Design a Glitter Edge Tumbler: Sublimation With Canva (2024)

Materials

• One (1) 20 oz. Straight Side Sublimation Tumbler
• One (1) Sheet of A-SUB 120g Sublimation Paper 8.5" x 11"
• Design #629 (My free PNG design files are available in my free resource library - get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)

Tools

• Sublimation Printer - I used a converted Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Inkjet Printer
• Sublimation Ink
• Sublimation-Specific Convection Oven
• Oven Thermometer
• Fan for Ventilation
• Heat Resistant Gloves
• Heat Resistant Tape
• Heat Shrink Wrap Sleeves (if your tumblers don’t come with them)
• Heat Gun
• Scraper
• Looped Tape Measure
• Paper Trimmer
• Scissors
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Lint Free Cloth
• Cooling Rack
• Silicone Mat

Instructions

NOTE: Before you begin, use the looped measuring tape to find the tumbler’s circumference to get the wrap’s width and the sublimation area’s height to see how tall the wrap should be. The tumbler in my list is 9.3” around, and the sublimation area is 8” tall.

This tumbler wrap has three important aspects: a vertical name; a picture with glitter edges; and a white background. We’ll design the wrap so that the seam will land in the background between the name and the picture, meaning we don’t need to create an overlap (by increasing the wrap’s width) to blend the seam.

Also, we’ll size the name and picture so that you don’t have to rotate the cup to see them one at a time. To find that design area, lay the cup down and look straight down on it. Use the measuring tape to measure the visible area’s width. For my tumbler, that is about 3.5”

You can use these design steps with many different images. If you want to practice with mine, download my Glitter Edge Tumbler Wrap designs from my free library – look for Design #629. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to download Zip files, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs because the steps are similar for PNGs.

If you want to start with one of my templates, follow the appropriate link, then click "Use template for new design" to customize it:

• Glitter Edge Tumbler With Sunflower Road Picture
• Glitter Edge Tumbler With Ocean Picture
• Glitter Edge Tumbler With Blank Frame

STEP 1: DESIGN YOUR CUSTOM TUMBLER USING CANVA

1. In your computer’s browser, go to jennifermaker.com/canva.
   TIP: If you’re using the same tumbler as me and would prefer to use a premade template, go to jennifermaker.com/canva-glitter-tumbler-template to access my glitter edge tumbler design template, then click “Use template for new design” and skip to step
   NOTE: Canva has mobile apps, but I’m going to show you how everything works on their website using free tools.
2. Then, either sign in to your account or follow the prompts on the screen to sign up for a free account.
   NOTE: Canva does offer paid subscriptions with more tools and elements, but I’ll show you how to do everything with the free account.
3. To see if there are fitting templates to start with, search for “tumbler.”
   TIP: Canva is always adding new templates and design assets.
4. Click “Templates” since we want to make a design.
   
5. If the tumbler templates’ dimensions don’t fit your cup, click “Create a design” to start from scratch
6. Find the section for “Start creating from your media” and click “Custom size.”
   
7. In the “Units” box, click the dropdown menu and select “in” for inches.
8. Enter your tumbler’s circumference in the Width box.
   NOTE: The tumbler in my list is 9.3” around.
9. Enter your sublimation area’s height into the Height box.
   NOTE: The tumbler in my list has a 8” tall sublimation area.
10. Click “Create new design.”
    NOTE: The white canvas area represents the entire sublimatable surface of your tumbler, and the designing tools will be above it. Different tools appear based on your actions. Above that is the
11. Canva menu, and items you can add are on the left.
12. Before we add anything, we need to set up the canvas so we can put our design elements in the right spots for our wrap.
    NOTE: Remember that we want the vertical name and then the photo to be visible without turning the cup. And the seam will go between the name’s bottom edge and the nearby glitter edge, so
13. I’ll plan to put the name on the left and the photo on the right.
14. Click “File,” hover over “Settings,” then click “Show rulers and guides” to keep measurements on screen.
    
15. To add a vertical Guide, click and drag from the left Ruler onto the canvas and let go when it’s in the correct spot on the top ruler.
    NOTE: I’ll add a guide at about 3.5” since that’s the area of the tumbler visible without turning it to read the name.
    TIP: Guides are reference lines that aren’t part of the final design, but can be used to plan your canvas. For mine, the area to the left of the guide will be for the name, and the photo will go to its right.
    
16. The left edge of the canvas will be the seam on the tumbler. To avoid putting design elements too close to the seam, click and drag another vertical Guide from the left Ruler and place it about ¼” from the left side.
17. Add another Guide ¼” from the far right side.
    NOTE: Since my design is 9.3” wide, putting it close to 9” is just about right.
18. To add a graphic, click “Elements” on the left side of your screen to see all the fun things Canva provides for your design.
    NOTE: The elements are broken down into categories like Shapes, Graphics, and AI image generator.
    
19. You can browse for ideas or use the search bar to find something specific. I want my design to have torn edges, so I’ll type “torn pages” in the search bar and press “Enter.”
    NOTE: There are some Graphics that look like torn paper, but they have a crown icon. Those are only for Canva Pro users, so don’t click those.
    TIP: If you add a crowned element to your project using a free account, you’ll see lines across the design and a little “remove watermarks” button. Clicking that prompts you to try Canva Pro.
20. Click back on “Elements” to return to the recent search results.
21. Find the section called “Frames” with the same landscape illustration in different shapes. Click “see all” to see more frames.
    NOTE: Frames let you crop photos to fit different uses, and can be resized or rotated to fit your plans.
    
22. Find a frame that you like, and click it to send it to your canvas. I’ll choose a frame with tears at the top and bottom, even though I eventually want them on the sides.
    
23. Drag the frame over to the right section of the canvas so you can adjust it to fit between the vertical guidelines.
    TIP: Preparing the frame before adding a photo means you won’t risk skewing the image.
24. To rotate the frame, click and drag the icon with curved arrows.
    NOTE: I’ll drag mine clockwise so the tears are on the sides instead.
    
25. To resize the frame, keep the “Lock” icon at the top open, then click and drag the edges to make it taller. Don’t leave any white space above or below it.
    NOTE: I’ll make my frame large enough to fill the right section from top to bottom.
26. To recreate the glitter at the sides of the picture with the same torn detail, you can layer images cropped using this prepared frame.
27. Go back to “Elements” and type “glitter” in the search bar and press “Enter” to find a glitter image to crop.
28. Click “All” to see the unfiltered results.
29. Select “Photos” to find a glitter image that works with a “Frame.”
30. Find an image you like and drag it into the frame to automatically fill the shape.
    NOTE: I selected a free gold glitter image.
    
31. You can adjust how the framed element looks by clicking “Edit image.”
    NOTE: “Effects” has some editing tools, filters, and effects you can play with. “Adjust” lets you change the photo itself, such as increasing its Vibrance.
    
32. To rotate the photo, click on the “Crop” tab and use the tools provided.
    NOTE: I want the brighter glitter pieces at the bottom, so I’ll rotate the image until it’s positioned the way I want.
    TIP: Canva knows we still want to fill the Frame, so it automatically zooms in to fit.
    
33. Click “Done” to see the result.
34. To prepare a photo with the same torn edges in front of this glitter frame, click the “Duplicate” icon.
    
35. Drag the copy to the left so you can keep track of both layers.
    NOTE: If you drag it all the way off, you actually delete it entirely from your design. Click the Undo arrow to bring it back!
36. To add an image from your computer, click “Uploads” on the left and then “Upload files.”
37. Find the photo you want and click “Open.” It will appear under your “Images” in your “Uploads” section.
    NOTE: I’ll use my beach image from the PNG folder in the zip folder.
    
38. Drag the photo into the new frame.
39. If the orientation of the photo changes, click “Edit photo,” rotate it using the “Crop” controls, and click “Done.”
    NOTE: Using the “Rotate” icon on the Canvas rotates the Frame.
40. Move the photo back into position on top of the matching glitter frame.
41. Use the left and right handles to slightly pull in the photo layer’s edges so a little of the glitter frame behind it shows. It looks like tearing the photo revealed some glitter!
42. We want these elements to stay together, so click “Position” at the top and then “Layers” in the controls to the left.
43. Hold your “Shift” key, select both layers in the list, and then click “Group.”
    
44. Go back to “Elements” and look for a Graphic to fill the sandy space.
    NOTE: I’ll search for “good vibes.”
45. When you find one you like, drag it onto the canvas.
    
46. Then resize it to fit the space.
47. To add a name, click the “Text” icon on the left.
    TIP: Canva provides lots of preset options, but we’ll design our own.
48. Click “Add a text box” to put one on your canvas.
49. Type the name or word you want to add to your tumbler.
50. Click the icon with the arrows to drag the text box over to the left blank area.
    
51. Use the handles on your bounding box to increase the size of your text box.
52. To change the typeface, click the field in the toolbar that says “Canva Sans,” the default option.
    
53. Browse through the fonts or use the search bar to find one you like from Canva’s free (without a crown) options.
    NOTE: Canva doesn’t see your System fonts and only Canva Pro users can use their own.
54. Click on your desired font to change your text to that typeface.
    NOTE: I used the handwritten font Moontime.
55. To rotate the text, click the curved arrows and drag clockwise until the little graphic with numbers says “90 degrees” and the letters’ bottoms are facing left.
56. Use a corner of the bounding box to resize the text proportionately and fill more space.
57. To center the text box vertically, click the three dots, then “Align to page” and “Middle.”
    
58. Use your right arrow key to move the name closer to the glitter.
59. To adjust the text color, click the letter “A” with the color bar in the tools menu above the canvas.
60. Look under “Photo colors” to find your photo, and click one of its most prominent colors to recolor the text to match.
    NOTE: Canva pulls some colors right from your elements to help keep your design consistent.
    
61. When you’re happy with the design, click “File” and double click the bolded writing at the top to give it a name.
62. Click on “Share” and choose “Download.”
63. Select “PNG” and click “Download.”

STEP 2: PRINT YOUR TUMBLER WRAP

1. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
   NOTE: You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.
   TIP: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but you won’t be able to install or access any printer profiles from a mobile device, and you’ll also have limited access to features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device.
2. Click “Blank document” at the top left to open a new document.
3. Go to the File menu and select “Page setup.”
4. Check the box next to “Landscape.”
5. Change your margins to “0” to use more of the page.
6. Change your Paper Size to match your sublimation paper size. I’m using 8.5” x 11” or letter-size paper.
7. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
8. Go to the Insert menu, select “Image,” and select “Upload from Computer.”
9. Locate your tumbler wrap PNG.
   TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your Downloads folder.
10. Click “Open.”
11. To resize the design, right-click the image and select “Image Options.”
12. Select “Size & Rotation.”
13. Change the size in the fields to match your design.
    NOTE: I’ll make mine 9.3” wide and 8” tall.
    
14. Click the area that says “Untitled document” at the top and type a name for the file.
15. Make sure your sublimation paper is loaded correctly into your printer.
    TIP: Check your printer manual and paper packaging for help identifying the right side to print on and how to load it.
    
    NOTE: While printer settings vary, the main things to watch for are paper type and print quality. I have directions for common sublimation printers at jennifermaker.com/sublimation-print-method, but I’ll show you the process for my Epson.
16. Go to the File menu and choose “Print.”
17. Select your sublimation printer under "Destination."
18. Click the arrow beside "More Settings" and click "Print Using System Dialog."
    NOTE: Your settings may look different, but use mine as a general reference.
19. Make sure your sublimation printer is selected under "Printer."
20. Then, under "Layout" click "Flip horizontally" to mirror your image.
    NOTE: Most sublimation projects need to be mirrored, so remember that step.
21. Select the "Print Settings" or “Media Quality” area.
22. Change your media type to an option similar to “Photo Matte Paper” and the Print Quality to "Best Quality."
    NOTE: Don’t use high speed or the result will not be perfect!
23. Print your design!
    

STEP 3: WRAP AND SUBLIMATE YOUR TUMBLER

1. Once the print is dry, use a paper trimmer to cut away any excess white paper at the top and bottom of the design.
   NOTE: Don’t get your fingers near the blade!
2. It’s hard to tell where the design’s edge is near the name, with all the white space but we know there was .25” left near the other glitter edge. So trim the glitter edge .25” beyond the ink.
   
   NOTE: We’ll use the white by the name to secure the design.
3. For the best transfer, use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove debris or skin oils from the tumbler and let it dry.
   
4. Wrap the design around the tumbler with the ink facing in and with the elements oriented correctly.
5. Align the trimmed top and bottom edges so the design is straight.
6. Lay the tumbler on its side and place a piece of tape securely on the edge near the name. Don't let the tape touch the paper on the side or the cup yet.
7. Use one hand to hold the other edge near the glitter edge tight against the tumbler.
8. Pull the loose section of tape as tight as possible, then press it in place over the back of the photo. Our design is laid out perfectly so the edges won’t interrupt the designs.
   
9. Then use more tape to pull the paper on either side of the first piece tight and tape them in place, too.
10. Secure the top edge with a piece of heat-resistant tape right over the lip.
11. Then, smooth the design straight down against the tumbler and tape the bottom edge so it’s tight. Make sure everything is still straight.
12. Add more tape pieces all around the top and bottom edges to finish securing the design.
13. Open a window or turn on your fan to improve your ventilation.
14. Place a silicone baking mat onto the sublimation convection oven’s wire tray.
    TIP: This will keep the tumbler from rolling later.
15. Place an oven thermometer in the center to make sure the temperature is correct.
16. Preheat your convection oven to 375°F (190°C).
    TIP: Consult my Sublimation Cookbook for temperatures and times to sublimate tumblers and many more projects!
17. While the oven comes up to temperature, wrap the tumbler with a piece of white butcher paper.
18. Secure the butcher paper with a few pieces of heat resistant tape.
    
19. Grab a shrink wrap tube that will fit your tumbler.
    NOTE: Some sublimation tumblers come with shrink-wrap tubes, but not all do. If you order the tubes separately, make sure they’re the right size for your tumbler.
    
20. Open the shrink-wrap tube and pull it over your tumbler.
    
21. Put on your heat-resistant gloves.
22. Turn your heat gun to a low setting and slowly heat the wrap until it conforms to the tumbler.
    
23. Smooth out the majority of the wrinkles, but don’t make the wrap too tight or it will pull apart in the oven.
    
24. Once the oven is at the correct temperature, lay the prepared tumbler horizontally on the silicone baking mat.
    TIP: Keep your gloves on, the oven is hot!
    
25. Bake the tumbler for six minutes, giving it a quarter turn every 90 seconds with your gloves on.
    NOTE: This helps even out the heat on the tumbler.
26. After six minutes, the tumbler will be VERY hot. Carefully take it out of the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for one to two minutes until it’s safer to handle.
    
27. While the tumbler is still warm, carefully peel away the shrink wrap, tape, butcher paper, and sublimation paper to reveal your design!
    
    

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

Notes