I am decadently dashing off mid-day to eat lunch with my husband–it’s our 20th wedding anniversary today, if you can believe it, and he can’t get away from work for even a long weekend right now, so we’re going to head somewhere romantic like Roly Poly instead of the Bahamas! It’s nothing but glamour here, I tell ya.
If you want to see how ridiculously young we looked on our wedding day, Amy has courteously posted a snapshot for the world to see on Instagram. Just kidding, Amy–I so appreciate the kind thoughts and the friendship over the years–because, of course, she was there!
But, while I’m out and about, I’ve prepared a post for you, AND there’s a monogram giveaway at the end because you always need more monograms. 🙂
PS Congratulations to Carol L., who won our calendar pad giveaway. Check your email if that’s your name!
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You can monogram anything–seriously. It’s the southern way, too, for those of us who live below the Mason Dixon line, although I hear it’s catching on up north, too.
I’ve shared tons of monogram projects in the past; today I’m sharing a few of my favorite places to use a round monogram. For those of who you have a vinyl machine (like my Silhouette CAMEO), I’ll also link to the monogram tutorial I’ve posted.
And as an aside, I’m coming up on 4 years as a Silhouette owner…it’s been worth every penny as I’ve not only used it for hundreds of gifts, but I also use it to cut monograms (and so much more) for our Etsy shop (the best price on them right now is here).

If you have a Silhouette and want to cut a round monogram, the tutorial with all the step by step directions is {here}. Once you’ve created the monogram, the Silhouette lets you size it as big or as small as you need, and you can cut them out of vinyl, paper, and iron-on vinyl (and lots more, I’m sure).
This is the gold vinyl that I use; it’s the best I’ve found–it’s thick and weeds beautifully.
You can remove the circle and use them, too. They stick on a lampshade as long as the fabric of the shade isn’t too textured:




Last but not least, don’t forget that you can iron on monograms, using heat transfer vinyl. I buy headbands {I use these ones} and monogram them:

The vinyl you use does matter; as do your machine’s settings (if you’re having trouble, I give some tips for troubleshooting your machine at the end of this post). I’ve had the best luck with vinyl from Expressions Vinyl; their vinyl is the best I’ve used (it weeds like a dream) and if you sign up for their emails they send at least one coupon a week. They usually ship within 24 hours, too, and have excellent customer service.
When it’s time to remove your adhesive vinyl, it’s so easy. I wrote this post to tell you how, but really a hair dryer and a razor blade is all you need.
I linked to all the related posts above so you can read more about each of these monograms; if you prefer to shop for them just visit our Etsy shop since they’re all for sale there (but if you have a vinyl machine you can make these SO easily and inexpensively–just follow the tutorial!). Just a reminder that we have free shipping in our Etsy shop until 9/15/15; just use coupon code BACKTOSCHOOL when you check out.
If you have any questions on applying adhesive or heat transfer vinyl, just leave them below and I’ll be happy to help.
Oh, and I found this cute shopping deal that I wanted to share, since it’s also monograms. 🙂 These cosmetic bags are only $12.49 (with embroidered monogram) and come in chevron, Greek key, and quatrefoil in a bunch of colors. Such a cute birthday or Christmas gift idea–you can even stuff them with some beauty or manicure goodies! Details are {here}.
I know that’s just the tip of the iceberg…tell me your favorite things to monogram and GOOD LUCK with the giveaway! (P.S. Monogram sizes for the giveaway are 1.5″, 2.75″, and 5.5″)
Thanks for stopping by.







I put it on my tervis tumbler!
Oh wow, I got real excited there for a second. The winner of the calendar…so close to my name. LOL Love monograms and I ‘slap’ this one a clear cover for an i-Pad case. Thank you for the chance to win a monogram!
I would make a cute bowl for jewelry for myself… I made one for my daughter last Christmas and all of the women in my family wanted one!
I’d love to slap one on a white bowl I have waiting! 🙂 I’ve been looking in the Etsy shop and trying to decide what to order. Thanks for sharing so many great ideas ~ especially for gifts!
xo
Pat
I forgot ~ Happy Anniversary!! 🙂
xo
Pat
I have a small plate that really needs one! Thanks for all your wonderful ideas!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE monograms! And thanks for sharing the instructions on making the bowl. I love it.
I would probably try monogramming a pillow first.
I would try monogramming a pillow.
A girl can ways use a fancy monogram ?. Maybe my treadmill needs some love… Or my locker at work… Or my journal. There ya go- used all 3 in 10 seconds ?
I have similar little bowls with gold trim that I got on clearance from Hobby Lobby. So I will definitely be putting my ‘dWr’ inside of them.
Happy Anniversary Christy….congratulations on your 20th. You are an amazing wife and mom with such understanding of the commitments of your hubby. A true dedicated Army wife. I hope you are able to spend as much time with each other and hopefully down the road you can celebrate your 20th in major style!…I always love your monogram projects!
Thanks for all the great DIY monogram projects. I love monograms!
Happy Anniversary Christy! I would love a monogram for a white cake plate I have!
I’d probably monogram some things for my tween daughter.
I’d definitely monogram some napkins for my Thanksgiving table.
I would probably monogram something for my daughter
I couldn’t find any gold rimmed dipping bowls, so I will do the marker trick you suggested! I have already bought 3 small items I want to monogram…a ring dish, a cup, and a tiny lamp! I also want to do a large one for a pillow and mirror…can’t wait to get started doing some monogram madness =) Happy 20th anniversary !!!!!!! I’ll be celebrating my 25th in a few weeks and have moved 7 times since we’ve been married. The latest rental is a little outdated, so I’m doing as many DIY projects as possible without breaking the bank since it’s only for 2 years. I actually decorated the laundry room with inspiration from your previous home. I’m a little restricted, not as much by the landlord as by my husband!! lol, but I’m slowly getting it done. Love you girls…thx for all the great ideas.
Kathi Lyons
I just found a gold rimmed clear glass plate that would look great with a monogram. And my Tervis tumbler broke, so I definitely need a new one with a monogram. Thanks for the giveaway! And happy anniversary. My husband and I celebrated 33 in June and we didn’t have time to go to the Bahamas either….
These monograms are perfect for pretty much any containers! 🙂
I would make one of the jewelry bowls for my nightstand.