For this month’s journaling theme with Silk + Sonder, the word was Resilience. I decided to pair it with Love and created a project I call the Arch of Love & Resilience. To complement the design, I wrote an acrostic poem using the word resilience.
Materials Used
Bercoor acrylic arch
HTVRont sublimation paper
HTV white vinyl (for backing and emphasis)
Heat press
I-Engraver
Process
Design Preparation
Created an acrostic poem using the word resilience.
Arranged the text in an arch layout to match the acrylic base.
Sublimation & Vinyl Application
Printed the design onto HTVRont sublimation paper.
Applied HTV white vinyl to the back of the acrylic to help the lettering stand out.
Pressed at 390°F for 40 seconds, repeating the press twice for proper adhesion.
Finishing
Used Bercoor acrylic for the arch. However, the material reacted to the heat, leaving a slightly cloudy and wrinkled finish. Even after placing a heavy object on top to flatten it, the surface did not return to full clarity.
Attempted engraving with the I-Engraver, but alignment of the text was off.
Notes & Challenges
The Bercoor acrylic was not ideal for sublimation at this temperature and time, as it produced a cloudy, wrinkled effect.
Engraving requires more precise alignment adjustments to avoid text misplacement.
Reflection
Despite the challenges, the Arch of Love & Resilience brought together creative writing, design, and hands-on crafting. It served as both a learning experience and a meaningful way to express the connection between love and resilience.
