Vinyl Post…Finally!
December 9, 2009 by Alison
I got this bowl at the dollar store and made it super cute! All it took was a little red permanent vinyl.
Have fun with all your projects…we want to see pics.
Silhouette. Here is a post on why we like the Silhouette craft cutter. We LOVE how you don’t’ have to buy cartridges. We LOVE their customer service. We LOVE how projects turn out using the cutter!
Okay here is the low down on vinyl.
These are the three main types of vinyl I use on my crafting projects:
1. Oracal 631 Matte
This is what is sold at craft stores for your cricut machine. It is removable and it is a little thicker. It is NOT permanent. Great for general crafting.
2. Oracal 651
This is vinyl you’d use out side.
3. Oracal 751 or 951
This is the permanent vinyl. I use the 951. It lasts a little longer. This vinyl is thinner! It is harder to cut tiny… tiny things with this vinyl. Just make your font bigger if it’s ‘eating’ your vinyl. I still hand wash my items, but my daughter has put it in the dishwasher and it was fine. I wouldn’t microwave the vinyl. Pour hot water into the mug:)
Transfer Paper – you really need this to help things stay even so that your crafts look more professional. For small projects you can use painters tape (the blue kind at the hardware store).
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A million thanks for this post, and for the links to the other two sources! I finally feel like I know what to do and how to do it! Again, thanks for the legwork. It is appreciated.
Does expressionsvinyl.com not sell the permanent vinyl you mentioned? I went to their site and didn’t see it. Should you not use the oracal 631 on things like coffee mugs and platters??
Hi Alli
They got their order in today and will be posting it soon. Email them and ask them about it. The 631 will wash off of your mugs and plates. You could use it for a one time shot, but take it off before you put it in the dishwasher!!!
They said they ordered in a bunch of the 751 and 951 just for ‘HowDoesShe’ readers. Just email them and let them know what you are looking for. Thanks for your comment! Let us know if you have any other questions!
ALison
Hi I was wondering which vinyl,color and font you used for your super cute mugs.
Thanks
The font is ‘Black Boys on Mopeds’
The type of vinyl is 951
The color is red
Thank you SO much for this post! Thanks to your post on the Robert’s Crafts Cyber Monday Cricut special, I just bought one and am ready to use it! I can’t wait! Do you know know if there are any hardware stores that sell the permanent vinyl as well? Like a Lowe’s or Home Depot?
I have not seen vinyl in hardware stores, but you can check out your local craft store! I’ve seen it there!
Show us your projects! Congrats…You’ll save a ton on gift giving!
Thanks so much for the sources and info! It is much appreciated! Happy Holidays to you!
Thank you so much for the links! I, too, found out on your site about the Robert’s deal on the Cricut, and picked one up. I’ve been dying to make a few things I’ve seen around the blogosphere made with vinyl. Awesome! I’m so excited.
-Sarah
I just placed my order at Expressions Vinyl for the permanent vinyl. Can’t wait to get it and start “playing!” It was fun to see your pancake bowl on their site!
Thank you!!!!
I know, I know, this is probably such a stupid question, but I don’t know the answer so I am asking- What is the transfer paper, and what kind of things do you use it for?
Thanks,
Ma21cuteboy 8o}
Transfer paper…it is so you don’t have to take off one letter at a time. You put the transfer paper (it’s like tape) over the cut letters, rub over the top and then lift the transfer paper off. The letters will stick to the transfer paper and then you can place it where you want it. It will keep your letters in a straight line and evenly spaced!
Thank you for the updates!
A little birdie told me that I was getting a Cricut for christmas
THank you for posting this because I have read on some sites that the cricut doesn’t cut vinyl well, but this made me so excited cause now i know I can woot woot!!
I am off to go vinyl shopping!
How about a little video tutorial on using vinyl with the cricut??
I’m a little nervous to try it. Do you adjust your blade?
Oh, and did anyone get a better deal than they expected from Roberts on Cyber Monday? I was the one that posted the code for 30% off the sale price – my total for the Personal Cricut, Christmas cartridge, and shipping was $100. But when they shipped it, I saw my invoice and they only charged me $70! Machine, cartridge, and shipping. Crazy huh? My only regret with not getting the Expressions is the little one doesn’t cut fonts small enough – I’ve been trying to make gift tags but they have to be really big to fit the one inch lettering. Otherwise… so much fun! Working on a Xmas countdown and the photo ornaments next. Thanks again for all the tips!
I know there is a bunch of videos on UTube! Just search vinyl and Cricuts. There are lots that will tell you how to do it and how to adjust the settings. Great job on the cricut deal! We’ve thought about videos, but we don’t have the equipment yet!
do I need to have a cricut in order to create things with vinyl?
No…you can order it from a vinyl company and they do all the cutting, tweezing and backing for you! Let me know if you need a company.
Thanks
Alison
hi again, Allison! lots of thanks for the email. anyway, are sticker papers similar to vinyl? just wanna makesure
and can I use the transfer tape like over and over again; or I have to use a different one everytime?
Thank you!
I am not sure what sticker paper is, but the transfer paper you can use until it’s no longer sticky. I reuse mine all the time. Another thing you can do is use painters tape for smaller projects. It’s the blue kind at the hardware store. We want to see what you are creating:)
Thanks for your questions!
you’re welcome! sure, will post my blog URL up here when I have done something =) you have been very helpful, thanks once again.
I am still searching for vinyl though, since it seems there’s none here in my country. so I guess I MIGHT order from oversea for supplies.
Thank You Very Much :]
hey there
I really really LOVE those vinyl’d stuff.. so just wondering, can I print out words on the vinyl using an ink-jet printer(usual desktop printers)? or.. do I really need to have a cricut/any special printer for vinyl?
Thanks!
oops! I’m sorry, my previous comment didn’t show up just now!! shoot. haha. alright, thanks for the reply! and by the way, I just need another answer for the first question on my second comment, please?
oh yes.. sure, if there’s a company you know that can supply them at cheap prices that’ll be nice.
Thank You!
Is the “black boys on Mopeds” font the name of the cricut cartridge? Is that the same font used on the pancake mixing bowl? Thanks for all the info and GREAT ideas!!
The black boys on mopeds is not a cricut cartridge. I used my vinyl cutter for this project. You can use any font that cricut has or if you really want this font just ask a ‘vinyl lady.’ If you need one check out mytalkingwalls.com
Thanks for your comments &Questions!!
What is a vinyl cutter? Not your typical crafters machine I assume. More professional?
A vinyl cutter is a professional cutter. A good one starts at round $1,000. They are great if you are going to start a craft business or do craft shows! The Cricut is a smaller one for crafters. These run $80-$350 and you can get these at any craft store (Michaels, Roberts, Hobby Lobby, etc.).
Does this answer your question? Let me know if you have others!
ALison
ok i am confused.. i want a silhouette … but does it only cut vinyl? i do scrap-booking and want to do a bunch of vinyl, i assumed sillhouette was the best but here it seems circut is.. any suggestions? i have a computer and (a mac) and do not mind using it… thank you..
(could you please email response to jls12783@hotmail.com)
It does vinyl, paper, tattoo paper, magnets…both machines are wonderful. They do a lot, but we like the silhouette because you don’t need cartridges. There is not more cost after buying a cutter because there are so many free ones online. Hope that helps.
Do you have any experience with Sure Cuts A Lot?
Nope! Do you have one?
I’ve finally found vinyl!! here in my hometown:) but too bad I dont own any vinyl cutter:( anyway, the vinyl that I’ve found is shiny in colour.. have I got the correct kind of vinyl?
Thanks:D
Shiny will work perfect! Matte is another option too! Thanks for asking!!
Where did you buy your white mugs?
The Dollar Store:)
Okay, Gals…I am SUPER excited to start crafing!…
One Hic-cup… I want to purchase a vinal cutter, and I am at a loss as to what the best machine is to buy? I would like it put on mugs, wood crafts…ect…
Can anyone give me advice??? Thanks!
can’t wait to start….Andrea
I am in love with the Silhoutte. I picked this machine over the Circuit because of being able to download all the different stuff right over the internet and not have to buy the cartridges. How she does it got me into this and buying it. Really watch HDS they are super great with ideas.
Hey I was wondering what would be a good alternative to vinyl..I do not have a cutter and am 45 miles away from a craft store! I can do an inkjet printer but thought you might have another suggestion. Thanks! Love your cute crafts!
You have me seriously wanting a Silhouette, but I have a question I hope you can answer. My local craft store now sells vinyl by the foot! Can I use that with a Silhouette machine or do I have to buy the Silhouette brand vinyl rolls? So, what kind (brand) of vinyl is compatible with the Silhouette?
Thanks!!
Ordered from expressionsvinyl.com today so excited! Used the 3 vinyl that I got from plum and I have had a blast! Thank you Ladies
WOW!!! so happy I have found this site.. Thanks so much for your tips and tricks
Hi Alison, I love so many of your projects. I am considering buying a silhouette for crafting & sewing. A few questions: is the permanent vinyl dishwasher safe? Do you need to buy anything but the machine to cut the vinyl & the fabric. I purchased an embroidery machine last year & come to find out that I also needed a software program that cost almost as much as machine-don’t want to make that mistake twice. Really appreciate any help you can give me. Need to start trying to save to purchase the Silhouette
hi,
i just bought a silhouette cameo…it is still in the box. I have been clicking one image after another on your site, drooling over the wonderful and creative items you made. I could sit here for hours….it is so much fun.
I am sure that this will be one of many emails, but i just have a couple of questions…when you make the mugs with names or use etching cream, how to use wash them? do you need to seal it with anything?
thanks so very much for the inspiration and ideas.
dianne
New projects – so fun! The etching cream will have all the directions on it about washing and for the mugs, make sure to use the more durable vinyl mentioned in the post and then hand wash.
have fun!
I have a cricut and have been trying to make the cute insulated cups with peoples names on them. The one thing i cant for the life of me figure out is how do you transfer the name with the transfer tape and make it strait!! You know like how you did on the cute pancake bowl. Since cups are smaller when you lay the name on the cup it curves! Do you know what I mean?? I hope you do and you can help me solve this dilema!! I soooo want to try to make some of the cute stuff but I’m hung up on trying to transfer names to small curved surfaces…. PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Love this, do you know if the 951 will work in a Cricut machine?
I use clear contact paper for transfer paper. Cheap and works great!!!!
Now when you add the vinyl to the coffee cup, can you put the cup in the microwave after? I want to make these for gifts, but I put my cup in the microwave to warm my coffee up everyday and just want to make sure it’s safe, thanks!