We could all use a reminder to Be the Light for others and what better way to do this than using a Be the Light Cup! Whether you make this for yourself or your friends, it is sure to brighten someone's day!
Be the Light Cup with SparkleBerry Adhesive Vinyl using our Vinyl Craft Kit.
Here is what you'll need:
- SparkleBerry Adhesive Vinyl
- Tumbler or Cup of choice
- Weeding Tools
- Cutting machine
- Glitter Laminate
- Scissors
- Tape
- Transfer Tape
- Squeegee
- Alcohol wipe
- Cut file - Be the Light
Step 1: Setting up your design
Start by measuring your cup and deciding how big you want your design to be. Once you have sized your design, it's time to prep your vinyl! We will be adding glitter laminate to the patterned adhesive for extra protection and sparkle!
Start by laying your piece of SparkleBerry adhesive vinyl on your table. You may want to cut the piece down to just a little bit bigger than your design since it is much easier to apply glitter laminate to smaller pieces. Cut your glitter laminate to the same size and place on top. The glitter laminate has a smooth and a slightly rougher side. You want the smooth side on top and the rougher side facing your pattern. If you are unsure, you can also stick a little piece of tape to one corner and carefully peel the layers apart. This will help you see which part is the glittery laminate (which should be on top) and which is the plain backing (which should face your patterned vinyl). Once you have created your sandwich, tape the two pieces to the table using scotch tape about halfway down the length.
Using the same tape trick I mentioned before, carefully lift off the glitter laminate from its backing until you are stopped by the tape securing it to the table. Make sure to hold it straight up so the sticky side won't touch anything. Hold the glitter laminate up with one hand while you cut away the backing sheet. Then use your squeegee to slowly place the glitter laminate onto your exposed patterned vinyl. Once you have one side smoothed out, follow the same process for the other side, this time removing the remainder of the glitter laminate backing.
There you have it- not only a beautiful patterned piece of vinyl but now it is also glitter! Having small bubbles is normal. It happens even to those of us who have applied glitter laminate for years! It will get better with time but we also recommend not to stress about the bubbled as they are often cut away once you cut out your design!
Step 2: Cut your design
Now you're ready to cut! SparkleBerry Adhesive vinyl should be cut pattern side-up on desktop cutters (do not mirror). Using your Cricut or Cameo, adjust the settings to take into consideration the extra thickness added by the glitter laminate. As always, we recommend doing a test cut. As a starting point, try cardstock or light cardstock settings on your machine.
Next, weed out the part of the design that you do not want like the insides of the letters and large portion around your design. Using your weeding tools can make this process super quick and easy! Once your vinyl is weeded, remove your gridded application tape from its backing and place sticky side up on the table. Carefully place your patterned piece with the pretty side towards the sticky side onto your transfer tape. Burnish your design with your squeegee on the front and back- ie use your squeegee and rub over the surfaces to help the vinyl stick to your transfer tape. Clean your cup with an alcohol wipe and let dry before applying the vinyl. Once the cup is dry again, remove the backer from your vinyl.
Now carefully place your design onto your cup with the sticky side towards the cup. Then use your squeegee again to burnish the design onto the surface. Carefully peel off your gridded transfer tape making sure your vinyl sticks to your cup. Go slow and try rolling the transfer tape off rather than pulling it up.
Step 3: Have patience
This is the hardest part of making a cup! Adhesive vinyl will last longer if you let it cure. That just means that you will have to leave your cup alone for 72 hours before using it. I know! I want to use mine right away too but believe me it will be worth it! Just admire it from afar until it is ready to use!