Cardinal Remembrance Vase: Dollar Tree Craft Idea

Instructions

STEP 1: Get the Free Vase Design

Download my cardinal remembrance vase design from my resource library — it's design #359. Here is what my SVG cut file looks like once uploaded to Cricut Design Space:

TIP: If you are not sure how to upload an SVG cut file to Cricut Design Space, watch this helpful video training series I made. If you are on an iPad or iPhone, here is how to download and upload SVG files to the Cricut Design Space app.

NOTE: You will see boxes around your words and your trees. These are "weeding boxes" I added to the design to make this easier to weed. If you'd like to include both the words . and trees in your finish design, I recommend you click Ungroup to first ungroup everything, then select both the words and the trees and click Attach. This will ensure they cut in the same alignment to one another. Here's what the design looks like with the text and trees attached:

If you are using a different size vase, I recommend making a rectangle (as a template) and size it to the dimensions of your vase. In Design Space, click on Shapes and then Square. Unlock your squareand change the dimensions by either dragging the two arrows in the lower right or changing the dimensions at the top of the screen to match the size of your vase.

You can then place the design you want over the rectangle to see how much you need to resize. I recommend keeping your design images locked so the ratios remain the same as you use the resize handle to resize the designs.

TIP: If your rectangle is covering your design, select the rectangle, click "Arrange" and then select "Send to Back."

MAKE IT: Once you have you design sized correctly for your sign, you can hide or delete your circle and click "Make It."

STEP 2: Cut Your Vinyl

If you are using Smart Vinyl on a Cricut Maker 3 or Explore 3, select "Without Mat" and then measure and cut your Smart Vinyl according to the measurements on the screen.

If using Cricut Premium Permanent Vinyl, select “On Mat” and place your permanent vinyl on a Green StandardGrip 12" x 12" cutting mat.

Click "Continue" and select your material, either Smart Vinyl-Permanent or Premium Vinyl. I recommend changing the pressure setting to "More."

Load your material and click "Go!"

STEP 3: WEED YOUR VINYL

Once your design is finished cutting, unload your mat.

I like to keep my vinyl on the mat when I weed to keep it from moving around. Now use your weeding tool to peel away all of the excess vinyl. The weeding boxes I added should make it easier to weed.

Once your vinyl is weeded, cut a piece of transfer tape slightly larger than your design. Remove the backing from the transfer tape. Apply the transfer tape to your vinyl by holding the transfer tape in the shape of a taco, a "U" shape, then put the bottom of your “taco” onto the middle of your vinyl design.

Use your scraper tool to burnish the front of your design to your transfer tape. Then flip over your mat and remove everything by gently pulling the mat away from the design. Now use your scraper tool again to burnish your design from the back to make sure it adheres to the transfer tape.

Gently peel away the backing of your permanent vinyl. If any pieces of vinyl do not stick to the transfer tape, you can use your scraper to burnish that area again.

I also recommend you trim the bottom edge of your design so the trees are flush with the edge.

Step 4: Apply Your VINYL TREES AND WORDS

Remove any labels from your vase and wipe down the surface thoroughly with alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

Gently fold your transfer tape into the taco shape again and align your vinyl with your vase. I also recommend you align the bottom of the vinyl with your work surface to keep it straight. Press the center of the "taco" onto the front of the vase and gently spread the design from the center moving to the outer edge.

Use your scraper tool to burnish your vinyl to the vase. Gently peel away your transfer tape. Have your scraper handy to reburnish any areas that may lift as you remove the transfer tape.

Once you've removed your transfer tape, you may notice small air bubbles in your vinyl. No one will likely notice these but I understand if you want to get them out. I have two tips for you to try!

First, you can use your scraper and try to reburnish the area to smooth out the bubbles.

Second, you can use a straight pin to pop the bubble and then burnish the vinyl towards the hole you made to smooth it out.

STEP 5: ADD YOUR CARDINALS

Add one or more of the cardinals to any branch you wish. You can pick the placement!

And that's it! Enjoy your beautiful vase!