thrifted word banners made with cricut!

Ya’ll, never have I had such a rollercoaster of a project. When I first pitched to Cricut that I wanted to make some cool signs for my home with thrifted pieces, I couldn’t WAIT to get started. So of course, I waited riiiight up until the last day to make them and GUESS WHAT?!? The project failed miserably.

So I tried it a little differently. FAIL. And then I tried like 3 more times before I just threw up my hands and yelled ABANDON SHIP! 😂Thankfully, I have one of the best thrift shops in town close by and so I hopped in the car and sought out some new inspiration. And like always, the thrift store delivered.

I ended up picking up some old linen napkins (you know, like your grandmother puts out at Christmas and Easter?) and making something I’m really quite proud of- these super cute NO SEW word banners.

I made these using my Cricut Air 2, Cricut iron-on, and Cricut Easy Press. If you’re a newbie to using Cricut iron-on, this would be a super fun project to start with.

The vintage linen napkins I snagged cost me a total of $3 at the thrift store. Mine were 19” square cloth napkins, but almost any scrap fabric would work for this- think tablecloths, placemats, etc. I think a pattern would make some really neat banners as well!

Supplies Needed:

• Cricut Machine- I used my Air 2, but depending on the size of your banner a Cricut Joy would work!

• Cricut Light Grip mat

• Cricut Easy Press

• Cricut Easy Press Pad

• Cricut Iron-on- I used white for “Hello Spring”, Beige for the shadow and Gold Shimmer for the main on “Life the Life”, and Black for the shadow and white for the main on “Always Be Humble & Kind”

• Cricut Weeding tool

• Old Linen Napkins or other fabric

• Hot Glue Gun

• Scissors

• 5/8” Dowel Rod (or whatever suits the size of your banner)

• Fabric De-fuzzer (obviously this is optional- but the napkins I bought needed it, and the iron-on wouldn’t have adhered well without a de-fuzz)

Check out this video for the full tutorial!

You can access my design files for FREE in the Cricut design space!

Always Be Humble & Kind Banner File

For this design, I used white Cricut Iron-On for the shadow and black for the main text. Click on the image to be taken to the file in design space!

Hello Spring Banner

For this design, I used white Cricut Iron-On for the text. Click on the image to be taken to the file in design space!

Live The Life You’ve Imagined Banner

For this design, I used beige Cricut Iron-On for the shadow, and shimmer gold for the main letters. Click on the image to be taken to the file in design space!

I would LOVE to see your banners if you give this project a try- please tag me @lissaanglin! It was a relatively quick one, and so much fun to add the beads and twine. You could really go crazy with the extra decor- I’m thinking tassels, felt balls, buttons, flowers…you name it!

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5 reasons a cricut makes a great gift

I KNOW that a Cricut machine is on more than a few of my friends’ gift lists this year- and if that’s you- this post is not for you. :)

BUT- if you are one of those friends’ spouses or family or really wonderful friends- or you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to buy a Cricut- this post is for YOU!

I couldn’t understand what all the rage over Cricut was about when I first heard about them- was it just to cut out shapes or what? And then I started going down the YouTube Cricut craft video hole (I actually have a few here if you want to check them out!), and I was sold.

And now, I own the Cricut Air 2, Cricut Joy, and quite a few other Cricut products….let’s just say my craft closet could just be called my Cricut closet. :)

So- because I love a good list- here are my top 5 reasons a Cricut machine makes a great gift.

1. You’ll use it for more than you think. At first I thought a Cricut machine was just for cutting out things and making little cards, etc.- which it is, BUT THEN I realized I can make all sorts of amazing things with vinyl- signs and gifts, tshirts and home decor- you name it- you can probably make it with a Cricut. It can also cut a huge variety of materials including chipboard, acetate and even leather! Hellooooo cute leather earrings!

2. The software is super intuitive. If you’re intimidated by the computer/technology part, don’t be. The software itself is very intuitive and there are many tutorials online where you can learn. Plus, the Cricut design space offers lots of free fonts and design elements that help you put together the perfect project.

3. It makes everything more special. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a gift that has been customized. Seeing my name (since it’s not very common) on something just makes it that much more special, and you can personalize EVERYTHING with a Cricut.

4. Very user-friendly. Did you know Cricut has a phone app? This means you don’t even need a computer to use it! I keep my Cricut Joy on my desk because it’s small and compact, and it connects via bluetooth so literally all I have to do is open it and start cutting!

5. It’s just fun! Let’s be honest- if you are a maker of any sort, you do it because it’s just fun. I consistently go back to Cricut projects because it so easy to make a quick, good-looking product that I enjoy creating.

Cricut regularly has specials on their new bundles and is consistently releasing really cool new products for different applications.

If I were just getting started, here’s what I would get:

Cricut Explore Air 2 Bundle

This bundle is going to get you started on all the basics. It can cut up to a 12 inches wide and a 100 different materials!

If you’re looking for something a little more compact, the Cricut Joy has become one of my go-tos! I use it more often than my Air 2 because it is just so covenient!

Cricut Joy

This little guy is perfect for quick, smaller projects like labels, stickers and cards. I have found SO many uses for it! Plus, it’s small and can easily have it’s home on a desk without taking up too much space. At a lower price point than the Explore, it’s a great starter machine.

Don’t forget to grab some:

Vinyl

Accessory Tools (worth it, I promise)

Transfer Tape

Cutting Mat

or just grab this great bundle of accessories!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission when you use my links to shop! Those little commissions add up to more fun content created here for you- which I sooooo appreciate.