How To Use Cricut Infusible Ink Pens

When Infusible Ink was launched it took me a while to get to grips with it! That is definitely because I am more of an instant gratification kind of crafter. Additionally, I am rubbish at instructions, I am the person who will jump in a build an Ikea cabinet without the instructions. So using something like Cricut Infusible Ink or the Pens that requires a level of measure, and the definite ability to follow instructions is alien to me. However, if you are that crafter stick with because I adore Infusible Ink.

How To Use Cricut Infusible Ink Pens

This post will take you through how to use Infusible Ink Pens. If however, you want to have a go at the Infusible Ink Transfer sheets check out this post. My initial thought was that the pens were a little pricey, but, when you consider that you can do so much, with them they earn their keep. And are definitely part of my Cricut kit that will get regular use.

What’s Great About Cricut Infusible Ink Pens?

Infusible Ink pens give you flexibility, they are perfect for so many projects such as creating coasters, or transforming coasters to hanging ornaments or signs and door plaques. Its also perfect for crafting with kids and creating personalised art for special occasions.

You Will Need

• Cricut Maker
• Infusible Ink Pens
• Cricut Easy Press
• Infusible Ink Coaster
• Easy Press Mat
• Cricut Heat Tape
• White Printer Paper
• Piece of white card stock 
• Butcher paper
• Kitchen tongs

Designing Your Cricut Infusible Ink Pen Image In Cricut Design Space

Design your image like you ordinarily would or search for an image file, just clicked draw only in the operation type in the left hand bar.. I searched for snow and chose a winter themed snow globe. But it doesn’t matter that the circle isn’t perfect as you can remove that easily.

To remove the bottom of the snow globe image, click on contour on the bottom right hand corner and click the snow globe stand to remove it. You can either do this on the image or in the side bar.

Now go into Cricut Design Space and choose a template for a coaster, use this as a guide to size your image. Once sized you can delete the coaster template and choose your pen colour before sending to your mat to draw.

If you’re working with multiple colours your machine will instruct you to change colours during the drawing process. Thus it’s important to get this right during your mat pen section in design space. You can do this by clicking on the little box next to draw in the line-type selection on the top bar on the left.

How To Change SVG Images To A Draw Image For Infusible Ink Pens?

If you know what image you want to use but it’s an SVG not a draw image its actually very easy to change it to a draw image in Cricut Design Space. Simply upload the image to Cricut Design Space, click on operation in the top bar on the left and scroll down to draw and you image will change from a solid to draw image to use with infusible ink.

You can then colour in the image if you want to. This is also a great activity for kids parties if an adult does the heat part.

Sending Your Cricut Infusible Ink Pens Image To Draw

Click make it, and ensure you mirror your image before continuing. It’s not so vital with images, but it important when using words and numbers.

Attach your laser jet printer paper to your blue cutting mat.

Your Cricut will now ask you to load your pen, load and watch it create a little piece of magic, before uploading your image all ready to colour in by hand.

I used different shades to give a brush stroke effect which was perfect for the winter scene I had chosen. Additionally, I decided to add a little detail around the edge in the white border I had created, so did this freehand. However you will note the drawn image looks very dull in colour. But don’t worry, this is not the case once heat transferred.

Cut Out Your Image

Once you are happy cut out your image, wipe the ceramic coaster with a lint-free cloth to remove any residue. Now place your image face down onto your coaster and secure with heat resistant tape. The Easy Press gets soooo hot, so any other tape may melt.

Stack Your Project

Now you can stack your project, this must be done in the correct order for your project to be successful. Follow the stacking order below.

• Cricut EasyPress 2
• Butcher paper
• Cricut Ceramic Coaster Blank, face down
• Design, face up (attached to your coaster)
• White Cardstock
• Cricut EasyPress Mat

Heat Your Easypress

Check the Cricut Heat Guide for the correct heat and time. However for this project press your template with no pressure at 400°F for 240 s.

Once complete gently lift directly up to prevent smudging and allow the coaster to cool, they get so so hot! I use kitchen tongs to move if I need to move the project for any reason.

Allow to cool thoroughly before removing the tape and revealing your project.

More Infusible Ink Projects

• Reversible sequin cushion
• Santa Mickey Cushion Although this is a Christmas project, the principle can be used with any of my free cut files.