DIY Penguin Mug Holiday Decor

• Gather supplies. Thoroughly wash mug with soap and hot water and let dry completely before using.
  

Preparing the Images:

• Open Cricut Design Space.
• Click on the “+” sign to start a new project, opening up a blank canvas.
• Click on the “Upload” button from the toolbar and browse your downloaded files to insert the Penguin SVG file.
• The image will appear on the canvas.
• Click on all the same colored pieces and select “Attach” to secure pieces together for cutting.
  
• Maintain the size at 3” high or adjust to fit your mug. To adjust the size, highlight the image and click on the size box in the top toolbar. Change the measurement to suit your mug size accordingly.
• Change the image color if desired to match with the material color.

Cutting the Permanent Smart Vinyl:

• Select “Make It” in the upper right corner to proceed with cutting.
• If using Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl, choose “no mat” for cutting.
  
• Note the size of the Smart Vinyl needed and cut the length of the vinyl accordingly.
• Choose the Smart Vinyl, Permanent from the list of options in the drop-down menu.
• Following the instructions prompted on the screen, cut out the vinyl in all of the colors needed.
  

How to Assemble the Mug

• For each color, cut around the whole image with a pair of scissors.
  
• Using the weeding tool, peel away the excess vinyl around the cut images and discard.
  
• Starting with the penguin body, cut a piece of transfer tape a bit larger in size.
  
• Peel away the transfer tape backing and place the transfer tape over top of the cut image. Gently rub the vinyl to help it stick to the transfer tape.
  
• Peel away the vinyl backing, leaving just the penguin body and eyes adhered to the transfer tape.
  
• Carefully consider the placement before applying as the permanent vinyl can’t be removed if placed incorrectly. Position the image with the transfer tape on to the smooth side of the mug and press in place.
  
• Tip – if mug is not a flat surface, cut into the transfer tape (but not vinyl) with scissors to help it shape around the mug.
• Press the image down with your fingers to help it to stick to the mug.
• Slowly remove the transfer tape leaving the vinyl image on the mug.
• Repeat for the other pieces (nose and feet; hat and scarf).
  
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• Insert floral foam inside the mug.
  
• Insert the faux greens into the foam starting with the longest piece in the center.
  
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• Working outwards, fill in with more greens and other decorative accessories until full.