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Get Started with Cricut Infusible Ink

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Cricut Infusible Ink is the hottest way to DIY right now! I’ll get you started with everything you need to hop on the Infusible Ink design trend!


I bought my Cricut Explore Air 2 after the holidays last year and have been using it for so many projects ever since!  But there was still one Cricut machine that I really wanted to add to my crafting collection – the EasyPress. I was absolutely thrilled when my husband got it for my birthday this year!  Especially after Cricut came out with their line of Infusible Ink products! 

Have you seen that stuff?  All the heart eyes!  Every time I go to Michael’s and check out the display (which has been a lot), I’m always in awe of how the Infusible Ink transfers to t-shirts and coasters.  It doesn’t peel, wash off, or anything like that! 

So after I got my EasyPress, I started making a list of everything else I needed to start using Infusible Ink!  I bought two different patterns of Infusible Ink (linked below) so far and can’t wait to make my own shirts, tote bags, and more! 

Everything You Need to Get Started with Cricut Infusible Ink
  1. Cricut EasyPress
  2. Heat Press Mat
  3. Butcher Paper
  4. White Cardstock
  5. Coaster Blanks
  6. Blank V-Neck T-Shirt
  7. Large Tote Bag
  8. Blank Cosmetic Bags
  9. Heat Resistant Tape
  10. Rainbow Cheetah Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
  11. Buffalo Check Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
  12. Infusible Ink Basics Markers

A few things I’ve learned so far:

  • If you’re more of a visual learner, make YouTube tutorials your best friend
  • Choose a small design for your first design to cut just in case you screw it up (like I did!)
  • Make sure to mirror your design so it faces the correct way after pressing
  • There’s a “cracking” method where you roll the design that makes it easier to remove it from the sheet
  • Lighter color material is recommended for Infusible Ink designs
  • Apparently Infusible Ink won’t transfer to 100% cotton, so you should choose a poly-blend base instead

For more information on how to use Infusible Ink, click here.

I’ll admit that I’m still in the “practice” phase of working with Infusible Ink.  I’m afraid to jump right into big projects.  Especially since most Infusible Ink packages only have two transfer sheets! But once I’m confident enough to start sharing projects, I’ve got two ideas up my sleeve for fall! I can’t wait to work that that Buffalo Check Infusible Ink!

Have you worked with Infusible Ink?  What have you made?  If you have any tips for beginners, like me, make sure to leave them in the comments! 

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If you’re just getting started with Cricut, head over to my Best Cricut Tools & Accessories for Beginners post!

How to Make Shark Pun Wine Glasses

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Make these Shark Pun Wine Glasses for your Shark Week watch-a-thon! This easy Cricut project features “punny” shark phrases and simple shark silhouettes.


Now that you’ve got your Shark Week Watch Party Essentials, it’s time to sit back and watch some truly fascinating and frightening TV!  Maybe that’s the thing that I really enjoy about Shark Week.  It’s a glimpse into the depths of the ocean and you never really know when the sharks will swim up from below and attack. 

Come to think of it, I’ve never been much of a fan of swimming in the ocean.  And especially now that shark sightings have become way more frequent along the Jersey shore!  No thanks!  I’ll stay on dry land.  In fact, I’ll safely enjoy watching these beautiful, stealthy, and unpredictable animals from the comfort of my couch!


Before this terrifying week of shark attacks and up-close-and-personal encounters begins, I made a simple wine glass project using my Cricut Explore Air 2 perfect for Shark Week watch-a-thons.  The first glass I made was this “Stop!  Hammer time!” glass.

I uploaded a hammerhead shark silhouette into Design Space and sized it to fit my wine glass.  Then, I used the Marker Felt font to create my text in all caps.  I cut the design on holographic vinyl (it reminded me of ocean water) and placed it on my glass.



For the other glass, I followed the same steps.  But this time, I uploaded a Great White shark silhouette into Design Space.  Then, I used the Cricut font, Sweet Dreams, to create my text. And that’s it!


Follow the steps below to make your own Shark Pun Wine Glasses! 

 

SUPPLIES

STEPS

  1. Create your text in Design Space and cut the vinyl.
  2. Remove the extra vinyl from the design.  Then, cut a piece of transfer tape to size.
  3. Remove the backing from the transfer tape and lay it over your design. Use a spatula or brayer to rub the tape down onto the design.
  4. Carefully lift the transfer tape off of the design.  It should easily come off.  If it doesn’t, you can help it along by lifting a corner of the letter.
  5. Once the design has been lifted onto the tape, position it over the glass and once again use the spatula to rub the vinyl, ensuring the design is flat and rid of any air bubbles.
  6. Peel the transfer tape off of the glass and fill it up with your favorite beverage! 

Want some more shark puns and phrases? Check these out!

  • Great White wine (Great White)
  • Stop!  Hammer time! (Hammerhead)
  • Let’s get hammered! (Hammerhead)
  • Mako me tipsy! (Mako shark)
  • Totally jawesome!
  • Wine with a bite
  • Jaw ready for this?
  • A nice fin wine
  • Drink like a fish
  • You’re gonna need a bigger glass (Jaws)

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If you like this Shark Week idea, you might enjoy these as well:

 

The Best Cricut Tools & Accessories for Beginners

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Tackle your very first Cricut project with the help of these Cricut tools and accessories for beginners! These staple items will help you craft your first vinyl cutting project!


I had a Cricut machine on my crafting wishlist for a couple years.  So I finally took the plunge this year after seeing a blogger friend’s Instagram story.  She was roaming the aisles of the craft store, showing off all of the great tools, vinyl sheets, and accessories you could get for your Cricut.  It was also a great time to purchase a machine.  They were under $200 at the time (the Cricut Explore Air 2 is still under $200 on Amazon!).  That afternoon, I headed to the craft store and bought myself a brand new Periwinkle Cricut Explore Air 2 and a roll of black vinyl.

As a beginner Cricut user, I was honestly intimidated to start my journey into vinyl cutting and crafting.  My Cricut was set up, but it took me days to finally try to use it.  Turns out, I had nothing to worry about.  It’s so easy to use!  Since my purchase, I’ve made so much!  I got my Cricut before Christmas, so I ended up making some homemade ornaments as gifts.  As the New Year approached, I began making labels for storage.  If I could put a label on it, I’ve probably done it! 


 
You’ll want to use your new Cricut machine everything!  I haven’t made anything too fancy yet, but I’m constantly on my design app (you can download it while you’re setting up your new Cricut) looking for inspiration for my next project.  You can also work off of your computer, but I love how handy the app is!

If you got a new Cricut machine for Christmas or have one on your crafting wishlist, I’m sharing some of the Cricut tools and accessories I immediately bought off of Amazon.  The Cricut Explore Air 2 comes with a premium blade, pen and cardstock sample, cutting mat, and more to get you started.  But I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some vinyl and accessories!

The Best Cricut Tools & Accessories for Beginners

 
Cricut Explore Air 2

The first thing you obviously need is a Cricut machine.  There are a few different models available, but – to be perfectly honest – I got the Cricut Explore Air 2 because it was on sale and available in many pretty colors.  I didn’t know a thing about this or any other Cricut machine!  It’s still a learning process for me, but I’ve got the basics down. 

Power on the machine, then head to your Cricut Design Space app or program.  From there, you can scroll through hundreds of free images or pay a small price for other images (check out Pinterest, too).  Then, you can resize the image for your project, cut the vinyl to size on your mat, load your mat, and let the cutting begin!

Black adhesive & iron-on vinyl

I totally recommend grabbing a roll of black vinyl.  I have it in adhesive vinyl and iron-on vinyl.  It’s great for labeling jars and storage containers.  Before Christmas, I used it to make an adorable llama face ornament!  I haven’t used the iron-on vinyl yet, but I can’t wait to design my first shirt!  

White vinyl

Just like black vinyl, white vinyl is great to have on hand.  It stands out a little more than black vinyl on certain surfaces and will be used for so many projects!

Glitter vinyl

Because I was making ornaments, I loaded up on glitter vinyl.  First of all, they’re just so gorgeous!  Who doesn’t love a little sparkle?  Plus, it makes an ordinary project a little “extra.”

Vinyl Sampler Pack

If you’re looking to play around with some color right off the bat, I totally suggest grabbing a vinyl sampler pack.  I grabbed the “brights” pack and love the colors that came with it!  It comes with sunshine, lime, Caribbean, flamingo, azure, and grape colors.  They would be beautiful for summer projects (always thinking ahead!) or just to brighten up a surface! 

Weeding tool set

It was recommended that I get a weeding tool set.  It’s definitely something every Cricut user should have.  It makes removing vinyl images and lettering that much easier!  The tools are sharp and there’s a variety to use with different projects.  The set also comes with a nice pouch to keep everything stored safely. 

Transfer tape

Transfer tape is going to make applying your vinyl cutouts so much easier!  Cut the tape to the size of your cutout and use the scraper from the tool set to apply pressure to the image.  Then, easily apply your vinyl cutout to a surface.  Smooth it out and carefully lift the transfer tape off of it.  The transfer tape has grid lines on it so your cutout will be evenly aligned during application.

Extra mats

It’s also recommended to get extra mats.  The mats are available with different grips on them, but the Standard Grip can be used with a variety of different materials.  Having multiple mats allows you to work quickly between projects.  It’s also wise to rotate your mats so they stay sticky.

Tip: if you need to clean your mats, rinse them with warm water and a little soap.  Let them air dry and they’ll be good as new! 


 
I’ve been having so much fun with my new Cricut! There are so many other vinyl products and Cricut accessories available, but these are great items to start you on your vinyl crafting! 

Once I get more comfortable designing projects, I hope to share some of them here on the blog.  But for now, it’s been a lot of fun creating projects for our home! 

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What Cricut tool or accessory would you recommend for beginners?



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