How to make Dollar Tree personalized elves without a heat press. These elves make great gifts, or you can add them to your shop to sell.
I volunteer at a nonprofit, and being a nonprofit, they always need more money. Since I have a Silhouette die cutter and a heat press, I make shirts and other things for them to sell.
Last spring, I made personalized Easter Bunnies. This year, I added personalizes elves. They are quick and easy to make, and they sell really well.
I was trying to figure out how to make without completely squishing them in the heat press. Then I thought...what about a flat iron?
A flat iron works great!
How to Make Dollar Tree Personalized Elves
These make great little crafts to add to your shop or give as small gifts. They have a great profit margin if you're selling them.
I sell them for $7 for the nonprofit, but most people sell them for $6. Considering the elf only costs $1, that's a decent markup.
Dollar Tree Elves
I got my elves at Dollar Tree. They are really cute and about 9 inches tall. The name area is 2 inches wide, which is perfect for most names.
They have a boy and a girl available. They look very similar, but they have different colored shirts and the girl is wearing a skirt.
Vinyl
I used white Siser easy weed
Even if you have to buy vinyl, you can fit a lot of names on a sheet.
Flat Iron
I have a heat press, but the flat iron makes this so easy. I set mine at 310 degrees and press for 12 seconds.
Software and Font
I use Sure Cuts a Lot (SCAL) with my Silhouette. It's easier to use than the Silhouette design software.
I used the font Boyz R Gross. It's a cute and fun font. You can use any font for yours.
The iron will be hot, so you might want to grab a hot pad.
Supplies
Tools
Directions
Step 1
Create the name in SCAL. I set mine at 2 inches wide for most names.
Step 2
Mirror the name and cut it on white heat transfer vinyl. Weed the vinyl and cut the names out.
Step 3
Place the name on the elf. Then place the elf inside the flat iron and press firmly. I use my hands to press on the open end. It will be hot! Use a hot pad so you don't burn yourself. Press for 12 seconds.
Step 4
Peel the carrier sheet off and you're done. I inspect for any vinyl that didn't stick and repress as needed.
So cute! I sold two of them before the examples had even cooled.
These are not recommended for children under 3-years-old.
Personalized Christmas Elf
tools:
steps:
- Create the name in SCAL. I set mine at 2 inches wide for most names.
- Mirror the name and cut it on white heat transfer vinyl. Weed the vinyl and cut the names out.
- Place the name on the elf. Then place the elf inside the flat iron and press firmly. I use my hands to press on the open end. It will be hot! Use a hot pad so you don't burn yourself. Press for 12 seconds.
- Peel the carrier sheet off and you're done. I inspect for any vinyl that didn't stick and repress as needed.
NOTES:
Not recommended for children .under 3
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