Really cool sprite! It looks like a big fuzzy patch with actual depth.
As a personal rule, I never iron large sprites in individual sections. It can be done as a last resort but there’s always little variations due to how the edges tend to spread out and separate more vs interior beads. There will be a noticeable divide and I must admit that I cringe a little anytime I see someone attempt it. Some people may not be bothered by it but for me it’s either all in one piece or not at all. Though I will say you might be able to get away with it if you make the separation on an all black bead edge. It would also be the safest option.
Are you familiar with the tape method? An option would be to use the tape method and set the first section of beads aside somewhere safe (unironed but connected to the tape). Then work on the next section, tape it up, and carefully and precisely place the second section next to the first and THEN iron them together all at once. I’ve had to do this on a few huge projects when I’ve run out of boards but I don’t know if I’d recommend it if you’re unfamiliar with the tape method since it’s a little advanced.
Alternatively you could place the boards aside somewhere until you have a larger surface to work with. That obviously comes with its own set of risks too. Especially if you have cats!
Anyway I wish you luck and look forward to seeing the completed work!
I do know the tape method, I did it on my first 2 sprites which were only 4 boards each 🤪, but I had no problems flipping and ironing so THANK GOD, Ive def done a lot of research on how to properly do everything because im really into wanting to sell these and i want them to look as best as possible! Im thinking maybe trying to slide a piece of cardboard underneath too so when i do flip it with the tape i can use the cardboard to help flip and then at that point just keep adding on to it and do the whole thing in one go. Im not ready to poke like 20,000 holes tho 😬
20,000 holes will go waaaay quicker if you use an unused pegboard to do it. Just make sure the desk is really sturdy as you might need to use a lot of downwards force. I broke a desk one time pressing down too hard lol
On my larger stuff I only melt the back side then mount it on a backing board. You can melt it well enough that it won't come apart, and the front looks nice and fresh.
As for the rest of the process, it sounds like you're on track. Find 2 large pieces of cardboard to make a sandwich out of it when you flip it over, do the tape method, punch the holes with your board that has the sharpest pegs, then flip and iron.
Really cool sprite! It looks like a big fuzzy patch with actual depth. As a personal rule, I never iron large sprites in individual sections. It can be done as a last resort but there’s always little variations due to how the edges tend to spread out and separate more vs interior beads. There will be a noticeable divide and I must admit that I cringe a little anytime I see someone attempt it. Some people may not be bothered by it but for me it’s either all in one piece or not at all. Though I will say you might be able to get away with it if you make the separation on an all black bead edge. It would also be the safest option. Are you familiar with the tape method? An option would be to use the tape method and set the first section of beads aside somewhere safe (unironed but connected to the tape). Then work on the next section, tape it up, and carefully and precisely place the second section next to the first and THEN iron them together all at once. I’ve had to do this on a few huge projects when I’ve run out of boards but I don’t know if I’d recommend it if you’re unfamiliar with the tape method since it’s a little advanced. Alternatively you could place the boards aside somewhere until you have a larger surface to work with. That obviously comes with its own set of risks too. Especially if you have cats! Anyway I wish you luck and look forward to seeing the completed work!
I do know the tape method, I did it on my first 2 sprites which were only 4 boards each 🤪, but I had no problems flipping and ironing so THANK GOD, Ive def done a lot of research on how to properly do everything because im really into wanting to sell these and i want them to look as best as possible! Im thinking maybe trying to slide a piece of cardboard underneath too so when i do flip it with the tape i can use the cardboard to help flip and then at that point just keep adding on to it and do the whole thing in one go. Im not ready to poke like 20,000 holes tho 😬
20,000 holes will go waaaay quicker if you use an unused pegboard to do it. Just make sure the desk is really sturdy as you might need to use a lot of downwards force. I broke a desk one time pressing down too hard lol
LMAO, yeah my desk is basically like a wood table so it should be good, thanks for the advice!
On my larger stuff I only melt the back side then mount it on a backing board. You can melt it well enough that it won't come apart, and the front looks nice and fresh. As for the rest of the process, it sounds like you're on track. Find 2 large pieces of cardboard to make a sandwich out of it when you flip it over, do the tape method, punch the holes with your board that has the sharpest pegs, then flip and iron.