It’s always fun when personalizing your metal cups to add a little flair. You know the ones; they are a shade of silver and just plain. Using your Cricut, you can add some spice to those not so spicy cups!
I’m going to show you how to go from drab to fab by personalizing those metal cups!
What I used:
- My Cricut (I have the Explore Air)
- Permanent glitter vinyl (MUST be permanent)
- Cricut scraper and weeding tool
- Metal cup
- Transfer paper
- Measuring tape (the kind they use in sewing)
- Cricut mat
Step 1: Know your size
Before you can truly begin, you have to know how big your image can be. Measure the area on your cup where you are going to place your image. Don’t forget to measure for width and height. You don’t want your image too small or too big.
Step 2: Choose your image
This is the fun part (for me, anyway)! Time to go into Design Space (DS) and choose your image. You can do this by opening a new project and clicking on images (or you can choose from a ready project). You can also search google to find what you’re looking for. Once you find your perfect image(s), set your measurements for your cup.
Step 3: Cutting and weeding
Time to let your Cricut do its thing! I like to set my images all on one mat when I can. I separated the different colors, making sure my images and my vinyl line up on the mat. After they are cut, take the vinyl off the mat and start weeding. This can be very therapeutic. On a side note, make sure your images aren’t too intricate, and the Cricut may have difficulty cutting the smaller pieces and keeping them in place.
Step 4: Prepare the area
Before you can apply the vinyl, you have to clean the area. I always use rubbing alcohol on the area I am going to put the image and let it air dry. You also want to make sure your cup has been washed before you begin. The alcohol removes dust and any other residue which would keep the vinyl from curing to your cup.
Step 5: Add the image
This can be done in 2 ways. First, you can apply each image one at a time. This can be a little more time consuming, but not much. Second, you can layer each image by picking up each layer (one layer at a time) with your transfer tape. Make sure you are using a piece of transfer tape that will cover your entire completed image.
Now, position your image on your cup. Once you have it exactly where you want it, press your image against your cup. Start in the middle and work your way out on both sides. Use your scraper to make sure your image is secure. Now, slowly peel the transfer paper off. You want to go slow, so you don’t mess up your image.
Now that you have successfully applied your image to your cup, you will want to let it cure for at least 24 hours before washing it again. Also, do not wash your cup in a dishwasher or submerge it in a sink of water.
Personalizing your metal cups can be fun and it gives you something cool to keep or give as a gift. All you need is your Cricut (and Cricut materials), DS, and some imagination. I would love to see how you’ve personalized your metal cups!