Easy and Fun Sublimation Ideas for Beginners

Sublimation is largely known for making colorful, all-over designs that feel part of the fabric. However, the technique is not limited to fabrics. It can be used to customize, colorize, and decorate various other material objects.

Excited about trying sublimation? Read this blog post to explore some fun sublimation projects . We have listed fun sublimation ideas and shared tips on the best styles you can achieve via sublimation printing.

1. Sublimated Sequin Tote Bags

Sequin tote bags already have that magical flip effect with dual shades. When you sublimate them, your designs stay hidden until revealed with a swipe – it is like creating an interactive art piece!

Think of floral prints, trendy patterns, or even your favorite photos. The hidden-reveal feature makes these bags best for gifting or showing off a unique style. Want to try it? The xTool Material Store has sublimation-ready sequin bags to get you started.

2. T-shirts

T-shirts are the best canvas for sublimation and a favorite for personalized designs. Sublimation lets you create all-over prints that don’t fade or peel. You can try minimalist icons, abstract art, or photo-realistic designs for a truly standout look. However, remember sublimation only works on light-colored polyester shirts or fabrics with at least 65% polyester.

RELATED: How to sublimate on dark shirts and cotton fabric?

3. Acrylic Keychains

Acrylic keychains are a fun way to experiment with sublimation. Use cast acrylic keychains as they absorb sublimation ink. Both colored and transparent acrylic can be used. On colored keychains, bold graphics and minimalist icons pop vividly. Transparent ones are perfect for layered effects.

Besides keychains, acrylic is also great for projects like illuminated decor. Its light-transmitting properties make designs glow, adding an extra wow factor.

xTool Heat Press

Multi-modal Heat Press for DTF, Sublimation & HTV Transfers

Flexible modes, portable or hands-free, meet most printing needs like T-shirts, bags, shoes, slates, coasters, and more.

Learn More

4. Ceramic Coasters

A special pre-coated variety, called sublimation coasters, is used for coasters. These usually have a glossy finish that enhances the design. The coating is designed to accept the dye ink during the heat transfer.

With sublimation, you can create coasters featuring abstract patterns, seasonal themes, personal photos, or intricate mandalas. Besides serving as great gifts, such coasters can be made for personalizing your coffee table or dining space.

5. Sublimated Caps

Caps offer a small canvas for sublimation, but not all caps can be sublimated – they need to be polyester or have a vinyl coating to hold sublimation prints. Fully polyester caps are the go-to choice, especially classic baseball caps. You can sublimate team logos or funky patterns. Such caps may be designed for sports teams, promotional giveaways, or personal use.

6. Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are another exciting sublimation project. You can find pre-made puzzle blanks. Add colorful designs, personal photos, or unique patterns to create puzzles that are as fun to solve as they are to look at.

If you want to try something more creative, make puzzles using a laser cutting machine and then sublimate the design. However, the wood or cardboard pieces might need lamination or coating to ensure the sublimation transfer works.

7. Christmas Family Ornament

Get the tutorial at Designfind.com

Ornaments can be sublimated too, especially if you want to create something colorful on a large surface like plywood. This Christmas family ornament is a great example. It features a cheerful family caricature with vibrant colors, festive outfits, and adorable detail. This sublimation project showcases how much detail and depth in characters and lettering is possible with sublimation.

8. Sublimated Stuffed Toys

Using sublimation, you can print custom patterns on stuffed toys. For example, you could sublimate a baby's name and date of birth on a stuffed elephant's ears. These toys can serve as unique personalized gifts for kids or as décor for their rooms.

9. Pet Tags

Plain pet tags are readily available and make an excellent base for sublimation. You may add photos, patterns, or just their names with contact. Metals, acrylic, and wood – all options are compatible with sublimation; just make sure they come with a coating.

10. Earrings

If you love DIY handmade earrings, sublimation opens up possibilities for adding unique designs to wood, acrylic, or even cardboard earrings. You can add miniature versions of your photos and natural landscapes to your jewelry. Moreover, it lets you create colorful abstract patterns and multiple gradients.

11. Aluminum Photo

Ever thought of printing on a durable metal, where the design pops and feels like part of it? Sublimation allows transferring your favorite photos permanently onto high-gloss aluminum blanks. These blanks are specially coated for sublimation. Every realistic print is possible whether it’s family portraits, landscapes, or custom artwork.

12. Sublimated Blankets

If plain blankets feel too ordinary to you. Then, try sublimating them with colorful patterns, custom photos, or artistic designs. Polyester blankets are ideal since sublimation inks only infuse into this material.

xTool Heat Press

Multi-modal Heat Press for DTF, Sublimation & HTV Transfers

Flexible modes, portable or hands-free, meet most printing needs like T-shirts, bags, shoes, slates, coasters, and more.

Learn More

13. Pillow Cases

Like blankets, pillowcases can be easily stylized with sublimation. However, it’s only suitable for light-colored, polyester pillowcases. You may add floral patterns, geometric prints, or seasonal theme designs to match your decor.

14. Sublimated Canvas Shoes

Fan of those trendy, colorful shoes? Get a plain canvas pair, preferably white, and turn them into a masterpiece with sublimation. Since most canvas shoes are cotton, you will need sublimation spray beforehand for the design to stick. Popular styling options include abstract art, custom doodles, and funky geometric prints.

15. Mousepads

Sublimation mousepads are also available at online DIY and craft stores. They have a layered coating which provides a perfect base for vibrant designs. Colorful patterns, custom artwork, or brand logos can be easily added. You may use them to enhance your table décor or create some personalized office accessories.

16. Sublimated Stone Tiles

Like ceramic coasters, sublimation-ready stone tiles with a special coating are also available. These tiles come in various shapes like square, rectangular, and round.

You can sublimate family photos and use them as unique photo frames or decorative pieces. Such items may serve as excellent gifts for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, etc.

17. Fridge Magnets

Fridge magnets can easily be transformed into tiny works of art with sublimation. Add family photos, pet portraits, natural scenery, or colorful patterns to create personalized magnets. These make great souvenirs and fun accents for your kitchen.

18. Phone Cases

If you want to add a personal touch to the back of your phone, sublimated phone cases are a great option. These cases come pre-coated, which makes it easy to transfer photos and even custom illustrations. If you want to try it on a regular phone case, you’ll have to apply a sublimation spray or paint to create a plain white canvas for printing.

19. Ceramic Mugs

You may have seen mugs with vibrant photos or colorful prints—that’s sublimation at work! Only special sublimation mugs are compatible. You can add anything, from personal photos to bold graphics or fun quotes. Such mugs make fantastic personalized gifts.

20. Straw Hats

While straw hats themselves aren’t suitable for sublimation, their bands can be creatively styled. Polyester-based bucket hats also work great with sublimation. Tropical designs and custom artwork can turn them into unique, eye-catching headwear.

This wraps up our list. We have aimed to share simple sublimation craft ideas for everyone to try. Remember our tips and design suggestions when sublimating, and don’t forget to share your creative projects with the xTool community!