*This post does include affiliate links, I may or may not make commission off of these links but all opinions are 100% mine and are 100% honest*
Ever since I got a new Cricut Explore™, I’ve been wanting to make more vinyl appliques for tableware. I love reusable wine glass stickers, mug decals, and ways to dress up everyday items. And when this month’s Cricut Design Star Challenge asked us to focus on Celebrations- and my team, 16, decided on table top ideas- I knew I wanted to make something fun and intricate to show off just how unique the Cricut Explore™ is.
To make this design, I actually converted a font into an image so I could cut it out with my explore.
Did you know there are a ton of fonts that have designs instead of letters? Today I am going to show you how you can turn them into a design that your explore can cut! You can then use it to cut leather, vinyl, felt, chipboard, birch board, tissue paper- the sky is the limit!
First, we need to download the font. I used this font from My Fonts. It is a paid font, but I love all of the designs on it for $22. One note- when you download a font like this, it is most likely against the license to use the artwork as an item for sale. Be sure to check all terms when downloading if you plan on selling an item. I am just using this decal for myself.
Next, you’ll need to go to a photo or text program to use the font. I am choosing PicMonkey, since it is free for anyone to use.
Select a design (I like to do 2000×2000).
You’ll then select the tools option, and go to background. You’ll see a small button to make the background transparent. This isn’t necessary, but I do find my cricut does better at recognizing shapes with a transparent background.
Then lay your text on, and make it as large as you can. Save the item as a PNG.
Now we’re going to open our Cricut Design Space™.
Click Upload an image, and then chose the right settings. I used moderately complex since this font has some intricate details.
When the software is done, add your image onto the virtual mat.
Add metallic cricut vinyl to a cricut mat and hook your computer up to your machine. Select vinyl, and cut!
If you make a large decal, like for the charger, it peels off very easily. If you make a smaller decal, you might need a weeding tool to help safely remove your image from the mat.
When your vinyl is cut, slowly place onto a clean glass, charger, plate- anything you’d like to decorate (don’t place anywhere food our mouths will touch as it isn’t specifically made to be food safe).
Let cure overnight- and get ready to party!
Want to see 10 other AMAZING crafts you can make to use on your celebration table? My group has a ton of gorgeous ideas for you- please visit each one by clicking the links below! And seriously… how amazing are all of these? Can you believe the Cricut Explore made them all??
To see these amazing projects, click on the links below:
So… are you ready to get a Cricut Explore after seeing all those projects? Check out this deal- you can Free Shipping on Cricut Orders of $35+ with code FREESHIP35
and the Cricut Explore® machine is now available with the Cricut Iron-On Bundle! That is a TON of crafting inspiration!
And if you already have a Cricut- check out this awesome opportunity!
It’s time your creativity pays off so you can really make it. Cricut has just announced the second phase of the Cricut – I Made It! contest and this time they’re awarding one winner their own Make it Now™ project line to be sold in Cricut Design Space™!
To help create your line, Cricut will fly you to their headquarters in Salt Lake City to work side-by-side with their design team. Then you and a guest will enjoy an all-expense paid stay at the Grand America Hotel – a luxury resort in Salt Lake City, home to the best skiing in the world.
The winner will be featured on Cricut.com and every time a Cricut user purchases your project, you’ll earn money. Cha-ching! Cricut will even help with your publicity.
Cricut is upping the fame game even more…camera, lights, action….
Cricut has partnered with the The Design Network – a premier online design channel – to showcase the Cricut- I Made It! winner this fall. You’ll get a spotlight feature on a network dedicated to celebrating great designers and their creative star power.
Cricut’s judges, including DIY Diva Alison Deyette and two creative directors from Cricut, will pick 50 finalists from the best project entries based on creativity, use of materials and technique. Who will pick the ultimate winner? You, the public, will vote online in October.
To enter the Cricut – I Made It! contest, all you need is a photo of an original project. You can upload up to five photos (which can be five individual projects or multiple photos of one project).
You have until September 30th to enter. What are you waiting for? It’s time you Made It big! Head to cricut.com to enter today.
This post contains affiliate links, which help me offset costs of running Sweet C’s Designs.
Kristi Murphy
September 15, 2014 at 1:55 pmJust LOVE this!!