DIY Patriotic Monogrammed Koozies with Cricut Explore Air 2

The season for summer entertaining is almost here, and I can hardly wait!  I host lots of dinner parties, backyard BBQs and holiday themed events all year long, but nothing beats summer entertaining!  Memorial Day is the official kick-off and signal that summer entertaining has arrived, and to celebrate I’m making personalized DIY Patriotic Koozies with my Cricut Explore Air 2.

Every year we take turns with our friends hosting a Memorial Day party.  It’s not my turn this year, but I’m not planning on showing up to the party empty handed.  In fact, I’m making DIY Patriotic Koozies to help keep your beverage cool and your hands warm.  

By now, you probably know how much I adore my Cricut Explore Air 2 and vinyl. These two craft tools can make just about any ordinary item extraordinary!  So, before you head off to those summer BBQs empty handed, whip up a few DIY Patriotic Koozies.

What You Will Need: 

• Cricut Explore Air 2
• Cricut Tool Set
• Plain White Koozies
• Metallic Red Iron-on Vinyl
• Metallic Blue Iron-on Vinyl
• Gold Glitter Iron-on Vinyl
• Iron

Step 1: 

I purchased a firework monogram SVG for this project, however you can create your own in Cricut Design Space, or with one of the free images included in your subscription.

Step 2: 

Open a new project and click “upload images” to add your SVG design, once the image is uploaded select the image and insert it into your document.

Step 3:

Use the layer button to change the colors and determine which pieces you will cut out of each color of vinyl. I used the metallic red and blue iron-on vinyl as well as my favorite glitter gold. Cut each layer out, make sure you mark the box for mirror image so that your monogram comes out correctly.

Step 4: 

Once all of your pieces are cut out use the weeding tool to remove any excess vinyl.

Step 5: 

Place the largest firework burst on the koozie and center it.  Cover it with a thin towel and hold a hot iron in place for 10-15 seconds, pressing firmly to adhere the vinyl.  Carefully remove the liner.

Step 6: 

Next, place the monogram layer on the koozie over the firework burst layer and firmly press the iron down to secure it in place.

Step 7: 

Finally, place the gold stars layer on top of the monogram layer and hold the iron in place for 10-15 seconds, or until the transfer tape removes easily.  I’ve found that when you are working with the gold glitter iron-on vinyl it takes a few extra seconds than the other vinyl, so test a small area before removing the transfer tape to ensure your design stuck.

Make several up for friends and family and take these with you to your Memorial Day BBQ.  Everyone will have a festive and personalized drink holder for their favorite beverage and won’t have to worry about misplacing it.  These Patriotic Koozies are a fun way to kick off the summer season and celebrate with friends.

If you are headed to a Memorial Day BBQ or you are hosting one of your own you can create your own personalized decorations and party supplies.  Use your Cricut to make DIY Patriotic Napkins, favor tags and so much more.  Check out the patriotic section in Design Space for even more ideas and inspiration!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.