Vinyl Knob Tutorial - 3 Techniques
I finally have the vinyl knob tutorial for you, and since I made you wait so long, I've made it worth your while with 3 different techniques to try!
Let's get started!
First, I purchased 3 wooden knobs at Lowe's for less than $1 each.
I spray painted each knob a different color so I could try some different looks.
These are all spray paints we had in our "stash" of paint. I have to tell you, I'm loving the Rustoleum Aluminum! Its so bright and shiny that the knob really looks like it started out as metal!
To figure out sizing for my vinyl I measured the diameter of my knobs.
I chose my images for the knobs by perusing my Silhouette library. I ended up with
bloom_C00021_23851
Damask_0852
round_spanish_lace_C00182_20387
I sized them down in the software...
And used some scrap vinyl to cut them out.
The bloom and spanish lace designs needed the removal of a lot of small pieces of vinyl. I've found the easiest way to do this is to (1) use something pointed to (2) push the the small piece of vinyl out of the way and (3) remove it from the image. It can actually go quite quickly once you get the hang of it!
Once the images have all extra vinyl removed, cover them with transfer paper and rub it on thoroughly.
Let's start with the bloom design. I wanted to put it on the Blue Ocean Breeze knob.
1. This is simply showing you the vinyl on the transfer paper.
2. I find that using a design that is round and the same size as my knob, it is easier to remove the image from the transfer paper and place it on by hand (alternatively you could trim around the image as close as possible to line it up on the knob).
3. I eyeballed the bloom image on the knob.
4. Once I thought I had it centered, I lightly placed it on the knob.
5. When I was sure it was centered, I proceeded to stick the vinyl down with my finger working from the center of the knob out.
6. Because the knob itself is not perfectly flat, the design will not lay flat. I was able to smooth it down in all but one place.
Here's how to remedy the bump in the image:
7. Get a pair of sharp small tip scissors.
8. Carefully cut across middle of the bloom of the flower.
9. Smooth down one side of the vinyl you just cut, then smooth down the other side. There will be a slight overlap.
10. Looking down at the knob you can't see where the cut was made!
11. Recover the knob with the transfer paper and rub well to be sure the vinyl is well attached to the knob.
12-13. Now admire your work!
I really like the shine that the knob has and the vinyl had too much of a matte look. So I added a couple of coats of Mod Podge across the top of the knob giving the vinyl a more shiny look and blending in better with the blue paint.
On to the next knob!
I know what you're thinking with this black knob....
Why put black vinyl on a black knob?
Answer: To use it as a stencil template!
1. Smooth the vinyl on just as we did with the blue knob. There are many more puckers in this design when I smooth it down.
2-3. Trim the puckers as advised above and smooth down the vinyl.
4. I decided to use some scrapbook ink and dabbed a couple of coats all over the top of the stencil.
5. Remove the stencil once the ink is dry. I love the shabby chic look of the vinyl stencil. I think sanding the edges of the knob will finish off the look.
For the silver knob I chose to use the damask pattern.
1. Trim the image as much as possible.
2. Center the image on the knob and rub it on thoroughly.
3-4. Remove the transfer paper and admire your work!
And there you have it!
3 different looks for 1 wooden knob. And, really, the possibilities are endless!
For less than a dollar, you can customize a knob to suit your fancy.
I hope the next time you go on the hunt for the perfect knob for your big project you think about trying out a little vinyl!
I think I'll use these to make a jewelry holder... How eclectic and cute would that be? š
Hi, this looks amazing, and I so want to try it. But how do I get the silhouette image onto the vinyl?
Best idea ever! Makes replacing knobs on my projects so much more affordable and more personable too! Thanks for sharing š
Thanks so much for the tutorial. I just got my Silhouette and want to try to create my own knobs like you did. I'm not sure that my fingers are quite nimble enough, but we'll see.
Best,
~Mimi B~
You can do it, Mimi! It will take a bit of practice but you will pick it up. I would love to see anything you make! š
oh my...I just got a new cameo for Christmas...can't wait to try this!!!
This is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for!! I've been looking for some inspiration for my craft room, and knobs were one of my biggies. Thank you so much for posting this great tutorial! Definitely pinning this for later.
Wow, these are awesome! I have a question though. With the transfer paper technique (silver demask knob) will the decal wear away, do you need to coat it with something, or is it pretty sturdy on it's own?
LOVE all of them!!!! I just made a tutu organizer and decided on just white knobs! NOW I can add a little something extra thanks to your ideas! THANK YOU!
http://jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com/
You made the top 5 at The Iron Crafter! Congrats!
http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2008/05/iron-crafter-vinyl-top-5.html
Saw your link over at eighteen25...WOW! These are awesome and you have totally given me some inspiration for some re-decorating! THANKS for sharing!
These are darling! I love them! Such an easy thing but they add so much!
I am having an "every crafty blog" linky party and would love for you to come and join!
Thanks for linking up to Creative Juice Thursday! Hope you can make it back this week {party opens wed. night @ 8pm CST}
Yay!! I still love these!!! I think I realllllly need to just bite the bullet and buy a Silhouette!!
Thanks so much for linking it up to Think Pink Sundays!
Wow, and I thought I wanted a Silhouette BEFORE! These are awesome, and what an endless number of possibilities! Thanks, Michele - you have a new follower!
Oh my gosh! I've got a ton of these mushroom knobs and I didn't know what to do with them until now. I am totally bookmarking you and I'll link you when I get it done.
Thanks for being inspirational!
-Bethanie
What a neat idea. I may have to dust the cricut off and do some of these.
Just found your blog and love this project. Have a dresser I wanted to update and think this project would be great.
http://www.simplykellyblog.com
I just found your blog and am your newest follower. This project is fabulous and truly inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for linking these up today! š
Very pretty! This is a great way to save some money if you have a lot of knobs to replace!
That Rustoleum Aluminum is amazing. I hope they have it at Michaels! Thanks for the great tutes. I have a few knobs in my closet bureau that need some TLC.
If you have a moment tonight I'd love for you to share this with my readers: Creative Juice Thursday Party @ Momnivore's Dilemma. Party starts at 8 CST. Hope to see you there!
They're fantastic! I don't think I'd ever get any sleep if I had a silhouette -- so many incredible things you do with one!
I LOVE these! Beautiful
I love these! Thanks for the tutorial!
These are all gorgeous! I am sitting here thinking - "why didn't I think of that?" lol Glad you did though and now I am bookmarking this.
Michele this is one of the clearest tutorials I've ever seen!! I've been a little afraid of vinyl. (It's a little close to paper for me. haha) but now I think I could do it!! These are so darling!!!
Great ideas! I really like the damask. I'm not sure if I'm patient enough, though....
Thanks for sharing
Valerie-www.occasionallycrafty.blogspot.com
Stop on by!
SO gorgeous!! You have some serious patience, my dear! I have a hard time picking away all that extra vinyl. SO worth it, though! Love your 3 different designs!
Great tutorial. Thanks for joining my party.
Just gorgeous! LOVE this idea and your results!
Love, love, LOVE, Michele! It is official: my want for a Silhouette has turned into a need. š
Seriously fantastic! Those knobs are absolutely awesome...I guess I need to get cutting with my cricut because I want some!
Beautiful! Love all 3 of them! Gotta love the silhouette!!
Okay...I really need to invest in a Silhouette...these are just down right AWESOME!!!
The silver knob is my fav. Wonderful ideas!
Be on the lookout for knobs in the clearance section. I found a dozen for twelve cents each. Ugly lil things, but not for long.
I was just looking at knobs yesterday at Lowe's. So glad I didn't buy any. I loath tiny vinyl. I have a 31" cutter, I think I might have to suck it up...ha ha.
Thanks for the ideas, you did an awesome job.
Dude! These are completely darling, girl. What a gorgeous way to spice up a dresser.
Laurie {Tip Junkie}
I think the wait was worth it. Those are so cute. I really like the black one, no the silver one, or maybe the blue one. I can't decide. I love them all š
Super cute and awesome ideas!
Super cute, my dear! I just love all of these, but I think the first one is my fav! š I love that blue!