DIY

I’m back with another fun DIY project.  Yay!
So I’m totally stuck on this Silhouette machine I bought a few months ago and have been trying to figure out how to make a lot of different things with it, especially ones that could be used for a wedding.  The Silhouette folks were nice enough to send me some of their heat transfer material to play around with and I came up with a fun project that I can’t wait to do for my next dinner party… personalized napkins.

Couples are always looking for ways to add personal touches to their nuptials.  These cute napkins are one way.  And if it seems too overwhelming for a whole wedding, just focus on the head table.  Or think about smaller, related events such as the rehearsal dinner or even an engagement party.  Incorporate initials or a monogram like I’ve done, or use some other design element from your wedding; silhouettes, a pattern, text… the possibilities are endless.

The transfer material comes in all sorts of colors (including glitter and some fuzzy flocked colors too) and once ironed on can be washed (with some care).

First I drew out my design in the computer.  You have to make sure the design is then mirrored so that it cuts backwards.  Trust me, it will work in the end.  Once you have your design all set, feed your heat transfer material into the machine and send it through.

Once your design is all cut out, you peel away the material covering the negative space.  They even make this handy little hook that helps getting all the little bits from any nooks and crannies.

The remaining transfer material is on this slightly sticky piece of plastic.  Take that and place it onto your napkin so the design is now going the correct way.  Lay a piece of fabric over the transfer press firmly with an iron for 45-60 seconds.  This is where it can get a little tricky. You have to start peeling back the corner and see if it is all stuck down.  If not, you apply more heat and recheck until the plastic comes off cleanly.  With my project, it worked great except for one little part of the vine where it was the thinnest.  It didn’t transfer as well and I had to fidget with it more.  But with more practice I think it would be super easy.

For my napkins, I used raw linen that I cut and sewed into a napkin.  Obviously you don’t have to go that far.  You could easily buy pre-made napkins and add the transfer.  Heck, you could do the same on the tablecloth as well.  Or a vintage hankie tied around a wine bottle for a centerpiece.  Or canvas totes for guests. I could keep going…

Overall, I think this project was super cute.  I really liked the look of the black against the linen with this particular design but I could totally see doing something really wild with color.  Lucky for you, there is a promotion right now for you to try out the handy dandy heat transfer material yourself.

Silhouette has a promo going on right now where you can get either the Cameo or the Portrait plus the heat transfer starter kit for a huge discount.  Personally I’m a little jealous since it is cheaper than what I paid for mine.  If you already have a Silhouette machine you can just by the transfer materials for a buy 1 get 1 free deal.  (The free item is the one that is equal or lesser value).  Just follow this link and use the promo code INDIE for the discount.  Have you used the heat transfer material before?