Disclosure: Some of the links in this Create Mug Decals Cricut Joy post are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Welcome, welcome! In this tutorial post you are going to learn some beginner tips and tricks for starting Cricut Projects like creating cute camping mug decals with your Cricut Joy!
Most camp enthusiasts know that camping is not restricted to only the season of Summer – but is enjoyable in all seasons as long as you are prepared for the weather and environment!
I will not be seen without my revamped camp mug with either hot or iced coffee at all times while camping. Keep scrolling for my easy to follow instructions on how to create mug decals with Cricut Joy!
Supplies needed to create mug decals with Cricut Joy:
- Cricut Joy Machine
- Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl Permanent, your choice of colour
- Mug, Cup, or Tumbler
- Cricut Joy Transfer Tape
- Cricut Weeder
- Cricut XL Scraper
- Cricut Design Space App for IPad, IPhone, or iOS Device
Step 1: Choose Your Camping Mug’s Decal In Cricut Design Space
There are lots options when it come to this Cricut project! You can make your own design, or use one of the many ready-made designs available, or there are more personalized and detailed decals available for additional purchase. First you are going to want to measure your mug, cup or tumbler that you are applying the decal to, and make your cup template in Cricut Design Space to be those measurements when you are sizing and designing your decal.
My first blunder was that in a rush I skipped the step aforementioned and had to adjust my decal’s writing to the side of my mug, instead of the writing being underneath the decal’s image. Please, learn from my mistakes!
Step 2: Load Your Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl Into Your Cricut Joy Machine
When you are ready with your finalized decal design (double or triple check the decal’s measurements will fit on your mug!), then press “Create”! You will be instructed to choose your material on your device, and instructed to load the material into the machine.
This is your time to gently lead the front of your Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl into the track on the edges on the front of the machine and push the material closer to the roller. Your material will be loaded when you hear and see the Cricut Joy roll the edge of the material inward.
Step 3: Wait For Your Cricut Joy To Cut Your Design
The most hypnotizing part of your project is watching the Cricut Joy effortlessly and seamlessly cut your design into the vinyl! Grab a drink and snack, and enjoy watching this step!
Step 4: Use Your Cricut Weeder To Remove The Negative Space Of Your Design
Now depending on what design you chose, you will need to remove the excess material with your Cricut Weeder so that your camping mug’s decal is visible and ready to apply.
For simple designs, you are removing the negative space of the image or words you chose. Don’t forget the inner parts of letters, if you chose a word or phrase for your decal. Your excess material can be put in the waste basket.
Step 5: Cut Your Transfer Tape And Apply It To Your Decal
The reason Cricut Transfer Tape is awesome, is that it takes your decal from the white backing it’s on while you cut it and it transfer it to your mug without mistakes.
You can use the Cricut XL Scrapper to press the air bubbles out of the transfer tape, to secure the transfer tape to your decal well. Then when it is ready, you peel your decal from it’s backing and it is primed for applying to your mug!
Step 6: Apply Your Vinyl Decal To Your Camping Mug
Line up your decal (but be careful, the reverse of the decal is very sticky) and press it firmly to your mug. Again using the Cricut XL Scrapper seal the decal to the mug with a bit of pressure. Press any air bubbles out from the design.
Step 7: Remove Your Transfer Tape From The Mug
This can be a tricky part if you have delicate or small parts of your decal – I find using the scrapper against the other side to slowly maneuver the transfer tape away from the decal works well. Use your Cricut tools to get the finished result that you want – sometimes it takes a little creativity in this step.
Optional Dishwasher Safe Step
If you would like to make your Cricut Vinyl Decal dishwasher safe or dishwasher friendly, I highly recommend put a thin layer of Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. Use a foam paint brush and apply 3 layers (drying in between) of the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge – it has to be that specific kind of Mod Podge!
I hope you enjoyed this super cute Cricut camping mug decal tutorial!
If you like this post, check out my Easy Back To School Retro Graduation Kids T-Shirt post before you go!
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