Fun Wifi Sign With Adhesive Vinyl

Hey there! Connie here from Kutie Kaira Designs with a fun little tutorial on how to create your own wifi sign with all your information to share when guests visit! I don't know about you, but I always ask my friends and family for their wifi password and people do the same with us. Instead of repeating myself a million times, and because I want to #makeallthethings, I decided to make a cute vinyl sign. It's super easy and inexpensive to make, too!

 Things you will need: 

-5x7 acrylic sign holder (I got mine from Dollar Tree)
-Black Oracal 651 Adhesive Vinyl
-Gridlined transfer paper 
-Cardstock paper
-Silhouette CAMEO or Cricut
-Scraper
-Weeding tool

Step One: Design, Cut & Reverse Weed 

I created this design by taking some fun fonts and adding a wifi symbol I traced. Get creative with your design! Be sure to size it to fit the correct frame (mine is 5 in. x 7 in).

Once the designing is complete it is time to cute the vinyl. The Expressions Vinyl cut setting is the best and I even use it over the programmed setting in Silhouette Studio (seriously it never fails me) at blade 2, speed 5, force 7. 

Normally I like to weed my designs the "regular" way, but since this image as a lot of tiny letters, I went with the reverse weeding method. This method is perfect for ensuring that you won't lose any tiny pieces when weeding. Simply adhere the entire image to your transfer tape and slowly remove the paper backing. The tacky adhesive back should now be exposed.

Peel off the "negative" parts of the design slowly away from the transfer tape. Once you have done that, go back in with a pointy weeding tool and remove the insides of letters such as the o's, a's etc. 

Now you are ready to apply!

Step Two: Apply Vinyl To Plastic Frame 

Center your design on your plastic frame and use a scraper tool to firmly press the vinyl down. Some surfaces, like extra glossy plastic, and be tricky sometimes. If you find that you are having trouble getting your letters to stick on your surface, don't fret! Simply use a hair dryer or other heating device to apply heat onto the vinyl. Apply heat and use the scraper tool as needed to ensure the vinyl fully adheres. 

Cut a rectangle shape out of card-stock paper and insert it into the frame for a fun decorative touch. I love that the paper is easily interchangeable.

Can't wait to see your creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @kutiekairadesigns if you do so that I can see it and gush over your amazing creations!

Mini Halloween Treat Bags

Hi friends! Connie here from Kutie Kaira Designs showing you how to make some adorable mini Halloween treat bags using canvas draw-string bags and heat transfer vinyl...glitter of course! I love these bags because they are reusable and although they are mini, you can fit a lot of goodies in there. My daughter loves to put little toys and rocks and blocks in bags/bins, so I figured this would be a great little baggie for her, even after Halloween!

Things you will need:
-Cutting machine (I use a CAMEO 3)
-Glitter HTV in black and neon purple 
-Canvas drawstring mini bags (found online or any craftstore)
-Iron or heatpress
-Goodies to fill the bags

Step One: Design Your Image and Cut
In real life, I don't really like pets *gasp I know* but I do think these little cats are super adorable and Halloween-y!

Next, write the name of the recipient right below the image. The bag is about 3.5 x 3.5 inches so just make sure to size it down so that it will fit on the bag. My entire design when grouped was approximately 3.3 x 2.8 inches.

Ungroup your design based on the colors. I am cutting the cats in black and the name in neon purple. I like to color the images on the software to help me visualize and organize the cuts I need to make. Don't forget to mirror your image when cutting any type of heat transfer vinyl.

Pro Tip: When cutting like-materials, you can cut them all at the same time if you place the corresponding colors of HTV on the mat lined up the same as the software. Use the grids on the screen and on the mat as a guideline. 

Step Two: Place Vinyl Pieces On Bag and Press

Once you cut your images, weed them out and place them on the bags. I always love this part because if you do the math correctly, it fits perfect every time! No surprises in math :)

Use an iron or heat press to press the image onto the bag. I used a heat press with the settings at 320 degrees, which is the setting for the glitter HTV. Check out this awesome chart that Expressions Vinyl made to remind you of what temps to use. It's amazing. I use it every single time!

Last Step: Fill Your Bag 

Now the fun part! My daughter loves candy, coloring and finally leaves bows in her hair so I decided to fill hers with all these things. Get creative with it! I can't wait for her to be in a classroom so I can make little goodie bags for all her friends! 

If you create your own bags, be sure to tag me on Instagram @kutiekairadesigns so that I can see your beautiful creations.

Happy crafting and Happy Halloween, friends :)

XOXO, Connie 

Vinyl Painted Rock Stencils

Hi everyone! Connie here from Kutie Kaira Designs showing you how to create vinyl stencils to use to paint your own rocks! Painted rocks is a super trendy phenomenon where you paint awesome rocks and hide them for others to find. I have been seeing these rocks everywhere online and I figured I would find a fun way to DIY using my cutting machine. My 2-year-old daughter has an obsession with rocks! You will usually find her with 2 or 3 rocks in her hands at all times. I knew this project would also be a fun way to jazz up her little favorite rocks! Let's get started!

Things you will need:

-Cutting machine (mine is a CAMEO 3)
-Vinyl/stencil vinyl (I used white Oracal 651)
-Transfer tape
-Rocks
-Acrylic paint
-Paintbrush
-Waterproof sealant of your choice

Step 1: Choose and Cut Your Designs

I found some random cute designs and I cut them really small. I measured my rocks and they were all under 2 inches so I made my designs pretty small. The vinyl square was 5 in. x 5 in. so you can see how small they are, since they all fit so nicely in the square.

Cut the vinyl stencils out using the appropriate vinyl cut setting for your machine. Once they are cut, weed out your designs. Since we are making a stencil, be sure to weed out all the middle pieces so that we can paint through them. Apply clear transfer tape over your designs and cut them out individually.

 

Your little designs should look like this! Pick out a fun color palette and get ready to paint!

Step 2: Apply Designs On Rocks & Paint 

Peel your designs off of the paper backing on the vinyl and slowly begin applying them on the rocks. I found that using my hands/fingers was the best way to really ensure that the stencil was smoothly on the rocks.

Once you have applied them all on the rocks, begin to carefully peel the transfer tape away from the  rocks. Don't worry too much if the design is too big for the rock (like my cloud design). You can still get good use out of it.

Use a small brush to begin painting on your rocks. Get creative with your colors! My rocks were pretty dark and I felt like some colors definitely needed more than one layer. Let each layer dry for a little bit before you add another layer of color.

Peel the vinyl off once the paint is mostly dry. I did find that some of the designs bled a little bit, but not too much. Since most rocks (even the smoothest ones) have bumps and holes in them, I knew a some bleed through was normal. They are still super adorable and super fun to make. I can spend all day long painting rocks.

Seal your rocks with your favorite waterproof sealant and ensure they are completely dry before you handle them. I can't wait to see what fun rocks you create! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @kutiekairadesigns so that I can see!

Ombre Custom Stencil Trivets

Hi friends! Connie here from Kutie Kaira Designs showing you how to use Oramask 813 stencil vinyl to create your own painted trivets! You can get creative with paint color and any design you want. Let's get started.

Things you will need:

-Trivets (I used IKEA cork trivets)
-Oramask 813 stencil vinyl
-Acrylic paint (I used light pink, blue and yellow)
-Foam paint brush
-Silhouette CAMEO or similar machine
-Transfer tape 
-Scraper tool/weeding tool

Step One: Choose and Cut Your File 

I got this file from the Silhouette Design Store. I made circle that was the same size as the trivet I was using to ensure that my design would fit properly on my final project--no surprises here!

Place the image in the circle and right click > make compound path so that it become one file, instead of two. You don't *have* to create a compound path because it will still cut inside, but it's a good habit to have because if you ever have to move the design, it will move in one piece! Easy peasy. 

Once you make it a compound path, you will be able to fill it with color to see what your image will look like when painted. In the picture above, the pink is the natural cork color in the trivet, and the white part will be the ombre painted area. 

Here are the cut settings I used! They are very similar to the regular vinyl cut settings, but I upped the thickness a tad because it needed a little bit more thickness to cut some edges, in my experience. 

Here is what it will look like once it is cut and weeded. 

Step Two: Transfer and Paint 

Use clear transfer tape to transfer the stencil image to your trivet. Place and center the image to your liking. Using your fingers to smooth the image on the surface. 

Use your scraper tool to press the stencil on the cork. Slowly peel back your transfer tape. Be extra cautious, since cork is not a very smooth surface the stencil tends to want to lift up. But with patience, you will be able to get it on :) 

Use a foam brush to dab the paint on the trivet. I wanted to make a cute ombre effect for an extra touch. I started off by painting the entire thing yellow. Them I used blue and started on the edge and make my way inwards to create the ombre effect. Repeat with the pink. Use more yellow paint to blend your colors as needed. 

Here is what it will look like once it is painted. Let try completely and use a pointy object like a weeding tool or an Xacto knife to peel the stencil letters off of the cork trivet. 

Here is the final look! I LOVE the way it turned out. Since cork is very porous and uneven, it did produce some unevenness but it truly adds character. You can use your Xacto knife to scrape off and clean up some of the edges. 

Get creative with your trivets! They would be the perfect gifts for Christmas and for wedding/engagement gifts. I can't wait to see what you create! :)

Happy crafting! 

XO Connie 

DIY Pom-Pom Confetti Candy Jar

Hi crafty friends! Today I will be showing you how to create an adorable candy jar covered in glitter vinyl confetti's and finished off with pink pom-poms. This candy jar just makes me so happy. It's super easy to make and is the perfect project to use up those vinyl scraps that you have laying around. I have more scraps than I care to admit...but I can't ever throw away precious vinyl scraps. Who's with me?! Let's get started!

Things you will need:
-Cutting machine (I am using a CAMEO)
-Glass jar
-Hot glue gun
-Oracal 631Vinyl in Mint 
-Pom-poms or ribbon of your choice
-Clear transfer tape 
-Glitter vinyl sheet (light blue)
-Transparent glitter sheets (lemon lime & magenta)
-Heart confetti file (mine is from the Silhouette Design Store by Sarah Hurley)
-Font is LD Elegrance Upright Bold

Step 1: Design Files in Software 

I decided to use a font to create my own saying since I couldn't find a file I liked. I love that you can make your own font files in a breeze! I typed "life is sweet" and welded it together so that the cursive words intersect. Size your file according to the jar you are using. My phrase is about 3 inches wide.

Next, I added my heart confetti file and spaced it on the mat so that I can cut multiple colors at a time!

Get those scraps out and place the vinyl on the mat in the respective spots so they match up when you cut. *Pro Tip: Use washi tape or painters tape to secure vinyl to your mat once your mat starts to lose tackiness. I get months and months of use from my mats because of this trick! Since the adhesive is so light, it won't ruin your material. You can even use it on cardstock paper.

Once you cut your confetti, cut your phrase out. The settings for both of these materials are the same! But as always, be sure to test cut if you aren't sure of the right settings. The test cut is my best friend. It has saved me so many times.

Step 2: Weed And Apply Your Vinyl 

Once your files are done cutting, weed them so that you remove all of the "negative" pieces that you don't want on your final project. 

Add each of your pieces to your transfer tape. I like to turn the tape upside down so that the adhesive in on top and apply the vinyl to it. This ensures that you don't get any bubbles and it maximizes your transfer tape space.

Turn it over and use a scraper tool to ensue that your vinyl will transfer to the tape easily. 

Now it is time to apply your vinyl. Since we are placing vinyl on a super round surface, you will want to cut tiny slits on your transfer tape around the file to help you when applying it on your jar. Start in the middle of the design and with your finger, slowly smooth out each section one at a time. 

You might notice bubbles in your tape. Don't worry! It is totally possible to have bubbles and creases in your transfer tape but not in your design. That is the key to applying vinyl on round surfaces. Just keep practicing. It gets easier :) Carefully remove the transfer tape and add the glitter vinyl confetti all around your jar! 

Step 3: Add Finishing Touches 

I used a hot glue gun to adhere the pom-pom ribbon around the top of the jar. You can also use ribbon or a fringe rope--get creative! Add your favorite candy treats you are done! 

I hope that you try this project out! Be sure to share pictures and tag me if you do so I can see them! Happy summer friends, and see you next time. 

Hello there!

Hi friends! My name is Connie and I am so glad you are here!

I am a wife, mama to a sweet girl named Kaira, and a lover of Jesus!

This blog is going to be all things crafts and DIY. I have always loved crafting and creating. As a stay-at-home-mama, I especially need a way to express my creative side so that I don't go crazy (crazier I should add!) ;)

The past two years, I have been LOVING using my Silhouette cutting machine for all my crafts! It is *seriously* the best little machine ever! It cuts paper and does so much more, but medium that it cuts is vinyl.

#vinylallthethings

My little Etsy shop is filled with many items that I am able to create with vinyl using my Silhouette machine.

Well, about a month ago, I saw that Silhouette America was having a casting call for people to apply be a part of the 2016-2017 Design Team. I was a bit nervous to apply because I *know* there are some amazingly talented people out there. I went ahead and took the plunge. It was exciting!!

Well!! On Friday 2/26 I got an email from the Silhouette America blog manager saying that I WAS CHOSEN!! AHHHHH!!! *dance party*

But I was not allowed to say anything for 5 days. 5. Long. Days.

I wanted to shout it on the rooftops, but, alas, I promised to keep my lips sealed until they announced it.

Today was the day! March 1, 2016 was when Silhouette America announced the new Design Team members on all their social media pages

There I am! The top left-ish :)

I feel so blessed and thrilled so a part of this team.  I feel honored to be able to share tutorials and other awesome things with all of you!

Thank you Silhouette America! I just know it is going to be a blast.

I am thankful to the Lord for blessing me with the desires of my heart! I am nothing without Him!

Thank YOU all for joining me on this ride :) I hope you have just as much fun as I will.