Your vinyl cutter creates almost endless possibilities for patron and staff use. Here you will find ideas to get you started in programs, displays, and decorations.
Your patrons can have
fun creating designs and then watching them print and come to life with the
library’s vinyl cutter. You can purchase supplies in advance for your program
attendees, or ask patrons to bring their own item of your specification. You
might also want to have certain elements of the designs already printed, and
attendees will build their custom creation from there. Choose what works best
for your library and community. You can always adjust after the first couple of
programs. Here are just a few programs you can do with your patrons:
- Storytime: For children. Use your cutting machine to create colorful and exciting crafts for storytime. This could help save money in the long-run, and you can fully customize your crafts to whichever story is being read that day.
- Greeting Cards! For adults and teens. Patrons get to customize
their very own card. This is a simple program that can be opened up to
many people. Be sure to have a selection or paper and designs available —
but not so much that it takes your patrons a long time to choose.
- Here is where you might want to have a certain number of elements already printed, including the card base itself, and have patrons choose what they would like to add to their card.
- You can also bring in gel pens, stickers, and other options for patrons.
- Glassware: For adults. Using vinyl, have patrons print out sayings or designs to be placed on glassware — glass mugs, tumblers, and even a glass vase are great for this craft.
- Canvas Art: For adults and teens. With small-medium size canvases, patrons can create their own work of art. You will need paint supplies for this program as well. Patrons choose a design that is printed on vinyl, apply it to their canvas, paint with whichever colors they would like, then peel off the vinyl to reveal a colorful design!
There are so many more programs available to you! Be prepared for a high volume of attendees and potential waitlists — these programs get popular!
Displays & Decor for Librarians
In addition to program
usage, you can use your vinyl and paper cutter to create beautiful displays in
any department. This allows you to fully customize your displays and get the
exact look you’re after. If you’re careful during takedown, you can save and
reuse these designs to reduce waste.