Custom Cork Coasters with Vinyl

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE CORK COASTER DESIGN FILES

The first step is to download my Cork Coaster Vinyl designs from my free resource library -- it's design #336.

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. 

Here's what the designs look like in Cricut Design Space.

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR DESIGNS

You have 12 fun designs to choose from with three different themes. There are four "everyday" designs, four fall designs, and four Christmas designs.

First, with the design still selected, click Ungroup. You can hide or delete any of the designs you do not want to make.

The designs are sized for 4" round coasters. If you are using a different shape or size, you need to create a shape template to properly size the designs.

For an example, I am going to show you how to resize the designs to fit 4" wide hexagon coasters. You can follow this method for any size or shape that you have.

Click on Shapes and select the hexagon.

My hexagon coaster is 4" wide. You can click and drag the resize handle or manually change the width at the top of the screen.

TIP: Keep your shape locked to keep proportions the same.

Next, you need to move the shape to the back by clicking "Arrange" and "Send to Back" so that you can size your designs on top of your template. I also changed the color by clicking on the "color picker" next to where it says "Basic Cut" under "Operation." This helped to see contrast against the designs.

Now, click and drag one of the designs over the template you've just made. Use the resize handle to appropriately size your design over your coaster template.

When you're happy with the resize, move your design off of the template and repeat these steps for all of the designs you need to resize. Once you're done, delete your template shape and click Make It!

PERSONALIZE MONOGRAM DESIGN: I'm a big fan of making homemade gifts and I especially like to personalize them if I can. The monogram design with the "M" is perfect for that!

To customize it, first select the design and then click Ungroup in the upper right corner. Select the M and click Delete.

Click the Text icon and then select your font from the dropdown menu. I chose to use Times but you can use any font you'd like. Select your font and then type your monogram.

Click and drag your monogram to the middle of your wreath design. Use the resize handle to resize the monogram to a smaller size. Once you're happy with the look, select both the letter and the wreath and click Attach.

You're all set to click Make It in the top right corner!

STEP 3: MAKE IT

You can make these custom cork coasters with either permanent vinyl or iron-on vinyl. I will guide you through both techniques for beautiful coasters.

TIP: These designs are small and intricate. To help me better see the lines for weeding, I used my BrightPad Go with both methods, but this is completely optional.

PERMANENT VINYL:

If you are using an Explore 3 or Maker 3, you will be asked if you are cutting Without Mat or On Mat. Remember, you can only cut without a mat if you are using Smart Materials.

Select either Premium Vinyl - Permanent or Smart Vinyl Permanent. I am using my Maker 3 for this project so I will select Smart Vinyl Permanent. I always recommend you apply "More Pressure" to your cuts, especially with these more intricate designs.

Click Continue in the bottom right corner. On your Cricut, press the arrows to load your vinyl, and click the flashing Go or Cricut symbol to cut your image.

When it is done, unload your vinyl and weed away the excess vinyl from your designs.

Once you have your designs weeded, you can cut them apart so you don't accidentally pull up part of another design with your transfer tape.

Cut a piece of transfer tape slightly larger than your design. Peel off the transfer tape backing. Place the transfer tape on top of the vinyl using the taco method. To do this hold the transfer tape in the shape of a taco, then place the bottom of your “taco” onto the middle of your design. Smooth the transfer tape over the vinyl decal from the center outward using the scraper tool. Use your small scraper to burnish your design to the transfer tape.

Peel away the backing of the permanent vinyl and then apply your design to your cork coaster. Again, use your small scraper to burnish the design onto the coaster.

Peel away your transfer tape.

Next, use a foam brush to apply a generous coat of Mod Podge Matte over your design.

TIP: You can put some butcher paper underneath the coasters while you apply the Mod Podge to protect your work surface, but this is optional of course.

Make sure to give your Mod Podge at least 24 hours to dry before using the coasters.

IRON-ON VINYL:

If you are using an Explore 3 or Maker 3, you will be asked if you are cutting Without Mat or On Mat. Remember, you can only cut without a mat if you are using Smart Materials.

On the Review Artwork screen, remember to toggle on MIRROR. You want MIRROR ON for iron-on vinyl.

NOTE: Your designs will appear backwards when mirrored.

Select either Everyday Iron-On or Smart Iron-On. I am using my Maker 3 for this project so I will select Smart Iron On. I recommend you apply "More Pressure" to your cuts, especially with these more intricate designs.

Click Continue in the bottom right corner. On your Cricut, press the arrows to load your vinyl, and click the flashing Go or Cricut symbol to cut your image.

When it is done, unload your vinyl and weed away the excess vinyl from your designs.

Once you have your designs weeded, cut them apart for an easier application. I used my EasyPress Mini to press my design. If using the same coasters and iron-on vinyl, preheat your EasyPress Mini to Medium heat. Place your coaster on your EasyPress Mat and center your design on the coaster.

Press the design for 30 seconds with constant movement of the EasyPress Mini.

Remove the carrier when cool to touch.

NOTE: Refer to Cricut's Heat Guide here if you are using different materials.

Use a foam brush to apply a generous coat of Mod Modge Matte over your design.

TIP: You can put some butcher paper underneath the coasters while you apply the Mod Podge to protect your work surface, but this is optional of course.

STEP 4: DRYING TIME

Allow your coasters 24+ hours to dry before use. The longer you can let them dry, the longer they will last. If you ever notice part of your design starting to come up, you can reapply Mod Podge to reseal for extended use.