Mermaid DIY Mugs | Can you use vinyl on mugs?

I didn’t think I would love something mermaid themed so much you guys. But these mugs are pretty rad. Please don’t get mad at me… but I feel like mermaids are overrated. They’re totally ‘in’ like unicorns and it’s not that I don’t like them- it’s just that I don’t LOVE them and they’re kind of everywhere right now and a little bit childish. So when we decided on mermaids for the theme of our new Fresh Cut SVG Bundle, I wanted to challenge myself to create something that I totally love. That kids would love, sure… but that I love as an adult as well. And I’m pretty darn happy with how these designs turned out!

Not only am I sharing the designs- but this fun DIY. I wanted to take on DIY mugs and share which kind of vinyl you can use on mugs to make them washable (score!).

For this project I’m sharing two of the SEVEN designs I contributed to the bundle. I have these ones (Mermaid and Merman- get the reference?) but I also have some fun ones like Mermiss and Mermrs (perfect for bridal parties!), Merbabe and Mergirl (perfect for siblings!), and Mermom because mommy and me stuff is beyond cute. Want to see all the designs in the bundle? Every time I’m so impressed with what these ladies come up with! If you haven’t heard of the Fresh Cut SVG bundle before… I’m partnering with 9 other blogger/designers to offer a bundle of SVG (Cut Files) at a discounted rate. It’s only going to be available for just over a month at the bundle price and then it’s gone for good! So you get all these rad mermaid themed files for $9.99 and can I just say how. many. things. you can make with them!?

GET THE BUNDLE HERE!

Alright… let’s get on with the DIY!

To make these DIY Mermaid mugs, you’ll need:

• Mermaid Designs
• Cutting Machine (I used my Cricut Maker, but you could use any cutting machine with these designs!)
• Cricut Premium Outdoor Vinyl 
• Glass Mugs (mine are from Superstore by President’s Choice)
• Transfer Tape
• Standard Weeding Tool
• Scissors

I’ve put all the instructions in a short little video for you! If you happen to be reading this at work or would rather not watch a video- I’ve typed out the simple instructions below too :)

Aren’t these fun!? I’m seriously in love with them. I gave these ones to my sister and actually made that merman design at her request. Notice how it’s not in the promo image for the bundle? It was a last minute addition because I hadn’t thought of it until she suggested it… I should have thought of it sooner! But it’s totally in the bundle FYI.

Alright so the first thing you’ll need to do is upload your design. In Design Space in a new project, just click upload, add your SVG and hit insert. Size it how you like then while it’s selected, click ‘group’ to make sure the design stays together when you cut. I used the Premium Outdoor Vinyl for these mugs and really love how it works and stands up to the washing. Once it’s cut out, weed it out and use transfer tape to apply it. I show this in the video, but my favourite way to apply designs to a curved surface (thanks to lots of error in the trial and error process) is to lay the middle of the design down first, then smooth one side before smoothing the other.

That’s really it! I also show how easily the standard adhesive vinyl peels off in comparison in the video- you really wouldn’t want to use it UNLESS you want the design to be removed after use (maybe names on glasses for a baby shower or something like that).

Well there you have it! I hope you love this his and hers mug set as much as I do… it’s so darn cute. I think I have some more of these to make now! Before I leave you… make sure to hop over and check out all the designs in the Fresh Cut SVG Bundle!