Make it with Us: Customized Photo Frame Travel Mug

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 DesignMate, 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.

If you prefer a visual guide, check out our accompanying video tutorial [LINK TO VIDEO], where we demonstrate each step in detail. 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:

• DesignMate+ Membership
• Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000 Printer
• JPEG or PNG photo of your loved one
• Convection Oven
• Shrink Wrap
• 8.5”x11” or larger sublimation paper
• 12 oz. Stainless Steel Coffe Cup
• Denatured Alcohol and a lint free cloth
• Heat Tape 
• Oven mits
• Tumbler cradle (optional)
• Mug press (optional)

How to Create It:

• Log into the Sawgrass Exchange – if you don’t already have a DesignMate+ subscription, use the code LOVE30 and get 30% off your first month. Click Here to sign up.
• Once logged in, click “New creation”.
• For product select 12oz. Stainless Steel Coffee Cup.  It can be found under Drinkware.  
• On the “Create Your Design” panel, click “Designs.”
  • Click filter and select Valentine’s Day.
• Click the “more” link, then scroll until you see “Te Amo” design.
  •  You can use whatever design you’d like here.
• Select the image that is now in your template and use the hot keys Ctrl+X or right click on the design to “cut” the design.
• Click the back button and click “Designs” again.
  • Filter to “Photo Frame”
  • Click the “more” link and select the frame you would like to use.
• Click outside the template and drag to select all the design elements.
• Use the move tool (arrows that intersect) to position the design where you want it on the mug.
  • You can also use the resize icon (a white right angle) to fit to your preference.
• Click anywhere outside the red box to deselect.
• Select “Background” with a little trashcan at the top of the screen.
• Use hotkeys control V (CTRL+V) or right click inside the template once more to paste the design from step 5.
• Select the design and use the position and size tools to your preference.
• Click on the grey photo image, select “Replace Image” in the pink square on the left panel.
• Select your image, then click “Open”
  • You can use the “Image Position and Size” tools in the left panel to move and resize your image to your preference.
• Select the white frame around the image.
  • Note: You may have to move the image layer to get to the white frame.
• In the left Panel, click the square of the color you want to change. You can choose from one of the color swatches below, click and drag in the color bar or use Hex, RGB or CMYK codes to choose a color of your preference.
• When your design is finished, you can:
  • Save & Print to move to the product details page.
  • Print directly from the design tool. This button will also allow you to create a proof of your project. 

How to Print It:

• You should see the popup to Open PrintMate. Select Open. If you are not seeing this, you’ll need to disable your popup blocker.
• In PrintMate, start by scrolling down and making sure your print orientation is set to Landscape.
• For this project, you can use the preset Stainless Steel or Tumbler.
• Make sure that the media size and type match what you have in the printer. On the Color Management Tab, we suggest having the Color Mode set to Vibrant.
• When you’ve confirmed all settings, select Print.

How to Press It:

• Turn your press on and set the temperature to 385F degrees and the time to 420 seconds/7 minutes.  
• Prepare your tumbler by using denatured alcohol on a lint free cloth to remove any dust or fibers.  
• Wrap your design around the cup and tape it tightly in place with heat resistant tape.  
• Place the cup in a shrink wrap sleeve and use a heat gun to create pressure.
• Note, you may have to cut the sleeve to fit around your substrate. Be sure to tape the shrink-wrap so it stays in place around your mug once it starts to shrink.
• Place your item in the oven.
• Close the door and wait 420 seconds before opening the oven and removing the mug.

Tips & Tricks:

• For a more cohesive look match your colors! Select the color from one design, copy the hex code. Select the similar color in the other design and paste the hex code in the box.
• For items in the convention oven, remove the shrink wrap and paper as soon as possible.  This makes it easier to remove and less likely to stick.
• This can also be done in a mug press: 385*F for 120 seconds.