What You'll Need

To start, you'll need the following materials:

• A Cricut machine (e.g., Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2)
• Blank tumblers (stainless steel or plastic)
• Vinyl (permanent or removable, depending on the project)
• Transfer tape
• A cutting mat
• Weeding tools
• Design software (Cricut Design Space)

Optional items include a heat press for sublimation tumblers and a rotary tool for creating textured finishes.

Step 1: Design Your Tumbler

Start by creating or downloading a design in Cricut Design Space. You can use text, images, or custom patterns. Inspirational quotes, monograms, and seasonal themes are popular choices that sell well. Experiment with fonts, colors, and layouts to make your designs unique and appealing.

Step 2: Cut the Vinyl

Once your design is ready, load the vinyl onto the cutting mat and let your Cricut machine do the cutting. After cutting, use a weeding tool to remove any unwanted vinyl pieces.

If you're creating a sublimation tumbler, print your design on sublimation paper and use a heat press to transfer it to the tumbler.

Step 3:Apply the Vinyl

Use transfer tape to pick up the design and place it on the tumbler. Make sure the surface of the tumbler is clean and dry for better adhesion. Carefully align the design and press it onto the tumbler, smoothing out bubbles or wrinkles with a scraper tool.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Seal the design with an epoxy resin or a clear coating to make it more durable and resistant to wear. This step is especially important for tumblers exposed to frequent washing.

How to Sell Your Tumblers

Here’s how you can turn your creations into a thriving business:

1. Set Up an Online Store: Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your social media pages are great for showcasing and selling your tumblers.
2. Offer Customization: Customers love personalized products. Allow them to add names, logos, or special requests.
3. Market Your Products: Share high-quality photos and videos of your tumblers on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok to attract potential buyers. Use hashtags to reach a wider audience.
4. Collaborate Locally: Partner with local boutiques, gift shops, or event organizers to offer your tumblers as custom merchandise.

Pricing Your Tumblers

Price your tumblers based on the cost of materials, time spent, and market demand. For example, if materials cost $10 and it takes an hour to make, a price of $25–$35 per tumbler could provide a reasonable profit margin.

Conclusion

With some creativity and effort, making tumblers with a Cricut can be both fun and lucrative. By offering unique designs and excellent customer service, you can turn your crafting hobby into a successful business. Whether you're catering to weddings, corporate events, or everyday use, the opportunities are endless!