Here's another fun summer staple that you can screen print on… flip flops! Whether you want to wear them or turn them into an easy Dollar Tree wreath, you can add any design, monogram, or lettering.

Supplies Needed to Screen Print on Flip Flops

• Cricut Maker or Silhouette Vinyl Cutting Machine
• Oracal 651 vinyl
• Speedball screen printing frame with hinge
• Speedball acrylic ink
• Graphic Squeegee
• Painter’s Tape
• Transfer Tape
• Flip Flops (I found these at Dollar Tree)
• Embroidery Hoop
• Thin piece of wood the same width as your embroidery hoop
• Hot Glue

Screen Printing with Vinyl Cut on your Cricut or Silhouette

My favorite projects to make with my Cricut Maker are screen printing projects.  Using adhesive vinyl cut on your machine, you can screen print any design onto so many different surfaces. 

Today I’m screen printing on flip flops.  If you are just getting started with screen printing, I suggest starting with a t-shirt or printing on a scrap piece of material.  This will give you a better feel of the process before attempting an uneven surface like flip flops. 

Using a Speedball Hinge Frame

For projects like this, I like to use a hinged screen printing frame. This allows you to check the ink coverage after your first squeegee.  If you need to add more ink, you can lower the screen in the exact same spot and squeegee another coat of ink. 

To make sure your flip flop doesn’t move around when you lift the screen, it’s a good idea to tape the flip flop to your board. If your flip flop gets bumped or moves when you lift the screen, you won’t’ be able to accurately line up the screen for a second coat of ink. 

Tips for Screen Printing with Vinyl on Unique Surfaces

When you are attempting to screen print on surfaces that are not completely flat, the key is getting even contact with your squeegee.  Even slight unevenness of your printing surface can cause the ink to bleed under the vinyl.  

I started my squeegee just below the thong. From this spot to the bottom of the flip flop is flat enough to keep your squeegee flat.

I also found that using one coat of ink is all that was needed. Since the ink does not absorb (like it does in a t-shirt), if you add too much ink, it will bleed under the vinyl on the back of your screen. 

Assembling Your Flip Flop Wreath

If you are turning your screen printed flip flops into a wreath like I did in this project, you will need an embroidery hoop and piece of thin wood the same width as your hoop.  

Glue the wood piece across your embroidery hoop to create a surface you can glue the flip flops to. Hot glue your flip flops to the frame and add a bow.

Learn How to Screen Print with Vinyl

For more tips on how to get started screen printing with vinyl, check out my beginner’s screen printing page.  I also have an ebook and online course to teach you all of the tricks to screen printing with your Cricut or Silhouette.