Today I’ll be teaching you how to layer vinyl to create a multi-colored decal, while we make these adorably cheeky DIY Coconut Glasses. These are the perfect tumblers to keep in your cabinet for those days when you could really use a vacation — so I guess maybe they’re your everyday glasses now, HA! Don’t miss the free download of my Coconut SVG cut file at the end of the post.
I love my Coconut Cocktail glasses so much — they are the perfect way to sip your favorite tropical drink, without the trouble of busting open an actual coconut LOL! Keep reading to see how easy it is to make a set of your own.
What are SVG files?
If you’re not familiar, SVG files are Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) which you means you can resize them from tiny to gigantic without sacrificing any image quality. You can use SVG files for a wide range of projects most common are for digital scrapbooking, and they are the best file format for designs you’ll cut with your Cricut or Silhouette cutting machines.
SVG files are graphics that are totally scaleable so you can use them for a wide range of projects.
I used my Coconut Drink graphic SVG from the bundle make these Coconut Cocktail glasses. They turned out super adorable, but I promise they’re easy to make!
To make the Coconut Cocktail glasses you’ll need a set of clear, straight-sided tumblers. I used this Clarte Glass Tumbler set from Target, but since these are perfect for poolside drinks, I’m really wishing I’d used this unbreakable acrylic glass set.
You will also my Coconut Drink SVG cut file and a cutting machine, my preference is the Cricut Maker.
How to MAKE A MULTI-COLOR VINYL DECAL
Decide if you want to make a multi-colored design (like I did) or if you would prefer a single-color, silhouette decal that can be cut out of just one color of vinyl. How cute would these glasses be in gold or silver foil vinyl on a colored cup?!! The SVG download file (at the end of this post) includes both versions.
Import your preferred SVG file into the Cricut Design Space . The design software will automatically recognize the different color layers (if using) in the SVG file and prompt you through the steps to cut out each layer.
To make the layered Coconut Drink vinyl graphic you’ll need adhesive vinyl in the colors you want — mainly brown and black for the main part of the coconut and then whatever accent color for the umbrellas. I had this fun aqua blue on hand so I used it, but I was thinking it would have been fun to make each umbrella a different color to help people keep track of their drink. This is a great project for using up any leftover vinyl scraps you might have.
This is a great project for using up any leftover vinyl scraps you might have.
how to make the DIY coconut Glasses
TO MAKE: Upload the Coconut Drink SVG File to Cricut Design Space, then add it to a new Project. Resize the design to fit your glasses — I made my design 2-inches wide. After resizing the design, hit the green “Make It” button to send the project to the Cricut to cut. Place your vinyl on a Standard Grip Mat then load into your Cricut cutting machine once you’re prompted. The Cricut Maker machine offers a “Fast Mode” for speedier cuts, but I wouldn’t use that mode for cutting out this design at such a small size. I think it works better to let the Cricut take its time with the cut.
The Cricut interface will guide you through the whole cutting process — it’s super easy!
Once you have your cut completed, weed out the excess vinyl (I like to use this Cricut tool which my kid’s think looks like a dentist’s scaler LOL!). Weeding the black layer is the only difficult part of this project. Since the decal is really quite small, those black flecks (that add fun to the coconut) were hard to weed around. I was tempted to just completely leave them off, but I found it was actually pretty easy to just move them to the side. Then after removing the big, black middle piece, I just placed the flecks back into the body of the coconut.
Apply transfer tape over the top of your vinyl design to begin layering the vinyl. Cricut makes clear transfer tape specifically for this purpose. For some of my vinyl projects, I’ll just use masking tape, but when I’m making a layered decal like this one I always use the clear transfer tape.
Once you’ve positioned the tape over your black coconut outline, firmly rub over the design with a plastic brayer to secure it to the new surface (a credit card will also do). Remove the tape, making sure all of the black vinyl pieces transfer over to it. Now overlay the black vinyl outline onto the colored vinyl for the umbrella. Rub firmly then peel back off, ensuring the umbrella vinyl piece transfers. Repeat with the brown for the coconut.
You can place the layered decals back onto the coated backing paper to keep them clean while you finish the rest of the set. Once you have all your vinyl decals layered all you have to do now is apply them to the cups!
Wipe your glasses with a lintless or microfiber cloth to ensure they are free of dust and debris. Position your decal over your glass and then press on firmly. Peel back the transfer tape and voila!
Want more projects that will get you feeling the vacation vibes? Check out this adorable DIY tee designed by my friend Liz On Call — in this post she also teaches how to use Printable Iron On which is a nifty trick to have in your back pocket.
Bettijo Bridges
Administrator at Paging Supermom
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