Learn how to use your Cricut to embellish some basic items and create beautiful dollar store Thanksgiving pieces.
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Using a Cricut, or any cutting machine can be intimidating. I’m here to help! Learn a few basic techniques and let this machine do the heavy lifting for you.
For this project I used my Cricut Explore Air 2, a solid machine that I still use. I also have the Maker 3, the newest cutting machine in Cricut’s lineup. It’s faster and can cut 300+ materials. Depending on your crafting needs and budget either one of these machines may be right for you.
Learn more and Unbox the Cricut Maker 3 with me here or learn how to get your Cricut Explore Air 2 out of the box and create your first project.
You can shop the full line of Cricut cutting machines from the tiny Joy to the workhorse Maker 3.
Now let’s talk about cutting and applying vinyl to some basic dollar store items for Thanksgiving. Vinyl is a permanent material that can be cut into words or graphics and applied to any solid, smooth surface. Shop for vinyl in every color and pattern here.
How to cut vinyl with Cricut
Take a look at the video above to watch and learn exactly how to cut vinyl.
Cricut comes with a software for your computer or an app for your phone called Design Space. You will use this to choose your graphic or type words that will be cut out. Once the design is created and sized appropriately hit that Make It button and you’ll begin the cutting process.
We are adding vinyl to the back of a glass trivet so the text needs to be mirrored. You’ll click the mirror button shown in the screen below before cutting your vinyl.
Cut a piece of vinyl to put on the cutting mat, I like to use something just larger than what I need and I always save my scraps. Check out this craft room tour to see how I store my vinyl.
Stick the vinyl with the colored side up on the mat. On your Cricut Explore Air 2, set the dial to vinyl. Then back in Design Space follow the prompts for cutting.
When everything is ready, the arrow button will flash on your machine. Push that button to load the mat. Then when the Cricut button flashes, push that button to cut.
So easy! I told you this machine does the heavy lifting for you.
Once the cut is complete, unload the mat and begin weeding the excess vinyl that you don’t want to transfer to your blank.
This vinyl design is going on the back of a glass trivet, this will allow hot items to sit on top and not disturb the design.
For the plastic containers, there is no need to mirror, just follow the same steps above and cut the text as is. It will be placed on the outside of the containers.
Once these items are cut and weeded it’s time to transfer the vinyl to the blanks.
How to transfer vinyl
Once the vinyl is weeded, it’s time to transfer it over to your blank. To do this you will use transfer tape. The other option is picking up the pieces by hand but that is just messy and not effective.
Transfer tape helps take your design from the backing to the blank in perfect order. Press the tape onto the vinyl and use a scraper to push it really well. Then peel off the backing.
Now, place the vinyl onto the back of the trivet and use the scraper once again to push the vinyl down. Pull off the transfer tape and the vinyl is left, permanently adhered, to the cutting board.
Vinyl care instructions
Once your dollar store Thanksgiving pieces are created, you can use and wash them regularly. I tend to hand wash these pieces to keep the vinyl in great shape.
Dollar store plastic shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher anyway so it’s best to keep these items in the hand wash pile.
Dollar store Thanksgiving gift ideas
This glass board looks great on a Thanksgiving table as a trivet for hot dishes. And the plastic containers are ideal for sending leftovers home with your guests.
If you can’t be together for the holiday, pull together a care package and drop it off or mail it to your loved ones.
Send them this custom trivet for their own table, and fill those containers with some family favorite treats that they can enjoy.
You can use your Cricut to customize just about any blank. Try different colors of vinyl and choose from thousands of graphics found in Design Space.
A fall sign is another way to decorate your home for the season and you can make a custom design using your Cricut. This is a favorite that is always on display this time of year.
If you like this project be sure to pin it.
Thanks for visiting!
