Easy Cricut Fall Project Using Dollar Store Mugs

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Learn How to Easily Customize a Dollar Store Mug with Cricut Explore Air 2

Are you looking for an easy way to get started with Cricut? Learn how to customize a dollar store mug in this easy Cricut fall project!

I am so excited to be bringing you this tutorial today!

I have loved my Cricut for the past three years, and today I’m partnering with Cricut to show you how to easily get started with their Cricut | Explore Air 2 to make a cute fall mug!

Guys, I get it. Before I got a Cricut, I thought it was only for “expert” crafters. When I finally decided to just “go for it”, I realized I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Not only is it easy to get started with Cricut, but Cricut Design Space helps you every step of the way by telling you exactly what materials you need for a project, how to work your machine, etc.

Today I’m giving you a step-by-step tutorial on exactly how I made this “sweater weather” mug, and I hope you leave this tutorial feeling inspired to make one of your own!

How to Make a Fall Mug with Cricut

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Supplies You Will Need

For this easy fall project, you will need the following supplies, which you can find at Cricut.com:

Fall Colored Mug from a Dollar Store
Computer or Phone to Access Cricut Design Space
Cricut | Explore Air 2
Black Viynl
Transfer Tape
StandardGrip Machine Mat (12×12)
Weeder
Scraper

Cricut Design Space is where you will be designing your own design, or using one of over 100,000 ready to cut images and projects! You can access Cricut’s images and over 400 fonts for as low as $7.99 a month.

If you don’t want a monthly membership, no worries! You can still access Cricut Design Space for absolutely free to use or design your own images.

Making a Fall Mug with Cricut (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose or Design Your Image in Cricut Design Space

To begin, you will need to choose or design an image in Cricut Design Space. I simply typed in “fall” into the image search and the results gave me over 1,000 images to choose from!

Once I chose the design I wanted to use for my mug, I simply clicked on the image and added it to my project canvas.

Step 2: Measure and Resize your Image

Once the image is inserted into your project canvas, you will need to resize it to fit your mug.

I measured the space that I wanted my decal to cover on my mug, and then I changed the image size to match in Cricut Design Space.

My image ended up being about 2.5in x 2.5in.

Step 3: Cut Your Vinyl and Prepare Your Mat

Now that you know the size of your image, you can cut a matching piece of black vinyl to place onto your mat. DO NOT peel the vinyl off of the white backing when placing it on your mat.

Cricut vinyl has gridlines on the backside of the vinyl, allowing you to cut the perfect amount you need for any project.

Step 4: Prepare Your Machine and Let Cricut Cut Your Design

Now that your mat is ready, it’s time to cut your design! In Cricut Design Space, click “Make It”.

One of the great things about Cricut Design Space is it will guide you through every step when getting your machine ready to cut. Your computer or phone will give you a few different prompts, making sure that your machine is ready to cut your design, making Cricut perfect for beginners!

Here’s a quick snapshot on the few steps you’ll take when getting your machine ready to cut:

Turn the dial on your Cricut machine to “vinyl”.
Press the arrow button on your Cricut to load your mat into the machine.
Once your computer or phone knowssteps 1 & 2 have been completed, it will prompt you to start.

Now you just sit back and watch! Your Cricut does all the work. While your Cricut is hard at work, you can check your computer or phone to see what percentage has been completed.

Once your Cricut is completely finished cutting, the “arrow” button on your Cricut machine will blink, letting you know it’s time to press it to unload your mat.

Step 5: Remove the Vinyl from Your Mat and Start Weeding

Once you’ve unloaded your mat from your Cricut, it’s time to remove the piece of vinyl you laid on your mat.

*Please note: your vinyl has a backing. When removing the vinyl from your mat, remove the entire thing…backing and all.

Now it’s time to weed! Take your weeder and carefully use the tool to remove the leftover vinyl.

As you can see in my “sweater weather” design, I am not removing the design itself. I’m removing all the vinyl around the design. Once you are finished with this step, your vinyl decal should still be on the white backing, while the excess vinyl has been removed.

Step 6: Use Transfer Tape to Place Your Design on Your Mug

Now, to actually get your decal onto your mug, you will need to use transfer tape.

Here is how you will use transfer tape to transfer your design onto your mug:

Cut a piece of transfer tape large enough to fit over your design.

2. Remove the backing of the transfer tape, and place the tape right on top of your vinyl decal.

3. Use your scraper to rub over the vinyl and transfer tape, ensuring that the vinyl actually sticks to the transfer tape.

4. Turn your design over and carefully remove the backing from the vinyl. You should see the white backing come off clean and easily, while the vinyl design stays stuck to the transfer tape.

5. Lightly place the transfer tape with your design onto your mug. Before you press too hard, make sure you have it in the exact spot that you want it.

6. Once you’re happy with the placement of your design on your mug, press the vinyl and transfer tape firmly onto the mug, using the scraper to rub over it as well.

7. Slowly and carefully pull back the transfer tape from the mug, starting in a corner and working slowly until the entire piece of transfer tape has been removed. You’ll see that the tape will come off, while the decal stays on your mug! Again…do this very slowly!

And voila! Now you have a beautiful, custom mug that you were able to easily make in less than 15 minutes!

As with anything item that has a vinyl decal, you will need to hand wash your mug carefully.

My Final Thoughts on This Easy Cricut Fall Project

Cricut Explore Air 2 is such a versatile machine, and it’s so easy to get started! A fall mug is the perfect small project to build your confidence in using a Cricut. With all the ways you can customize and personalize everyday projects (like a mug!), it’s an investment that will pay for itself in just a few projects!

Check out Cricut.com for tons of supplies, projects and tutorials to help you get started!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial, and I’d love to see and hear what you’re making with your Cricut! As always, feel free to leave a comment, email, or check out what I’m DIY or decorating over on Instagram!

Easy Cricut Fall Project Using Dollar Store Mugs