- May 16, 2025
- 3 min read
We’re turning up the heat (literally) with a modern twist on print making, with heat press vinyl print-making! Available only in the first week of our Junior Maker Space Lab!
If you have ever experienced the tactile nature and experimentation of traditional print-making, you’re going to be blown away by what a heat press and a little bit of vinyl can do. Think of it as the sleek cousin of traditional print-making — still creative, still hands-on, but with a bold, polished finish that makes your designs pop.
What Is Heat Press Vinyl?
Heat press vinyl (often called HTV — heat transfer vinyl) is a flexible, cuttable material that you can adhere to fabric using a heat press or even a regular household iron. You can create your design by cutting out shapes or letters using scissors, craft knives, or cutting machines like Cricuts. Then, with just a bit of heat and pressure, your design is permanently fused onto your surface — usually t-shirts, tote bags, or fabric banners.
Why We Love It
Wearable art: Kids (and adults!) love that they can actually wear their artwork. It’s empowering to design a piece, heat press it, and then proudly rock your creation.
Mixes well with tradition: This is the coolest part — HTV doesn’t replace traditional print-making; it complements it. You can layer vinyl over block prints or use it as a detail accent. The possibilities are endless.
Bold, clean designs: Heat press vinyl is known for crisp lines and vibrant colors. It's perfect for graphic art, text-based designs, or anything that needs to make a statement.
Instant gratification: Unlike traditional print-making, which often involves inking, pressing, and drying, HTV gives you results fast- Once your design is pressed, it's done — no waiting –great for a day in a Maker Space!
Up-Cycling for the Planet
One of the most meaningful aspects of using heat press vinyl is the way it encourages up-cycling — giving old, worn, or outgrown clothing a vibrant second life.
Instead of tossing that faded t-shirt or plain tote bag, we turn it into a canvas for something new. This not only sparks creativity but also teaches kids (and all of us) about sustainable making — that we don’t always need something new to make something beautiful.
By reusing and reinventing textiles, we’re helping:
Reduce textile waste: Millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills every year. Up-cycling helps divert some of that waste.
Cut down on fast fashion demand: Making something unique and personal reduces the desire for mass-produced items.
Encourage mindful consumption: When kids invest in transforming an item, they’re more likely to treasure it and less likely to throw it away.
So not only are we creating wearable art — we’re also making a small but meaningful impact on the planet.
Hot Off the Press: Your Style, Your Statement
Our Maker Space is all about giving campers tools to express themselves in new ways. Over the week, we’ll experience the art and science of patience, and planning, but we’ll also channel that same energy into heat pressing — designing with intention and watching something transform in seconds.
HTV is a confidence-building medium. Campers will get to see their work go from paper to fabric, from an idea to a real, touchable product. And let’s be honest — who doesn’t love walking out of a workshop with an arm-load of custom-tailored clothing? And when it also benefits the planet? That’s a win-win.
Pro Tips for First-Time Vinyl Pressers
Keep designs simple to start — bold shapes and strong lines work best.
Pre-press your fabric before applying the vinyl to remove moisture.
Use parchment paper or a Teflon sheet when pressing to protect your design.
Let your design cool before peeling — the “cold peel” reveal is just as exciting as pulling a print off a block!
Don't miss out! Register for our Junior Maker Space Lab today
(July 7 - 11 only)!
