Tip on how to apply vinyl to Christmas balls?

[fedoraoriginali]

I have 8cm diameter Christmas balls that I want to cutomize with names. Any trick to applying the vinyl to such a round object? Any tips would be great!
Thanks
Dora

 

[TheSnowman]

I'd say find the biggest balls you can for that.

 

[fedoraoriginali]

I saw a pic of one done not too long ago on another forum but cannot remember which one
I am sure that it wasn't one of those monster balls! Even if you have a larger ball the spherical shape would still make it difficult to apply. I am wondering if anyone has done it?

 

[mopar691]

saw it done like the pieces wrapping a tennis ball. Other than that no idea

 

[letterman7]

Just names? As in individual letters and not a full wrap? Cut the name and apply it... no big deal.

 

[Sideshow]

create font on a radius

 

[Pat Whatley]

create font on a radius

How does that make the application easier?

 

[fedoraoriginali]

This is the sort of thing...

 

[Sideshow]

because on a slight curve, it allows for a straight application, it will follow the curve of the diameter easier when its cut and applied with a slight radius, when yo try to apply a straight around a diameter on a sphere, it never really looks right if its not DEAD center in the radius, especially with how the diameter gets smaller away from center.

 

[Sideshow]

Just to explain, Ive been making custom annual Christmas tree decorations for a few years for family. Ill buy the clear ones at Micheals fill them, then cut vinyl for names designs etc, to airbrush, then layer for other colors. I just found cutting names with slight radius or skews makes them apply easier, and using the minimal..nealry tweezer width of mask so that doesnt scrape.

 

[fedoraoriginali]

when its cut and applied with a slight radius, when yo try to apply a straight around a diameter on a sphere, it never really looks right if its not DEAD center in the radius, especially with how the diameter gets smaller away from center.

I'm sorry but I don't get what you mean by the radius? The radius of a circle can be anywhere..the radius just means the measurement from the outside to the centre of the sphere i.e. half the diameter???

 

[fedoraoriginali]

Just to explain, Ive been making custom annual Christmas tree decorations for a few years for family. Ill buy the clear ones at Micheals fill them, then cut vinyl for names designs etc, to airbrush, then layer for other colors. I just found cutting names with slight radius or skews makes them apply easier, and using the minimal..nealry tweezer width of mask so that doesnt scrape.

Can you please explain what you mean by cutting names with slight radius means? Or better than that, how you do it? I have illustrator, Photoshop Extended and Signlab.

 

[Jillbeans]

It takes me about 5 minutes to hand-letter one.
Easiest way I know.
Love....Jill

 

[d fleming]

First you have to get the elf to stand really still.....

 

[Sideshow]

Heres what I mean, since I cant explain it any different. top showing for refence bottom the curve



again, its just made it easier to apply small lettering or designs on a curved surface that small..youll have to find the right diameter to use based on the size of the item and lettering / symbol.

That was on a 24" diamter, which I would use as a base for a 6" decoration... adjusting as needed.

 

[Alti-Plotter]

It takes me about 5 minutes to hand-letter one.
Easiest way I know.

Not everybody has your talent...

 

[fedoraoriginali]

Heres what I mean, since I cant explain it any different. top showing for refence bottom the curve



again, its just made it easier to apply small lettering or designs on a curved surface that small..youll have to find the right diameter to use based on the size of the item and lettering / symbol.

That was on a 24" diamter, which I would use as a base for a 6" decoration... adjusting as needed.

Thanks. I did do something like that but I haven't applied it yet. If it is too fiddly it will be another idea in the too hard too much time category

 

[Dave Drane]

have you tried getting a quote from someone who does laser engraving?

 

[mollygrubber]

Cut vinyl.....Apply transfer tape.....trim close to letters.....cut a slit between the letters top and bottom but not all the way thru.....apply

This makes it easier when I've done it.

 

[fedoraoriginali]

That makes sense! I will give it a try!