Free Penguin SVG and Easy Cricut Joy Mug Tutorial

Looking for an easy Cricut project to shake off those winter blues? Grab this FREE penguin SVG and an inexpensive mug and create this cutie in just a few minutes!

I’ve put my Christmas decorations away, but I am not quite ready for my “everyday” home decor. I grabbed some of my holiday greenery and made this penguin SVG mug for my mantel, but this would also make a great gift for a friend who needs a little pick-me-up this time of year! 

{FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a commission on any sales at no additional cost to you.}

CUTE PENGUIN SVG: 

No one wants to spend time looking for penguin clipart! The good news is that you don’t have to search the internet to find images to convert to an SVG format or even get on your Etsy app to buy a specific instant download file. This is because today I am sharing our FREE penguin cut file! 

This cut file is not only perfect for today’s craft project, but it can be used in a variety of DIY projects! For example, even though the holidays are over, this file could easily be used as a Christmas penguin SVG or Christmas SVG (think how cute it would be as a penguin lollipop holder design). Also, this file could be used as a cute baby penguin if you are making baby gifts in December. The possibilities are truly endless! 

The only thing to keep in mind is that if you are using this penguin SVG to make other handmade pieces, make sure you adjust your materials accordingly (like using heat transfer vinyl instead of permanent vinyl, etc.).

If you are looking for more free SVG cut files, click here!

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

• Ceramic Mug in white (You don’t need a special high-quality mug to make this project! A mug from Dollar Tree will work just fine.)
• Cricut Joy – but this could also be made using the Cricut Maker or Explore Air
• vinyl – I used Cricut permanent in teal, black, tangerine
• Transfer Tape
• Weeder
• Scissors
• Penguin SVG

optional items:

• Faux Greenery, pine cones, and other decorative accessories
• Floral Foam
• Wire cutters or Craft cutter

TUTORIAL: HOW TO MAKE A PENGUIN SVG MUG

Preparing Mug:

1. Thoroughly wash the mug with soap and hot water, and let it dry completely before using.

Downloading the Penguin SVG File:

1. To get your free SVG cut file download, simply enter your email address, and the digital download link will be delivered right to your inbox (the digital files will download as a zip file). This will also sign you up for my e-newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time), and you’ll be notified when I release new free SVG files. You’ll never miss a thing!

Note: If you don’t see it in your inbox within a few minutes, check your spam folder. Also, before hitting ”get file” make sure you have entered the correct e-mail address.

This SVG is a personal-use file for electronic die cutting machines/cutting machine software. This svg is a digital item, and there is no physical product or physical item. See the zipped file for terms of use. I use Cricut Design Space, which is designed for any Cricut machine like the Cricut Explore Air, Cricut Maker, or Cricut Joy. However, you could also you these in the following machines/programs: 

• Silhouette Machines / Silhouette Cameo – Silhouette Studio, Silhouette Designer Edition, Silhouette Basic Edition, Silhouette Studio Upgrade
• Brother Scan n Cut – Canvas Workspace

Interested in a commercial use license (aka commercial license) for any of our svg designs? Just send us a note at [email protected]!

Uploading the SVG File:

I will be using my Cricut machine to make this project, but if you are a Silhouette user, you can still make this project as well and upload it as a Silhouette file.

1. Open Cricut Design Space.

2. Click on the “+” sign to start a new project, opening up a blank canvas. Make sure you have selected the Cricut machine you are using in the top right corner.

3. Click on the “Upload” button from the toolbar and browse your downloaded files to insert the SVG file. The image will appear on the canvas.

4. Click on all the same colored pieces and select “Attach” to secure pieces together for cutting.

5. Maintain the size at 3” high or adjust to fit your mug. To adjust the size, highlight the image and click on the size box in the top toolbar. Change the measurement to suit your mug size accordingly.

6. Change the image color if desired to match with the material color.

Cutting the Permanent Smart Vinyl:

I will be using my Cricut machine to make this project, but if you are a Silhouette user, you can still make this project as well and upload it as a Silhouette file.

1. Select “Make It” in the upper right corner to proceed with cutting.

2. If using Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl, choose “no mat” for cutting.

3. Note the size of the Smart Vinyl needed and cut the length of the vinyl accordingly.

4. Following the instructions prompted on the screen, cut out the vinyl in all of the colors needed.

Applying Vinyl:

1. For each color, cut around the whole image with a pair of scissors.

2. Using the weeding tool, peel away the excess vinyl around the cut images and discard.

3. Starting with the penguin body, cut a piece of transfer tape a bit larger in size.

4. Peel away the transfer tape backing and place the transfer tape overtop of the cut image. Gently rub the vinyl to help it stick to the transfer tape.

5. Peel away the vinyl backing, leaving just the penguin body and eyes adhered to the transfer tape.

6. Carefully consider the placement before applying, as the permanent vinyl can’t be removed if placed incorrectly. Position the image with the transfer tape onto the smooth side of the mug and press it in place.

Tip – If your mug is not a flat surface, cut into the transfer tape (but not vinyl) with scissors to help it shape around the mug.

7. Press the image down with your fingers to help it stick to the mug.

8. Slowly remove the transfer tape, leaving the vinyl image on the mug.

9. Repeat for the other pieces (nose and feet; hat and scarf).

Adding Faux Greenery:

1. Insert floral foam inside the mug.

2. Insert the faux greens into the foam, starting with the longest piece in the center. You may need to use scissors or craft cutters to make the faux greens the right size for your mug.

3. Working outwards, fill in with more greens and other decorative accessories until full.

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Free Penguin SVG and Easy Cricut Joy Mug Tutorial

Looking for an easy Cricut project to shake off those winter blues? Grab this FREE penguin SVG and an inexpensive mug and create this cutie in just a few minutes!

Author: Beth Kingston

Materials

• Ceramic Mug in white
• Cricut Joy – but this could also be made using the Cricut Maker or Explore Air
• vinyl – I used Cricut permanent in teal, black, tangerine
• Cricut Transfer Tape
• Weeder
• Scissors
• Penguin SVG

Optional Items:

• Faux Greenery, pine cones, other decorative accessories
• Floral Foam
• Wire cutters or Craft cutters

Instructions

PREPARING MUG

• Thoroughly wash mug with soap and hot water and let dry completely before using.

DOWNLOADING THE SVG FILE

• Sign Up in the form above to download the Penguin SVG file.

UPLOADING THE SVG FILE

• Open Cricut Design Space.
• Click on the “+” sign to start a new project, opening up a blank canvas. Make sure you have selected the Cricut machine you are using in the top right corner.
• Click on the “Upload” button from the toolbar and browse your downloaded files to insert the SVG File. The image will appear on the canvas.
• Click on all the same colored pieces and select “Attach” to secure pieces together for cutting.
• Maintain the size at 3” high or adjust to fit your mug. To adjust the size, highlight the image and click on the size box in the top toolbar. Change the measurement to suit your mug size accordingly.
• Change the image color if desired to match with the material color.

CUTTING THE PERMANENT SMART VINYL

• Select “Make It” in the upper right corner to proceed with cutting.
• If using Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl, choose “no mat” for cutting.
• Note the size of the Smart Vinyl needed and cut the length of the vinyl accordingly.
• Following the instructions prompted on the screen, cut out the vinyl in all of the colors needed.

APPLYING VINYL

• For each color, cut around the whole image with a pair of scissors.
• Using the weeding tool, peel away the excess vinyl around the cut images and discard.
• Starting with the penguin body, cut a piece of transfer tape a bit larger in size.
• Peel away the transfer tape backing and place the transfer tape overtop of the cut image. Gently rub the vinyl to help it stick to the transfer tape.
• Peel away the vinyl backing, leaving just the penguin body and eyes adhered to the transfer tape.
• Carefully consider the placement before applying as the permanent vinyl can’t be removed if placed incorrectly. Position the image with the transfer tape on to the smooth side of the mug and press in place.

  Tip – If your mug is not a flat surface, cut into the transfer tape (but not vinyl) with scissors to help it shape around the mug.
• Press the image down with your fingers to help it to stick to the mug.
• Slowly remove the transfer tape leaving the vinyl image on the mug.
• Repeat for the other pieces (nose and feet; hat and scarf).

ADDING FAUX GREENERY

• Insert floral foam inside the mug.
• Insert the faux greens into the foam starting with the longest piece in the center. You may need to use scissors or craft cutters to make the faux greens in the right size for your mug.
•  Working outwards, fill in with more greens and other decorative accessories until full.  

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER FUN PROJECT TO MAKE WITH YOUR CRICUT JOY? CHECK OUT THESE CUSTOM TEA TOWELS!