One of the reasons I started this blog was to learn new things!
Well, I’ve been holding off trying vinyl projects because – I’ll confess – I was a little intimidated. I was afraid it would be like . . . . Paper. And you guys know how I feel about paper. ;)
I’m happy to say that I have finally made some vinyl projects and I had so much fun!!!
Oh My Crafts (that really fun online craft shop that participated in Black Friday Giveaway Day) offered to send me some vinyl to review. I thought that would be a perfect time to try it out!!
They sent me some regular vinyl in fun colors, some glittery vinyl and some chalkboard vinyl and transfer paper! They also sent me a cool idea book and a squeegee type thing. They provided me with some instructions too – which came in really handy because I had no idea what I was doing!! :)
So here’s what I made!
My first project was this “Be Merry & Bright” sign for my Christmas Mantel. I used their Ruby Glitter vinyl. It was super easy to do!! I was worried about getting all the letters on correctly, but I used the transfer paper and it just went on so easy!
I spray painted the frame turquoise to match my mantel and backed the glass with cream-colored burlap. I am really happy with how cute and easy it was!
Here’s a closeup so you can see the glitter in the vinyl.
You can’t see it at this angle, but I do have three or four bubbles. I’m going to have to work on making sure those are out better in future projects.
For my next project, I wanted to make something fun – so I created a cute little skin for my phone!
I used the Turquoise Blue Vinyl and cut out this fun retro camera shape with my Silhouette.
This one was pretty easy to do – though I’ll admit those little lines at the bottom were kind of tricky. That was really all me though – I am still trying to figure out the way to transfer these designs smoothly.
I loved how easy the vinyl was to cut and work with though!
I think it will be fun to change out designs too – I can peel it off and make something new whenever I want!
Last up – of course I had to make something with the chalkboard vinyl!!
We’re re-doing my daughter’s room and I wanted to make a fun chalkboard/style artwork frame for her. I had a large 16 x 20 frame that I added some fun Amy Butler print to.
I cut out (by hand) a fun scroll-y shape and added it to the front of the glass! Super quick – super cute – chalkboard art!
I drew out 1/4 of the shape on a piece of paper. Then I traced the image onto the back of the chalkboard paper, turning the drawn out shape to make the other three sides of the whole shape. That way all the sides would be even and match.
I cut out the image with regular scissors and applied it to the glass with the transfer paper. I really made sure to get out all the bubbles with the little squeegee they sent me.
It’s super easy to write on – she can write out notes, reminders, assignments – whatever!
Plus I think the chalkboard vinyl looks so cute against the colorful fabric!
If you would be interested in the pattern for the chalkboard shape, let me know!
So I feel pretty excited about my first vinyl projects!! They were really fun to do!
I’m definitely just a beginner though – so if you have any tips or advice for me, I’d love to hear it!! I am looking forward to doing more projects soon!
Disclaimer: Oh My Crafts sent me this awesome vinyl to review. All opinions and ideas in this post were mine. :)
holly ll says
Fun ideas! I have never tried my hand at designing or cutting vinyl (well, I guess I did die cut some vinyl with my epic 6)…so I would say I am a vinyl newbie. Thanks for the inspiration!
aimee steckowski says
LOVE LOVE & LOVE. your mantel turned out so beautiful!!!! i recognize a few things in the photo!
& your phone — that is super cute. i definitely think i need that for my phone – my kids will go nuts!
Lisa Miller says
Got any “Vinyl for Dummies” material? I am afraid to try vinyl also. Do I need a deep blade for my cricut? Are there different thicknesses of vinyl? I have all kinds of questions that I can never seem to find answers for. Any sites or other places I can go to get answers? Thanks. Lisa
Jocelyn says
I have been holding out on vinyl for some of the same reasons. But that camera skin on your phone has me wanting to go buy vinyl like now!!! Love that so much!!!!
Sandy says
I just got a Silhouette Cameo for Christmas and want to try vinyl too! I love, love, love your iphone skin and really want to make one for mine. Can you give me any tips and hints on how to do it? Thanks so much :)
Oksana says
Your vinyl projects turned out great! Thank you for info about this website! I’ve already ordered several vinyl sheets! Wanna try this medium for my craft projects as well.
AJ says
Way to go… your projects turned out awesome!! I was so nervous when I first started playing around with vinyl but it gets easier as you go along. Oh My Crafts is my online go-to site for vinyl, as well as other paper crafting supplies. I love working with their vinyl – good stuff! Look forward to seeing what you make next. AJ@queenofmynest
Diana Kos says
How cute! Great projects! I have neer worked with the vinyl so I am impressed! xo Diana
Divya N says
cool ideas! I have never tried my hand at designing or cutting vinyl…but these look nice
JaneEllen Jones says
Boy for a newbie to vinyl you did an excellent job. What a talent. Love all the projects you did and yes that shape for the chalkboard paper was awesome and can we please have it? Now see I’ll have to go to JoAnn’s tomorrow to see what they have. I know Michaels doesn’t and not sure about Hobby Lobby. You’ve given us all the courage to try vinyl now. Thanks so much.
Michele @ The Scrap Shopp says
You’re on a roll already with the vinyl, Bev!! Love all three of these projects. I think the camera may be my fave though! So cute!
Yup, you’re going to be hooked on vinyl now… ;)
L.A. says
I got the new silhouette cameo for Christmas so I see a lot of vinyl in my future! I’ll refer back to this post to keep me inspired. Thanks Bev!
Ann says
Could you tell me what fonts you used for the be merry? Great job!!
Beverly says
Ann,
It’s called LHF Billhead 1910 – I am pretty sure it was a “pay” font. I’d be happy to send you the Silhouette file if you’d like it!
kendra says
facebooked about your post today! it will be featured on the blog later next week!
Kendra
Karen says
Love your projects. Like anything else you have to play with it to get it to work. I’ve been playing with it more and once you get the hang of it it’s not so bad at all. I just found out yesterday OMC carries chalkboard vinyl. I ordered me some along with a ton of the glitter and regular.
jeanette says
Love your vinyl projects. Love all three projects.