Monday, August 29, 2011

Subway Art Christmas Pillow with Cricut Word Collage Cartridge

It's been over 100 degrees practically everyday this summer and frankly, I can't wait until Christmas!  So, to get in the mood, I thought I'd do a Christmas project.

Ever since I got the Cricut Word Collage cartridge, I have been dying to make something with the Christmas subway art on it.  Since I love pillows, I thought decorating a pillow case would be fun. I got the idea to use iron-on vinyl and iron-on flocked vinyl all in different colors to make it more interesting.  My iron-on vinyl is from Expressions Vinyl and worked like a dream.

Here's a quick tutorial on how I did this:

First, using my Gypsy and the Word Collage Cricut cartridge and the Christmas word art image as shown, I made a file with different pages for each color. I made sure to "flip" all my images so it would cut out correctly.  I used the "hide select contour" button to hide the words I wanted.  To see a video on how to "hide contour" on your Gypsy, check out this video by Provocraft HERE.  The Gypsy file will be available for download at the bottom of the post.

Next, I cut out my various colors of iron-on vinyl, making sure the heavy plastic side was face down on the mat.  I used a brayer and sometimes painters tape to make sure there was no shifting (see photos below):

 Take note that I had to figure out exactly where each word art section went based on its color.  I did that by zooming in to those sections on my Gypsy and then carefully laying out my trimmed down pieces.
I cut the word art out using a blade depth of 4, pressure and speed at 3, according to the Expressions Vinyl website.

Next, I did some weeding.  That means I removed the vinyl areas that I didn't want to iron on.  I made sure to get the spaces inside the letters (like the "O", for example).

I used the Cricut tool below to help do the weeding.  It is fantastic!
Then, I carefully trimmed down the sections and laid them on my pillowcase.  I used a quilting ruler to make sure my lettering went on straight.
 I ironed on my pieces from there.  The recommended time was 10-15 seconds, using hard pressure.  I did it for longer since I couldn't press down too hard, as I have an over the door ironing board.  The regular vinyl plastic can be removed while it is either hot or cold and the flocking vinyl (white and black) plastic needed to cool first.
So, the great news is that everything is on straight and it all ironed on nicely.  The bad news was that I left too much room at the top and had to fill in with something else.  The Storybook Cricut cartridge had a nice flourish so I cut that at 2" using the white flocked vinyl.

 More ironing and I made sure to cover the "Feliz Navidad" section with some of its plastic backing, just to be safe.
To finish things off, I added a red button that I threaded with red and white twine in between the leaves above the "Santa Claus".
Pillowcase is from Ikea and the pillow size is 20" x 20".

To download the Gypsy file, click HERE.

Let me know what you think!  Are you a fan of subway art?

Want to see more of my projects? Click HERE to see my gallery!

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93 comments:

  1. wow very pretty, that's alot of work!!
    Kristan

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  2. OMG, this cushion is fantastic!!! I LOVE it!!!
    Brigitte

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  3. Super! Thanks for the tutorial and the gypsy file!
    carolyn in nebraska

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  4. WOW great job! Your pillow turned out fantastic. TFS the cut file and I would love to see more of this.
    Thank you for playing with us this week
    Becka
    Creations With Becka

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  5. This is so dang adorable!!!! I love it! Thanks for sharing how you did it!!

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  6. Wow that was amazing great tutorial Please will you send some heat here its gone cold:) Sandra H

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  7. Wonderful job on the pillow.

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  8. Your pillow turned out so nice! I bet you can't wait to display it.

    Thanks for the inspiration,
    Cindy :)

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  9. I really do like subway art and have that cart, but haven't opened it yet. Trying to decide how I would use it.
    Question: Can you please give more info as to why you have to flip the image before you cut? I have cut regular vinyl but didn't flip anything.
    Thanks,
    Molly

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  10. Oh, love this idea! I just purchased this cart and have been wanting to try the Christmas one also! Thanks bunches for the gypsy file!
    Hugs,
    cindyB

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  11. I think this is incredible!!!! I love it. I can't wait to try one!

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  12. Oh this is stunning, what a lovely festive make that can be used year after year if you wish.
    Kim xXx

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  13. I love...love...you word collage pillow....You did an awesome job on this...I know it was extremely timely but wow...the out come is fantastic.

    I hope working on a Christmas project helped cool your crafty hand down a bit....

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  14. Love it! Can't wait to try. Great instructions!!

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  15. This is FABulous! I really like the cart, but I couldn't see other applications besides paper. I'm wondering how long it took you to get everything straight - looks perfect! Thanks for sharing this idea - I'm SO ready for summer to be over and enjoy the cooler days eventually leading to Christmas!

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  16. What a fabulous project Joy. Your pillow is just beautiful! TFS!--Pat N.

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  17. fabulous idea...and a great way to decorate the home for any holiday......luv it

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  18. super cute pillow! love the new look of your blog too!

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  19. This is a very nice pillow! Love all the colors, very Christmasy indeed!

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  20. First of all, the last days of August is so close to an end that I can really feel the excitement of Christmas season. But, hey, it was an awesome job on the pillow. I like how you spread out the details on making that wonderful craft. Great job!

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  21. I love this idea Joy! Your pillow is awesome! I bought this cartridge and have also been wanting to use it. Thanks for sharing your idea! Great tutorial.

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  22. Love it! I'm in the mood for Christmas projects lately too.

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  23. You did an amazing job, one day i have to try to do something like that, I guess i should get that cartridge. Where did you get the pillow?

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  24. VERY fun project, and I commend you for your patience in figuring out the layout of the words!
    Shellee

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  25. This is an awesome pillow! Call up Pottery Barn because I'm sure they would sell it : )!!!! Thanks so much for the tutorial! If I could get my hands on the new Teresa Collins Holloween cart I would love to make one for Halloween too! Hmmm....

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  26. Wow, that looks like a lot of work, Joy, but totally worth it! Such a CUTE pillow!!!

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  27. What a fun pillow! Your work is fabulous!

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  28. That's really nice. I've never actually used vinyl before. I may need to start!

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  29. It's really impressive and creative. I tried to make one and fortunately, it turned out well,seriously, it's my first time to make a pillow. Anyway,Gear up for the holidays with this adorable pillow, a playful way to countdown the days!

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  30. You are one talented woman! I just love the the pillow... cant wait to make one for myself :)

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  31. Oh my, I just adore this pillow. You're so talented. It really is nice and makes me feel all nostalgic.

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  32. Lovely Christmas pillow!! Would make a great gift!

    Carol

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  33. Love the pillow! I do like the word collages - but I'm also a little intimidated by them. I'll definitely try one now!

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  34. LOVE IT!! I love subway art and can't get enough!! I haven't been able to get the cartridge BUT I have created it on my Gypsy and basically get the same. THANKS for sharing directions - I need to get the "stuff" to make it on the pillow!! Doris
    parkernana5@cox.net

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  35. So cool! I dont have a Gypsy but I guess I could just cut three files in three colors and make three pillows. Three Christmas gifts knocked out at once!

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  36. That is a really COOL project! Thanks for sharing!

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  37. I'm so glad you posted this today - and that I saw it! We're leaving for Toronto this afternoon and plan to hit IKEA. I'm going to look to see if the pillow cases are sold up here. I've never used iron on vinyl - and am not even sure where to find it - but I LOVE this project idea! Your pillow looks fabulous!

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  38. Joy -- this is beyond the BEST ever! I want this CART so badly! Love your tutorial! Will you PLEASE make another one for me???

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  39. Joy,
    That is the cutest thing that I have seen in a long time! I wasn't sure if I wanted that cartridge but now...I gotta have it! Wonderful project.
    Danita

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  40. WOW!!! Great pillow! Thanks for all of the details in making it.

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  41. I love it! Thank you for taking the time to share it with us.

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  42. I am a huge fan of Subway Art! LOVE LOVE LOVE The pillow Joy! I WANT IT! You are "enabling" me to get this cartridge.... and getting me to think of Christmas!!
    Thanks!

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  43. Joy, your pillow is great. Had not wanted this cart until now.

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  44. Great project! Love it! TFS!

    Julie

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  45. WOW! This is so beautiful! I love this pillow idea! Thanks for sharing! lindagk23

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  46. This is one awesome project! I had no desire for this cartridge, now I want to get it! Beautiful work!

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  47. Ambitious project and great outcome! I'm not sure why you had to reverse (flip) if you put the heavy plastic side down first. Do you mean the fuzzy side and right side of the vinyl are face up on the mat?

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  48. I love this project! I have wanted this cartridge ever since I first saw it advertised but have been unable to find it. Now seeing your project I know that I need to find it! Great job and thanks for the step by step instructions I think if/when I get the cartridge I should be able to make it! I downloaded the gypsy file too. Thanks.

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  49. oh my!! I am so impressed! I just got my word collage cartridge yesterday and I would not have thought of this! beautiful and I love it!! great job!!

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  50. Great Job! It turned out beautiful! Thanks for sharing your creativity!

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  51. so cool, I think I need to ask for a gypsy for Christmas :)

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  52. I like subway art. Thanks for the gypsy file and all the directions. I going to have to look for this iron-on vinyl.

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  53. Your pillow is so festive and looks amazing. I think you have convinced me to pick up that cartridge. Thanks for the tutorial, I may have to make a few pillows for myself.

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  54. Super cute pillow ....great idea!Thanks for sharing!

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  55. Thanks Joy. What a great project. That'd be good for a gift too since you can fold up the pillowcase and it takes hardly any storage room. I hope it cools off for you soon.

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  56. What a fun Pillow. This gives me an idea to make a door hanging. I have a storm door on the front door and the gap isn't very big. A nice door hanging would look great there.

    Thank you
    Linda in Stanwood

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  57. beautiful job. You are so talented. I do not know if I would have the nerve to try that but you sure make me want to try it.

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  58. What a fun pillow! I never would have thought of it. Thanks for sharing! :D

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  59. Beautiful job. I love this pillow. Can I just pay you to make it for me?

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  60. I've started on some Christmas cards so this would be great.

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  61. Super project Joy. Loved the pillow. TFS.
    Marcie

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  62. Absolutely LOVE it! What a great idea. Love how you used different vinyls and colors. Thanks as always for your inspiration!

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  63. Such a great addition to your holiday decor. The words just pop off the pillow at you.

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  64. STUNNING!!! Absolutely Beautiful!!! I can not imagine how much time that took ... but it was worth it, cause it's AMAZING!!!

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  65. Oh Joy- this is wonderful! You did a great job on this.

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  66. Love this project. I have this cartridge and have been loving it. Thanks for sharing.-- Ryansmaama
    gkburrow@cmaaccess.com

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  67. Great project! I had to have this cartridge but then I couldn't come up with a project. I knew it had to be something that was a little larger with all those small cuts. I do want to try something with vinyl.

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  68. If you are not selling items or PDF's on how to make stuff on Etsy you should be. Talented!

    Bernie

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  69. I love this idea...I just need to get my hands on some iron on vinyle... TY

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  70. I love how this turned out...I am going to buy the iron on vinyl now....thanks for the tutorial with this as well
    kgprevost(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
    kathyskraftsandmore.blogspot.com

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  71. Amazing! Loved your tutorial!
    SusanJ in Atlanta

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  72. Love this pillow. How festive! The subway art is great in this project.

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  73. love, love, love the pillow. You would never know that the swirl at the top was to cover a "mistake". It is beautiful and looks planned.

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  74. I just love working with word collage anyway. That is a great idea for make christmas pillows.

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  75. Love this idea. Still have not been ambitious enough to play with vinyl yet. So many ideas...so little time.

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  76. I love the cushion and the way you have used the colours. Many thanks for showing us how to the iron on products. Makes the Cricut so versatile.

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  77. What a gorgeous pillow! You did a wonderful job on it. Thanks for sharing how you did it!

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  78. This is a fabulous idea for those friends that have everything,lol. Would ya mind making me a few as I can't seem to muster up ANY creative energy, thanks Joy, lol.

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  79. Oh my goodness... this is so amazing!! I LOVE that pillow! You did a fabulous job! :)
    Lori

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  80. Adorable! Thanks for sharing this!

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  81. Awesome!...but I'm not sure I would have the patience to go through all the steps required even if I did have a gypsy! :)

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  82. I saw this project over on the Cricut FB page and had to come here to check it out! Just perfect and looks like I will be making these for Christmas!!

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  83. Wow, beautiful! Makes me think of the holidays and fun projects.
    Peggy in Portland

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  84. Love it! Can't wait until Christmas!!!

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