How to Make a Kawaii Face Mug with Cricut
I love making sublimation mugs with Cricut Infusible Ink. I gifted mugs to my family and friends for Christmas and kept this one for myself. I love it!
Do you ever make something for a gift and then decide to keep it for yourself? I typically make 2 of everything for just such cases.
I received a copy of Kawaii Doodle World and it's such a cute book teaching how to make little kawaii doodles. Kawaii means "cute" in Japanese.
I absolutely love mugs. I haven't done an official count, but I know I have well over 40 mugs in my kitchen. Why? you might ask.
Well, several years ago I found a mug I loved at Goodwill in Columbus, Georgia, while we were stationed there. It was 55 cents and so that made me love it even more.
One Sunday morning as we were getting ready for church, my husband was making breakfast with the kids. I was down the hall doing my hair and make up. Suddenly I heard a loud crash! Coming to the kitchen to see what happened, of course, it was that mug shattered on the ground.
The funny part is that my husband was so excited to help the kids make breakfast and he said "baby son!" really loudly, when simultaneously he lost his grip on the mug and he tried to grab it.
The kids watched in horror as it appeared to them that he just yelled "BABY SON!" and then slammed it on the ground. It's a story we repeat all the time. When we break something, we say we "baby sonned" it.
So maybe I just hoard mugs in case on gets broken, then I'll have plenty of spares. However, we haven't had a broken mug in years, so it may be a little excessive. Haha!
I followed the ideas in the book and sketched this super simple, yet totally kawaii face! I love the open, smiling mouth. Right click to save off the png if you want.
Supplies Needed for Cricut Infusible Ink Mug:
Cricut Brayer
Oven
Step 1: Design Space
Import your image into Cricut Design Space, or search for kawaii faces in CDS. Then size it to the correct size for the mug and click "make it". I measured the front of the mug and decided how much room I wanted to show on either side of the eyes. I think it was about 2.75 inches wide.
Step 2: Infusible Ink
Now place the infusible ink on the cutting mat. Use the brayer to smooth it down and touch it as little as possible. Then insert the mat into the Cricut, select the mirrored option, select Infusible Ink Transfer and then click go!
I cut 2 images so I can have a face on both sides of the mug. That way it's cute no matter which way you see it or hold it.
Then carefully weed the excess Infusible ink away from the cut out face. Peel it like a sticker, don't use the hook tool.
Now align the design on the mug. Use Heat tape to hold it in place. Then wrap the silicone wrap around the mug and click it together under the handle of the mug.
Then place on a baking sheet and put into the 400* oven for 15 minutes. Then remove from oven and let cool before removing wrap and transfer.
Helpful Tips when working with Infusible Ink:
- Don't rush, make sure you have plenty of time for the project
- Make sure your hands are clean and dry (not sweaty or moist)
- Touch the transfer paper as little as possible
- Don't forget to mirror the image
- The Infusible Ink will brighten after pressing, so don't panic if it's dull
- All instructions can be found at http://infusibleink.com/
Once cooled the mug is adorable and ready to use! Go ahead and wash it in the dishwasher and heat it up in the microwave. This cute little face is not going anywhere!
Now make a bunch to give to friends, family or a whole collection for your shelves! What Kawaii face will you pick for yours?
That's it!
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