Create Craft
10 Upcycled Cricut Ideas that Will Blow Your Mind
Certainly! Upcycling with a Cricut machine can be a creative and sustainable way to repurpose items and materials. Here are some upcycled Cricut project ideas that can truly impress:
1. Vinyl Record Clock: Turn old vinyl records into functional and stylish wall clocks by using vinyl decals to create the clock face and hands. You can customize the design to match your decor.
2. Tin Can Planters: Transform empty tin cans into beautiful planters by covering them with decorative adhesive vinyl. Add personalized labels or plant names to make them even more special.
3. Upcycled Tote Bags: Give plain canvas tote bags a new life by adding iron-on vinyl designs or phrases. This is a fantastic way to create custom reusable shopping bags.
4. Repurposed Glass Jars: Decorate glass jars with vinyl decals to turn them into stunning candle holders, vases, or storage containers. You can choose from a variety of designs and colors to suit your style.
5. Vintage Suitcase Makeover: Give an old suitcase a modern twist by covering it with patterned vinyl or creating a custom monogram. This can become a stylish storage solution or a unique piece of decor.
6. Furniture Decals: Update worn-out furniture by applying vinyl decals to tabletops, dressers, or cabinet doors. This can breathe new life into old pieces and match them to your home’s theme.
7. Wine Bottle Centerpieces: Use vinyl decals to decorate wine bottles and turn them into elegant centerpieces for weddings, parties, or special occasions. They can also serve as stylish vases.
8. Corkboard Wall Art: Turn an old corkboard into a piece of art by cutting intricate vinyl designs and arranging them on the corkboard’s surface. This functional art piece can serve as both decor and organization.
9. Custom Coasters: Create personalized coasters by cutting vinyl designs and applying them to plain ceramic or wooden coasters. These make excellent gifts and can protect your furniture.
10. Repurposed Clothing: Add vinyl embellishments to old clothing items such as jackets, jeans, or hats to give them a trendy and unique look. You can create themed designs or motivational phrases.
11. Upcycled Book Covers: Make plain or damaged books look chic by designing and applying vinyl covers. This is a great way to protect your favorite reads while adding a decorative touch.
12. Glass Candle Holders: Enhance the beauty of glass candle holders by applying intricate vinyl designs to their exteriors. When illuminated, the vinyl creates a stunning play of light and shadows.
Remember that upcycling with a Cricut allows you to get creative and breathe new life into items that might have otherwise been discarded. These projects not only reduce waste but also offer endless opportunities for personalization and self-expression.
How to find great items to upcycle at the thrift store:
Look for clothing with small motifs or solid colours.
Find things that are in good (almost new) condition.
Even if the art inside the frames isn’t to your taste, look through the framed art section for sturdy frames.
- Shadow boxes and mirrors should be avoided.
- Search the appliance department for barely used items that are frequently still in the box.
- Pick up containers including boxes, jars, and storage bins.
- Look for dishes with modest patterns, solid colours, or basic, solid designs.
- Make sure not to overlook linens like extra fabric, tablecloths, lampshades, and even curtains.
- Look for objects with rounded edges that are simpler to handle.
- Keep an eye out for glass that has a smooth surface and is chip-free.
I often thrift in one of two ways: either I enter the store with a specific project in mind and search for the ideal materials, or I browse and let inspiration strike. Both approaches are effective if you let your imagination go wild.
It can be difficult to complete a given project when certain materials aren’t always readily available. For instance, you might not this time around discover an ideal item at the thrift store if you want to build a shadow box or mirror project. On the other hand, there are several solutions available if you wish to upcycle a simple shirt.
I like to use several different strategies. I go shopping with a few projects in mind, and if I find something great, I think about how I could upgrade and personalise it. If I come across a wonderful price, like a set of like-new plain cups, I’ll buy them since I know I can upcycle them with my Cricut.
Here is some motivation to get you started on your hunt for goods to upcycle should you decide to go thrifting. Although you could complete these tasks with only brand-new materials, it’s a lot of fun to give an old object (at a low cost) a new use. Enjoy these fantastic Cricut repurposed ideas!
1. DIY Bleach Spray T-Shirt from Practically Functional
One of my favourite upcycling ideas is bleach spraying t-shirts because it’s so simple! A simple solid-colored top, bleach, spray glue, and a vinyl stencil from your Cricut or Cameo are all that are required. I made use of an adorable little owl stencil for my shirt project.
For teams and organisations, bleach spray shirts are a great choice. These are a fun and easy way to quickly create adorable “uniforms” for a kickball game or camping trip. Each participant may bring their own shirt in a certain colour and select a special stencil, or they may select a shirt in a different colour and use the same stencil to match. These shirts are a hit with kids and make wonderful presents.
Also Like;- Easy Christmas Crafts Using Upcycled Materials
2. Dinosaur Fabric Scrap Matching Game from Swoodson Says
Certainly! “Dinosaur Fabric Scrap Matching Game” is a creative and engaging project from the blog “Swoodson Says.” This DIY game is perfect for kids and combines fun with learning. Here’s a summary of how to make and play the game:
Materials You’ll Need:
1. Dinosaur-themed fabric scraps (various colors and patterns)
2. Cardstock or heavy paper
3. Scissors
4. Sewing machine or needle and thread
5. Fabric glue or a glue gun (optional)
6. A printer (for printing dinosaur images)
7. Laminator or clear contact paper (optional, for durability)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Fabric Scraps:
• Collect a variety of dinosaur-themed fabric scraps. These can be leftover pieces from other sewing projects or purchased fabric scraps with dinosaur prints.
2. Create Cardstock Cards:
• Cut the cardstock or heavy paper into rectangles or squares. These will serve as the game cards.
• If desired, you can print or draw dinosaur images on one side of the cards to make them more visually appealing.
3. Cut Fabric Shapes:
• Using the dinosaur-themed fabric scraps, cut out pairs of matching dinosaur shapes. These can be different species or colors.
• The number of fabric shapes you cut will depend on the size of your cardstock cards and how many pairs you want in the game.
4. Attach Fabric Shapes to Cards:
• Now, attach the fabric shapes to the cardstock cards. You can do this by sewing around the edges of the fabric pieces to secure them to the cards.
• Alternatively, you can use fabric glue or a glue gun to adhere the fabric to the cards. Allow them to dry thoroughly if you choose this method.
5. Optional Lamination:
• To make the game more durable and long-lasting, consider laminating the cards or covering them with clear contact paper.
6. Play the Matching Game:
• Shuffle the cards and lay them face down on a flat surface, creating a grid.
• Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find matching dinosaur fabric shapes.
• If a player successfully matches a pair, they keep the cards and take another turn.
• The game continues until all pairs have been matched.
• The player with the most pairs at the end of the game wins.
This “Dinosaur Fabric Scrap Matching Game” is a fantastic way to combine crafting with educational and entertaining activities for children. It encourages memory and concentration while also introducing them to different dinosaur species and patterns. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose fabric scraps, making it eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
3. Make Your Own Minnie Mouse Mug by Practically Functional
Certainly! “Make Your Own Minnie Mouse Mug” is a creative DIY project from the blog “Practically Functional.” This project allows you to personalize a plain mug with a Minnie Mouse design. Here’s how to do it:
Materials You’ll Need:
1. Plain white ceramic mug
2. Black adhesive vinyl or black vinyl sheets
3. Red adhesive vinyl or red vinyl sheets
4. White adhesive vinyl or white vinyl sheets
5. Transfer tape
6. Cricut machine or other cutting machine (optional)
7. Scissors or craft knife (if not using a cutting machine)
8. Minnie Mouse template or design (you can find this online)
9. Cutting mat (if using a cutting machine)
10. Weeding tools (optional)
11. Rubbing alcohol
12. Cotton balls or a soft cloth
13. Clear acrylic sealer (optional)
14. Oven (if using acrylic sealer)
Instructions:
1. Clean the Mug:
• Before you start, make sure your mug is clean and free of any dirt or residue. You can use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball or soft cloth to clean the surface thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Minnie Mouse Design:
• Find a Minnie Mouse template or design that you like online or create your own. Make sure it’s sized to fit the mug’s surface.
3. Cut the Vinyl:
• If you have a Cricut machine or another cutting machine, use it to cut the black, red, and white vinyl into the shapes required for your Minnie Mouse design.
• If you don’t have a cutting machine, print out your design and carefully cut out the shapes using scissors or a craft knife.
4. Weed the Vinyl:
• Weed out the excess vinyl around your Minnie Mouse design using weeding tools or your fingers. Leave only the parts you want to transfer to the mug.
5. Transfer the Vinyl:
• Apply transfer tape to the top of your vinyl design and carefully lift the design from its backing.
6. Apply the Vinyl to the Mug:
• Position the vinyl design on the mug’s surface and press it down firmly to adhere it. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles.
7. Peel Off the Transfer Tape:
• Gently peel off the transfer tape, leaving the vinyl design on the mug.
8. Repeat for Additional Colors:
• If your design has multiple colors, repeat the process with each color, layering them as necessary.
9. Optional Sealant:
• If you want to make your design more permanent, you can apply a clear acrylic sealer to the mug. Follow the sealer’s instructions for application and curing (this may involve baking the mug in the oven).
10. Let It Dry:
• Allow the mug to dry completely before using it or washing it. Be sure to follow any instructions related to curing times for vinyl or sealant.
Now you have your very own Minnie Mouse mug that you customized to your liking. It’s a fun and personalized way to enjoy your favorite beverages while adding a touch of Disney magic to your day.
4. Cricut Vinyl Milk Can Project from Typically Simple
Instead than being purchased from a thrift shop, the milk can for this project was on sale at a craft store. However, I chose this example because I believe it’s a great concept for a Cricut upcycle project using a product you could readily find used.
This project makes me think of my customised watering can, which is a related idea. Metal objects like cans and buckets can be reused by using vinyl cutouts to give them a distinctive farmhouse appearance. Be on the lookout for simple pieces with rather smooth surfaces if you’re hunting for the things at a thrift shop. If you intend to use your item as a flower vase, porch decoration, or anywhere else where it might get wet, I also advise choosing outdoor vinyl.
5. DIY Vanity Tray and Ring Dish from by Pink
Certainly! “DIY Vanity Tray and Ring Dish” is a creative craft project from the blog “By Pink.” This project allows you to make stylish and functional accessories to organize your jewelry and beauty items. Here’s how to create your own vanity tray and ring dish:
Materials You’ll Need:
For the Vanity Tray:
1. Wooden serving tray (you can find these at craft stores)
2. Acrylic paint in your choice of color
3. Paintbrushes
4. Painter’s tape or stencils (optional)
5. Clear varnish or sealant
6. Felt pads (to protect surfaces)
For the Ring Dish:
1. Oven-bake clay (e.g., Sculpey or Fimo) in your choice of color
2. Rolling pin
3. Round cookie cutter or lid for shaping
4. Oven (for baking clay)
5. Small decorative items or stamps (optional)
6. Acrylic paint and paintbrushes (optional)
7. Clear varnish or sealant (optional)
Instructions:
Creating the Vanity Tray:
1. Prepare the Tray:
• Start with a clean wooden serving tray. Ensure it’s free from dust or debris.
2. Paint the Tray:
• Choose your desired paint color and apply a coat of paint to the entire tray, including the sides. You may need to apply multiple coats for full coverage. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next.
3. Add Design (Optional):
• If you’d like to add a decorative pattern or design to your tray, use painter’s tape or stencils to create the desired pattern. Paint over the design and let it dry before removing the tape or stencil.
4. Seal the Tray:
• Once your paint is completely dry, apply a clear varnish or sealant to protect the paint and give your tray a glossy finish. Allow it to dry according to the product’s instructions.
5. Attach Felt Pads:
• To prevent your vanity tray from scratching surfaces, attach felt pads to the bottom corners or feet of the tray.
Creating the Ring Dish:
1. Prepare Clay:
• Knead the oven-bake clay until it’s soft and pliable. Follow the instructions on the clay packaging for baking temperature and time.
2. Roll Out the Clay:
• Roll out the clay to your desired thickness using a rolling pin. Ensure it’s large enough to cut out a circle for the ring dish.
3. Cut Out a Circle:
• Use a round cookie cutter or a lid to cut out a circle from the rolled-out clay. This will be the base of your ring dish.
4. Add Decorative Elements (Optional):
• If you want to add texture or decorative elements to your dish, press small decorative items or stamps into the clay.
5. Shape the Dish:
• Gently curve the edges of the clay circle upward to create a shallow bowl shape. This will hold your rings.
6. Bake the Clay:
• Follow the baking instructions on the clay packaging to cure it in the oven. Typically, this involves baking at a specific temperature for a specified amount of time.
7. Paint and Seal (Optional):
• If you’d like to add color or a glossy finish to your ring dish, you can paint it with acrylic paint and then seal it with a clear varnish or sealant. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
Once your vanity tray and ring dish are complete, you’ll have a stylish and functional set of accessories to organize your jewelry and beauty items on your vanity or dresser. These DIY pieces also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
6. DIY Etched Glass from Practically Functional
7. Quote for Your Bathroom Scale from a girl and a glue gun
I used this motivational bathroom scale statement as a prime illustration of how adding some glittery vinyl can make a big effect on commonplace goods. She used a Silhouette Cameo and glitter vinyl for this project (you could also use a Cricut).
You can buy a variety of vinyl decals for coffee makers, humorous Instant Pot decals, and KitchenAid mixers on Etsy. The majority of these were produced using vinyl and a Cricut or Silhouette machine. Therefore, practically ANY object can be customised and upcycled provided you own a cutting machine. Allow your imagination to soar while looking for gently used small appliances. Again, if your project might be exposed to moisture, I would protect it with outdoor vinyl.
8. Thrift Store Picture Farmhouse Makeover from Christina Faye Repurposed
Picture frames are among of the nicest things to purchase at a thrift shop. A lot of framed art may be purchased for $5 or less. You might be thinking, “Why on earth would I ever buy this?” as you examine the framed paintings. There is some strange art in thrift stores, but when you look through the frames, you notice that everything.
Take a look at this gorgeous image of a renovated farmhouse! She made a cute statement and cow using Cricut vinyl to frame them on a cloth background. She created a wonderful wall hanging that likely cost upwards of $20 in the shop for less than $5. When you visit a thrift shop, look past the subpar artwork and see the possibilities. Here is another eHow tutorial for putting contemporary spins on repurposed thrift store paintings.
9. DIY Table Runner with Foil Iron-On from That’s What Che Said
Certainly! Creating a “DIY Table Runner with Foil Iron-On” is a fun project that adds a touch of elegance to your dining table. This project is inspired by “That’s What Che Said.” Here’s how to make your own:
Materials You’ll Need:
1. Plain fabric table runner (you can purchase this or make one from fabric)
2. Foil iron-on vinyl in your choice of color
3. Cricut machine or another cutting machine
4. Weeding tools
5. Iron and ironing board
6. Parchment paper or a cloth for ironing
7. Ruler or measuring tape
8. Scissors
9. Your chosen design or text (you can create this in design software or use pre-made designs)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Design:
• Begin by designing your table runner pattern or selecting a design you want to use. You can create your design using design software like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or use pre-made designs available online.
2. Cut the Foil Iron-On Vinyl:
• Load your chosen design into your Cricut machine or cutting machine. Ensure that you’ve mirrored the image, especially if your design includes text. This is crucial for iron-on vinyl.
• Cut the foil iron-on vinyl according to the machine’s instructions. Make sure the shiny side (the foil side) is facing down on the cutting mat.
3. Weed the Vinyl:
• Use weeding tools to remove the excess vinyl from around your design, leaving only the parts you want to transfer to the table runner.
4. Prepare the Table Runner:
• Lay out your plain fabric table runner on a clean, flat surface. Ensure it’s free from wrinkles or creases.
5. Position the Foil Vinyl:
• Carefully position your foil vinyl design on the table runner in the desired location. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure it’s centered and straight.
6. Iron the Foil Vinyl:
• Cover the foil vinyl design with parchment paper or a cloth to protect it from direct contact with the iron.
• Set your iron to the appropriate temperature for iron-on vinyl (usually cotton setting without steam).
• Apply firm and even pressure with the iron over the design for about 20-30 seconds. Be sure to press down on all parts of the design.
7. Let It Cool:
• Allow the vinyl to cool for a few minutes before attempting to peel off the clear plastic backing. It should peel off easily.
8. Check and Touch Up:
• Check the vinyl to ensure it’s adhered securely to the fabric. If any parts are lifting, re-cover with parchment paper and iron again.
9. Finish and Enjoy:
• Your DIY foil iron-on table runner is now complete! Lay it out on your dining table to add a touch of elegance and personalization to your dining space.
Remember to follow the specific instructions provided with your foil iron-on vinyl for the best results, as different brands may have slightly different requirements. This project allows you to create a unique and eye-catching table runner that can be used for special occasions or to elevate your everyday dining experience.
10. Cricut Tee with Infusible Ink from Thrift Diving
Certainly! Creating a “Cricut Tee with Infusible Ink” is a fun and creative project that allows you to design and personalize your own custom t-shirt. This project is inspired by “Thrift Diving.” Here’s how to make your own:
Materials You’ll Need:
1. Plain white polyester t-shirt (Polyester is essential for infusible ink to work properly.)
2. Cricut machine (e.g., Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker)
3. Infusible Ink transfer sheets or pens in your chosen colors and designs
4. Cricut StandardGrip or Infusible Ink transfer sheet-specific cutting mat
5. Heat-resistant tape
6. Butcher paper or white cardstock
7. EasyPress or heat press
8. Heat-resistant mat or towel
9. Design software compatible with Cricut (e.g., Cricut Design Space)
10. Weeding tools
11. Lint roller (optional)
12. Protective gloves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Design:
• Start by designing your custom image or text in your chosen design software. You can also use pre-made designs available in Cricut Design Space.
2. Set Up Your Cricut:
• Open Cricut Design Space and load your design. Be sure to mirror the design horizontally if it contains text or if you prefer a different orientation.
• Follow the prompts to select the material setting for Infusible Ink.
3. Cut the Infusible Ink:
• Load the Infusible Ink transfer sheet onto the cutting mat with the ink side up. Use heat-resistant tape to secure the sheet in place.
• Insert the cutting mat into your Cricut machine and start the cutting process.
4. Weed the Design:
• After cutting, use weeding tools to remove the excess Infusible Ink from around your design. Be careful not to touch the ink with your fingers to avoid oils and residue.
5. Prepare the T-Shirt:
• Preheat your EasyPress or heat press to the recommended temperature for Infusible Ink (refer to the packaging or Cricut’s guidelines).
• Place a heat-resistant mat or towel inside the t-shirt to provide a stable surface for pressing.
6. Position the Design:
• Position your weeded Infusible Ink design on the t-shirt with the ink side facing down. Ensure it’s centered and aligned as desired.
7. Secure with Heat-Resistant Tape:
• Use heat-resistant tape to secure the design in place. Make sure it’s firmly adhered to the shirt.
8. Heat Press the Design:
• Place a sheet of butcher paper or white cardstock over the design to protect your press and the shirt.
• Use your preheated EasyPress or heat press to apply even, firm pressure on the design for the recommended time.
9. Cool Down and Remove Tape:
• After pressing, allow the design to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing the heat-resistant tape and transfer sheet.
10. Enjoy Your Custom Tee:
• Once the design has cooled completely, you can wear and enjoy your custom Cricut tee with Infusible Ink!
Infusible Ink creates vibrant and durable designs that are fade-resistant and long-lasting. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your Infusible Ink product and the Cricut machine you’re using for the best results. This project allows you to create personalized and professional-quality t-shirts with ease.