A good friend of mine recently lost 100 pounds (Becky of Utah Sweet Savings)! I am so proud of her and her amazing accomplishment that I wanted to do something to celebrate. One of the things that I love about Becky is her positive attitude. We have tried lots of new things together, skiing and boxing. Whenever I get the hang of something new, Becky tells me that I am a rockstar, so I thought a play on that was perfect for this. This personalized tumbler is the perfect gift.
Personalized Tumbler
All you need for this craft is an acrylic tumbler and some vinyl. For this kind of project, that is going to get a lot of use, I like to use permanent vinyl. I still wouldn’t put it in the dishwasher, but it gives it more staying power than regular vinyl.
I used my Cricut to cut the vinyl, but if you don’t have one, a computer print out of what you want the vinyl to say, a marker to trace the letters on the back and a pair of scissors will work too.
The trick to applying vinyl on a curved surface is a hair dryer and patience. After I have weeded my vinyl and applied the transfer tape, I used a hair dryer to warm the back of the transfer tape a little bit. Keep in mind that too much heat will ruin vinyl, but I have found a little bit of heat keeps the vinyl from bubbling as you place it on the curve surface. After the vinyl is slightly warm, slowly lay it across the surface, smoothing it with your finger as you go. Go slowly and use the hair dryer again if you feeling it isn’t laying smooth.
I love these tumblers, they are a practical gift that people use and the hair dryer makes all the difference is getting the vinyl smooth on a curve surface.
Personalized Tumblers
Personalize a tumbler using permanent vinyl, a cricut cutting machine or a computer printout of your design. Plus, a vinyl transfer hack that will make the process easier!
Materials
- Acrylic Tumbler
- Permanent Vinyl
Instructions
- I used my Cricut to cut the vinyl, but if you don’t have one, a computer print out of what you want the vinyl to say, a marker to trace the letters on the back and a pair of scissors will work too.
- The trick to applying vinyl on a curved surface is a hair dryer and patience.
- After I have weeded my vinyl and applied the transfer tape, I used a hair dryer to warm the back of the transfer tape a little bit. Keep in mind that too much heat will ruin vinyl, but I have found a little bit of heat keeps the vinyl from bubbling as you place it on the curve surface.
- After the vinyl is slightly warm, slowly lay it across the surface, smoothing it with your finger as you go.
- Go slowly and use the hair dryer again if you feeling it isn’t laying smooth.
Notes
For this kind of project, that is going to get a lot of use, I like to use permanent vinyl. I still wouldn’t put it in the dishwasher, but it gives it more staying power than regular vinyl.
I would have never thought to use a hair dryer to warm it up!! Great tip, I can't wait to try it. Also, where did you find your blank tumbler? I've been looking for some, but haven't had any luck.
Amy 🙂
you can also take it off by using the hair dryer too. we did to take the vinyl letters off of my husbands truck
So smart! I'd never though of using a hair dryer!
Thanks for the great idea!!
Thanks so much for sharing this tip – I didn't know! Also, I really enjoyed perusing your book list. Several on your list are favorites of mine too. I love a good reading buddy!
Warmly, Michelle
Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust