At our house we had one ‘special’ mug in the house. The girls claimed it to be special because it was pretty and made everything ‘taste’ so much better.
Well, the problem with that was there was only one! This lead to a lot of emotion when one child got the cup and the other had to drink out of a ‘non’ special cup.
So…I used my mommy problem solving skills and this is what I came up with:)
Make all mugs ‘special’
I found these mugs at the dollar store! (to think it only took a dollar to fix the problem…wouldn’t it be great if all your problems could be fixed for a buck:).
I applied permanent red vinyl lettering (Black Boys on Mopeds Font) and added poka dots to the girls mugs and voila. Emotions over the special mug vanished.
I’ve even thought about throwing all the other mismatched mugs out and just having these. It would totally (ya I like the word totally:) cut down on kitchen clutter!
Grab your cutter, order some vinyl for all of you projects, or if you don’t have a craft cutter, order some custom pre-made vinyl. Wouldn’t these be the perfect gift for a family? I know what the cousins are getting this year! {I can’t believe I am already starting to think about Christmas}.
Here’s to solving problems.
(This originally posted last November. We figured most of you hadn’t seen it yet).
Norma says
please tell me more about this “permanent vinyl.” Is it washable? Microwaveable? Dishwasher safe? where can I get some? Thanks!
The Real Person!
Do you have a vinyl cutter, cricut or neither?
Alison
It is washable. I have put mine in the dishwasher, but I usually just wash it by hand…and the microwave part, let me check into that!
Thanks for your question!
sass72 says
Did you ever find out if it is microwaveable?
The Real Person!
It’s not. I just warm up mine in a big glass measuring cup and then pour it in:)
Michelle says
I have to have that vinyl, I have a cricut…HELP!!!
April says
I must know where to get the best deal on a cricut! I really want one this year. And although expensive, I think I deserve it! ;o)
The Real Person!
April
Make sure to check back on Friday…we have a big post on where to find the cheapest Cricut!
Thanks
Alison
Connie says
Yay! I was wondering the same thing!
The Real Person!
Wondering what? About the permanent vinyl? Check all the comments from Alison before. I am not a pro at this, and she is on Labor Day weekend vacation. Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂 -Shelley
Amanda says
I love this! I have a cricut and would love to know where to get the permanent vinyl. Thanks!!
The Real Person!
There are a lot of companies that sell it, but the ones I’m familiar with charge you for an entire roll ($150+).
I am checking on some companies that are reliable and a LOT cheaper.
I will let you know as soon as they call me back.
If you have a someone that cuts vinyl for you…ask them if they can sell you a chunk of it!
Thanks for your question…I’ll let you know ASAP!
Aubrey says
Agh! I do NOT have a Cricut, nor do I know anyone that has one. I would be willing to compensate someone if they would be willing to do the lettering for me and ship it??!!?
Amy says
I know there are quite a few people on etsy.com that would do that for you
The Real Person!
Good Idea! Thanks for the comment!
Alison
Aubrey says
Thanks! I hadn’t thought of that…I generally think of finished products when I think of Etsy.
amanda says
you can also draw what ever u like with permanent marker, pop it in the oven @ 450 for 30 mins and the marker will stay on. im going to have my kids color mugs for everyone this year 🙂
Tammy Gordon says
Hi Amanda,
Do you know if it can be any permanent marker? like Sharpie,? I’m going to have my grandchildren make a mug for their parents. Thanks for commenting!
Tammy
Carm Hernandez says
I love this idead I am planning to purchase vinyl to do this project for Christmas gifts for my friends/family. I have a silhouette, so I can cut vinyl. Which vinyl i.e. recommended brand and styple should I be purchasing? I am assuming they are going to putting the mugs in the microwave and in the dishwasher.
Thank you,
Carm Hernandez
Jennifer Grace says
How do if the vinyl is permament? And where did you get the red vinyl?
Jennifer Grace says
sorry I meant to say how do you know if the vinyl is permanent?
Jess says
Seriously so stinkin’ cute! I looooove these!
Kirsten says
Is the Black Boys on Mopeds font the name of the cricut cartridge? Is this the same font you used on the mixing bowl?
The Real Person!
Black boys on mopeds is the name of the font…not cartridge. I also used that font on the mixing bowl! Any font will make it cute though!
Tanya says
I have a cricut but have no idea how to use other cutting files with it. I only know about how to use the cartridges. HELP…
By the way, these are awesome…
Ashley says
You can buy permanent vinyl by the sheet at expressionsvinyl.com. I buy the regular vinyl there for my cricut and love it!
Natalee says
I’m also wondering if the Black Boys on Mopeds font is the name of the cricut cartridge? Or did you have someone cut out the lettering for you?
The Real Person!
mytalkingwalls.com has the font and can cut it for you!
If you have a cricut…just use a font that you have. They turn out pretty cute using just about any font.
expressionsvinyl.com has vinyl if you need some!
Thanks for your comment.
KarrieAnn says
Hello, Which cricut machine is the most versatile… or which one would you recommend for a “starter?” Thank you in advance!
Mary says
Would the vinyl for the silhouette work as well?
The Real Person!
yep!
Laura Sziy says
Love the cups! Great project for senior citizens! Haven’t tried the vinyl yet
anxious to do so!
Robin says
I would love to know where to find these permanent vinyls. I have alot of children and this would solve all of my problems : )
Lisa says
Is the vinyl on expressionsvinyl.com the kind you used thats permanent? They said they have “cricut vinyl” and “outdoor vinyl”… help? 🙂
The Real Person!
The outdoor is the permanent and yes…it’s the same brand and kind I used for mine.
The circut is probably the removable kind that goes on crafts and in your home. Just make sure you ask them. We’d love to see what you are creating!!! Oh and make sure to hand wash your dishes instead of putting them in the dishwasher when you put the vinyl on them.:)
Sharon says
I do not have a cutter so I was interested in finding out about the pre-cut vinyl. When I am looking at these websites, they seem to be more for a wall than a mug. Is there a specific section I can go to for this smaller item? Thanks!
The Real Person!
Sharon Email them and ask if they carry outdoor vinyl. It’s the kind that will be sure to be sticky and stick to the mug. Also ask them about ordering for a specific size. Let me know if that helps!
Talk to you later!
Alison
Sharon says
Sorry, one more question. What size font did you use?
.-= Sharon´s last blog ..Watch what you say =-.
The Real Person!
Black boys on mopeds
Sharon says
Is it just one height that you use or can you change the font? What was the height you used for this?
.-= Sharon´s last blog ..Watch what you say =-.
Pegg says
Hey, do all cricuts cut this vinyl? I’ve been using mine for just paper. Is there a special blade or do the regular ones work? Now maybe I can finally have those snowflake mugs that I’ve wanted and never been able to afford!!!!
.-= Pegg´s last blog ..NOTE CARDS Woman Golfer =-.
The Real Person!
Double check with the company, but I know a lot of craft cutters cut paper as well as vinyl…BUT please check with the company to make sure yours does:)
Clare says
Love this!! I’ve used the removable for marking dishes to take to dinners etc. I used some permanent to decorate my Halloween candy bowl last year.
Vicki says
So cute. These would make great gifts for my daughter’s college apartment mates!!
Diana @ The Girl Creative says
I’ve yet to use vinyl but this looks like such an easy project to start with. Kinda screams teacher Christmas gifts to me. 🙂
.-= Diana @ The Girl Creative´s last blog ..Just Something I Whipped Up =-.
Carol says
Love this idea!! As far as the permanent vinyl, you can get it at a few places for pretty reasonable. I have a cricut and have purchased from both places. One is http://www.signwarehouse.com/ and the other is http://www.handhsupply.com HTH.
Kaysi @ Keeping It Simple says
Those are so great!!! I love that they are permanent!
Shelle says
I’ve been using the heck outta my vinyl and my Silhouette SD. I love mine. This is a cute idea.
Julie says
Oh my gosh, those are so stinking ADORABLE!!! I’m going to have to check on Etsy to see if I can find someone to make and ship the vinyl letters to me!
.-= Julie´s last blog ..What really matters =-.
Shannon J. says
If you haven’t found anyone yet, I would love to do that for you. Let me know if you are interested.
Jessica says
love love love this! Thank you and all the info above helps to.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Topsy Turvy Cake =-.
Debby says
ahhhhh christmas gifts galore!!!!! I <3 this idea!!!!
Ruth says
I was wondering….I have no idea which machine to purchase there are so many variations…can you advice on that?
for instance:
walmart:
Cricut Expression Black Die Cut Machine Value Bundle (Expression Machine, Design Studio Pack, Tool Kit, Spatula Tool)
or Joanne
Provo Craft® Cricut® Expression Cutting Machine
# 9200601 reg. 399.99
and then
Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool (QuicKutz)
So I’m just confused about which one is the best one.
Thanks!
Ruth
Stephanie says
I am wondering why the font is called “Black Boys on Mopeds?” I will be checkig with the source unless you can give me some insight!
The Real Person!
I have no clue why it’s called that. Please check with the creator of the font. I’d love to hear why they choose that title for a font:)
Angel says
Anyone know if there is some sort of clear stuff to put overtop of the vinyl so you can wash and microwave these? Wouldn’t that be fabulous?
Angel says
anyone?
genevieve lebel says
Really?!!! This craft is CRAZY awesome!!! Will be sharing on my blog and sending trafic your way! Can’t wait to do this!
.-= genevieve lebel´s last blog ..Are you a sandwich slacker!!! =-.
MommyTopics.com says
Okay so I was just at TidyMom’s I’m Lovin’ It Friday and I picked two tiles out of the whole bunch to click because the looked the most interesting, and they were both yours. Just wanted you to know… you must be doing something seriously RIGHT!!! 😉
I love this gift idea, and I loved looking at your golf party. Great details, great ideas, and great photos.
Blessins
Rachymommy – MommyTopics.com
.-= MommyTopics.com´s last blog ..Robot Birthday =-.
The Real Person!
Awww thanks!! This comment totally made my day. I’ll pass it on to the other girls. 🙂
SouthernScraps says
These are great!
Michelle says
For those of you ladies looking for a deal on the Cricut watch http://www.customcrops.com on the Wed before Thanksgiving…every year they have a big sale. I bought the small Cricut for $49.99 (yes I said $50)then I added a few more deals and @ $100 my order shipped FREE!
Tiffanee says
WOW!! These are so cute. What an incredible idea. They would make such cute frugal gifts!! Thanks!
.-= Tiffanee´s last blog ..Cookie Monster Cookies =-.
giana says
Hi, I know I have seen on here your comparisons of all the cutters but now I can’t find that post. Can you direct me? please! Thank you so much, I really want to buy one but am not sure which one. From what I understand the Cricut needs cartridges which have to be purchased, with the Silhouette can you download things from the internet and print those out? Thanks again, Giana
Kristi says
I just received my silhouette and am wanting to make mugs, mugs, clipboards, etc for Christmas. Any ideas on where I can get blank acrylic mugs, clipbards and novelties?
The Real Person!
Try the dollar store:)
Gina says
Are the polka dots made of red vinyl too? I love these!
Susan Pike says
Wow – just saw this…as a grandma I love this idea for the grandkids. However, crafting has changed since I last had time to work on projects! Where do I start…
1. I saw the link to getting lettering cut from vinyl and that’s great, but how do I make sure it’s the permanent vinyl you recommend?
2. are your polka dots the same permanent vinyl as well?
3.HOw can I find other shapes? I’d love a train or football for the boys’ cups, for example – I don’t have a cricut or a silhouette and probably don’t want to go to the expense of purchasing these for 4 mugs! Any suggestions?
4. LOVE your site. This could spell trouble for the future….;)
Lisa says
If you still need anything, you can contact me through my etsy shop, and I will post a listing just for you. I can cut whatever shapes you want, but I will need to order the vinyl, get it in, and then ship the shapes to you, so there will be a slight time delay. Send me a message if you are interested, and let me know what colors you are wanting so I can order it. For color ideas, go to http://www.expressionsvinyl.com and look at their “Outdoor Vinyl”.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/autumnrosegifts
Snow says
Hi
I love these dollar store mugs & can think of several folks I would like to make these for but I don’t have a cutter. Where do I find the vinyl letters, do you know of anyone who has a Silhouette who makes & sells the lettering? Thanks so much for your help!
Jess says
I have a cricut but I don’t understand about the red vinyl lettering, do I use a special type of paper or what do I do. Please help!
Maggie C says
I need a password to download ans don’t know how or where to add one.
Thanks,
Maggie
Wendy says
What kind of vinyl do you use?
Kathy Cummins says
I love this idea. Can you hand wash these? Do warm liquids effect the stickers permanence? Maybe an idea for personalized pencil holders. You’re the best. 🙂
Kathy Cummins
Jennifer says
Is there a trick to peeling and sticking the letters? I have tried and always have little bubbles or creases. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Renae Bohnet says
If you don’t have a cricut machine, a porcelain or vitrea marker (can be purchased @ Michael’s for around $3) will work to personalize your mugs, plates, platters, etc. After personalizing, wait 24 hours, then bake in over at 300 degrees for 40 min. and it’s permanent and dishwasher safe!
Anna P says
Did you use a cricut to cut out the letters? I have that font but I do I apply it or use it with a cricut?
Thanks!
Anna P.
Stacy says
I want to start doing them vinyl letters on acrylic cups. Do you recommend a certain machine? I have read the cricut you have to buy cartridges. Is there a machine that works with fonts from my computer?
Grace says
I love those mugs. Can you tell me about the vinyl? Can I find them already cut at the craft stores? If not how do I go on-line and what store? Tryed to get in-touch with you before and never got a reply. Hope this work this time. Would love to do this. Thanks
Kidosmom says
I have heard you can use sharpies and put them in the oven to seal the marker on them. You would have to take the vinyal off every time you washed them wouldn’t you? They are so cute, even so.
The Real Person!
This used permanent vinyl which can be washed. 🙂 But good idea with the sharpie!
Carla says
I am severely “craft handicapped” 🙂 What exactly is permanent vinyl and where can I get it? Thank you! Im determined to make this a very “homemade” Christmas this year.
Janet says
PLEASE make a disclaimer for your followers to check that they are MADE IN AMERICA! You don’t want to be poisoning anyone with all the lead & melamine that ‘other country’ had been putting in our baby bottles, pet food, etc. There are no regulations there.
Tania says
Could you please list a site in which I could place an order for the customized vinyl.
Thank you.
Justina says
You could also just write on it in permanent marker and then bake it in the oven for a few minutes to make it permanent. I’ve seen it on Pinterest before. It’s a cheeper alternative to ordering vinyl or a cricut (whatever that is!). I don’t know how long to bake it exactly, but search DIY mug or something similar on Pinterest and you’ll find it.
Julie says
Hi there! So, my sister decided to get married in 2 weeks instead of 7 months and wants me to do something like this for her favors. She already ordered 192 mugs (8 cases of 24 – not just a random number) from Dollar Tree. I got one off the shelf and have been experimenting… The final product looks nice and clean but when I put hot water in it, the letters start to move. I tried making a stencil and filling it in with paint but the letters are too small and the inside of the e’s keep flying off. What did I do wrong? I’m pretty sure it’s a good quality vinyl. Any suggestions? I gotta make this work!
Yolany says
Love ur idea. However, I am not crafty nor do I own any crafty tools. So please be extra specific on where I can find the tools for making ur fabulous projects. Gracias!
Brandi says
I seen on pintrest where they used permanent markers and drew whatever they wanted on dollar store plates then baked them in the oven. I suppose you could do the same thing with mugs? That may even be easier & cheaper for those without access to the vinyl lettering. What do you think?
The Real Person!
I love the idea. Thanks Brandi!
Brandi says
Ha just wanted to apologize! I should have read all the comments before I added the one about the permanent marker idea that I found on Pintrest. There were several! Sorry to waste your time!!! This one is unique in the fact that I didnt even think about mugs. I am going to do that as gifts next year for christmas for all my nieces and nephews!
Penny says
I love your site. 🙂 Thank you for sharing all of these fantastic ideas.
Sarah says
What are the cups made of? plastic or glass ?
Rita Daniels says
How Does She?com. I love the mugs. They are a nice and dainty gift to give to friends at Christmas without spending a lot of money.
Vinyl favorite: Lime Green
Alison Frost says
Now Iknow that Iam not the only person that spells Alison the way you do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
Jenni K says
Such an awesome idea! I might incorporate it into our Christmas list somehow 🙂
Jasmine Nielson says
I love this project I’m going to try to do it with my cricket mini.
Mickie says
Where do you purchase your permanent red vinyl at?
Tonya Coursey says
My dad has 15grandkids and 2 great grand kids and is still young.This is an awesme project we will do.
Jenna says
What size did u use for the vinyl from your cricut?
Emily says
So if i can’t find any permanent vinyl then can i put it in the oven for a certain amount of time at a certain tempurature and it’ll stay on?
Andrea Kuster says
Hi Alison, i just started experiencing with my Silouette Cameo and wanted to do a Mug but I was wondering if the Vynil doesn’t come out when you wash it. Or do you cover it with some “glazing coat”?
Thanks, Andrea
Katie says
Hi Andrea,
You’re going to only want to hand wash your mug. I wouldn’t do a glaze coat, it’s going to make the vinyl be more likely to peel off. Make sure you have the right type of vinyl and hand wash only and you should be good to go! Thanks so much!
Danielle says
I have made a few mugs now with the permanent outdoor vinyl. I am having an issue of part of the design peeling up when the mug is used for hot liquids. Any ideas on how to prevent peeling?
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