Create Vinyl Letters & Monograms WITHOUT a Machine!

For months now, I have walked by an aisle at Hobby Lobby that displays all of the fabulous vinyl papers made specifically for a Cricut and other machines and I can't help but drool. You see, I'm Cricut-less {GASP}! I know, it's tragic... A crafty chica like me should be chirping away on a fancy Cricut, but no, not me... I have never made the investment because I'm afraid my family would never see me again and I just know that I would go broke buying every accessory that they make.

I just couldn't help myself and I decided to buy a roll of black vinyl just to play with it and see if I could make vinyl letters and monograms without a machine. Well, it worked and the possibilities are endless!

This technique involves cutting with small scissors or an exacto knife, so small intricate letters or designs would involve a little extra time. However, this technique is ideal for large letters or large monograms where the cutting is minimal. If you're willing to cut, the sky is the limit!

So I picked up a basic black roll of vinyl paper for die cutting machines made by Paper Studio for $3.50 (it was 50% off at Hobby Lobby). The package contained two large sheets sized 12" x 36" each. That's a lot of vinyl for $3.50! Here is what they look like:




I always keep a supply of full sheet labels (8.5" x 11") at home both in removable and permanent adhesive. I do more projects with this product than anything else. For this technique, I used the removable labels, permanent will not work:





I decided to start with a large wall monogram, just to see if I could make it work. I used the font Modern No. 20 in the largest size I could get on a page in Microsoft Word (hint, go into margins and choose "narrow" for even more space). I then printed it out onto my label paper:





I then unrolled my vinyl paper and turned it over and used a lid from one of my pots to draw a perfect circle:








I cut out my circle and cut out excess space on my label with the letter and removed the backing and attached to the vinyl:





I then started to carefully cut out my letter with small sewing scissors (small scissors give you more precision). You can use an exacto knife too if it works better for you. If you use scissors, you have to cut in from the side but don't worry, you will not see it once you place it together on the wall or item:





When I was done cutting, I removed the white label paper from the top of the vinyl paper (save the inside of the letter because you can use that too for something else):





I then removed the vinyl backing and carefully place on my wall in my bathroom. I used the edge of a credit card to smooth it out:








Keep in mind, if you are using the vinyl on a wall, the wall must have very little to zero texture for it to look flush and good.

Next, I used the inside part of the letter that I cut out from my wall monogram and I placed it on a large metal beverage tub and smoothed out with a credit card:





You can also buy a roll of "transfer paper" (sold next to the vinyl rolls) that you rub onto your letter or monogram to help place/transfer it better on the wall or item. If I do anything more intricate, I will use the transfer paper.


The next thing I wanted to try was to monogram my husband's Yeti. If you do not know what a Yeti is ladies, it is "supposedly" the Rolls Royce of coolers, at least that's what hubby says. All the guys in the neighborhood freaked out and ran and picked up this cooler when it came out. I'm not sure what makes it so special I do know it's bear proof (didn't know we had bears in East Texas). Anyway, it is his pride and joy and I thought I would monogram it since all the guys had one now.

So I printed out hubby's monogram as large as I could on my label paper (I clicked on orientation and switched to landscape). I again placed the label onto the vinyl and cut out the letters. I then placed each letter where I wanted it and rubbed on with a credit card:











Hubby was thrilled to see the monogram. I was a little worried if I would "de-man" it by adding the monogram but he seemed excited about it. I used the font "Batang" for the monogram in the largest size font I could get on the page (orientated to landscape).

I cannot wait to now go buy every color of the vinyl and also chalkboard vinyl to make labels too! There are so many different things that you can do with vinyl letters, monogram and images! Just look around on Pinterest and think about using the vinyl letters for personalized holiday gifts too! I love the vinyl monograms on glass large candle holders and you can't go wrong with painting a canvas and adding a large monogram or letter and giving as a gift!

So many possibilities in getting creative without a machine! I no longer have to drool as I pass the vinyl!

Have a fantastic weekend friends and thank you again for your comments, emails and notes! It means a lot to me to hear your thoughts and feedback!

Cheers!

Sharing this post with these fabulous blog linky parties here
Sharing with Wow us Wednesdays!