PERSONALIZED EASTER EGGS
I saw this idea online but I didn’t have the supplies to put the names on these with vinyl. BUT… I did have some SPRAY PAINT!  Yippie!
I bought these giant (7.75”x5”) Easter eggs from Dollar Tree tonight for… ahem, a dollar. They come in four colors: pink, green, blue, and lavender. I made a vinyl stencil (approximately 1”x4”) on my Silhouette Cameo using Allspice Alternatives font from TheHungryJpeg.com. I weeded out the name and applied it using transfer tape to the top of the egg. Using masking tape and paper, I covered the rest of the top to prevent overspray. I used Rust-Oleum Paint & Primer In One in white with satin finish to spray paint. I did two light coats, then removed the stencil within a minute to prevent peeling.

UPDATE: I used Rust-Oleum Paint & Primer in One spray paint with a satin finish and it is not durable long term. It doesn't not permanently stick to the plastic, which may be ok because the eggs would be reusable. But that is not the ideal. I have not tried Krylon Fusion, but it is specifically meant for plastic and may work better.

SUPPLIES

  • Vinyl cutter
  • Stencil vinyl
  • Transfer tape
  • Spray Paint (Preferably Flat or Matte finish and Krylon Fusion is meant for plastic)
  • Giant Easter Eggs (available at Dollar Tree)
  • Tape and paper to protect egg from overspray
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Acetone (OPTIONAL - fingernail polish remover that is 100% acetone)

INSTRUCTIONS



Step 1

Create your design in your vinyl cutting software. The name should be no more than 1” tall and 4” wide.

I used Allspice Alternatives font, which is part of the Allspice font on TheHungryJpeg.com.
IMG_20170316_113702902.jpg

STEP 2

Cut your stencil and weed out the names.

STEP 3

OPTIONAL - Remove the printed decoration on the side of the clear top with Acetone.

STEP 4

Clean the entire top with rubbing alcohol.
IMG_20170316_113716443.jpg

STEP 5

Apply transfer tape to the top of your stencil, remove backing and apply it to your lid taking care to rub out all of the bubbles where you will apply the paint.

It is best to work from the middle outward. You can also cut slits in the vinyl, taking care not to cut through to the weeded area, or use a hair dryer to soften the vinyl to make it conform to the curve of the lid.

STEP 6

Mask off the rest of the lid using tape and paper.

Spray two VERY LIGHT coats quickly.

Then remove masking and stencil after about 30 seconds but before it completely dries, 1-2 minutes. If you wait until it dries, it may pull the paint off the lid.

TIP: If you wait too long the paint may pull up with the stencil. You can start over by removing the paint with acetone. You can also heat the vinyl by holding an iron with steam about 5-8 second above the vinyl without touching it and then immediately removing the stencil.

STEP 7

Allow to dry and then fill with goodies for the recipient!

GETTING DISCOURAGED

Washable storage bin cover.
Sometimes as I work on a project I get discouraged and I avoid the problem for a long time.
I started making these bin covers about two months ago just after finishing my first online tutorial. I got to the part where I had to make a cover for the bottom and I just got bogged down in all the problems and mistakes I made up to that point.
Here they are (in random order) so that you can either read them or skip them:
  • 12x12 box on left, 12x9 on right
    In my haste I had forgotten to make the band at the top of three bins so I would have to resew them.
  • The green fabric shrunk so much that my band sizes would be different between all the cover colors (yes this really bothers me).
  • The bottom cover method wasn’t solidifying in my mind.
  • The box size seemed way too big (this is one of the main things that sent me over the edge)
  • I had not addressed adding handles or a label window.
I love it when supplies arrive!
So I lost my motivation and began to doubt myself. Over time I would go to my studio and correct one issue only to discover another. I would avoid it again for weeks. That was until I saw a light at the end of the tunnel when I finally used my idea for the bottom cover and it came out as I hoped!
Earlier this week I ordered hook and loop tape in the 3/8” size I wanted and it just arrived from HookandLoop.com. They carry Velcro® and Duragrip® brands in a lot of styles, sizes, and colors.
So, now it’s time to get back in the saddle and finish six more for my daughter’s room and then some for my pantry and maybe for my son’s bedroom.
When I post my tutorial, I won’t be including a handle or label pouch just yet. I have some ideas, but I need to test them out first.