How to use Permanent Vinyl with this mailbox tutorial.
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Learn how to transform your boring mailbox with Permanent vinyl using your Cricut.
Hello Magical crafters. We finally went out and bought a brand new mail box that has a functional flag. So I thought I’d share with you how to decorate your mail box with permanent vinyl using your Cricut. And because I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, I threw in some magical charm.
Although I love my design, handsome wanted some manly things on it. I added some ninja stars, a sword, and a tomahawk. They really didn’t go together so I split it in half to where I have my HP side and he has his weapon side.
Both sides, feature our house numbers. Now I save my design in svg format. Since this is going outside, I am going to use the Oracle 651 vinyl. This kind is commonly known as permanent vinyl.
Supplies needed to transform your Mailbox are…
- Cricut cutting machine (I have the Explore Air 2)
- Cutting mat
- Permanent Vinyl (color of your choice)
- Tweezers and Weeding Pick tools
- Transfer tape (I used Press’ N’ Seal in this tutorial)
- Mailbox
- Free SVG craft along file
Access some of our SVG files in our Magical Crafting Library, to help you craft the day away.
Head on over to our Magical Crafting Library and download the Mailbox SVG file.
As you may know, my go to design software is Inkscape. Its a free vector style program that allows you to create your designs on your desktop. Then you can upload them into Design Space ready to go without having to erase any white backgrounds. If you’d like to know how to use Inkscape, let me know below in the comments and I’d be happy to create a tutorial for you.
Cricut Design Space
Once you have your design, pull up your Cricut Design Space and go to “New project”. Press the “upload” button located on the bottom left side of your screen. You will need to either Drag and Drop the new download SVG file or click on “browse” to manually select it. Pick the complex settings and press next. Erase anything that you don’t need in the design like a white background, incase you didn’t save your design with a transparent background.
Name your design and add a tag to help locate it easily. Next, select the “save as cut file” option and click save. Select your Mailbox design and press “upload” at the bottom right hand side of the screen.
Double check your design is exactly what it should look like. Resize it to your specific mailbox dimensions. When your ready click the green “Make it” button at the top right side of your screen.
Since this is a permanent vinyl, we do not need to mirror our image.
Place your vinyl with the color side up, facing you onto the mat. ( If you have a pattern vinyl, you should be able to see it) Press and smooth out the vinyl making sure it is stuck to the mat without any air bubbles.
Upload your mat, select the “vinyl” for the cut settings, and press the “Go” button. ( Flashing light) When its done cutting, unload when prompt. Flip your mat over and peel your mat away from you vinyl. This helps your material to not curl up.
Weeding your Permanent Vinyl
The is the fun part. Weeding out all the vinyl you don’t want in your design. I use a pick and tweezers to help weed my design out. Once your finished you should have something like this.
Now I have seen a lot of people using Press ‘n Seal for transfer tape. So I decided why not give it try and see how well it does because if I’m being honest, I forgot to grab more transfer tape.
Go ahead and get a bigger piece then you need. Apply it to your design just like you would with regular transfer tape. Use your fingers or scraper to help adhere the Press ‘n Seal to the design. Cut away the extra part you do not need.
Flip your design over and peel away the paper backing from the design and Press ‘n Seal.
Appling the permanent vinyl to your mailbox.
Now that we have our design on our transfer tape, it is time to apply it to our mailbox. Before you apply the design make sure you clean the surface.
Its best to use some alcohol wipes to help get any oils and dirt off.
Start with the top part first, lining your design up evenly from the top. Gently press down and slowly work your way down the design to the bottom of your mailbox. Rub over the design with your fingers to make sure it is adhere to the mailbox. Gently peel away the transfer tape. ( Or Press ‘n Seal if you used it)
For an easier way, you can use a bit of soapy water sprayed on the mailbox first. Then apply your design to the surface. This will help you move your decal easier if you laid it down wrong.
Now you are left with a beautiful custom design to show off to all your neighbors and mail delivery person.
If you enjoyed this easy tutorial on how to apply permanent vinyl to your mailbox, let us know by tagging us @ivylillies.com We’d love to see how your crafting project turn outs.
Access some of our SVG files in our Magical Crafting Library, to help you craft the day away.
And if you don’t have all the supplies today, pin this for a later crafting project or for inspiration.
Want more crafting projects? Check these out.
Learn how to make these adorable Sunflower Cupcake Toppers
Make your own Christmas Family Ornament ( We also have HP inspired Ornaments as well in the library.)
Did you know we have a Etsy Shop?
It’s true, we do. It’s called Ivy Lillies Crafting Co and it can be found in the menu option as “Etsy Shop”.
We have Mini Pinata SVG files available and other fun items as well.
7 Comments
Candace
This is a neat project. I really want a Cricut machine now!
Katie
Thank you. They are awesome.
Alyssa Hixenbaugh
This is a great DIY! I love the look and the ease of this project. Thanks for sharing.
Katie
Your welcome.
Christine
This is the sort of project that I see and wish I had a cricut machine! Great project with all the details.
Adriane
What a cute idea! I have never seen anyone do this before.
Katie
Thank you.