10 Trendy DIY Craft Projects That Use A Vinyl Cutting Machine

If you love crafts and DIY projects of all kinds, as I do, then if you don’t own an electronic cutting machine of some kind, like a Cricut or a Sillhouette, you’ve likely thought about it? I’ll admit, I prefer creativity over cookie cutter projects, but the thing is, with an electronic cutting machine you can cut using SVG files created by others, or yourself, so rather than limiting creativity, a cutting machine can actually give you a sky is the limit kind of feeling, hmmm. This does sound amazing to me, not to mention that cutting machines can generally cut not just paper, but also cardboard, stencil plastic, vinyl, and felt, and in the case of specific high level cutting machines, wood and  metal as well. Check out Boss Laser to learn more about the latest cutting machinery and entry-level lasers. Additionally, when you pair a printer with an electronic cutting machine, and supplies catered to t-shirt designs or window decals, for example, your possibilities are beyond sky is the limit! One of the most popular materials used with cutting machines is vinyl, which is available in adhesive and heat transfer form, in solid colors or as printable sheets. The thing I’d do first if I had an electronic cutting machine is to design a line of custom vinyl wall stickers, or maybe some fun tote bags, or maybe a medallion for the middle of a tablecloth, or maybe a wall hanging or………

Lets get better acquainted with how an electronic cutting machine can be a really useful part of your hobby or business by taking a look at 10 trendy DIY Craft Projects That Use A Vinyl Cutting Machine. And while we are at it, lets look into which vinyl cutter might be the best fit for our needs. Okay, buckle your seat belts folks and lets get started…….

1. DIY T-Shirts

Ever dreamed of designing and making your own t-shirts? The two most popular ways to apply designs to a t-shirt are with silk screening or heat press decals. While the silk screening process is quite involved, one can create DIY heat press decals for t-shirts using a printer and an electronic cutting machine, or in the case of simple graphics such as letters and numbers and single color symbols, one can use just an electronic cutting machine. Making your own t-shirts for an event or occasion has never been simpler. While some heat press decals can be cut by hand, things like cursive lettering certainly benefit greatly from an electronic cutter. To apply the decal to the shirt a heat press is used for commercial projects, while an iron can be used at home.

2. DIY Custom Face Masks

Thinking you’d love to apply some personalized designs to face masks? Once again, heat press decals are the answer! Wondering how to apply a heat press vinyl decal to something that isn’t flat? There is a product called a mini-iron that is perfect for applying heat to small areas, and is traditionally used by (and likely designed for) quilters. So, get those creative gears turning and dream up some great designs!

Photo Credit: https://persialou.com/diy-cat-shoes/ 

3. DIY Sneaker Graphics

White sneakers are all the rage, as are sneakers with fun graphics, so now is the perfect time to design your own take on this trend. Like the cat sneakers above, that are just beyond adorable, you too can use viny transfers cut on a vinyl cutting machine, and then applied using a mini iron to create something unique. You could even start a small business of making custom sneakers for all your friends, just imagine!4. DIY Car Decal

One generally associates car decals with businesses, but truthfully there is no good reason why you couldn’t decorate your car with decals that are either purely decorative or communicate or advertise something, even your craft services? You can use decals that won’t damage your paint job and don’t need to be terribly long lasting to have fun with this new canvas!

5. DIY Window Decals

Window decals can be used in so many ways and in so many places, after all window are everywhere! So whether you’d like some pretty snowflakes on your windows this holiday season, or you’d like a welcome sign or a DOG, beware sign, you can design and apply your own window decals so easily, using vinyl decal sheets.
6. DIY Water Bottle Decal

Water bottles are all the rage as folks realize the importance of drinking water throughout the day. The water bottle, whether it is transparent plastic or non-transparent metal, is a great place to get creative, and show off your skills. Water bottles make great party favors or holiday gifts, and personalized ones will be even more cherished! Imagine an inspiring quote spiraling around the water bottle?

7. DIY Wall Decals

Wall decals are a great way to add small touches of creativity to your home, and why not make some custom ones? One can make custom wall decals from your own lettering or illustrations, and with some basic technical knowledge you can quite easily take your artwork from the page of your journal to your wall. Sounds amazing to me, as I’ve been thinking of covering a wall with botanical line drawings!

Above: Photo Credit: https://persialou.com/printable-vinyl-diy-vinyl-stickers/

8. DIY Stickers

Cute stickers, especially kawaii style, are all the rage, as they brighten your day and add a special touch of something colorful or cute to a journal, notebook or card of some kind. Custom packages of stickers make amazing gifts and party favors, and one can even start their own small business based just on stickers! One could theoretically cut out many sticker designs by hand, but the luxury of an electronic cutting machine will surely help you be more productive.

9. DIY Felt Flower Bouquets

Felt flower bouquets can be cute or lovely or something in between, and there is truly nothing quite as charming. One can produce multiple bouquets or vases filled with felt flowers with accuracy and ease using an electronic cutting machine. Imagine gifting all of your friends a felt flower bouquet this holiday season, or outfitting an entire wedding party with felt flowers…….wow.

Above: https://persialou.com/free-love-birds-heart-svg-cut-file/ heat transfer vinyl

10. DIY Custom Gift Bags

With an electronic cutter on hand you can design and make custom gift bags for every occasion. Of course one can cut many heat press vinyl designs by hand, but intricate designs like the paper cut heart above are not something you’d want to attempt to cut by hand. Heat press vinyl offers so many many ways to get creative on boxes as well as bags, and the resulting look is very clean and professional looking, so you could even take your hobby into the small business realm.

Okay my friends, that is it for my introduction to some of the many ways one can use an electronic cutting machine for DIY craft projects or small business products. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go check out some of the options and costs of adding such a machine to my creative life!