Skill Level: Beginner

Tools & Supplies to Make It:

How to Create It:

How to Print It:

How to Press It:

Tips & Tricks:

Skill Level: Beginner

Tools & Supplies to Make It:

How to Create It:

How to Print It:

How to Press It:

Tips & Tricks:

One of the most heart stopping moments in sublimation is when you remove the sublimation paper after pressing and see the final result.  There is nothing more heart dropping than when the results were not what you expected!  Don’t worry – we have some tips to get to the bottom of the issue!  

Whenever you have color issues, the first place to start is with a nozzle check. You want to isolate as quickly as possible whether the issue starts with the sublimation printer, or whether it falls somewhere else.  A nozzle check will show you whether missing nozzles are your culprit.  Nozzle checks can be printed from your Devices tab in your Sawgrass Print Utility Settings.  Just select your printer on the Devices tab, and then click on the printer utilities.  You’ll then click on the nozzle check icon to print it.  Just a note, since the nozzle check will not get pressed, you can use regular copy paper instead of sublimation transfer paper.  

You can also print your nozzle check directly from your Sawgrass printer.  Just click the menu button, use the arrow keys to get to printer features and hit ok, then navigate to list/test print and hit okay, and then hit okay on nozzle check pattern.  

When your nozzle check is printed, what you’re looking for is breaks, or areas where the lines are missing.  What you should be seeing is a roughly equal number of boxes for each of the four colors. If you see any gaps, whether it be one missing box or multiple boxes missing for a color, that would show clogged nozzles.  

If your nozzle check has misses, which we call breaks, you’ll do a head clean.  You can find this in the same areas where you found the nozzle check in both PrintMate and on the printer.  You only need to clean the side of the head that has the breaks; if this issue is black or cyan, you only clean those channels. If you only have an issue with yellow or magenta, you only clean those channels.  Once the clean finishes, we suggest running one more and then doing another nozzle check.  If the nozzle check is now good, your issue should be resolved, and you can return to printing!  If you are still missing boxes on the nozzle check, this is a good time to reach out to us at care.sawgrassink.com.  We have several other steps we can take to assist you with those clogged nozzles!

But what if you have color issues and your nozzle check is good?  

There are a few things you can check that are easy fixes:

If none of these suggestions improve your color output, it’s time to reach out to the Sawgrass Care Team.  Our support team will be glad to assist whether that be doing a remote session where they observe your screen to check settings or getting your design file and testing the results here to see what suggestions we have.  If you go to care.sawgrassink.com, you’ll find other tips on color output and can start a ticket or chat with our team!

Time / Temperature / Pressure GuideDownload

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to express your love than with a customized Travel Mug? Join us as we delve into the world of sublimation printing with Sawgrass technology, turning ordinary mugs into heartfelt keepsakes. The warmth of coffee, coupled with a personalized touch, makes for a thoughtful and practical Valentine’s Day gift.

With MySawgrass, designing and customizing trendy gifts becomes a breeze – in just a few clicks, and you’re on your way to creating something truly special. In this walkthrough, we’ll guide you through the process of combining and customizing multiple designs, adding photos to pre-made frames, and transforming a blank canvas into a personalized masterpiece.

From the initial design phase to the big reveal, we’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring your Valentine’s Day Travel Coffee Mug turns out perfect.

Note: While this tutorial showcases oven sublimation, you can also use a mug press for equally stunning results. Find additional tips below for mug press pressing instructions to make your crafting experience even smoother. Let’s dive into the world of personalized gifts and Sawgrass Sublimation!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Tools & Supplies to Make It:

How to Create It:

How to Print It:

How to Press It:

Tips & Tricks:

New Functionality Added to Custom Canvas

Previously, you would have to go to the Product Detail page for all Print and Save functionality within MySawgrass. That changed recently when we added s print button within the design tool itself. We added this feature to the MySawgrass design tool a few weeks ago for when you are using a product template. You will now see this option available within Custom Canvas as well. From the new print button, you can print, and you can also print a proof. Below, we’ll take a look at the new functions!

Exploring the Print Button in Custom Canvas

The addition of a Print Button within the design tool is a time saving feature. Previously, whether you were printing or saving, you’d have to the product detail page. Being able to print from the design tool saves time and clicks! While this has been present when using product templates for a few weeks, it was just added to custom canvas. Once you have set up your custom canvas and added your design, you can hit print to send it to the printer. Save canvas will take you to the Product Detail page to add a name and description before saving to my studio.

Print Preview Functionality Also Added

Another new function you will see can also be found under the print button in the design tool. Once you click on the button, you’ll have two options; you can print your project, or you can print a print preview. The print preview is a PDF file that serves as a proof of your print project. This can be printed and shared with your customer for them to approve. You can also print the proof or save it so you have a record of everything you’ve created. This can also serve as a great place to save pressing instructions if you print the project again in the future!

We hope these features are a great enhancement to your experience in the MySawgrass design tool. Keep an eye on the blogs for further updates as we add more features to MySawgrass!

Love is in the air, and we are absolutely head over heels for the latest collection of Valentines designs from our Featured Artist, Sabine Allen, the artistic talent behind Chameleon Cuttables. 

We recently sat down with Sabine to learn more about her design process and passion to live creatively. Keep reading for more on her passions, inspirations and design process and get access to her beautiful designs over in DesignMate!

How did you discover your talent for design? 

I think I was born with the desire to create. I started drawing, painting, and crafting at a very young age. By the age of 6 or 7 I knew I wanted to become a graphic designer.

What would we find you listening/watching while creating? 

I love listening to music while I create. I love all types of music, depending on my mood. I can’t seem to focus on a movie or anything else while I’m creating, I’m too emerged in the process. I actually enjoy the feeling of being “zoned out” and in the moment. I do my best “work” when I’m in the flow state.

What’s your personal favorite thing to craft?

My favorite craft since I’m a little kid is working with polymer clay. My kids love it too. Crafting together with them is the best! Being able to share my passion with them brings me so much joy.

Any tips for breaking through a creative block? 

Hands down, going on a walk or hike in nature. It takes me out of the “thinking mode” into a more receptive and “creative mode”. I believe the best ideas come to us without effort. Overthinking is blocking creativity.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs? 

My inspiration usually comes from the things that I enjoy like nature, animals, etc.

You have been creating designs for Sawgrass for several years.  What are some of your favorites?

That’s a tough question because I truly enjoyed creating all of them! But I guess if I had to pick, it would be the outdoor related ones. 

What sublimation products do you think your designs work well on? 

I personally enjoy sublimating mugs and tumblers but my designs work well on most sublimation products. 

What do you think makes the Sawgrass Printer stand out? 

I have had my Sawgrass Printer for several years and I love that it’s reliable. Working with a high-quality product makes the craft process a lot easier and hassle free. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I want to have the best possible, vibrant, and crisp print so my end result is perfect.

What is one tip you would give someone who is just starting out with sublimation, designing, and crafting in general?

Allow yourself to play and have fun! Try different mediums like shirts, tumblers, coasters, etc. and see what brings you the most joy.

Thank you for your time today!  If our viewers wanted to see more of your content, where can they find you? 

Thank you for connecting with me and my work. I feel very honored if someone chooses one of my designs to create with! It’s you who brings my designs to life! You can find my full collection at www.chameleoncuttables.com

You can use Sabine’s art in DesignMate right now and as a special Valentines gift we’re giving you access to all her premium designs (and SO much more) with the code LOVE30 for 30% off the first month your DesignMate+ membership.

 

Hey y’all! Galentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate your favorite booktalk bestie than by crafting a cute bookmark together? Today, we’re going to guide you through the process using MySawgrass on SawgrassInk.com, specifically diving into the wonderful world of Custom Canvas.

First things first, head over to the MySawgrass design tool on SawgrassInk.com. Today, we’re exploring Custom Canvas, where the magic happens. These bookmarks, brought to you by our friends at Conde, are 1.5 inches wide and 5 inches tall – the perfect size for your literary companions.

Now, let’s dive into the creative process. MySawgrass is regularly updated with templates of your favorite substrates, but for those moments when you can’t wait to personalize a new substrate that’s not in the tool yet, it’s your go-to tool. Click “Design Your Canvas” and let the crafting adventure begin.

Here’s a pro tip: these bookmarks have rounded tops, so ensure your designs are in the right places. Head into elements, select shapes, and find that arch shape that’ll serve as your perfect template. Ready? Let’s resize it. Oh, but wait! What if we want to make our canvas a bit bigger to avoid design mishaps during pressing? No worries – Custom Canvas lets you edit on the fly without starting from scratch. Just go back to the Custom Canvas button and edit away.

Make your canvas slightly larger than the bookmark itself – I’m thinking 2 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall. Now, adjust your template accordingly. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.

Okay, let’s talk about design placement. Worried about replacing existing elements? Fear not! Cut (ctrl x) the element on your canvas, head over to designs, pick your new design, and paste (ctrl v) the original back in place. Easy peasy.

To get a clear view, move your shape template to the back. Layer it down until it’s in the perfect position. Now, one of the best features of the design tool – changing up the text. Give your bookmark a personal touch by adding words of affirmation for your bookie bestie.

The bottom of your bookmark looks fantastic! Now let’s add a few more details to bring it all together. I’m going to repeat this adorable heart element from our featured artist this month, Chameleon Cuttables (read more about her here). From free designs to premium works by artists around the world, MySawgrass and MySawgrass+ have a treasure trove of designs to choose from. Get 30% off your first month of your premium subscription today using code LOVE30!

Delete the shape template, and voila! Your bookmark is taking shape. But why stop there? Add one more element to emphasize your love for books. You can use something from the design library or upload your own art using the upload tool!

Save your canvas, name your design, and on the next page, choose to either save it to your store and then print or print and save later. Click print, select metal keychain in the Sawgrass Print Utility for easy color matching, and you’re all set to print.

Do the press thing, and there you have it – a bookmark that your booktalk bestie will cherish forever. Until next time, y’all! Happy crafting!

Skill Level: Advanced

Tools & Supplies to Make It:

How to Create It:

How to Print It:

How to Press It:

Tips & Tricks:

Skill Level: Advanced

Tools & Supplies to Make It:

How to Create It:

How to Print It:

How to Press It:

Tips & Tricks:

Skill Level: Intermediate

Tools & Supplies to Make It:

How to Create It:

How to Print It:

How to Press It:

Tips & Tricks: