Make a Popup Motorcycle Card
Do you have a motorcycle lover among your friends and loved ones? Do you need a nice popup card to give them? If so, you can make a motorcycle popup card quickly and easily. You can download the free SVG cutting files from our Resource Library to make a motorcycle popup card like this one. The cutting files include pieces for the base popup card, backing card, decorative layer pieces, and an envelope. The completed motorcycle popup card measures 7″ wide x 5″ high when folded.
Supplies to Make a Popup Motorcycle Card
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Heavy Cardstock of your choice.
I used 80# white cardstock for the card base.
Medium weight green cardstock for the card backing.
French Cottage Paper Collection for layer embellishments
Silver metallic cardstock if desired behind the black motorcycle.
12″x 12″ lightweight paper or cardstock for envelope
Electronic Cutter (I used Pazzles Vue) or you can use Cricut Explore or Maker or Cameo 4 or Scan N Cut
Art Glitter Glue
SVG Cutting File from our Free Resource Library
Cutting Instructions to Make a Motorcycle Popup Card
The cutting files you need to make a popup motorcycle card are all included as shown below.
The card back is on the left. I cut this piece from green cardstock. Next, notice that the score lines are all solid red lines. Use a scoring tool for these lines, or retract your blade and reduce cutting pressure to score the surface of the card with your blade.
The base card is next to it. Cut this from white cardstock. Be sure to score the red lines first, then cut the black lines.
The next pieces are for layering on the card. Cut the grey motorcycle pieces from silver cardstock. Then glue it to the back of the black motorcycle piece to provide contrast. Then glue the black piece over the motorcycle on the base card. The light and dark green pieces represent decorative layer pieces for the top and bottom of the card.
The final piece is for the envelope. First score the red lines. Then cut on the black line.
Cutting Instructions for Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker
If you are using Cricut Design Space, upload the SVG file for the Motorcycle Popup Card into Cricut Design Space. Then right click on the design and select Ungroup. Check to make sure that all of the red lines are in their appropriate places, within the corresponding cutting lines, as shown in the diagram. You need to designate each of the red lines as score lines. Select the card and its score line, right click, then click on Attach. Next, select the base card and its score lines. Then right click and select Attach. Select the envelope and its score lines, right click, and then select Attach.
Go to the Make It screen to make sure the score lines show up on the same layer as the corresponding cutting lines. If you get a separate red mat, then the lines were not attached properly to their cutting shapes. Go back to fix that.
There is a video tutorial showing how to use popup card with Cricut Design Space here. Cricut Design Space has been updated a bit since the video was made. The updated software now has a Linetype Menu at the top of the screen near the left side. The only difference right now is that instead of clicking on the color box on the Layers menu on the side of the screen to change from a cut to a score line as shown in the video, you will select your line in the layers panel on the side of the screen, then click on the tiny down arrow at the top of the screen under Line type. Select Score. After you have designated a line to be a Score Line, hold the shift key, and select the shape of the card. Then Right click and select Attach.
Cutting Instructions for Scan N Cut
There is a set of multiple files for Scan N Cut users for this Motorcycle Popup Card, since Brother Canvas Workspace can accept only a single 11.5″”x11.5″” file at a time. Import one file at a time to cut and score. Make sure that the red lines are designated for score or draw.
Assembly Instructions
After you have all of the pieces cut out, it is time to start assembling your popup card. First remove the loose pieces from the motorcycle design. This process is called “weeding”. When these pieces are removed, you will be able to see through some parts of the motorcycle to the backing as shown below.
Next, glue the solid silver motorcycle piece to the back side of the black motorcycle piece. Glue the tiny silver mirror piece over the black mirror on the motorcycle, and the silver seat piece over the black seat on the motorcycle as shown below.
Now glue the black and silver motorcycle piece over the motorcycle portion of the white popup card as shown below.
Folding the Popup Card
First you need to fold your pieces along the score lines. Fold the backing card in half on the score line and crease it. Next, fold the sides of the white base card, pinching from the back of the card to make valley folds. There are two short fold lines on each side. Now pinch the score lines at the tops of the tabs from the back to make valley folds. Also, make valley folds by pinching from the back on the score lines at the bottom of the wheels on the motorcycle. Make mountain folds on the score lines at the top of the motorcycle. Use a bone folder to make crisp fold lines. Gently push the back of the card up as shown below.
Then gently fold the card closed all the way, so that it is flat.
Now that the folds are made, check to make sure that the card opens and closes smoothly. Open the card, and glue the remaining decorative pieces to the upper and lower parts of the card background. There are also pieces to glue on the tabs, if you wish to use them.
Once you have all of the decorative pieces in place, fold the card closed.
Final Assembly of the Popup Motorcycle Card
To glue the popup card to its backing card, place the center crease of the folded card in the inside crease of the backing card as shown below. Use quick drying glue around the edges of the white base card, making sure not to get glue on any of the motorcycle parts.
Close the backing card down over the white base card. Then rub all over the backing to make sure it stays in place until the glue dries. Once the glue is dry, turn the card over. Glue the other side to the backing card.
With glue on the other side of the white popup card base, close the card again, and hold firmly in place until the glue dries. Then you can open the card.
Now you can decorate the front of the card as you like, perhaps with a title such as “On the Road Again”, or other phrase that will encourage the card recipient. You can stamp a sentiment on a tag, cut a special sentimental phrase, or even just glue some decorative paper on the front of the card. Sign your card, and it is ready for your recipient!
Cut and Fold the Envelope
Fold each flap of the envelope on the score lines towards the center.
Place some glue at the bottom of each side flap. Then fold up the bottom flap over the sides. Hold in place until the glue is dry. Place the card inside of the envelope when you have it ready. To seal the envelope, place some glue around the top edge of the top envelope flap, and hold in place firmly until it is dry.
When your card is complete, place it inside of the envelope. Now it is ready for giving or posting to that motorcyclist in your life!
Get the FREE SVG Cutting File
You will find the cutting files for this Popup Motorcycle Card in the Free Resource Library.
Enjoy!
Julie, cuttercrafter.com
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Review of Gemini Die Cutter/Embosser
This review of the Gemini Die Cutter/Embosser covers tips for cutting thin dies made by various companies. The Gemini is a must-have electronic machine for cutting very intricate dies in a single pass! You can get this amazing machine from Amazon for a great price. This is the full size version. There is also a Gemini Jr available for those who need a smaller, more portable size. But I prefer the larger size of the Gemini, as it can cut a lot of dies in a single pass, up to 9″ wide and 12.5″ long!

Boxed Gemini
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Unboxing the Gemini
Right out of the box, this machine is ready to go. It needs a space of 14″ wide, 8″ deep and 6.5″ tall for storage. When in use, it needs some room in front and in back of the machine for the cutting plates to move in and out. So plan on a stable working surface area of 14″ wide by 34″ deep. The machine itself weighs 14.6 pounds. You should be able to move it easily for storage unless that weight is too much for you. I like the hand grips on the sides of the machine that make it easy to lift.
In the box you will find the Gemini Die Cutter & Embosser, an assortment of plates, some metal dies, an embossing folder, User Guide, and power cord.

Gemini Review and Tips
Gemini Plates
The Gemini ships with a nice assortment of plates. These plates all measure 9″ wide by 12.5″ long. The opening for the sandwiched plates measures just under 5/8″ (19/32″) high by 9″ wide. Included are two clear cutting plates. One of these goes on the bottom of the sandwich, and one goes on the top. Also included are a metal cutting plate, a magnetic shim, a plastic shim, and a rubber embossing mat. Suggestions for which plates and shims to use are included in the User Guide.
Gemini User Guide
The User Guide is a nicely illustrated, six page set of instructions. Instructions in French, Spanish, German, and Dutch are also included. Operating the Gemini is simple. Use a single power button on the back of the machine, and three buttons on top of the machine. The User Guide provides simple explanations of the functions of these buttons. Operation of the machine is automatic. As you insert the sandwich, the machine starts automatically, grabbing the sandwich, pulling it through, and stopping when the cutting is complete.
In addition to the Operation instructions, there are sections covering several types of metal dies and embossing folders, including the following:
Cutting Thin Metal Dies
Cutting Very Intricate Dies
Deep Multi Media Dies
Embossing with Crafter’s Companion Dies
Embossing with 2D Folders
3D Embossing Folders
Cut & Emboss Folders
Pressure
The Gemini is a very powerful cutting machine which has much more pressure than its competitors. It was designed to exert enough pressure necessary for cutting very intricate dies that other die cutting machines do not handle well. Since not all thin dies are made with equal thickness, the pressure may need to be adjusted. The Gemini pressure can be increased or decreased using different combinations of plates and shims.
Buttons on the Machine

Gemini Buttons
The button on the left is the power button. The center button is a Pause/Resume button. Use this button to stop the forward motion of the platforms. Press this button again to resume feeding the sandwich into the machine. The button on the right reverses the platforms out of the machine. The machine will automatically stop if the stack of platforms is too thick. After a few seconds, it will automatically back the stack out. If you have paused using the center button, you can use the reverse function to back the platforms out of the machine
Getting Started with Cutting Dies
The Gemini is shipped with a number of dies. The particular dies included may be different, depending on where the machine was purchased. HSN markets machines with a unique combination of dies, not available elsewhere. Machines purchased elsewhere will include a different variety of dies and embossing folders. It is good to do some practice cuts with the dies that came with your machine. Start with the sandwich suggestions in the User Guide for the type of dies you are using. Please note that dies with intricate detail require a different sandwich than those that are simple shapes.
Tip: Plan an uninterrupted time to become familiar with how the Gemini handles each of the different types of dies in your collection. Take notes! It will help to put a sticky note on your machine with a description of the sandwich that works for each of your most used die types.
Cutting Very Intricate Dies
There is a recommended Sandwich for use with very Intricate dies in the User Guide. Please be aware that as your clear cutting plate is used, it will warp. The sandwich may change if you are using a warped clear plate. The clear cutting plates must be positioned on top and bottom of the sandwich. The inner stack may differ, depending on what you are cutting. When using a die with very intricate inner detail, be sure to use the metal plate under the paper and die, with the cutting edges of the die facing toward the metal plate. It helps hold the die in place if you include the magnetic shim under the metal plate.
Tips:
Although different from the suggested sandwich in the User Guide, it is also helpful to use the magnetic shim under the metal plate, smooth side towards the metal plate. The metal plate should snap to the magnetic plate, and the metal die(s) should be held in their positions on the metal plate.
Place your paper or other medium on top of the metal plate. Place the die, cutting side down toward the metal plate. Then place the cutting plate over that. On the bottom of the stack, you will need another clear cutting plate. This sandwich may or may not require the addition of the plastic shim. Try it without the plastic shim first. If the cut was not quite clean, add the plastic shim under the magnetic shim. If the addition of the plastic shim makes the sandwich too thick to pass through the machine, use a couple of sheets of 110# card stock folded in half, instead. You may also need to send an intricate die through the machine two or three times in order to cut through all of the tiny detail.
Cutting with Thin Metal Dies
Your machine came with some thin metal dies that do not include intricate detail. It is important that you do NOT use the metal plate with these open shaped dies. The use of the metal plate with these may cause them to warp.
Tips:
If you are using a thin metal die to cut around a stamped image, it is OK to flip the recommended sandwich so that the die blades are face down over the stamped image. This allows you to carefully line up the die over the edges of the stamped design. You may need to use some tape to hold the die in place. Under the stamped image, place the cutting plate. Add the plastic shim over the top of the die, and a cutting plate on top of the sandwich. If this is not thick enough, you can add the magnetic shim or 110# cardstock shims between the plastic shim and cutting plate. I do not like to place the magnetic shim directly on the die, as the die may put unwanted cuts or indentations in the magnetic shim.
Alternative for Cutting around Stamped Images
If you do not want to use tape to hold down your die, there is an alternative to try. From bottom to top, make a sandwich as follows:
Clear plate on bottom,
3 or 4 pieces of 110# cardstock next,
followed by the Cuttlebug Magnetic Cutting Plate,
paper with a stamped image facing up
Die with cutting blade down,
Clear Cutting plate on top.
Magnetic Cutting Plates
The magnetic shim that ships with the Gemini is not suitable as a cutting surface. However, the Cuttlebug Magnetic Cutting Plates are thicker, and designed to be cutting plates. These are not destroyed when a die is cut with its blade down on them. They are not stiff, so they can be bent back into shape if the high pressure of the Gemini causes a bit of a curve. This alternative will work, and eliminate the need for taping down stamped paper or non-intricate dies. I do not recommend using this alternative with very intricate dies.
Deep Multi Media Dies
The dies made by some companies come with deeper cutting edges than the traditional thin metal dies. The standard sandwiches may be too thick to fit through the Gemini with these dies. Do not use the metal plate if the die is not intricate. However, if the die is intricate, follow the sandwich suggestions for cutting very intricate dies. You will not likely be able to use the plastic shim, as it may make the sandwich too thick. I use about 4 layers of 110# cardstock in place of the plastic shim for these deeper multi media dies. The thickness of the media you are cutting will determine how many shims you need to use.
Tip: After sending your deep intricate dies through 2 or three times, and you still have some areas of a die that did not cut through, use a scrap of paper over that particular uncut area. Send it through the machine again.
Consumables
When using any die cutting machine, you will find that you will need to replace the cutting plates from time to time. The cutting plates warp. The dies leave a mark on the cutting plate with each pass, and the plates become very scarred with much use. Because the Gemini exerts much more pressure and force against its plates, warped plates will need to be replaced more frequently than plates on other machines. To reduce warping of all plates and shims, it is recommended that you rotate or flip them after each use. This allows each of the four corners to be exposed to like amounts of pressure. Warped plates may still work for some cuts, but severely warped plates may not feed through the machine. Portions of intricate dies may not cut well if the plates are warped.
Purchase Extra sets of Cutting Plates
You are going to need extra cutting plates. This may happen sooner, rather than later. Purchase a number of cutting plates before you need them. You don’t want to be working on a special project, and get stuck because your cutting plates are too warped to be used. Some people have posted ways to remove some of the warping on plates. These techniques may work. But you will eventually need to replace your warped plates. Having extras on hand will save you frustration.
Tip: I try to keep three good sets of plates on hand at all times. When one gets damaged, I order a replacement while I still have a couple of good ones. Since working with my Gemini, I realized after only a couple of weeks of use, that I needed to order more. I ordered 4 extra cutting plates for both the Gemini and Gemini Jr. I know I will be needing them.
Optional Smaller Plates
Many people prefer to use the smaller plates and shims for the Gemini Jr. with their full size Gemini machine. There are some advantages for using these plates. First, the Jr. plates take only 8 seconds rather the 13 seconds to pass completely through the Gemini. Secondly, the smaller plates tend to warp less than the larger Gemini plates. Thirdly, these smaller plates serve as backups when your other plates need to be replaced. If using the Gemini Jr plates, you need to place them into the Gemini along the longer edge. The Gemini will not grab the shorter edge of these plates. If you do not need the larger cutting area of the Gemini plates, the Gemini Jr. plates are excellent options.
Tip: Using smaller plates means that you need less table surface space of only 26″ deep.
Alternative Shim Solutions
Keep in mind that you can use chipboard, paper, and card stock as shims. If what you are using is not working, you can always use a substitute combination of plates and/or shims. Write down your special combination so that you won’t have to figure it out again. Also, if you are using alternative shims, you still need to use the clear cutting plates on the top and bottom of your sandwich.
Tip: I keep a sticky note on my machine where I write down my favorite sandwich stacks for my favorite die types.
Compatibility
The Gemini is the best die cutting machine I have tried for use with very intricate thin metal dies. Getting excellent cutting results with this type of die in other machines requires more muscle strength than I have for cranking the very tight stack through them. Since the Gemini is electronic, I don’t have to worry about cranking tight sandwiches. Gemini also boasts more cutting pressure to handle those dies more efficiently. Therefore, I reserve intricate thin metal dies for use with my Gemini.
No Steel Rule Dies
You cannot use steel rule dies with the Gemini. The opening is not high enough for dies such as theregular Sizzix, Accucut, Big Shot, or Go dies to fit. The Gemini opening measures only 14 mm. The opening is also not high enough for use with the flower shaping molds by Heartfelt Creations. Also, any die that is wider than 9 inches will not fit in the Gemini. You will need to use your other machines for these dies and flower shaping molds.
Third Party Cutting Plates
Tip: I do not recommend using most cutting plates for your other die cutting machines with the Gemini. I may try testing some if the need arises, and report on the results. They were not made for the extra cutting pressure exerted by the Gemini, so they might warp. This would make them unusable in your other machines. I reserve my other cutting plates for my other machines, so that they will work when I need them for projects that I cannot do with my Gemini. The one exception right now, is the Cuttlebug Magnetic cutting plates. I will use those with non-intricate dies to eliminate the need for taping dies or paper for precision cuts.
Intricate Dies from other Companies
Intricate dies that I have used successfully from other companies with the Gemini are:
Tattered Lace,
Anna Griffin,
Heartfelt Creations,
Cuttlebug,
Ellentina,
Spellbinders,
Crafters Companion
Die’Sire
Tim Holtz Sizzix thin metal dies
Additional Supplies
You will need the Spellbinders Tool in One or a similar brush with your intricate dies. The roller brush tip helps remove the cut materials from the dies. Place the cut pieces with the die on a foam pad, and brush the back side of the die. Use the pointed tip of this tool to poke through the holes on the back side of the die to release the cut pieces from the die. You can purchase additional accessories for this tool such as the embossing tips and brayer tip, if you do not already have those tools.
The other very necessary tool when cutting intricate dies is a trash can. You can avoid a lot of vacuuming by removing your intricate dies from the cut projects over a trash can.
Tip: Tap the die gently against the edge of your desk or table to loosen tiny pieces trapped in the die. Do this over the trash can!
Pros
Gemini cuts with greater pressure than any other die cutting machine.
Fewer passes are needed with this machine, as compared with thin dies used on other machines.
The machine is simple to use, as it is motor driven. This is great for those with limited mobility in hands, arms, or shoulders.
The maximum die width for use in the Gemini is 9″.
The 12.5″ cutter plate length allows you to cut many dies at the same time.
Gemini can use thin metal dies and embossing folders from many different companies.
You can use dies to cut around your stamped images by reversing the recommended plate order.
The Gemini automatically rejects a stack of plates that is too thick to cut.
Cons
Cutting plates do not last long. So purchase extras! If you place dies, blade side towards the metal cutting plate, you will need extras of those as well.
Gemini is NOT compatible with plastic or wooden steel rule dies. They are too thick to pass through this machine.
Gemini cannot be used with Flower shaping molds. The molds are too thick to feed into the machine.
Be careful with the way you stack the plates and shims, as it is easy to ruin them. Cutting blades with material to be cut, must have a clear or metal cutting plate next in the stack!
Love,
Julie, cuttercrafter.com
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Make A Fabric Doily Bonnet with 3D Fabric Flowers
You can make a fabric doily bonnet with 3D Fabric Flowers suitable for Easter, weddings, parties, and special events. Do it yourself to create a designer bonnet in the color scheme for your event. Use your electronic craft cutter to create a lovely craft project. This bonnet is made entirely of fabric and ribbon. Even the 3D flowers on top of the bonnet are made of fabric

Fabric Bonnet with 3D Flowers
Supplies
Electronic Craft Cutter
Fabric Mat
Brayer
1 yard Wired ribbon 2.5″ wide
Cotton Batiks Fabric 1/3 yard from Vogue Fabrics
Low Temp Glue Gun
¼” elastic – 12”
Low Temp Glue Sticks
1/2″ Curling Iron
Terial Magic Fabric Stabilizer
2 Gallon Ziplock baggie
Iron
Ironing Board
Pressing Cloth
Assembly Instructions
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Prepare the Fabric.
Place the fabric in a two-gallon Ziplock baggie.
Spray enough Terial Magic Fabric Stabilizer on the fabric in the baggie to saturate the fabric.
Allow to dry until just barely damp.
Place a pressing cloth on an ironing board. Place the damp fabric on the pressing cloth. Place another pressing cloth over the damp fabric.
Set the iron to a high cotton setting without steam.
Iron the fabric until it is dry and stiff.
Cut the Stiffened Fabric
Import the SVG cutting file into your cutter software. Place the stiffened fabric on an extra tacky cutting mat. Use a brayer over the entire surface of the fabric to ensure that it is securely adhered to the mat. Use a new blade in your cutter or one that has only been used for cutting fabric. Perform a test cut to determine the best pressure and blade extension to use for cutting this project. Use two passes and a slow cutting speed when cutting fabric. Cut the doily first. Then cut the flowers.
Assemble the Flowers
Layer 1, Bud – Put hot glue along the side edges of one of the flower petals, and wrap these petal edges to the edges of a petal across from it to form a bud. Add hot glue to the sides of another petal, and place around the bud. Add hot glue to the final petal edges, and place it around the bud.
Layer 2. Place some hot glue in the center of another flower layer, and place the bottom of the bud in the center of this flower layer. Add some hot glue half-way up each of the petals and glue to the bud.
Layer 3 Add some glue to the bottom of this flower layer, and place in the center of another flower layer. Add hot glue only to the base of each of petals on this layer, and press up around the previous layers.
Layer 4 Repeat instructions for layer 3.
Layer 5 Place a dot of glue in the center of the final layer. Place the bud and previously added layers to the center of this final layer. Do not add hot glue to the petals on this layer.
Center Bud piece – Curl the single petal around itself to form a tiny cone. Place hot glue on the inside tip and place inside of the flower.
Use a hot curling iron to Curl each of the two sides of each petal towards the outside of the flower. Add more hot glue if needed to form the finished flower. You will need three finished flowers for this project.
Assemble the fabric doily bonnet with 3D Fabric Flowers
Glue the flowers to the center of the ribbon, and glue the ribbon to the center of the cut doily.

Finished fabric flowers glued to ribbon .
Glue the piece of elastic near the edge of each side of the bonnet. This elastic will go behind the ears, and under the hair to hold the bonnet in place. Curl the long edges of ribbon to hang down the sides of the bonnet.

Curled ribbon hangs down the sides.
Here is a top view of the fabric doily bonnet with 3D Fabric Flowers.

Top View of the bonnet with 3D Fabric Flowers
Your DIY fabric doily bonnet with 3D Fabric Flowers is now ready to use for Easter, weddings, parties, and special events. It makes a lovely gift accessory! My little friend loved wearing her new hat for Easter!
Would you like to see some of my FREE SVG projects? Check them out in my FREE Resource Library.
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