DIY: Vinyl Decals using a Cricut

I have been enjoying the popularity that vinyl decals have had these last few years. I always enjoy looking at the different ideas and products that I have seen at Target and on Pinterest. They are a great way to upadate the look of any room and the best part, it is not permanent! You can remove them if you get tired of them.

While I enjoy the idea of removable vinyl decal's I do not enjoy the price. Then one day I thought, "I can make that!" I am thankful for a friend of mine who let me borrow her Cricut for this (and future) ideas.
Today I am going to show you how easy it is to cut out vinyl using your Cricut machine.
The husband brought back this glass cake keeper a few weeks ago. I love it and it fits over my glass cake stand that came from my grandparents years ago. I think it needs a little something though, don't you?

Supplies needed:

*Cricut
*vinyl (can be purchased at your local craft store)
*scissors or paper cutter
*transfer tape (optional)
*your favorite Cricut cartridge and keyboard cover

First things first, plug in your machine and insert your cartridge while applying your keyboard cover.

Now you will need to cut your vinyl to size. I cut mine the entire size of my sticky paper sheet, you will not necessarily need to do this. If you are only wanting to have a vinyl of a few inches then you will only need to cut and apply the amount of vinyl needed.

Next, set your cutting depth. You will want to set it on low. This depth will allow you to cut through the vinyl without cutting through the back paper of the vinyl or your sticky sheet.

Now you are ready to choose your graphic and size. I wanted to make mine rather large since my cake topper is large.
Now load your paper and hit CUT. That's it! After it is done cutting just unload your paper and you are ready to remove the vinyl.
*optional* If this is your first time or if you are afraid you will rip your vinyl you may want to use transfer tape. Cut out and apply a piece of transfer tap that is the same size as your cut vinyl. There is a great tutorial HERE.
Make sure that your object is clean and dry and simply apply your vinyl. Use your Cricut tools to pull the vinyl off of the sheet if you are not using transfer tape.

If you are working with a large piece, like me, make sure you start at one corner of your vinyl and slowly apply the remainder of your image. Make sure to press out all bubbles you may get.

Now I need some yummy cupcakes to house under my newly decorated cake keeper.
I went a little vinyl crazy the other day. I labled all of my IKEA cannisters.

I also attatched vinyl to my daughters' playroom mirror. They love the castle and crown. (Yes, it is a bit crooked. This is why it is best to use transfer tape on larger pieces. If I would have used transfer tape I wouldn't have made this mistake.)