DIY Oktoberfest Can Cooler

September 15, 2021

It’s officially Oktoberfest season, and I am ready to celebrate! Prost! We used to have a Hofbräuhaus locally, and they had the most amazing Oktoberfest celebrations all month long. And, when I was a kid, we went to a few Oktoberfests at local Lutheran churches. I haven’t made it to any of the local celebrations in a few years, but I still celebrate at home. And, this DIY Oktoberfest Can Cooler was so much fun to make, and is perfect for celebrations.

If you decide to make a purchase through my links, I will be paid a small commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional.

Oktoberfest

It’s no surprise that I enjoy celebrating all things German beer. My dad was German, I grew up in a Lutheran school, and I enjoy a good beer and fellowship!

Last week I shared the fun Totally Free Oktoberfest SVG File. And, I hosted my own back yard beer and bratwurst festival a few years ago. You can see more of that party in this Oktoberfest Party post.

Sublimation

Sublimation shirt printing is a specific process of printing that first involves printing onto a special sheet of paper, then transferring that image onto another a polyester mix product with a heat press.

Sublimating costs more than other methods, but it will last longer, without cracking or peeling over time.

I bought an Epson EcoTank Printer and filled it with Hiipoo Sublimation Ink. You need to do this with a new printer that hasn’t ever been filled with traditional ink. (Pineapple Paper Co. has a great post on converting your printer!) You will also need special sublimation paper, shirts or cups for sublimating, and a heat or mug press.

DIY Oktoberfest Can Cooler

I created this printable sublimation image to mimic a German beer stein, and I really love how it turned out! And, a can cooler is so much more affordable to make than a beer stein. Plus, it can be stored away a lot easier.

I have a surplus of everything I need at home to make all the things, but in case you don’t, here’s an Amazon list for you! And, be sure to check out my Amazon Store for some of my favorite crafting supplies, party supplies, and more!

Shark Sublimation Image, use code OKTOBERFEST to download it FREE
Epson EcoTank Printer
Heat Press Tape
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink
Sublimation Paper
Heat Press
Popsicle Holder
Lint Roller

After you set up your printer, download the Oktoberfest Image from the shop. Then, print it, be sure to MIRROR the image before you print it!

Next, use the lint roller on your pressing surface. Then, use heat press tape to tape your image where you want it to be.(If you are pressing a shirt, place card stock or butcher paper between the shirt, under the shirt, and on top of the shirt) Finally, press the image onto your can cooler, shirt, or mug!

Once the product has cooled, remove the image and enjoy!

Check out The Country Chic Cottage for more DIY’s and tips on sublimation.