I have a confession, I’m a total perfectionist! Now, don’t think I say this as a bad thing. Actually the drive to do my absolute best has many times benefited me in both my personal and professional life. However, lately I feel like my perfectionism is taking complete control of my life! Seriously, recently I have been so stressed about making everything that I create perfect that I’ve been reluctant to start new projects! Have you ever felt this way? Does it frustrate you as much as it does me?

So, I’ve decided that it’s high time to have a serious talk with myself! I’m trying to not be so hard on myself when things go wrong and keep reminding myself that a major part of creation is trial and error (look at the creation of the lightbulb!). I feel like I’ve been doing better but wanted to create something cute to help remind me that sometimes you HAVE to choose progress over perfection! I LOVE little easels so it was only natural that I would use a mini canvas and vinyl to create a cute reminder that can sit on my desk.

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What You Need!

• Cricut Machine
• Permanent Vinyl
• Acrylic Paint ~ I used FolkArt Metallic Paint
• Cricut Transfer Tape
• Mini Canvas ~ Mine Is 4 x 4 Inches
• Free #36 ~ Progress Over Perfection Free SVG ~ Available in my pattern stash! Head on down to the bottom of the page, fill out the form, and instantly receive an email with the password!

Cricut Supplies Used!

• Fine Point Blade
• Cricut Light Grip Blue Cutting Mat

What To Do!

To begin the progress over perfection vinyl canvas you need to download the free SVG from The Pattern Stash and upload it into Cricut Design Space. Need help doing this? Check out my post How To Upload SVG Files to Cricut Design Space for step-by-step instructions! Next, decide what colors you will use for the canvas. I wanted an ombre look so I started out with two colors (pink and purple) and added varying amounts of white to lighten them. So, in the end I had six colors to work with.

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Next, you need to paint the canvas. If you are only using one color then go at and get it done! However, if you would like to copy my exact design then paint the lightest color at the bottom of the canvas. Then while the paint is still wet layer the next color right above it.

Continue adding colors one after another until you are at the top of the canvas! Now, you don’t want to add your vinyl to the canvas right after you painted it. If you do the paint will come off (so sad)! So, set aside your cute painted canvas for at least 24 hours so the paint can set.

Then place the transfer tape on top of your vinyl saying. Use your Cricut scraper to press the transfer tape down onto the vinyl. Pull the saying from the original backing.

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Next, center your saying over the painted canvas and press it down.

Then use your Cricut scraper to smooth the vinyl onto the canvas. Make sure to not press too hard or you could hurt the canvas. If you are using a larger canvas then I did for this craft be sure to place something solid behind the canvas such as a book so you don’t hurt it. Since this canvas was so little I didn’t worry about it.

Next, flip over the canvas and use the scraper on the back of the canvas to press the vinyl.

Then carefully remove the transfer tape from your saying and add it to a cute easel!

Isn’t this just the perfect way of reminding yourself to not be so hard on yourself when things aren’t exactly perfect? I simply love this little ombre vinyl canvas and appreciate the reminder to strive for progress over perfection.

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