Thursday, April 15, 2010

Put a smile on your mail carrier's face - VINYL PROJECT!

Here's a quick project that you can do with leftover scraps of vinyl, though it turned out so cute that you just might want to go in search of some specifically for this use.  All images are from the Walk In My Garden cartridge, and I used pieces from my vinyl scraps for most of the images.  I'm lucky enough to use a Cricut Expression and outdoor vinyl at work, and I bring home all the scraps from those projects.
Provocraft makes adhesive vinyl in many colors, and in my area, Joann's carries the largest selection.  Michael's carries limited colors as well.  If you haven't used vinyl before, you'll also need to purchase transfer tape or contact paper for application.  I personally use contact paper because it's so much cheaper.  It's very sticky off the roll though, so place it on your clothing and rub and remove 3-4 times before using to de-stickify it just a bit.

If you've never used vinyl in your Cricut projects and need a tutorial, here's a really good one from Above Rubies Studio.  She used blue tape to transfer, but I prefer the contact paper so I can see through it and get it aligned just right. Take a peek at it, then spruce up your mailbox for spring!

UPDATE: GREAT idea from CherB at Cheryl's Window - use removable vinyl so you can easily remove it and change for the seasons and holidays!

Cricut Kisses and Crafty Wishes!

13 comments:

Cheryl Boglioli said...

That is so cute and what a great idea. And since it is removable, oooh, we could decorate it for the seasons / holidays. Do you think the regular vinyl (not outside) would work as well if we didn't want it permanent? Hmm!! I'll have to see if it will stick well to my plastic mailbox b/c I love this idea. TFS.

Cindy McVey said...

I think the regular vinyl would be even better if you plan to replace it for the seasons! Great idea!

CuddlyBunny said...

Ouuu! Mailbox designs using VINYL!

Neat idea! Thank you!

farmhouse-story said...

this is so much cuter than what i did on my mailbox! love it, cindy!

i put my name and address on my mailbox about 18 months ago, and it still looks great. i didn't think it would stick, but it has!

Gloria said...

What a great idea Cindy. Love the way it came out:) Thanks for sharing.

Audrey Frelx said...

Hi, Cindy. You are certainly going to brighten your mail person's day!!! What a cute idea!

Thanks for your visit. I didn't post because I've been trying to visit all my friends and leave comments, and it takes so long {for me anyway} trying to get around when typing with one hand so, I decided to dedicate today to this. Anyway, I'd only be saying hello, so I may as well do it in person. I'll be so glad when I can craft -- LOL!

Have a great evening, my friend!

Lolliscraps said...

Great idea! Very cheerful!

Diane said...

Hi Cindy,

Thanks for stopping by my blog - it is funny that we both did vinyl on the same day!

I love your mailbox - it is so bright and cheerful!

Our neighborhood does not have individual mailboxes. The postal service was on a kick about 20 years ago to do big mailbox banks in new neighborhoods. It was supposed to save the Postal Carriers time in delivering but they end up having to stop by some houses anyway with oversize packages, special delivery, etc.

Hmmm - maybe I can decorate the "big" mailbox!

Mary Jean said...

I think is sooo cute! Wonder if I could convince the hubby that I need a mailbox so that I could decorate it...lol... ours is attached to the house and made of wood

Laura said...

Saw this on mb and just loved it...

Turnedgypsy said...

where did you get the removal type. i just found your blog and love this mailbox project.

chriswooten57
http://turnedgypsy.blogspot.com
mcwooten1999@carolina.rr.com

Cindy McVey said...

chris, I used wall pops that I found on sale last year when Lowe's was clearing them out. I'm not sure, but I think the Cricut vinyl is also "removable" in that it is not intended for outdoor use.

Shawnee said...

What a wonderful gift idea. I can't wait to try this for a gift for my best friend. I owe her a mailbox and this is perfect. Thank you!

About Me

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Midlothian, Virginia, United States
Lifetime crafter, beginning with sewing clothes for my troll dolls when I was 5. Stampin' Up! demonstrator since 2000. Wife of almost 30 years to my high school sweetheart and planning on 30 more! Mom to 2 great kids and one awesome new son-in-law. "Mom" to 3 furkids, Pomeranians Roxy and Lulu, and a Calico cat, Sugar aka "Miss Fattypants." Addicted to all things Disney!
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