As an avid scrapbooker, I love my Cricut for paper cutting.  But, I had never cut vinyl with it.   I knew it wasn’t that complicated, but I also didn’t want to start with a project that was too complex.  After my first idea did not work out well….nothing to do with the vinyl, just my overall idea, I decided to make a Welcome Spring Canvas.

I’m a bit obsessed with butterflies, so I knew that I wanted to combine them with my Welcome Spring message.  For my vinyl, I used products from Expressions Vinyl.  I had this canvas in my supplies from thrift shopping.

I actually have a set of 3, but never hung any of them.  This was my least favorite image, so I figured I may as well turn it into something I will hang.  I hadn’t even realized that it was just a paper image attached in the middle, so I easily just pulled it right off and was left with the crackle paint border and a plain canvas middle.

Expressions Vinyl had a pack of vinyl called “Spring”, so I thought that was very fitting for choosing the colors of my Welcome Spring sign. I love all the bright colors.

I chose the light purple for my background.  I measured the blank part of my canvas and cut the piece of vinyl to the same size using my paper cutter.

I made 2 simple, straight cuts and I had it cut to size.  I pulled off the paper backing and attached the vinyl to the canvas.

For the letters and butterflies, I used my Cricut to cut them out of the vinyl.  Back in December, I had already bought the deep cut blade that I needed for my Cricut.  I started by installing that.

I used the cartridge called, Paper Lace, for the butterflies and the font.  I was quite nervous to cut it, but it worked just fine.  It seemed just like I was cutting paper. After I had all the images and letters cut out, I laid them on the canvas to judge the placement.  I actually jumped right in and attached the top butterfly border just free-hand.

For the letters and the bottom border, I thought it would be easier to use the transfer tape.  I had read that transfer tape is necessary in vinyl.  I’m used to scrapbooking and just applying my letters by hand, but for this purpose, it was definitely nice to use the transfer tape.  I used Cricut brand transfer tape.  You can get transfer tape through Expressions Vinyl…I just hadn’t read enough to know I would need it when I made my order for vinyl from them.

I cut a piece of transfer tape that matched the height I needed.  I pulled off the backing and laid out the letters and butterflies.  It might be a little hard to see in this picture because I still have the backing attached to the vinyl…except the I that it fell off!

After I had the right placement, I removed the backing from the vinyl.

Then, all I had to do was flip it over in place on my canvas.

As soon as it was in place, and I rubbed it smooth, I simply pulled back the transfer tape and my letters and butterflies were attached in place.

I’ll admit that I was surprised how easily the transfer tape came off and that the vinyl stayed in place.  It worked great.  I couldn’t be happier with my simple Welcome Spring vinyl sign.  First, I tried it on the shelves in my craft room (pictured at the top), and then I hung it on the wall under my spring wreath.

I’m not sure where I like it more, but I do like it and that’s all that matters.  I can see this is definitely just the beginning of my vinyl cutting on my Cricut.

This is a sponsored post.  I was provided with free products by Expressions Vinyl.  I will only share products that I like and think you may like too.

Expressions Vinyl is offering 10% off to all Puddy’s House readers using the code: PUDDYHOUSE

One lucky reader will win a $25 Gift Card to Expressions Vinyl.  Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter below.

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Disclosure: This giveaway will close on May 17, 2014 at 11:59 pm ET. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter.com and I will notify you by email on May 18, 2014. You will need to respond within 48 hours to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.