// This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine. I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. //
Let me tell you about one of my best back-to-school secrets…
I never buy all the clothes that Melanie needs for school BEFORE school starts. Why?
Because, inevitably, she'll go to school and see some fashion trend or cool thing then want it. So, I always leave a little sumpin' sumpin' in the budget for those “cool kid” purchases.
Cheetah Print Kid's Shoes Using My Cricut + EasyPress Mini DIY
Like cheetah print. Who knew that was going to be super popular with the first grade crowd? I didn't.
But, last week Melanie very sweetly asked for something cheetah printed to wear to school.
I bought an inexpensive pair of sneakers and whipped up these cheetah print kid's shoes using my Cricut and EasyPress Mini DIY.
What's The Cricut EasyPress Mini?
I'm so glad you asked! It's the newest member of the Cricut EasyPress family and it's adorably wee. It's perfect for those iron-on projects where you have a really small area to work in, like:
- hats
- pockets
- cuffs
- dice
- cards
- buttons
- headbands
- sleeves
- stuffed animals
- shoes
- handkerchiefs
- quilt squares
If you sew, the mini is a great accompaniment to your Cricut Maker. Use the EasyPress Mini to press seams and iron small scraps.
How Does It Work?
The Cricut EasyPress Mini has the same benefits and technology as the traditional Cricut EasyPress 2. You can continue to count on an even heat plate and easy-to-use heat settings for effortless heat transfers.
Just plug it in, choose the appropriate heat setting (low, medium, and high), and get to work! As always, be are careful and use caution so that you don't accidentally burn yourself.
Cheetah Print Kid's Shoes Using My Cricut + EasyPress Mini DIY
San Antonio lifestyle blogger, Cris Stone, shares how she bought an inexpensive pair of sneakers and whipped up these cheetah print kid's shoes using her Cricut and EasyPress Mini DIY.
Tools
- Cricut Maker
- 12"x12" StandardGrip Machine Mat
- Cricut EasyPress Mini
- Weeder
- Socks, Towels, Or Newspaper
Instructions
Use The Cut File
- 1. Download the cut file in Cricut Design Space (click the "Customize" option to adjust the font, size, alignment, etc. as needed to fit the size of your shoes).
Make The Cuts
- Click the green “Make It” button in the upper right corner. This will send your print to the mat.
- Under “Material Size”, select “12 x 12 in.”.
- Select the “Mirror” option (this cuts out the text backwards – which then gets applied to your shoes with the print showing the standard way).
- Click the green “Continue” button on the bottom right.
Prep and Load Your Mat For Cutting
- Take the protective film off the 12"x12" Standard Mat and adhere a 12″ wide by 12″ piece of the iron-on on it.
- Be sure to brayer it or press it down all over to make it stick completely.
- Next, select the green “Browse All Materials” link option from the “Select Material” option. Select “Glitter Iron-on” and click the green “Done” button.
- Load your fine tip blade securely into the slot on the right in your Cricut Maker.
- Use the arrows button on your Cricut Maker to gently load the mat.
- Once the loaded, the “Cricut” button on your Cricut Maker will blink – push it to begin cutting.
Weeding Your Print
- Once the Cricut Maker is finished cutting, click the arrow button on the machine to unload the mat.
- Carefully peel the iron-on from the mat (this is easily done by peeling the MAT from the material [instead of the material from the mat]).
- Use a weeding tool to remove all the negative space material (everything you DO NOT want to appear on the shoes) but be sure to keep the iron-on on the clear plastic liner (your phrase will appear backwards).
- If needed, use a BrightPad to see the cut lines for easier removal.
Prepping The Shoes
- Stuff the shoes with socks, newspaper, or towels. Make sure they are really stuffed and stretched out - it will make the iron-on print go on easier and wear longer.
Adding The Glitter Iron-On Design To The T-Shirt
- Place your cut and weeded print on your shoes (remember that since you had it cut out as a mirror image, it will now be placed on the shoes with the print the right way and the clear plastic liner facing up).
- FYI, it's a lot easier to apply this print to your shoes if you cut the up the cut large piece into smaller pieces. This will make it easier for the print to fit on the shoe's small areas and curves.
- Use leftover liner pieces from to cover up the already ironed on designs. This will protect it from direct heat.
- Use the EasyPress Mini to gently press transfer the print on to the shoes. Set the heat at the highest setting.
- Peel off the clear liner once it's cold to the touch.
Notes
The iron gets hot. Be careful using it around the rubber soles of the shoes or it will melt them. ASK ME HOW I KNOW.
So cute, right? I had some leftover cheetah print iron-on and used it on one side of some random pink shorts Melanie had in the drawer.
FYI? ALSO SUPER AWESOME!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Sara Phillips says
A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!!! SUCH a cute idea!