like to thank you all for your love & support throughout the year.

Effective immediately, we will be adjusting our store hours to the following:

Monday - Saturday : 10am - 6pm
Sunday : 10am - 3pm

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