Want to create a fun craft project but don’t have much time? This week we’re sharing patriotic projects that can be done in 15 minutes or less. First up – small planters from upcycled mugs!
As a proud military
15 MINUTE CRAFTS: SMALL PLANTERS
These small planters take less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Best of all – they use the leftover vinyl scraps I tend to hoard but don’t know what to do with! You can find inexpensive mugs at thrift stores or on sale at mass craft stores (the blue and white one is from Hobby Lobby) and they can be transformed to fit any theme. I created a Valentine’s Day mug (and free svg file to go with it) and loved the result!
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Cricut Maker (available at Cricut, Michaels, and HSN) – this would work just as well with an Explore Air- Cricut mat – I used light grip but standard grip works perfectly too!
- Cricut vinyl – I used Premium in White and Glitter in Crimson Red
- Cricut Transfer Tape
- Cricut Basic Tool Set
- assorted mugs
Ordering from cricut.com? Use code CRICUTCREATORS10 for 10% off and FREE shipping on any order over $50. Includes sale and clearance prices, does not include machines (anything with a plug). Cricut items can also be found at HSN, Amazon, and JOANN stores.
Ordering from amazon.com? Then check out my Cricut Tools and Accessories page!
TUTORIAL: HOW TO MAKE CUSTOM SMALL PLANTERS
- Choose an image in Design Space or upload your own. I used two images from these free SVG files my friends and I created just in time for the Summer!
2. Resize images to fit mugs and cut from vinyl scraps, then remove excess vinyl.
3. Add transfer tape to vinyl image, use Cricut scraper to burnish vinyl on to transfer tape and remove backing.
4. Center vinyl on to mug and burnish with scraper.
5. Gently remove transfer tape.
6. Add small plant and enjoy!
7. If you are a beginner or looking for an even quicker project idea, simply take a star image and add to a patterned mug. The Cricut Glitter vinyl adds all the extra pizzaz you need!
15 Minute Crafts: Small Planters
Materials
- Cricut Maker (available at Cricut, Michaels, and HSN) – this would work just as well with an Explore Air
- Cricut mat – I used light grip but standard grip works perfectly too!
- Cricut vinyl – I used Premium in White and Glitter in Crimson Red
- Cricut Transfer Tape
- Cricut Basic Tool Set
- assorted mugs
Instructions
- Choose an image in Design Space or upload your own. I used two images from these free SVG files my friends and I created just in time for the Summer!
- Resize images to fit mugs and cut from vinyl scraps, then remove excess vinyl.
- Add transfer tape to vinyl image, use Cricut scraper to burnish vinyl on to transfer tape and remove backing.
- Center vinyl on to mug and burnish with scraper.
- Gently remove transfer tape.
- Add small plant and enjoy!
I hope this will get you to look at mugs (and scraps of vinyl) in a whole new way – can’t wait to see what you create! Looking for more great project ideas? The Country Chic Cottage created this Uncle Sam home decor from a few pieces of scrap wood and some paint! Love it!
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Beth Kingston
owner at The Kingston Home
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Karen says
Hey Beth!
I love this simple and cute project, and I’m always on the lookout for great ideas to try with my Cricut Maker.
Do you have any tips for using transfer tape? I haven’t had the best experience using it with vinyl (both Cricut brand) and found it much too strong. It ended up totally ruining the vinyl and I resorted to painter’s tape, which works okay, but isn’t transparent like the transfer tape so it’s not easy to align things well. Thanks for any tips!
Beth Kingston says
Hey Karen! So sorry for the delay…I’m having weirdness with my comments section! Have you ever tried shelf liner from the dollar store? I use it when I need something a little “gentler” than real transfer tape and it is SO cheap!! Hope that helps!
Rebekah says
This is such a cute idea! I love the combo of the red with white script. Most of our residents don’t have access to Circut machines, so I’ll have to look for a pre-made vinyl source for them to use! Thanks for sharing.