Cricut Mug Press: Create Custom Gifts that Make You Smile in Minutes with the Complete Guide!3/4/2021 As a Cricut Product Expert and Dollar Tree affiliate, the links below may be affiliate. As an affiliate, I receive a small commission on any sales using my links. They support my work at no extra cost to you.  Hi creative friends! If you're here, it's because you heard about the new Cricut Mug Press! I'm so excited to share all about it with you! It's a game-changer for creating with your Cricut machine, and I think you're going to be addicted to making mugs like I am soon! (My family has already claimed many of them!) The Cricut Mug Press takes the intimidation out of creating with Infusible Ink and sublimation materials. I've been creating with Infusible Ink now like I never have before with it. The Cricut Mug Press is available starting on March 11th, 2021! Let's take an in-depth look at everything the Cricut Mug Press has to offer: I've included a handy search feature below to help you quickly locate information: I'll be including a ton of information below! This guide will cover everything from pricing to how the Mug Press works and more!  What is the Cricut Mug press?I'm sure you've seen mugs with cute designs and thought, "I would love to make my own mugs, but that's probably too complicated." Or, maybe you've avoided buying personalized mugs before because it just costs too much for each one. I know that I've avoided creating personalized mugs because other options such as mug ovens or presses just seem really complicated. They have variable temperatures (making it hard to guess the right temperature needed), take a long time, use confusing wraps, and they just seem hard to work with. The Cricut Mug Press solves all of these problems. The Mug Press makes it easy to customize mugs for yourself, gifts, holidays, special events, or just as a fun surprise! I really love giving gifts, but there are some people I just struggle to find the right one for. That's why I was so excited about the Cricut Mug Press! Everyone uses mugs, and its such a useful, but still fun gift. I've already created a mug for my husband (who is notoriously difficult to make a gift for), and our kids have put in requests for their own custom mugs! I can see this being my go-to gift for all those hard-to-gift people in my life. My Pinterest list is growing with DIY ideas for holiday mugs! The best part is that Cricut Mugs with Infusible Ink are vibrant, seamless, and will last for the long-term. As someone who was intimidated by the idea of customizing mugs, I was really impressed by how quickly I learned the process and was able to create a beautiful mug! If you've been intimidated by using EasyPress machines or using Infusible Ink, this is the project to try. Here is the first test mug I ever made with the Cricut Mug Press:  Beautiful, right? My first project right out of the box was so bright, crisp, clear, and easy to make! It doesn't get better than that with crafting! How much is the cricut mug press?You can save even more on these prices if you're a Cricut Access member! Get 10% off your purchases, including materials, mugs, and the Mug Press HERE. Use code ASHLEY10 at checkout to save 10% off tools, accessories, and materials, plus free shipping on orders over $50. Pick up a Cricut Mug Press for $199.99. The Cricut Mug Press Essentials bundle is available for $249.93 MSRP including:
You can also purchase the Cricut Mug Press Everything Bundle for $313 MSRP includes:
What comes in the Cricut mug press box? Here's what's in the Cricut Mug Press box:
How does the Cricut mug Press work? Cricut's new Mug Press works using an all-in-one system where you can insert a mug with your Infusible Ink or sublimation materials wrapped around the mug into the press. Cricut's Mug Press has adjustable plates that tighten around the mug to get a consistent press and heat applied to the ink transfer. The Infusible Ink or sublimation ink then becomes transferred to the mug via the heat plates over a period of around six minutes. Once the mug is finished, Cricut's Mug Press alerts you to remove the mug with an oven mitt and transfer it onto an Easy Press mat to cool for 15 to 30 minutes. I'll go more in-depth with the process of how to use the Cricut Mug Press further into the post! What are the parts for the cricut mug press? Cricut created the Mug Press with beginners in mind! If you've never worked with a mug press, you'll find its design so easy to use! Here's a quick visual guide to how it works and which parts do what.  how to use cricut mug press videoI'm including both written and video instructions to help you get started. Check out the video below if you prefer to see a video version: How to Setup the Cricut Mug PressLet's go over the steps you'll need to setup your Cricut Mug Press.
How do I make a mug design in design space?
  How does the mug design work in cricut design space?In this walkthrough, I'll show you visually how you can take a simple, single-color image to create a cut-out image on the mug wrap. I'll explore other options for creating mug designs in further posts and videos! Using a single-color design makes it such a fun and easy one to start with, that I think it's a great beginner-friendly project for you to try! STEP ONE  The Mug Design Setup Project allows you to drop down a menu based on the style of edges you want and the size of the mug. This project is already sized to fit Cricut Mugs perfectly. You'll notice that there are two layers in the layers panel for the mug design. The first layer is a cut layer that you can design with, and the second layer is a placement guide. The placement is indicated by the color red and some lines to use to line up your design where it will look its best. STEP TWO  You can click on "Images" to browse the library images or use the "Upload" option to upload your own SVG cut file. Place your designs onto the mug design wrap. You can use the red placement indicators to line up your designs where they will look the best. Once you've lined up your designs where you want them, hide the placement indicator in the Layers panel by clicking on the eye next to it. This will make it the placement indicator hidden so that it's not part of the cutting process. STEP THREE  Next, we're going to make sure that our design is cut out of the project. Instead of using the Slice tool as you normally would on a design to make a cut out, we're going to use the Attach tool. By attaching it to the project, it will automatically cut those sections on the mug wrap. Here's how you do it: Draw or select a box around the mug wrap and the designs you created. Next, select the Attach tool on the bottom-right hand of the screen. This should make the design an outline on your mug wrap. Then, you will click "Make It' on the top-right hand side of the screen. STEP FOUR  Select "Mirror" on the panel to reverse the image. Since Infusible Ink is cut with the ink side up on the mat, the image has to be reversed using the Mirror option. Double-check that your image is reversed. Click "Continue" to move onto the next step. STEP FIVE  Choose your material as "Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet." You can adjust the pressure if needed on the drop-down menu below the material setting. Check to make sure your Fine-Point blade is installed into Slot B and load your mat with your Infusible Ink into the machine to cut using the arrow button. The Infusible Ink should be ink-side up on the mat. Press the Cricut symbol when you're ready to start! How do I apply infusible Ink to my mug? Gather your supplies and tools, including:
 Place your Infusible Ink sheet onto your mat. You'll want the ink facing up on the mat. Double-check that you selected for your project to be "Mirrored" before you cut your material.  Make sure the Fine-Point Blade is loaded into Slot B and load your mat into the machine with the Arrow button. Press the Cricut symbol when it's flashing to start cutting. Once the project is cut, press the Arrow button again to unload the mat.  Place the Cricut mat face down to unload the materials. Roll the mat away from the project while holding the project onto the surface. Keeping the project flat while rolling away the mat keeps the project materials in their best condition.  Make sure your hands are clean and dry, then roll the Infusible Ink Sheet around in your hands to break up the design. It usually makes a cracking noise as you release the design from the background. Carefully curve the sheet around to release the design.  Remove or "Weed" the sections that you want to remove. In this case, I wanted most of the mug to have the lovely Infusible Ink watercolor design and the design to be the regular background color of the mug. If a piece of the design comes off that you need on the sheet, you can carefully replace it back onto the sticky carrier sheet with the ink facing the same direction as the sheet.  How do you know if you've missed any spots when weeding? You can flip your design over to see what it looks like on the other side. This makes it easy to see if your design is ready! You'll also notice that there are clear tabs on the outside of the mug design. This makes it easier to attach the mug wrap to your mug later.  How can you get the best results with your Cricut Mug Press? Make sure to lint roll your mug. This reduces any problems with spots on your mug when transferring Infusible Ink. You'll also want to trim away any excess transfer tape if you're making only a smaller decal. This prevents any browning or transfer from the tape to the mug.  Now, let's apply the Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet to the mug! I'm going to share the two easiest ways I've found to apply it. Here's the first one: Place the mug on a flat surface in front of you. Take the Infusible Ink sheet with the ink side facing in to the mug and hold it around the outside of the mug. You'll want to adjust it so that it's evenly spaced around the mug handle. You'll want to place it at least 0.5" away from the mug handle on both sides.  Starting on one side, press the clear tabs holding the Infusible Ink onto the mug. You'll want to use your hand to help you tightly wrap the Infusible Ink sheet around the mug. I like to start at the one side and just smooth it tightly with my hand until I reach the end of the sheet. Then, firmly attach the sheet on the other side, where it will slightly overlap the tape tabs on the starting side.  Here's the second way to apply the sheet: You can also measure out from the margins of the edge of the mug handle and stick the edge of your Infusible Ink sheet tabs down on the side you're starting on. Then, firmly press the Infusible Ink sheet down and wrap it around the mug tightly. The tape will overlap slightly as you reach the other side. Press it down firmly.  Use the Heat-Resistant Tape to attach the Infusible Ink sheet to the mug for extra security. This ensures that your design is fully touching the mug for transfer. I like to place strips of tape on the top and bottom of the mug.  Place your Cricut Mug Press on your heat-resistant surface in a well-ventilated space. Press the power button to begin heating up the machine. Gather your safety supplies, including your EasyPress Mat, an oven mitt or potholder, and a sheet of butcher paper to cover your EasyPress mat. Make sure to check Cricut's official site and the Cricut Heat Guide for safety information.  Once your Cricut Mug Press beeps, the power light should be green. This indicates that your Cricut Mug Press is ready to use! Use your oven mitt or potholder to slowly lower your Cricut Mug into the Cricut Mug Press. You'll want to center the handle in between the plates as you press down the lever on the right side.  Once your mug is seated in place, you can press the lever on the right side down. Make sure that your handle is centered in the heating plates before the lever closes down. Once the lever is down, the countdown will begin for the Mug Press to apply the design. The Cricut Mug Press will measure the ambient temperature of the mug to apply the right amount of heat and time! The Cricut Mug Press machine will begin a progress indicator that will show you how far along it is in the process.  Once the progress indicator is complete, it will flash and the Cricut Mug Press will beep to let you know that the Cricut Mug is ready to be removed. Carefully lift up the lever on the right side without touching near the heated plates.  Use the oven mitt/potholder to carefully remove the Cricut Mug by the handle from the Cricut Mug Press. Place the Cricut Mug onto the EasyPress mat. Allow the mug to cool completely before touching. You can either create another custom mug in the Mug Press or you can power it off.  Once the mug has completely cooled, you can peel off the wrap to reveal the design beneath. I really love the watercolor effect from the Green Watercolor Infusible Ink! There are so many ways to play around with colors and patterns using Infusible Ink that you'll have endless possibilities for creating! I can't wait to make some for friends, too! Gift Ideas with Cricut mugsAre you wondering how to give your new mugs as gifts? Cricut created cute mug box designs for gifting! If you search in Design Space for "Mug Boxes," you will see different types of boxes to personalize for your loved ones. If you'd like to see me create some as a tutorial, let me know below! Cricut Mug Press FAQs: everything you need to know!I've listed some of the common questions below, along with the answers. You can also use these as a reference for later! Where can I buy a Cricut mug press?You can pick up the Cricut Mug Press at a variety of retailers! I recommend buying it from Cricut's website HERE because you'll be able to use your Cricut Access membership for an extra 10% off! That's a discount that other retailers don't offer! It's also available at these retailers: Michaels, Joann, Hobby Lobby, Target, HSN, Walmart, and Amazon.com. What size is the Cricut Mug press?The new Cricut Mug Press is sleek and lightweight. It's the perfect size to sit on a shelf until you're ready to use it, while still looking beautiful! Cricut's Mug Press is approximately 6.12 lbs in weight, and it's dimensions are 11"L x 6.2”W x 6.5” H. what size are cricut mugs?Cricut's Small Mug is 8.75" x 3.79" (22.2cm x 9.6 cm), 82mm in diameter and 96mm tall. The mug is 12 oz (340 ml). Cricut's Large Mug is 8.75" x 4.25" (22.2 cm x 10.8 cm), 85.5mm in diameter and 110mm tall. The mug is 15 oz (425ml). Are the mugs Dishwasher safe and microwave safe?You can use your new mugs in the dishwasher and microwave. The Cricut mugs are high-quality, with an even poly coating to ensure that they last over time and retain the vibrancy of your design. The seamless design means that they will withstand regular use. What colors are the cricut mugs?Cricut offers mugs in two different sizes, a 12 oz (340 ml) mug and a 15 oz (425 ml) mug. The standard mugs are white, but there is also an option for a white mug with a gray handle in the larger 15 oz (425 ml) size. The color vibrancy is so high using Infusible Ink on white ceramic mugs, that they make the right background for any design you'd like! How much do Cricut mugs cost?Cricut offers mugs in a variety of size packages so you can buy exactly what you need without any waste. Here's the MSRP for each set:
 Cricut 15 oz. (425 ml) White and Gray Mugs 1 for $5.99 How many cricut mugs are in a pack?Cricut created the mugs in custom sets so you can buy exactly the right amount for your needs! Pick up a single mug, or a set of two, six, or even 36 mugs! Whether you plan on making a gift for a family member, a set for your besties, or buy them in bulk to sell with your custom designs, there's plenty of options to choose from. Can I use the Cricut Mug press with any mug?No, you will need a mug that is created for sublimation. This means that the mug must have a poly coating to receive and hold onto the Infusible Ink or sublimation ink. Cricut Mugs have been specially designed and tested to have an even coating with smooth texture for the best, most vibrant results. What size mugs can I use in the Cricut mug press? Although the Mug Press is designed to work with Cricut's high-quality mugs, you can also use other sublimation mugs. You'll want to choose a sublimation mug with these features:
Can I make a tumbler in the cricut mug press?You can provided that the tumbler fits a few conditions:
What materials can I use in the Cricut mug press?The Cricut Mug Press is designed to work with Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets and Infusible Ink pens or markers. You'll also want laser copy paper if you're using Infusible Ink pens or markers. Heat-safe tape and butcher paper are ideal to keep your project in place and to protect your Mug Press. Do not use HTV or iron-on vinyl in the Cricut Mug Press because it can melt, burn, and damage the machine. What supplies do I need to make a mug with the cricut mug press? Here's a list of everything you need, plus some handy recommendations that make it even easier. Cricut Mug Press (place in a well-ventilated space, such as near a window)
Why does the Cricut mug press have a smell?When you first use the Cricut Mug Press, it may give off a smell that should dissipate with time. Always operate your Mug Press in a well-ventilated space. How much do Cricut Infusible Ink sheets for the mug press cost?The Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets for Mugs have an MSRP of $6.99 a box. What are the color options for the cricut mug press infusible ink sheets? Infusible Ink comes in a wide range of colors and patterns in the larger rolls. As of the launch date, these colors are available pre-sized for the Cricut Mug Press:
what size are the cricut mug press infusible ink sheets?The Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets sized for the Cricut Mugs are 4.5" x 12". The boxes sized for the Cricut mugs come with 2 sheets in the same color or pattern. Do I have to use cricut Infusible ink mug sheets?You don't! Although Cricut is releasing custom-sized Infusible Ink transfer sheets for the Mug Press, you can use the full-size Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or the Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets for the Cricut Joy. You can also use Infusible Ink Pens and Markers with laser copy paper or create your own sublimation designs with a sublimation printer. Why Did cricut make infusible ink mug sheets?The Infusible Ink Mug Sheets were created to be low-waste. They are perfectly-sized for the Cricut Mugs, so you can use each sheet once for a full mug! There won't be anything left behind to store, which makes them ideal if you have less storage space, don't want to store scraps, or if you like to only buy for the project you're working on. Does it matter if I use copy paper vs laser copy paper in a cricut mug press?Cricut recommends using laser copy paper whenever you're working with Infusible Ink pens and markers. I tested the difference between both to see if there was a difference in the result, and laser copy paper produces a clearer, more vibrant result. It's definitely worth using the right paper! What is the Cricut mug press safety information?The Cricut Mug Press is recommended to be used in a well-ventilated area, and near a window is ideal! The heat plate on the press may have a smell the first time it's in use that will fade over time. Cricut recommends allowing your mug to cool for 15-30 minutes on your mat before touching. Use an oven mitt to move the mug to your mat and be cautious to avoid touching the cup while it's still hot. Do not use any other materials than sublimation-friendly materials, such as Infusible Ink transfer sheets and pens, parchment paper, laser copy paper, and heat-safe tape. Please refer to Cricut's information for complete safety requirements. This document is not a complete safety guide. What do the lights on the Cricut mug press mean? The power button light will be different colors based on this information: No Light: Stand-By Mode Orange Flashing: Connect Mode Solid Orange: Heat Mode Solid Red: Error Detection There's also an LED progress indicator that you can watch to see how far along your project is in the process. How long does it take to make a mug with the cricut mug press?On average, the mugs take around 6 minutes. There may be some variation in time due to the ambient temperature around the machine and the mug's temperature. Generally, the time frame is right around that 6-minute mark. You'll want to let the mug cool for 15-30 minutes after heating and before removing the Infusible Ink design wrap from the mug. You can move your mug using an oven mitt to a heat-safe surface to let it cool. Then, you can continue making another mug while that one cools! Why can't I adjust the temperature of the cricut mug press?The Cricut Mug Press is designed with ease of use in mind. It automatically detects the ambient temperature to give the most accurate setting. Unlike standard mug presses, this takes the guesswork out of getting the best result! The Mug Press has been tested and proven to work accurately on creating the right conditions for your Infusible Ink or sublimation mug project! Do I need to use the Cricut heat guide for the cricut mug press?Cricut recommends that you continue to use the Heat Guide for any projects that require heat, such as the Mug Press. Even though the Cricut Mug Press is an automatic temperature process, using the Heat Guide will help you to have the project finish beautifully! It's especially helpful for reminders on which materials need three layers of butcher paper, such as Infusible Ink Markers and Pens. It also gives you a handy visual on how to wrap the mug correctly. Why doesn't the Cricut Mug Press show up in design space as a machine to select?The Cricut Mug is considered part of the EasyPress family, so it doesn't need to be selected inside Design Space while you are creating a project. You only need to connect it using the USB connection to your computer to update the software. Once it's updated, you're ready to start using it right away! I'll walk you through the setup in the main section of the blog post. Can i setup the Cricut mug press on my phone or tablet?No, the Cricut Mug Press requires a computer to activate it using the USB Cable provided. What do I need to connect my mac to the Cricut mug press?If you have a Mac computer, you'll want to use a dongle to connect to the USB cable for the Cricut Mug Press. Why Can't I use my mug press without activating it?You'll need to activate the Mug Press on a computer before using it to ensure that the Cricut Mug Press has the latest firmware update. Can i use other sublimation materials?Cricut's Mug Press is specifically designed to give you the best results with Cricut products, but you can also use other sublimation materials and blanks with a polyester coating. You'll want mugs with straight walls so that the mug press can fully contact the Infusible Ink transfer sheets or laser copy paper with Infusible Ink. The Mug Press is not compatible with iron-on vinyl or heat transfer vinyl (HTV). Can I use Iron-On vinyl or HTV in the Cricut mug press?The Mug Press is not compatible with iron-on vinyl or heat transfer vinyl (HTV). The materials could burn or melt inside the machine. This could potentially damage the heat plate inside the press. Can I put my design anywhere on the Cricut mug?Cricut designed the Mug Press to apply the design along the straight wall of the mug from the bottom to near the mug rim. You can't place a design on the handle, on the bottom of the mug, or within the 0.5" (12.7mm) range of the handle. This gives your Cricut Mug the best aesthetic look and keeps the handle cooler while it's heating. As always, exercise caution and wear safety equipment around heat and when removing a mug from the machine. what happens if I put my design near the mug handle?Cricut designed the Mug Press to function up to 0.5" (12.7mm) from the mug handle. If you create a design that moves beyond that, it can fade or discolor because the heat won't completely reach it. Why would i want to use a mug press instead of Permanent vinyl or HTV?Permanent vinyl or iron-on vinyl applied to mugs aren't permanent solutions. They are a layer that sits on top of the mug. Over time they can peel, crack, or wear, and they aren't ideal for daily wear and washing. Using Infusible Ink and the Cricut Mug Press creates a lasting design that becomes infused into your mug through heat. The ink becomes part of the mug coating, so it withstands regular use and washing while still looking beautiful! There are no seams with Infusible Ink, and the designs are so bright and vibrant! Can i make mugs with a standard easy press machine?I wouldn't recommend it. Cricut Easy Press machines are designed to work on flat surfaces, such as shirts, blankets or items that can be made flat temporarily, like shoes and hats. The Cricut Mug Press makes it easier to get consistent, stable heating across the whole surface of the cup with its curved heat plates. Plus, it's so easy that you'll be hooked once you try it! Why is my butcher paper or transfer sheet yellow or burnt?Butcher paper or Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets can yellow or appear burnt if there is extra around the project. Trim away any extra butcher paper or transfer sheets for the best results on your project. How do I avoid lines, dots, or extra ink on my cricut mug?The key is in how you prepare your mug.
Are you ready to make custom mugs? Now that I've used the Cricut Mug Press for awhile, I'm more excited than ever to create gifts for all the holidays! I'm still amazed with how gorgeous these mugs look! Let me know who you would make a mug for below! Or maybe just a fun one for yourself???
5 Comments
Charlene Ashton
3/4/2021 09:47:47 am
Ohhh!!! I'd make a Tea mug for my parents, my bestie and a coffee Rules mug for myself. I can't wait for it, although it might be a while due to the cost.
Shaundra Johnson
3/5/2021 05:12:12 am
I I love you the stuff you do and your tutorials. They are easy to follow and so fun. I'd I love you to win this ive been wanting one for so long! 3/13/2021 09:39:04 am
Hi,
Monica McConnell
3/27/2021 07:41:50 am
I would love this. I am obsessed with coffee mugs so I would make all kids of cute mugs.
Wow this is by far the most detailed blog I have read. Thank you for sharing it with us. Definitely would subscribe! Leave a Reply. |
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