Most of you know Tay Silver, Peppermint Creative’s wildly talented Commercial Vector designer. I’ll be honest I have mixed feeling about this post. What Tay has created is SOOOOO absolutely adorable I can hardly wait to share it with you but just thinking about Halloween right now makes my toes curl. It’s July for goodness sakes! But what can I say, Tay is on the ball and she’s prepared all her Halloween products for you super early so that you’ll have time to get them prepared for your small business use.

So check out these ADORABLE potion bottle labels that she’s designed. OMG how cute?! I’m thinking these may be available as printables for personal use a little later on. What do you think? It would be a crime not to, they are so cute.

Potion Bottles have become very popular Halloween décor and Tay is going to share some tips on how to use her Witchy Potion Labels and colored glass bottles that you can find in most national craft store chains to create some spooktacular potion bottles of your own!

Hi Guys! Tay here. I’m so excited to share this product with you. I hope you’ll create something fabulous! First you’ll need to select some glass bottles in a color grouping you like. Our Potion Labels include at least 2 designs in each of the 4 sizes, giving you an ample selection for whatever bottle sizes you’ve chosen. These colored glass bottles came from Hobby Lobby at $2.99 each

But recycled glass jars coated with acrylic craft paint on the inside make very charming potion bottles as well!

After deciding which labels you want, you’ll need to measure your bottles before cutting the vinyl. If you’d like to create multi-colored labels like ours, click here to view our tutorial on vinyl color swapping. If you’d like to fill the bottles with liquid, glitter powders or other dark colored materials, consider using white vinyl for your labels or fill and cork the bottles and determine what vinyl color gives the best contrast. Once your vinyl is cut it’s a good idea to clean the glass bottles with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust and fingerprints from the glass to ensure the vinyl adheres well for a lifetime of use.

All the potion labels are hand-drawn and are slightly asymmetrical, making them appear visibly straight even if they are not applied perfectly straight so don’t worry about any mess ups, they add authenticity and witchy charm! Once your vinyl is applied, cluster the bottles in a haphazard way to give the appearance of a cluttered apothecary shelf and post a picture in the gallery to show off your wicked cool set!

Happy Crafting!

If you’re looking to boost your businesses inventory of graphics, now is the time! Due to the nature of the intended usage of these commercial products we have NEVER offered a discount as high as 30% off so be sure to take advantage of this offer as it will not be seen again soon — if ever!!

OMG! We’re going to the EMMY’S… sort of.

Well…our products are! A HUGE congratulations to Cindy Lund, owner of Enchanting Quotes Vinyl Wall Decor whose online store featuring some of Peppermint Creative’s Commercial Vector Graphics has been selected to be in the Official Daytime Emmy Awards gift bags! OMG, can you believe?!?! Thank you so much Cindy for sharing this exciting news with us so we can share in the joy of this wonderful opportunity! I’m quite sure I almost heard designer Tay Silver fall off her chair in Texas from here in Canada. We both wish you the best of luck at the event!

SO, WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THESE VECTORS?
Commercial Use Vector Graphics for Professional Use

Are you a Small Business Owner selling Handmade Goods?
Give your business a boost with our professionally designed graphics. All graphics are specifically designed for use with professional vinyl machines and are optimized for rapid, smooth cutting with no intersections, overlaps or cross-cuts. Plus repositionable and removable elements within the EPS files allow phrase lines and flourishes to be freely interchanged for creating truly unique products. Increase your graphics inventory in an instant!

What does ‘Commercial (Non-Digital) Use’ mean?
Our Commercial Vectors include a license allowing you to use the graphics to create a physical product for the purpose of re-sale – which means you can use them to cut and sell as much vinyl, paper, stickers etc. as you want! Just keep in mind that these graphics cannot be used digitally to create digital products like scrapbook papers and/elements or patterns. They cannot be converted into any other digital format for the purpose of resale.

Who can use these Products?
Our products are designed and priced with the small business professional in mind. If you create vinyl wall art/decals, handmade signs, stickers, t-shirts, rubber stamps, embroidered goods, than these products are perfect for you! You may purchase our products and use them to create items for the purpose of resale without purchasing an additional license. It’s included in your price! Please note that this license does not permit usage for mass production and/or distribution. All products sold must be handmade and physical in nature (i.e. re-selling of digital files in any format is not permitted).

How do I use these Products? Vectors are specialized high quality graphics that can be endlessly resized without losing the quality or crispness of the image. Our Commercial Products come in multiple file formats so you can use them in many ways. All files include JPG and PNG images so you can use these shapes as your would any regular graphics file. However, the benefit of these products is that they can be used with die cutting machines like the Silhouette, Cricut or Wishblade (or any professional model) that will cut out the shape for you. These machines are capable of cutting out shapes that would normally be difficult or impossible to cut (or at least cut well) by hand out of a variety of materials including paper, cardstock, vinyl and even fabric.

Additional questions about these products or their permitted usage?
Contact us, we’d be happy to answer your questions.

Try before you buy! Download a free sample here.

RASTER VERSUS VECTOR – What’s the Difference? 
Images are generally divided into two categories: Bitmap (or Raster) and Vector.

Bitmap (Raster) graphics are what we use most often. They are JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG and TIFF files. These are images you take with your digital camera, share online or scan with your scanner. The majority of your digital scrapbook products are most likely bitmap images (JPG and PNG files). These images are made up of tiny dots known as pixels and because every pixel can be a different color, you are able to create an image with rich detail, like a photograph. If you zoom in close enough you will eventually see these pixels.

You may know from experience that when you try to enlarge a pixel based image the results are often blurry and pixelated. This is because raster images do not resize well. When you resize a raster image, the pixels just get larger making the image appear distorted and grainy.

Vector graphics are completely different. Instead of a collection of dots, vector images are mathematical formulas. Because mathematics can be easily scaled, a vector image can be endlessly resized from without losing the quality or crispness of the image.

Some of the more common formats are AI, EPS and SVG. Fonts are a perfect example of vector graphics. No matter how you enlarge your font, it will always look sharp. Vector images do have some drawbacks. They are generally filled with a solid color or a gradient but can’t display the lush color depth of a raster. Vector images also lend themselves perfectly to digital die cutting.

WHAT IS DIE CUTTING?
Put simply, a die cutter is the paper equivalent of a cookie cutter. A die cutting machine is used to cut a variety of shapes, designs or fonts from a variety of materials to be used as crafts, packaging, stationary etc. In the world of scrapbooking and crafting there are now a number of affordable machines deigned for home-use such as the Cricut, Silhouette and Wishblade. These machines are capable of cutting out shapes that would normally be difficult or impossible to cut (or at least cut well) by hand out of a variety of materials including paper, cardstock, vinyl and even fabric.

Every machine is a little different. Some require store bought cartridges (like the Cricut) that you install to access new design shapes. Other like the Silhouette (our FAVE) allows you to import your own fonts and graphics that you create or download from the internet (like the one’s here at PC). If you own a Cricut you can purchase a third-party software called Sure Cuts-a-Lot (SCAL) that will allow you to use your own graphics.

With these new machines, vinyl decor is quickly becoming all the rage. Using your digital die machine you can cut intricate details like letters to create beautiful decals for your home, garden, car, etc. The possibilities are endless.

This stunning storybook was created by Michell Western using Peppermint Creative’s Princess Cinderella Nursery Word Art.

Our extensive line of Vector Graphics designed by Tay Silver are made specifically for this purpose. We also carry a line of Commercial Vector Graphics for those looking to sell finished, tangible crafts (no digital resale permitted) using our designs.

And since all our vector graphic products ALSO include raster versions (JPG and PNG files) you can use them with your photo-editing software as word art or elements in your digital scrapbooking.

I hope this little explanation helped clarify these terms. Naturally many of you aren’t familiar with these terms and were getting quite confused when we advertise our vector product line. No doubt! Any more questions? Just let me know!

Introducing Tay Silver’s debut line of Hand-Lettering Vectors. That’s right, it’s not a font! These designs feature 100% original hand drawn characters. Each design has been carefully created and optimized specifically for vinyl cutting business, resulting in designs that cut smoother and weed more easily than most premium fonts. The charming variations between letters and the playful, alluring arrangement of hand lettering make irresistible completed products and striking wall décor. Also perfect for personal use with your Cricut, Silhouette or Wishblade.

Give your small business a leg up on the competition! This exclusive line of vector graphics are designed for professional use. A commercial license for NON-DIGITAL small business use is included. Finished product must be a physical 3-dimensional product for limited distribution such as vinyl wall art or painted/vinyl appliqué crafts. EPS, SVG, PNG and JPG file formats included.

*NOT FOR DIGITAL RESALE*

Try these samples FREE! Grab the ‘Egg Hunt Hand-Lettering Vector‘ as your new complimentary freebie and HURRY UP and pick up the ‘Simplify’ Hand-Lettering Vector FREE FOR ONLY 48 HRS

Click to view more Commercial Small Business Use Vectors Graphics.

If you’ve spent any time browsing our site or subscribe to our newsletter you’d likely be familiar with our adorable line of vector graphics from designer Tay Silver. Most often commonly these files are used to create paper die cuts for scrapbooking and vinyl die cuts to create that fabulous wall art that seems to be everywhere. Well a few months ago photos started popping up in the PC gallery of cute little kids wearing Tay’s designs on t-shirts! GASP! Well knock me over! They were so adorable, so professional – I was so impressed. Well I knew we had to get a tutorial on that ASAP. Luckily, Michell Western, the crafty lady behind these fantastic t-shirts was kind enough to take the time to share her secrets with us so enjoy!! ;)

   
Product Credits:
Candy Canes BlockART: EPS, SVG, JPG, PNG format
Halloween BlockART : EPS, SVG, JPG, PNG format
Winter Wonderland BlockART : EPS, SVG, JPG, PNG format

Turn Vector Graphics into Vinyl Decals for T-shirts using your Digital Die Cutting Machine: Project and Tutorial by: Michell Western

Did you know that you can use the same adorable vectors designs that you use to make signs for your house or die cuts for scrapbooking to make a cute shirt for your kids or even for yourself? All you need is some iron-on vinyl, your cutting machine and a t-shirt. To make the shirt requires just a few different steps from what you would do to make a sign.

Iron-on vinyl is different from the vinyl you use to create home decor crafts. Clothing vinyl is designed to stick to cotton, canvas, and other fabrics when heated to the correct temperature. EnduraTex is a great brand from signwarehouse.com. EnduraTex does come in different grades of vinyl so be careful and read the description and make sure you are getting something that you can work with. I personally use Enduratex HotMark 70 for my solid colors. It is very thin, weeds easy. There are also fashion vinyl that are my favorite (zebra print, leopard print, camo, etc). And last but not least, my number one use is EnduraTex Galaxy Glitter. You will have to do test cuts because all machines are different and each vinyl type and color requires different settings. The Galaxy Glitter requires a much thicker cut since it’s a very thick vinyl.

Tay has a wonderful tutorial on how to cut vinyl with your Cricut, Silhouette, or Wishblade Machine. If you are unsure, just check her post.

I use a Cricut to cut vinyl but the same steps can be done with the Silhouette or Wishblade. It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it!

There are 2 main things to remember:

(1) Mirror your image 
(2) Flip the vinyl

Ok, lets get started…

1. Open up the program to a new page

2. If you are using the Sure-Cuts-A-Lot program, (a third-party program for Cricut machines that allows you to import your own images without using cartridges) Go to File and Trace Image, use the Browse button to locate the vector you are wishing to cut. If you are using a Silhouette, use the auto trace button.

3. Open the vector and you might have to adjust the size. If you already have the shirt picked out that you plan to use, measure the chest so you have an idea how big you can make the image. My sample is going on a 24 month shirt, so about 7”x7”.

4. After you have the image to the size you need, be sure to FLIP or MIRROR the image.

5. You are now ready to cut. Make sure that you have the side that you would peal facing up.

If it’s a solid color vinyl, the color side is normally not the side you peal so it’s usually the lighter side. The glitter vinyl is a little trickier but is the side that is textured.

(You can do the vectors in which ever color you like. You do not have to double colors to have a cute shirt, sometime solid white really stands out. If you do choice to multi color the vector, there are a few ways to do it. One way is to just cute the whole vector in each color. If you are doing a group of the same shirts this is a great way otherwise, you are left with unused vinyl. Or you can break up the design and cute each layer as you need it. In the Sure-Cuts-A-Lot program, click on vector, at the top of the page, go to object, then select BREAK APART. You can now move each piece of the vector.

Now you have the vector cut, wedding is the same with the vinyl. If the vinyl did not cut all the way through, then you need to adjust the settings on your machine to cut deeper.

Iron or Heat Press

You can apply the vinyl using either your iron or a heat press. You can also you an iron press if you have one. Using the iron does take longer and I have found that the heat press shirts last longer and do not peel off.

1. Place your shirt on either your ironing board or heat press plate making sure it is straight.

2. Place the vector design on the shirt so you can see how things are going to line up. (this is much easier if you have the design in one color)

3. Start with your first layer, place it in place on your shirt. If you are using an iron, you can use a couple sheets of computer paper and iron over the paper, this protects the shirt and the vinyl. If you are using a heat press, then a Teflon sheet is recommended.

4. Iron or press your first layer. (Heat Press requires less time (about 5-10 seconds). Ironing probably about a minute, just making circles over the vector.

5. Allow cooling and try to peel off the plastic. The vector should stay on the shirt. If the vector looks like it is coming off and is still hot, allow cooling a little bit longer. If the vector is already cool, you need to iron it longer.

6. Now that you have removed the first layer, continue this step with each additional layer.

7. After you have added all the layers, I recommend heating the shirt one last time to make sure the vinyl has a good stick to the shirt.

8. Find a cute model to show off your shirt.

Just for fun I’ll show you the other shirt I created (below) using the exact same design but in different colors. You can see how different it looks. Depending on what color fabric and vinyl you use you can get a completely different look. You can easily customize any of Peppermint Creative’s designs to your taste.

Enjoy!!

Vinyl Lettering Craft Tips & Tricks: Embellishing Vinyl Craft Projects
By: Tay Silver | Creative Cuttables & Commercial Vector Designer

Tay here to share more of my favorite tips for making those vinyl crafts really stand out!

How to Apply Acrylic Rhinestones to Vinyl Craft Projects

This ultra-easy trick is a great way to add dimension to vinyl crafts and even store-bought seasonal decorations. Here is what you’ll need:

1. Acrylic Rhinestones (7mm “standard” size or shapes 6 to 9mm)
2. Mini GlueDots

Simply unroll a section of glue dots, which come with one side stuck to a backing and one sticky side face-up, and place the flat back of the rhinestone centered over the glue dot. You should now have the rhinestone stuck to the glue dot which is still stuck to the backing paper as shown:

Gently peel the rhinestone and glue dot from the backing paper and place it on your project, pressing firmly to set it in place. Repeat with additional rhinestones, buttons, and small flower embellishments. (To see how I applied glitter to the vinyl, see our previous blog post.)

Glittered Polka Dots:

Place plain glue dots all over your completed project and press ultrafine glitter into the exposed sticky surface. Dust off excess glitter using a soft bristled brush.

Ribbon & Curled Wire Hangers:

When you need a charming way to hang your completed project, you can use any ribbon or 18 to 20 gauge metal craft wire. In these examples crafter CrystalCangel used several different hanging techniques.

Two holes drilled into the face of this project with ribbon knotted through it gave this piece a trendy shabby-chic finish:

Tip: Wire can be used in place of ribbon and twisted around a small wooden dowel rod to give it character. (Don’t have a dowel rod? Twist the wire around the wooden handle of your sponge brush to achieve the same effect.)

For this sign, ribbon was attached to the back of the board using a hot glue gun and then buttons were glued over the ribbon edge to give it an appealing appearance suitable for selling:

If your project can stand on it’s own but needs an extra something, consider a ribbon wrap similar to the one shown in this photo:

For more clever and creative ways to embellish your vinyl projects, CLICK HERE to see several more creative examples in the Peppermint Creative Gallery and be sure to add images of your own when you’re done!

Don’t miss other related articles:

• Introduction to Vinyl Cutting Machines: Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
• How to Cut Vinyl With Your Cricut, Silhouette or Wishblade Machine
• Custom Vinyl Cutting: Out of the Machine and onto the Wall
• New Uses for Vinyl: Home Décor & Craft Kits
• Creating Decor: Wood Blocks using BlockART
• Specialty Vinyl Technique: Using Multiple Color Vinyl
• Vinyl Lettering: Adding Glitter to Your Vinyl Projects
• Starting Your Vinyl Business: Where to Sell Online
• Starting Your Vinyl Lettering Business: Finding Local Customers
• Selling Vinyl Wall Art: 3 Easy Steps to Overnight Business Success