Life Is A Party Napkins

This month for our #12MonthsOfDIY challenge we’re working with vinyl.  I used the heat transfer vinyl from Expressions Vinyl and made some custom napkins.  They were really easy to make and I love how they turned out.

Vinyl is such a versatile material, there are endless things you can do with it.  I thought it would be fun to do something with the iron-on vinyl and add some text to fabric napkins.  I added “life is a party” to mine -I love how fun and festive they are.

This is a really easy, inexpensive way to add a special detail to entertaining.

I already had a cutting machine -gathering dust in the basement.  I have an old Cricut -I think the last time I really used it might have been for my Fall Subway Art.  They’ve changed since I got mine about 6 years ago, but I plugged it in and it worked great.  They’re actually really easy to use too.

I used the cartridge that came with the machine -Plantin SchoolBook.  I cut out my letters in 3/4” size and used this chart from Expressions Vinylt to figure out my cutting speed, pressure and blade depth (med., med., 3 in my case).

On my first attempt, I flipped the text, but didn’t realize I also needed to type it backwards.  Second attempt I flip cut and typed the letters backwards and it worked out great. (This is because you’re cutting on the flip side of the vinyl).

I cut out all four together, and weeded them all together (that’s what they call removing all the negative pieces of vinyl in the cut-out).

Next, I used scissors to cut out each phrase individually.

Then you just iron it onto your napkins.  I used some pieces of linen look fabric I actually picked up at the dollar store.  I like their colour and texture.  I used them for this tablescape, and then washed them.  I liked the frayed edges, so decided against hemming them, making this a super simple project.

I love how they turned out -I made four, but I think I just might need to make this into a set of twelve.

You could customize the napkins with anything…think holidays, weddings, names, manners, conversations starters.  The sky’s the limit.

With customized “life is a party” Napkins, life really is a party!

Now it’s time to see the rest of the DIY vinyl project ideas from my Canadian blogging friends!

From the top left, they are:

Number Subway Art from Love Create Celebrate

DIY Upcycled Faux Geometric Mosaic Tile Serving Tray Using Vinyl from Sustain My Craft Habit

Personalized Shoes from Brooklyn Berry Designs

Vinyl Otomi Chargers from PMQ for Two

DIY personalized throw pillow – home is where the heart is from Vin’yet Etc.

DIY Decorated Rain Barrel Using Fun Vibrant Colours from Time With Thea

Child’s Memory Box with Hand-Cut Vinyl Decals from Woman in Real Life

DIY Striped Carafe from Lifeovereasy

Life is a Party Napkins from Life is a Party

Vintage Inspired DIY Office Sign from Heather in Heels

Easy Strawberry Jam with Printable Vinyl Labels from The DIY Mommy

Custom Artwork Using Vinyl from Love Create Celebrate