School Bus Keychain Bus Driver Thank You Gift Using Cricut

If you're looking for a thoughtful way to say thank you to the amazing bus drivers in your life, this DIY school bus keychain is the perfect project! It’s a fun and simple craft you can make using your Cricut machine - any day you want to spread a little extra kindness!

Materials:

• Craft foam, yellow
• Cricut StrongGrip Mat
• Cricut Deep Pont Blade
• Cricut Iron-on scraps in white, black, red
• Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press Machine
• Craft foam adhesive
• Key ring
• Paper, white
• Cricut Pen, black

Directions:

You can head straight to this project in Cricut Design Space, and you’ll find everything you need to create the bus all in one place. It’s ready to go, so you can jump right in and start crafting without having to search for anything.

Start by cutting the bus shape out of yellow craft foam. To get the best results, make sure you tape down the edges of the craft foam onto a Cricut Strong Grip Mat before you start cutting - it’ll help keep everything secure and give you nice, clean cuts. Then, use some leftover scraps of Cricut Iron-on to cut out all the little features and details for the bus.

Tips for Cutting Craft Foam

Choose the Right Blade

For Cricut Maker users, the Knife Blade is ideal for cutting thicker craft foam (up to 3mm). If you're using a Cricut Explore machine, the Deep Point Blade is your best bet. The Fine Point Blade isn't recommended, as it often struggles to cut through foam cleanly.

Secure Your Material

Place your craft foam on a StrongGrip (purple) mat for better adhesion. Use a brayer to press it down firmly, ensuring it's flat and secure. To prevent shifting during cutting, tape all four edges of the foam to the mat using masking or painter's tape.

Adjust Machine Settings 

Before cutting, move the white star wheels on your Cricut all the way to the right. This prevents them from leaving marks on your foam. Also, make sure your design isn't wider than 11 inches to avoid contact with the wheels.

Test Before Final Cuts

It's always a good idea to do a test cut on a small piece of foam before proceeding with your main project. This helps you verify that your settings are correct and that the blade is cutting cleanly. If you notice rough or uneven edges, it might be time to replace your blade.

Once you’ve cut out all the vinyl features, use your Cricut EasyPress Mini to carefully transfer the iron-on vinyl details onto both sides of your craft foam bus. Take your time and make sure everything is lined up nicely.

Now it's time to put everything together! Start by slipping your key ring onto the narrow strip of foam that connects the two bus shapes.

Once the key ring is in place, fold the two bus pieces together, making sure the wrong sides are facing each other. Then, use any strong glue that's safe for craft foam to secure them. 

Press everything together firmly and use some mini clothespins or binder clips to hold it all together while the glue dries.

To make your keychain gift even more special, why not create a cute little card to go along with it? You can use your Cricut Pens to write a sweet thank you message right onto the card. It's a simple extra touch that shows you put a lot of thought and care into your gift - and it’s sure to make the recipient smile!

It’s such a simple project, but it really makes a big impact and shows just how much you appreciate everything your bus driver does. Whether you’re making one or a whole batch to hand out, it’s a thoughtful little gift that’s sure to bring a big smile. I hope you have as much fun making these as I did - happy crafting!

Do More: Cricut Project Ideas to Show Appreciation for School Personnel

Teacher Appreciation Cards

Design and personalize heartfelt thank you cards using Cricut Pens, adding quotes or doodles that show your gratitude

Personalized Cups or Mugs

Create custom cups or mugs with vinyl decals that say “World’s Best Teacher” or “Thanks for all you do” to make every sip a reminder of their hard work.

Custom Planners or Notepads

Create personalized planners or notepads for staff with their names or inspiring quotes to help them stay organized and motivated.