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Prime Day 2021

Prime Day Deals Crafters

Prime Day Best Deals for Crafters

Best Prime Day Deals for Crafters  to Check Out on Amazon.

Amazon Prime Day 2021 for Crafters

Amazon Prime Day 2021 is Monday and Tuesday, June 21-22,  starting at 12 A.M. Pacific time.. Prime Day is a great event for getting the best Amazon prices available all year.  If you haven’t heard about Prime Day before, it’s a once-a-year HUGE sale at Amazon — about 100,000 items get put on sale. It’s bigger than Black Friday, but it is just for Amazon. I’m a Prime member (and you have to be to get these deals) and I’ve been shopping Prime Day for a while now. It is possible to find out in advance what things are going to go on sale. I looked and I found some really interesting DIY & CRAFT deals. I’ll be adding to my shopping list for myself and my family — and I thought you might like to know about these deals, too.

While your other family members are finding lots of important tools and gadgets, this is a great time to anticipate major crafting needs for the coming year. I have posted links to crafting tools that I use the most. Some of the items I use regularly are already marked down, and I found a few that are even at half price!  Be sure to check out the items that you use most to get some great bargains.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)!  

What to Expect, How to shop,  and Get Ready

  • Check out the amazon.com/primeday page every day to stay up to date on Amazon’s best deals and offers of the year.
  • Don’t forget to sign up for Prime, as Prime Day deals are exclusively available to members!
  • You can try it for FREE for 30 days! amazon.com/tryprimefree 
  • Download and install the Amazon App. In the top left app menu, tap “Today’s Deals”, then the “UPCOMING” tab. Find a deal that you want and tap “Watch this deal” to get notified when it starts.
  • Make a Wish List and watch for email notifications when items go up for sale. You can use my list as a starting point. Wouldn’t this make a great crafter’s Christmas in July shopping list?

Links to Prime Day Deals 2021for Crafters

Machines

Pazzles Inspiration Vue CutterSee my review here. 

Silhouette Cameo 4- Look for low prices on bundles. Here are some additional Silhouette items to check.

Gemini Die Cutting/Embossing Machine Great price for a power machine! I ordered one, plus the plates for the Gemini Jr to use with this. See my review here.  Gemini Junior.

Here are some Additional items from Crafter’s Companion   

Scan N Cut

Scan N Cut DX85-Latest cutter from Brother. See my SNC review here. A lot of Scan N Cut items have low prices this year.

Scan N Cut DX125EGY

Brother SNC Universal Pen Holder Allows you to use standard pens in your new or older model Scan N Cut machine.

Scan N Cut Standard Blade

Scan N Cut Standard Mat for CM models or SNC2

Scan N Cut Standard Mat for DX models

Scan N Cut Online Activation Card for WiFi connection This is not needed for the newer DX SNC models.

Cricut

Cricut Maker  If you are looking for the latest models, the best price right now may be directly from Cricut. However, Amazon has some very good prices on some of the older Cricut machines and bundles. Check out all things Cricut here. See my  Cricut Explore vs Cricut Maker-Review.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Bundle new low price.

Cricut Joy Newest Cricut machine, compact size.

Cricut Cutting Mats – Standard Grip

Cricut Cutting Mats – Variety Pack

Cricut Easy Press Mini

Cricut Easy Press 2  9″x9″ Higher heat options for Cricut Infusion projects

Cricut Easy Press 2   12″x10.  Necessary for larger Cricut Infusion projects.

Cricut Easy Press Mat 

Cricut Cuttlebug

Cricut Bright Pad

Cricut Ultimate Fine Point Pen Set Assorted

Cricut Infusible Ink Markers

Cricut Heat Resistant Tape

Cricut Coaster Blanks

Cricut Rotary Blade Kit– See my review here.

Nicapa Mats for Cricut– Set of Three  These work well for me.

Xinart Standard Grip Gutting Mats for Cricut – Set of Three . I ordered these to try. The price is right!

Cricut Foil Transfer Sheets Jewel Sampler

My favorite Embossing and Die cutting machines and products.

Crafter’s Companion Products – Lots of their products are for sale at a discount for Prime Day!

Heartfelt Creations Products Lots of their products are for sale at a discount for Prime Day!

 Tools

A4 LED Ultra Thin Light Box Tracer – Not quite as bright as the Cricut Bright Pad, but the price is right and it works well for weeding vinyl.

Crafter’s Companion NEW! Professional Guillotine  Large  13″ long, compact and light weight. Great for trimming! Side arm extends 13″ . Metric and Imperial measurments, scoring stylus, and scoring grid.

Temperature Gun – check the actual heat of your iron, heat press, heated project, etc.

Heartfelt Creations Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit I use this kit for shaping my 3D flowers. See my blog tutorial and my video tutorial for shaping paper roses. 

Spellbinders Tool In 1 Great for brushing the tiny pieces out of intricate cuts.

Tim Holtz Stamp Platform I love this for getting perfectly stamped images.

Sizzix Extended Cutting Plates

Candle Warmer – for shaping thin foam into flowers

Hand Engraving Tool – Insert in cutter pen holder. You may need to wrap tape around it to fit in the pen holder.

Dog Tags for engraving Engrave a blank tag for your pet using your engraving tool with your cutter!

Three Hole Punch – great low price. I use this regularly for organizing craft items in binders.

Pink Tool Set– Every crafter needs their own set of tools handy for everyday use. I got these. My hubby doesn’t like pink, so I might be able to keep them around for awhile. There is an excellent price on tools this year!

Lighted Magnifying Glass – great for callibration tests on cutters. I use mine almost every day!

Adhesives

Dries Clear Adhesive –  My favorite craft glue that dries quickly, and dries clear. Love the fine tip applicator.

Bulk Dries Clear Adhesive Refill – Use this to refill your smaller glue bottle with fine tip applicator.  I have been using this for several years to refill my smaller glue bottles with fine tip applicators.

Alenes Tack It Over and Over – Mix 1 part glue to 2 parts water, and apply to cutting mats using a foam paint brush for the least expensive way to make them sticky again.

Zig 2-Way Glue – Most convenient way to restick cutting mats, and very effective.

Duo Temp Mini Hot Glue Gun – Great for making 3D paper or foam flowers

Mini Glue Sticks – Refills for Mini Hot Glue Gun

Scor-tape Sheets

Self Adhesive Vinyl  I love having this collection of many colors of adhesive vinyl, especially for last minute projects.

Paper and Cardstock

See my Blog Post on the Best Paper for Crafting here.

80# white cardstock Excellent cardstock for print and cut projects. The printer can handle it, and it cuts well.

100# white cardstock Great for cutting popup cards and stamped flowers for coloring and shaping into 3D flowers.

110# White cardstock Great for 3D projects

12″x 12″ Assorted Color cardstock 150 sheets Variety of weights, most between 65# and 80#

Laser Color Copy paper – for use with Infusible Ink products from Cricut

Translucent Vellum 36# Cardstock – great for embossing

Foam

Thin Foam Sheets for Flower Making – 1mm thick

HTV and Sublimation

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) I love this quality collection of multi-colored HTV to have on hand for last minute projects.  It works very well.

15″x 15″ Heat Press If you do a lot of Heat transfer vinyl on garments, you need a heat press. The size is right on this one, and the best price I could find.

15″x 12″ 8 in 1 Heat Press combo – This allows you to create your Heat Transfer vinyl projects, Cricut Infusion Projects, as well Sublimation projects, including attachments for mugs, hats, dishes, etc. This is the one I have.

Epson WF 2760 Printer – Use with sublimation ink.

Epson Ecotank Printer

Sublimation Ink for Epson WF 2760– Print designs on sublimation paper, and transfer to project blanks

Mug Blanks for Sublimation 

Sublimation Printer Paper I recently learned that you do not need special sublimation printer paper.  Just use your standard printer paper with your printer’s sublimation ink. You do need proper blanks for sublimation projects, such as white or light colored polyester fabric. Mugs, coasters, plates, caps, etc. need to have a special coating to accept sublimation ink.

Foiling

Brother Monochromatic Laser Printer – for printing toner sheets to foil with deco foils and laminator.

9″ wide Thermal Laminator – For general laminating and for use with toner sheets and deco foil

12″ Deco Foil – for use with laminator

Gemini Foil Press – For use with Gemini Jr. ( or full size Gemini with Extender plate) and Hot foil  – See my tutorial for foiling.

Gemini Foil Bundles – For use with Foil Press, NOT for laminator.

Electronics

SanDisk 64Gb Flash Drive  The price on this has dropped significantly. It is such a handy device for storing lots of files for craft projects. This will work to transfer SVG files to the Scan N Cut. I keep a dedicated thumb drive for that purpose.

Portable 4T External usb Drive – Great for storing backups of all of your printables, cutting files, and fonts collections

Instant Pot Duo 6 qt.  – I love my Instant Pot. I can do a lot of crafting while it does the cooking! I have the 8-Quart model.  But if you don’t yet have an air fryer, and want one, check out this Instant Pot with Air Fryer lid!  Instant Pot 10 Qt Wow what a deal!

Blendtec Blender – My favorite Smoothie Maker. Check to see if there is a special price on  Prime Day.

Flameless Candles for those lantern projects

Set of 9 Flameless Candles

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser – Create a relaxing and healthy crafting environment, especially during the current pandemic.

Echo Dot  – Smart speaker with Alexa – charcoal  to add Instant music for your crafting environment.

Pens, Markers, Pencils

Ultra Fine Micro Line Pens set of 16  I couldn’t resist purchasing another set of these at this low price.

12 Retractable Bold Pens

Sharpie Fine Point pen set of 24 colors Can you even have enough Sharpies? These fit in my pen holders to draw with my machines.

Bic 36 colors, permanent pens

Dry Erase Markers

24 Mechanical Pencils

Derwent Watercolor Pencils set of 24  now at a reduced price. I love these for coloring my 3D flower creations.

Artists Choice Watercolor Pencils set of 72 More colors in this set, but the colors are not as intense as those in the Derwent set.

Set of 88 Alcohol Dual Tip Markers with case.

Prismacolor pastel color sticks

Prismacolor colored pencils

Super Doodle 50 Gel Pens Set

48 Colored Pencils– less expensive, but less dense pigment than Prismacolor colored Pencils.

136 colored pencils – Best deal

Acrylic Paint pens set of 18

40 colors Puffy Paints

Arteza Real Brush Pens set of 96 with case. 

Art Media

Prills – Use to embellish centers of 3D flowers

Stamens – Use to embellish centers of 3D flowers

Ultra Fine Glitter This is what I use with the Scor-tape Sheets to make patterned glitter paper. See my tutorial here.

Modeling Clay, 24 colors plus tools – Tools can be used to shape clay, fondant, and/or 3D flowers.

Arteza Watercolor Premium Artist Paints Set of 24 Colors

Art Supplies for Children – Great kit, including crayons, colored pencils, watercolor paints, pastels, tools, etc in a wood case when children want to craft with you.

Stamp set-nice for children

Stamp Pad Set

Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks

Tim Holtz Distress Inks  – Excellent for adding color to foam flowers!

Stencil Brushes – Great for “Hot Mess Canvas” painting.

See EVERYTHING available during Prime Day 2021 here

Note that you need to be a Prime member to take advantage of these deals. But the good news is that Amazon Prime offers a free 30-day trial to those curious about trying the service. To access it simply click this link and follow the on-screen prompts. This is how I ended up with Prime — I signed up for a free trial and stuck around because of the free 2-day shipping and free movies. Tip: Anyone with a valid .edu email address can sign up for a 6-month free trial for Amazon Prime Student here.

Tip: I recommend you click “Watch Deal” for anything that interests you. Then you can monitor your deals on this page.

I will add to this list as I find more deals I think could help you. Set your alarms and have fun shopping! Let me know what you scored.

Learn to Use Your New Crafting Machines

Check back here, at Cuttercrafter.com for tutorials and cutting files to use with your new crafty purchases. You will find some FREE projects to try in our Free Resource Library.

Would you like to see some of my FREE SVG projects? Check them out in my FREE Resource Library.

>> HOW TO ENTER THE FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY <<

This resource library is open to everyone for free. All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below.

If you already have your password, enter the resource library here.

Make a Father’s Day Popup Card

DIY Happy Father's Day Popup Card

Father’s Day Popup Card

You can make this Father’s Day Popup Card even at the last minute for the beloved fathers in your life.  The popup on the inside of the card is simple.  You can decorate inside, outside, and back of the card if you want to get creative.

Download the Cutting Files

You can download the free SVG cutting files from our Resource Library to make a Father’s Day popup card like this one. The cutting files include pieces for the base popup card, backing card, and decorative layer pieces. The completed popup card measures 7″ wide by 5″ high when closed. You can use the same envelope provided in the Motorcycle popup Card template in the Resource Library .

Pin for Happy Father's Day Popup Card

Happy Father’s Day Popup Card

Supplies to Make a Father’s Day Popup Card

Please note: Some affiliate links may be used in this post. I am affiliated only with products that I use. When you purchase products using my affiliate links, it does not cost you any more, but I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

80# white cardstock for the card base.
Medium weight  cardstock for the lettering and clouds.  I used double sided paper from the Wilderness Retreat Collection for the printed layers.
Wilderness Retreat Collection dies for layer embellishments or use scissors to fussy cut shapes of your choice from the paper collection.
Gold metallic cardstock if desired for the Sun
Electronic Cutter (I used Pazzles Vue) or you can use Cricut Explore or Maker  or Cameo 4  or Scan N Cut
Pen holder, pen spacer and pen for cutter.
Art Glitter Glue
Pop Dot Adhesives
Crystal Clear glitter Optional
SVG Cutting File from our Free Resource Library

Cutting Instructions to Make a Father’s Day Popup Card

The cutting files you need to make a popup Father’s Day Card are all included as shown below.

Cutting files to Make Father's Day Popup Card

Image of Cutting files to Make Father’s Day Popup Card

The card back is on the left in blue.  It has a score line at the center. You can cut this piece from green cardstock. Or you can cut a 6″ wide panel from the Wilderness Retreat Collection paper pad from Heartfelt Creations as I did. Since it is double sided paper,  I selected a page that had the blue background that shows up under the cut out pieces on the inside of the popup card. The opposite side of the paper formed the background of the front of the card.

Open Front of Father's Day Popup Card

Open Front of Father’s Day Popup Card

This paper included another design on the bottom half that made a nice backing for the card.Bottom of Father's Day Popup Card

Bottom of Father’s Day Popup Card

In the cutting file, the base card is cut from white cardstock.  80 # cardstock works best to keep the popup strong.  Be sure to score the red lines first, then cut the black lines. 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.

Father’s Day Popup Card Layers

The green pieces are for the inside layers of the card. There are two sizes of mats you can use. I used only one.  I cut the top portion and the tab layers from a blue printed piece, and the bottom portion from one of the outdoor scenes in the card pack.  In order to make the lettering stand out, I cut them from black cardstock. You can cut the sun from the Lux Gold cardstock, which is quite eye-catching, or you can use yellow cardstock.

Before cutting the white cloud with text, use your pen in the pen holder for your machine to draw the text. Then replace the pen holder with the cutting blade holder to cut out the cloud. You may also cut the 2nd cloud at the same time.

If you would like to add more interest in the card, cut out the flowers, critters, eagle, grass, water, etc. to add to your scene. You may use the cutting dies from the Wilderness Retreat Collection, or simply use scissors to fussy cut them. I added the deer and grass layer and an eagle to the back side of the card.

Cutting Instructions for Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker

If you are using Cricut Design Space, upload the SVG file for the Father’s Day Popup Card into Cricut Design Space. Then right click on the design and select Ungroup. You need to designate each of the red lines as score lines in the Line Quality panel at the top of the screen.  Select the card and its score line, right click, then click on Attach.

Next, select the base card and its score lines (in black). Right click and select Ungroup. Select the score lines from the layers panel, and set them to Score in the line quality panel. Hold the Shift key to select also the card layer. Then right click and select Attach.

Text Sentiment

Select the cloud with text and ungroup. Select the text and set it to Draw in the Line Quality panel. Change the cloud color to White. Select the cloud and text, right click, then select Attach. Now you are ready to Make it. Check each color layer to make sure the pieces look correct in their layers.

Cricut Cutting file image for Fathers Day Popup Card

Fathers Day Popup Card layout for Cricut Design Space

 

Make It

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 cards with Cricut Design Space here. Cricut Design Space has been updated a bit since the video was made.  The updated software now has a Line type 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.  The color selection box is next to the Cut Menu as well.

Cutting Instructions for Scan N Cut

There is a set of multiple files for Scan N Cut users for this Father’s Day 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 popup card design. This process is called “weeding”.  When these pieces are removed, you will be able to see through some parts of the popup card to the backing.

Next, glue the layers to the top and bottom inside of the card.  Now glue the black lettering over the letters on the popup card.

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 bottoms of the letters.  Make mountain folds on the score lines at the top of the letters.  Use a bone folder to make crisp fold lines. Gently push the back of the card up.

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 Father’s Day Popup 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. If you are using 6″ wide backing card, and 7″ wide popup card base, you will need to center the printed backing to the white base.

Place popup base card inside backing card.

Place popup base card inside backing card.

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.

Glue the popup card to the back.

Glue the popup card to the back.

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.

 

Add Decorative Elements

Now you can decorate the front of the card as you like.  Use pop-dots to add dimension to the various character animals that you want in your scene. You can use pop-dots behind the clouds and sun as well.  Once you have everything in place as you want your scene to be, you can add some glitter if you like. To add glitter, put some thin lines of glue that dries clear in the places where you want some sparkle.  Than sprinkle some glitter over those areas, and pour the excess back into the bottle.  Let the glue dry completely.

Decorate the back of the card in like manner.  Now add a personal note. When your card is complete, place it inside of an envelope. Now it is ready for giving or posting it to a special father in your life!

Get the FREE SVG Cutting File

Happy Father's Day Popup Card Pin

Happy Father’s Day Popup Card

You will find the cutting files for this  Father’s Day Popup Card in the Free Resource Library.  

 

Enjoy!
Julie, cuttercrafter.com

>> HOW TO ENTER THE FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY <<

This resource library is open to everyone for free. All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below.

If you already have your password, enter the resource library here.

Make a Popup Motorcycle Card

Make A Motorcycle Popup 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

Please note: Some affiliate links may be used in this post. I am affiliated only with products that I use. When you purchase products using my affiliate links, it does not cost you any more, but I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

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.

Cutting Files for motorcycle popup card

Cutting Files for motorcycle popup card

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.

Prepare to fold the popup card.

Prepare to fold the popup card.

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.

Prepare motorcycle pieces.

Prepare motorcycle pieces.

Now glue the black and silver motorcycle piece over the motorcycle portion of the white popup card as shown below.

Glue black and silver pieces to the card.

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.

Folded Popup Card

Folded Popup Card

Then gently fold the card closed all the way, so that it is flat.

Folded Popup Card

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.

Glue on the decorative pieces.

Glue on the decorative pieces.

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.

Place popup base card inside backing card.

Place popup base card inside backing card.

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.

Glue the popup card to the back.

Glue the popup card to the back.

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.

Completed Motorcycle Popup Card

Completed Motorcycle Popup 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.

Fold the Envelope on Score Lines

Fold the Envelope on Score Lines

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.

Assembled Envelope

Assembled Envelope

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

Motorcycle Popup Card Pin1

Motorcycle Popup Card

You will find the cutting files for this  Popup Motorcycle Card in the Free Resource Library.  

 

Enjoy!
Julie, cuttercrafter.com

>> HOW TO ENTER THE FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY <<

This resource library is open to everyone for free. All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below.

If you already have your password, enter the resource library here.

Make A Subscription Box Tower

Make a Subscription Box Tower from the boxes that you receive each month.  Are you running out of room to store your subscription boxes on your shelves? Have you run out of room to add more book cases to your crafting area? Are you re-organizing your supplies so that they take up less space, and wondering what to do with the empty boxes? If you answer to these questions is “Yes!”, then making a subscription box tower may be just the project for you!

Subscription Box Tower

Subscription Box Tower

You are not alone, if you have struggles with wondering what to do with your one-to-two year pile of monthly subscription boxes. Some have unpacked the boxes, and reorganized their contents into file folders or zipper envelopes. But then, what do you do with the empty boxes? I hate to throw away the lovely boxes that could be re-purposed to store reorganized supplies, or other crafting supplies.

Make A Subscription Box Tower

 

Supplies Needed to Make the Subscription Box Tower

Please note: Some affiliate links may be used in this post. I am affiliated only with products that I use. When you purchase products using my affiliate links, it does not cost you any more, but I will share some commission. Thanks!

Heavy Cardstock of your choice. 110# Recollections Cardstock is what I used. You will need 6 sheets per box.
Electronic Cutter (I used Pazzles Vue) Cricut Explore or Maker  or Cameo 4  or Scan N Cut with Deep Cut Blade will work.
class=”content-box-red”>Red Line Tape
SVG Cutting File from our Free Resource Library</ class=”content-box-red”>9″ Square Subscription Boxes</ class=”content-box-red”>Free SVG cutting file from the FREE Resource Library
1/4 inch Satin Ribbon – about 7″ per box<
Double Sided Foam Tape
Jumbo Paper Clips – about 4 per box. Clips should be about 2 inches long.

Refolding Subscription Boxes to Make a Subscription Box Tower

I have a stack of 19 subscription boxes so far, from Crafter’s Companion. Instead of throwing my boxes away, I decided to refold my subscription boxes and make a subscription box tower. You can do the same by following these simple step-by-step instructions.  There is no need to destroy the boxes if you simply refold them. Change them from top opening boxes to front opening boxes. This allows you to stack all of the boxes without having to unstack them to access their contents.

Get Started Refolding the Boxes

First, remove the box contents.

Remove the box contents

Remove Box Contents

Next, unfold the side flaps of the box. To do this you will need to lift up  and out on the side flap to slip the tabs out of their slots.

Lift the sides up

Lift the Side Flap

Repeat with the other side flap.

Lift the other flap from its slots.

Lift the other side flap.

Pull the front flap down.

Open the front flap

Open the Front Flap

Now, fold the side flaps back down, inserting their tabs into their original slots.

Close the side flaps.

Replace Side Flaps in their Slots

Prepare the front flap to fold to the Inside

Prepare the front flap to fold to the Inside

Prepare the front flap to fold to the inside of the box. Use some strong double-sided tape to hold the side flaps down. Then fold the front flap to the inside of the box.

Fold the front flap to the Inside

Fold the front flap to the Inside

Fold the front flap to the Inside of the box. Press down firmly on the front flap so that the tape adheres well to the bottom of the box.

Tuck in the front flap.

Tuck in the Front Flap

The front flap can now tuck back inside of the box to close it. When you make a subscription box tower, you will now be able to open the front flap to remove its contents. You will not have to move the other boxes stacked on top of it to access its contents.

Make Drawers for the Boxes to Make a Subscription Box Tower

Make a Drawer

 Cut the Drawers

You can make a drawer to hold the contents of your box. The drawer will make it easier for you to access the supplies you keep inside of it. Make a drawer for each of your subscription boxes using the free template included in the Free Resource Library. Once you make a subscription box tower with front closing panels, your supplies will be easier to access.

Drawer to Make Subscription Box Tower

8.25″ Drawer Template Pieces

Pieces included in the Template to Make a Subscription Box Tower Drawer

The Template for the Drawer includes files in several formats. If you will be cutting your drawer pieces using an electronic cutter such as Cricut, Scan N Cut, Silhouette, Pazzles, or Klic N Kut, you will be able to use the included SVG file. On the other hand, if you will be hand cutting the pieces, you may use the PDF template. The drawer measures 8.25″ square by 2.75″ tall.

Each drawer has three side panels, one front panel, two bottom pieces, and two panels for reinforcing the front panel. The red lines in the template represent lines that are to be scored. Cut each side panel from a single sheet of heavy cardstock measuring 8.5″x11″.  If you are using the PDF file, you will use that part of the template four times.  Notice that the front panel has a slit in the center to allow you to thread a ribbon through it.

Also, there are two pieces for the drawer bottom. One is for the inside of the box, and the other is for the outside of the box. There are two panels with slits in them included to reinforce the front edge of the box. One piece goes on the inside, and one goes on the outside.

Using an Electronic Cutter to cut Drawer Pieces to Make a Subscription Box Tower

The cutting files for this project are zipped together. Download the zipped file to your computer. Double click on the file you downloaded and select Extract All to unzip it. Open your cutter software.

Instructions for use in Cricut Design Space

Cricut Design Space users will upload the SVG file and click on Save. Then select the uploaded file, and click on Insert. Next, right click, and select Ungroup. Now you need to assign the fold lines to score. There are two score lines for each of the four side pieces.  Select one from the panel on the right side of the screen.  At the top of the screen, change the line type from Cut to Score. The lines will now appear to be dashed on the screen to indicate that these are score lines. Finally, select the shape and score lines, right click, and select Attach. Do this for each of the four side pieces. Select a front panel and its center horizontal cut line. Then right click and Attach. Now do this for each of the front panels.

Instructions for use with other Cutter Software

Scan N Cut users should use the FCM files. Notice that there are three files. The file names indicate how many times each file should be cut for a single box drawer.  Load one file at a time into Brother Canvas Workspace.  Select the pair of fold lines in each piece, and assign it to be scored. Score them, then cut.

Silhouette Studio users can use the SVG files. Import them into the Designer or Business edition of Silhouette Design Studio.

The SVG files can be used by all other cutter software. Score the red lines, and cut the black lines.

 

Get the FREE SVG Cutting File for the Drawers for the Subscription Box Tower

To get the free SVG Cutting file for the Drawers for the Subscription Box Tower, go to the resource library and enter the password. I have included the password at the bottom of most of my newsletter emails. If you have subscribed, check your most recent email to find the password. If you have not yet subscribed, I hope you will, so that you can be informed as  I add more new projects to the Free resource library! Once you are in the Free Resource library, right click on the file name of the project. Next, select Save Link As or Save Target As.

Now, save the file to your computer. Next you will need to unzip the file. To do that, double click on the file you saved to your computer to open it. Then, click on Extract All. Now, open your cutter software, and import the SVG file. Select the pieces you wish to cut. Load your paper onto the cutting mat. Do a test cut to find the best settings for you machine, and cut the pieces you need. Repeat with the pieces you want to cut from a different color paper.

Assemble the Drawers

Make a Drawer to Make a Subscription Box Tower

Assembly Step 1

Make valley folds on the score lines.  With the wide tab on the bottom right, place red line tape on the three edges of the upper flap. Turn this piece over, and apply red line tape to three  edges of the wide tab.

Assemble drawer for Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step 2

Also add a strip of red line tape along the long bottom edge of the side piece as shown above.

Drawer to Make a Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step 3

Fold the wide flap along the score line towards the lower part of the box side to form a corner. Remove the tape liner. Now check to make sure the corner is perfectly square, and press down to secure the flap the side as shown above.

Drawer for Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step  4

Prepare all four sides of the box in the same manner as the first.  Now you are ready to put the pieces together.  Remove the  liner from the tape on the end of the box. With the narrow flaps on top, overlap the straight edge of the next side over the corner piece and press together.

Drawer for Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step 5

Drawer of Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step 6

Remove the tape liner from the flaps before adding another side. Now you are ready to add another side in the same way.

Drawer of Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step 7

Adhere the final side of the drawer to complete the shape of a square box, pressing the corners firmly. Be sure to line the corner up squarely. Now remove all tape liner from bottom edge of the box. Square the corners, then press the bottom of the box over the flaps on the outside.  Then turn the box over, and press from the inside.

Drawer Assembly for Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step 8

Now you can add the other bottom piece on the inside of the box.

Drawer for Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step 9

Remove the tape liners from the other side pieces. Fold these pieces to the inside and press firmly.

Finish the Front Panel

There are two additional panels for the front of the box. Glue one piece to the inside of the front, and glue the other to the outside of the box front. All front pieces have a slit.  Cut a piece of ribbon about 7″ long, and fold it in half. Use a needle or pokie tool to push the folded edge of the ribbon from the inside of the box front to the outside. Then pull the ribbon through the slot about half way.  Separate the inside flaps of the ribbon so that one piece goes up, and the other goes down. Tape or glue into place.

Ribbon for Subscription Box Tower Drawer

Ribbon for Subscription Box Tower Drawer

Drawer for Subscription Box Tower

Drawer Assembly Step 9

Slide the drawer into the front opening of one of the refolded subscription boxes. The ribbon will help you pull the drawer back out.  Now you will be able to slide the flaps of the box into their original slots to close it up.

Drawer for Subscription Box Tower

Drawer for Subscription Box Tower

Add contents of your choice into the box, and close the side front panel.

Add Contents and Create Labels

Now, fill your drawers with whatever you want to store in them, then label the boxes. Then make an index for the box contents so you can find what you need. Also, if the boxes have important information on the sides or bottom that will be hidden once the boxes are stacked, take photos or scan the boxes. Print these on regular printer paper, and place inside the boxes or in a binder so that you can refer to them as needed.

Stack Your Boxes into a Tower

Your tower may be a single box wide, or double box wide, as you prefer. Use jumbo paper clips in the tab slots on the underside of the adjacent boxes to keep them together. To do this, unfold the paper clips. Then refold them with a wider curve at the top. One side of the clip will fit into a tab slot on one box. And the other side will fit into the tab slot on the box next to it. If the paper clips do not slide all the way in, you can use a small craft hammer to tap them into position. Also, you can  use paper clips on the top side of the boxes if you like.

PaperClips for Subscription Box tower

PaperClips for Subscription Box Tower

These boxes have paper clips on top and bottom to join the two boxes together.

Clipped Boxes for Subscription Box Tower

Clipped Boxes for Subscription Box Tower

Bottom Clipped Boxes of Subscription Box Tower

Bottom of Clipped Boxes of Subscription Box Tower

 

You may apply adhesive to the box bottoms to keep them together. I have found that with the contents in the boxes, and having two clipped together side by side, the tower is stable.

Subscription Box Tower

Subscription Box Tower – Julie Flanagan

 

Enjoy!
Julie, cuttercrafter.com

>> HOW TO ENTER THE FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY <<

This resource library is open to everyone for free. All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below.

If you already have your password, enter the resource library here.

Black Friday Deals for Crafters 2019

Black Friday Deals for Crafters 2019

Here are some Black Friday Deals for Crafters 2019. Black Friday is a great time to stock up on crafting supplies. Look for great deals on the high-priced items that help you to be more productive. Do you need a better cutter? Is there a Foil Press on your wish list? Or perhaps you need a more efficient die cutter/embosser to handle those very intricate dies.  Maybe you need a new computer or external hard drive. Do you need a new printer?

If you do not need a new machine, perhaps you need to stock up on consumable supplies for your crafting projects. Is your stash of paper or vinyl, or HTV dwindling? Do you have plenty of adhesives? Be sure to check your supply of blades and mats for your machines! There are lots of Black Friday Deals for Crafters that could save you money on your craft supplies.

Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Items on this page may contain affiliate links. You don’t pay any more for your purchase, but I do get a credit for it.

More Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Machines

Pazzles Inspiration Vue CutterSee my review here.   Best deal of the year for this machine! Don’t miss this best buy of the Black Friday Deals for Crafters! Grab this excellent electronic cutting machine for up to $300 OFF on Nov. 29 through December 2. Plus if you order by Cyber Monday you’ll get a free mat pack and spatula too! $239 + 6 months FREE to the Craft Room or an Inspiration Vue for $169 with a 1 year Craft Room commitment!  Or go here to pay only $99 with a two year commitment to the Pazzles Craft Room.

Silhouette Cameo 3 – Look for low prices with newer model coming out.

Silhouette Cameo 4 Get a great deal on a bundle. Check out the Pre Black Friday Sale Nov. 20-22 for a great bundle special.

Gemini Die Cutting/Embossing Machine Great price for a power machine! I ordered one, plus the plates for the Gemini Jr to use with this. Get this machine or the Gemini Jr. to use with the new  Gemini Foilpress. Gemini Jr is only slightly less than the full size Gemini. So unless you really need the smaller size of the Jr. 6-inch width, I recommend the full size Gemini. You will need an extended plate for the Foilpress to work in the full size Gemini.  See my review here.

Gemini Mini Die Cutting/Embossing Machine I really like this new little machine. Use a folder to cut or emboss with no need to fret about a stack of cutting plates. This is a hand crank machine, with a 3″ cutting or embossing width.

Empress Mini Die Cutting/Embossing Machine This is a quiet electronic die cutting/embossing machine with a 4.25″ cutting or embossing width.  Light weight, but will handle dies and folders for a full A2 size card.

Spellbinders Blowout Sale Lots of goodies. They have a great buy on their Prizm Die Cutting/Embossing machine if you are in the market for a mini hand-powered machine. Also great prices on some amazing dies, and card kits as well.

Scan N Cut

Scan N Cut2  – Great Clearance options.

Scan N Cut DX-Latest cutter from Brother. See my SNC review here.

Brother SNC Universal Pen Holder Allows you to use standard pens in your new or older model Scan N Cut machine.

Scan N Cut Standard Blade

Scan N Cut Standard Mat for CM models or SNC2

Scan N Cut Online Activation Card for WiFi connection This is not needed for the newer DX SNC models.

Cricut

Cricut Maker  New LOWEST price ever!  Cricut Explore vs Cricut Maker-Review.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Bundle new low price.

Cricut Cutting Mats – Standard Grip

Cricut Cutting Mats – Variety Pack

Cricut Easy Press

Cricut Easy Press 2  9″x9″ Higher heat options for Cricut Infusion projects

Cricut Easy Press 2   12″x10.  Necessary for larger Cricut Infusion projects.

Cricut Easy Press Mini for those smaller projects.

Cricut Easy Press Mat 

Cricut Cuttlebug Special bundle

Cricut Bright Pad

Cricut Ultimate Fine Point Pen Set Assorted

Cricut Infusible Ink Markers

Cricut Infusible Ink Markers Set of 30 Great deal on a bundle of markers to give you a large selection of colors for your infusible projects.

Cricut Heat Resistant Tape

Cricut Coaster Blanks

Cricut Rotary Blade Kit– See my review here.

Nicapa Mats for Cricut– Set of Three. These work just as well for me as the original Cricut mats.

Crafter’s Companion Products

Tools

A4 LED Ultra Thin Light Box Tracer – Not quite as bright as the Cricut Bright Pad, but the price is right and it works well for weeding vinyl.

Crafter’s Companion NEW! Professional Guillotine  Large  13″ long, compact and light weight. Great for trimming! Side arm extends 13″ . Metric and Imperial measurments, scoring stylus, and scoring grid.

Temperature Gun – check the actual heat of your iron, heat press, heated project, etc.

Heartfelt Creations Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit I use this kit for shaping my 3D flowers. See my blog tutorial and my video tutorial for shaping paper roses. 

Spellbinders Tool In 1 Great for brushing the tiny pieces out of intricate cuts.

Tim Holtz Stamp Platform I love this for getting perfectly stamped images.

Sizzix Extended Cutting Plates

Candle Warmer – for shaping thin foam into flowers

Hand Engraving Tool – Insert in cutter pen holder. You may need to wrap tape around it to fit in the pen holder.

Dog Tags for engraving Engrave a blank tag for your pet using your engraving tool with your cutter!

Three Hole Punch – great low price. I use this regularly for organizing craft items in binders.

Pink Tool Set– Every crafter needs their own set of tools handy for everyday use. I got these. My hubby doesn’t like pink, so I might be able to keep them around for awhile.

Lighted Magnifying Glass – great for callibration tests on cutters.

Adhesives

Dries Clear Adhesive –  My favorite craft glue that dries quickly, and dries clear. Love the fine tip applicator.

Bulk Dries Clear Adhesive Refill – Use this to refill your smaller glue bottle with fine tip applicator.

Alenes Tack It Over and Over – Mix 1 part glue to 2 parts water, and apply to cutting mats using a foam paint brush for the least expensive way to make them sticky again.

Zig 2-Way Glue – Most convenient way to restick cutting mats, and very effective.

Mini Hot Glue Gun – Great for making 3D paper or foam flowers

Mini Glue Sticks – Refills for Mini Hot Glue Gun

Scor-tape Sheets love this for making boxes and other 3D projects

Self Adhesive Vinyl

Paper and Cardstock

See my Blog Post on the Best Paper for Crafting here.

80# white cardstock Excellent cardstock for print and cut projects. The printer can handle it, and it cuts well.

100# white cardstock Great for cutting popup cards and stamped flowers for coloring and shaping into 3D flowers.

110# White cardstock Great for 3D projects

12″x 12″ Assorted Color cardstock 150 sheets Variety of weights, most between 65# and 80#

8.5″x11″ Recollections 65# cardstock Variety color pack

Laser Color Copy paper – for use with Infusible Ink products from Cricut

Translucent Vellum 36# Cardstock – great for embossing

Recollections Cardstock 12″x12″  8.5″x11″  Several shades of each color make this a great package for multi-layered projects. These are less expensive if you purchase using a coupon or 40-50% off sale in store or online.

Foam

Thin Foam Sheets for Flower Making – 1mm thick, assorted colors, 24 pieces, 9.8″ square.

See the foam flowers I made using these here and here and here and here.

White Flower Making Foam .8mm thick, 30 sheets

Thin White Foam Paper for Flower Making

HTV and Sublimation

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

15″x 15″ Heat Press If you do a lot of Heat transfer vinyl on garments, you need a heat press. The size is right on this one, and the best price I could find.

15″x 12″ 8 in 1 Heat Press combo – This allows you to create your Heat Transfer vinyl projects, Cricut Infusion Projects, as well Sublimation projects, including attachments for mugs, hats, dishes, etc. This is the one I have.  Check out this bundle that has all you need to get started with Sublimation, or purchase items separately.

5 in one Heat Press combo 15″x12″ Nice sale price on this for Black Friday.

Mug Heat Press You can get this if you do not want to do shirts or plates or hats that the 5 in 1 or 8 and 1 presses do.

Epson WF 2760 Printer – Use with sublimation ink.

Sublimation Ink for Epson WF 2760– Print designs on sublimation paper, and transfer to project blanks

Mug Blanks for Sublimation 

Sublimation Printer Paper

Foiling

Brother Monochromatic Laser Printer – for printing toner sheets to foil with deco foils and laminator.

13″ wide Thermal Laminator – For general laminating and for use with toner sheets and deco foil

12″ Deco Foil – for use with laminator

Gemini Foil Press – For use with Gemini Jr. ( or full size Gemini with Extender plate) and Hot foil  – See my tutorial for foiling.

Gemini Foil Bundles – For use with Foil Press, NOT for laminator.

Foil Quill Starter Kit Great tool for use with your electronic cutter to add lovely foiled designs to your projects. Let the machine do your drawing and writing for you!

Foil Quill Freestyle Pen Starter Kit Add elegance to your hand-drawn or traced sentiment and signature.

Foil Quill Magnetic Mat Magnets hold your foil in place to simplify foiling with machine or by hand.

Electronics

Dell Laptop Computer – Here is a top rated laptop computer for the $199 price, posting on Thanksgiving Day starting at 7:00 AM Pacific Time  online: Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop
You will have to grab it fast at that time as there are limited quantities.

HP Laptop Computer –Hp Pavilion Gamin 15-inch Laptop, Intel Core i5-8300H Processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 8 GB RAM 1 TB hard drive and 128 GB SSD, Windows 10 Home (15-cx–30nr, Black)

SanDisk 54Gb Flash Drive This will work to transfer SVG files to the Scan N Cut. I keep a dedicated thumb drive for that purpose.

Portable 4TB External usb Drive – Great for storing backups of all of your printables, cutting files, and fonts collections

6TB External Hard Drive- back up your entire computer. It would be a shame to lose it all!

Instant Pot Duo 6 qt.  – I love my Instant Pot. I can do a lot of crafting while it does the cooking!

Blendtec Blender – My favorite Smoothie Maker at a great price!

Flameless Candles for those lantern projects

Set of 9 Flameless Candles Great for use with your holiday luminary projects.

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser – Create a relaxing and healthy crafting environment

Echo Input  – Alexa sent to your computer speakers  to add Instant music for your crafting environment.

 

Pens, Markers, Pencils

Ultra Fine Micro Line Pens set of 16  I couldn’t resist purchasing another set of these at this low price.

12 Retractable Bold Pens

Sharpie Fine Point pen set of 24 colors Can you even have enough Sharpies? These fit in my pen holders to draw with my machines.

Bic 36 colors, permanent pens

Dry Erase Markers

24 Mechanical Pencils

Derwent Watercolor Pencils set of 24  now at a reduced price. I love these for coloring my 3D flower creations.

Artists Choice Watercolor Pencils set of 72 More colors in this set, but the colors are not as intense as those in the Derwent set.

Set of 88 Alcohol Dual Tip Markers with case.

Prismacolor pastel color sticks

Prismacolor colored pencils

Super Doodle 50 Gel Pens Set

48 Colored Pencils– less expensive, but less dense pigment than Prismacolor colored Pencils.

136 colored pencils – Best deal

Acrylic Paint pens set of 18

40 colors Puffy Paints

Arteza Real Brush Pens set of 96 with case. 

Art Media

Prills – Use to embellish centers of 3D flowers

Stamens – Use to embellish centers of 3D flowers

Ultra Fine Glitter This is what I use with the Scor-tape Sheets to make patterned glitter paper. See my tutorial here.

Modeling Clay, 24 colors plus tools – Tools can be used to shape clay, fondant, and/or 3D flowers.

Arteza Watercolor Premium Artist Paints Set of 24 Colors

Art Supplies for Children – Great kit, including crayons, colored pencils, watercolor paints, pastels, tools, etc in a wood case when children want to craft with you.

Stamp set-nice for children

Stamp Pad Set

Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks

Tim Holtz Distress Inks  – Excellent for adding color to foam flowers!

Stencil Brushes – Great for “Hot Mess Canvas” painting.

 

Learn to Use Your New Crafting Machines

Check back here, at Cuttercrafter.com for tutorials and cutting files to use with your new crafty purchases. You will find some FREE projects to try in our Free Resource Library.

Would you like to see some of my FREE SVG projects? Check them out in my FREE Resource Library.

>> HOW TO ENTER THE FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY <<

This resource library is open to everyone for free. All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below.

If you already have your password, enter the resource library here.

New tools for Cricut Maker-Do you need them?

New tools for the Cricut Maker are available starting July16, 2019.  Let’s take a look at each new tool.  Do you need these new tools for your Cricut Maker? The Quick Swap Housing now works with tips for engraving, debossing, perforating, wavy cuts, and the original single and double scoring tips.  You will need to have at least one of the Quick Swap Housing units in order to use the new tips.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)!  

New Cricut Maker Tools

New Cricut Maker Tools

How to Use these New Tools for the Cricut Maker

First you need the Quick Swap Housing. This came with your Cricut Maker rotary scoring tool.  If you don’t have the Quick Swap Housing for the Cricut Maker, you can purchase one with any of the new tool tips.  You likely only need one of the housing units, as all of the tool tips will fit on the same one. Here is the Engraving Tip with the Quick Swap Housing. Cricut has provided some simple instructions on how to attach and detach these new tool tips here.

Engraving Tip

Engraving Tip for Cricut Maker

Engraving Tip for Cricut Maker

The engraving tip is designed to create thin, etched lines in glass, metal, leather, acrylic blanks, etc. It is nice for creating score lines in heavier cardstock.  Use it to create custom text on items such as dog tags, trophies, award plaques, etc. If engraving clear glass or acrylic, you can use stamp pads to give engraved detail some color. An engraving tool is very handy to have for a cutter. Engraving requires the use of strong down pressure, especially when working with very hard surfaces.  The engraving tip is a great addition to the Cricut Maker’s tool lineup.  I especially like using engraving tools with moderate pressure on very heavy cardstock when making  popup cards.

If you do not have the the engraving tip, you could alternately use the rotary scoring tip, or a debossing tip with very high pressure. If you do not have a maker, you can try to use the regular Cricut scoring tool, but it is not very effective on cardstock or anything heavier than cardstock, due to the lack of adequate pressure. You Can  use a third party engraving tool in the pen tool slot.  Or, you could use your regular shallow blade, set to cut at low pressure or a setting for printer paper.  Another option would be to insert a hand engraving tool or an embossing tool with a tiny tip in a regular pen holder. You would need to use very high pressure for this to work. Always do test cuts with any tool on any medium before starting a new project.

An Engraved Project

I engraved on some acrylic, then used a stamp pad to add color to the engraving. Then I cut out the heart.  The new Cricut Maker Engraving tool can do the engraving, and the Knife blade can cut it out.

Engraved Acrylic Heart

Engraved Acrylic Heart

Engraving Fills

Unfortunately, Cricut Design Space does not offer tools for creating engraving fills to designs. But if you use other software to creating your designs, you can take advantage of Engraving Fill features to create lovely filled designs. Import these SVG files into Design Space to use with the new Engraving and Debossing tips available for the Cricut Maker. See this video for some ideas how to create engraving fills using Make The Cut.  Pazzles InVue software has an Engraving fill feature, as does Sure Cuts A Lot, and Silhouette Studio. See this post for more information about these software packages.

Fine Debossing Tip

Cricut Maker Fine Debossing Tip

Cricut Maker Fine Debossing Tip

Traditional line embossing places pressure from the back of the project to produce a raised, or embossed line on the opposite side of the card. With cutting machines, the ball tip of an embossing tool generally places pressure to the front side of a project, resulting in a debossed impression. Cricut has therefore named their ball tipped tool as a fine debossing tip, and rightly so.

This tool has a very small ball tip that will produce a fine debossed line. Because the Cricut Maker boasts of up to 4000 grams of pressure, it is possible to use this tool to effectively produce debossed lines in many types of media, including cardstock, leather, foils, foam, soft rubber, vellum, regular printer paper, etc.  You can also use this tool to create more defined score lines than you can get with the Cricut Scoring Stylus.  If you use an embossing mat along with this tool, you can get a nice, deeper debossed effect.

Other Options for Debossing

If you don’t have a Cricut Maker, you can still get a reasonable debossed effect. I was able to achieve a nice embossed effect on vellum for a recent project using my Crcut Explore. I posted photos, and instructions in that post, so be sure to check it out. You can also download the free cutting file from my Resource Library.

Embossed Vellum Popout Card

Embossed Vellum Popout Card

I was not successful doing this project on my Cricut Maker, so having the new debossing tip to use with it will be helpful.  Those who dislike switching tools while working on a project, may prefer to continue using the Cricut Scoring Stylus for some projects.

Cricut Perforation Tip

Cricut Perforation Tip

Cricut Perforation Tip

The Cricut Perforation Tip for the Cricut Maker may be used to cut perforated lines for a project. While this function may be produced in most cutter software, creating perforated lines in a project using Cricut Design Space is not an option.  However, if you have other software that creates SVG files, you can add perforations with that software and import your SVG cutting file into Cricut Design Space.  The advantage of using software-based perforations is that you can generally adjust the spacing and style of the perforations in software. The perforation tip provides only a single type of perforation. See this post to learn more about other software you can use.

Do you need the Cricut Perforation Tip?

So if you have and know how to use Inkscape, Illustrator, Sure Cuts A Lot, Make The Cut, or InVue for creating your SVG cutting files, you probably don’t need the Cricut maker Perforation Tip.  I probably would not use this tip for creating score lines, as perforations actually weaken the fold lines of a project. If you like creating “zippers” for surprise windows in your projects, this tool might come in handy.

Cricut Wavy Blade Tip

Cricut Wavy Blade Tip

Cricut Wavy Blade Tip

The concept of cutting wavy lines using a wavy blade tip is not novel. Wavy rotary blades for handheld cutters and rotary trimmers have been available for decades.  But no other electronic cutter boasts of having a Wavy Blade Tip. With the Cricut Maker, you can use this tip to create wavy edges for your borders, boxes, bags, etc.

If creating tiny waves for your projects is an important feature for you, you might want to purchase this tip.  The down side of this tool, is that it produces only a single style wavy line. If you were to produce wavy lines using convenient software features, you would have much more flexibility in the size and spacing of your wavy lines.  Sure Cuts A Lot 5 has a very nice Wave effect that allows you to change any line into a wavy line with spacing and amplitude of your choice.  Export your project from there as as Design Space compatible SVG, and import into Cricut Design Space.

Other Software Options

Pazzles Inspiration Studio (no longer available for purchase) has a series of “Scissor Cuts” that work in a similar manner. But in this case you have the option of using any of 14 different scissor styles to apply with the click of a mouse to any design line. Funtime Scrapbooking still offers this feature.

Here is a video tutorial on how to create waves using the free Inkscape.  If you own Make The Cut, you can download my Paper Edges Collection of over 250 different edge designs for free. You do need to join the free MTC_Tuts Yahoo group first in order to access files there.  Make The Cut has an object to path feature that allows you to wrap any of these shapes automatically to any shape.  Create your design in Make The Cut, select and export as SVG, and import the SVG into Cricut Design Space to cut to your Explore or Maker. No Wavy Blade Tip is necessary!

Which of these new tools for the Cricut Maker do you REALLY NEED?

New Cricut Maker Tools

New Cricut Maker Tools

If you have a Cricut Maker and don’t use third party software for creating your cutting files, you may need all of these. They will first be made available on HSN, July 16, 2019.  You will be able to purchase them directly from Cricut and elsewhere,  later. HSN does not necessarily offer items for less than retail prices. But they do offer exclusive bundles that may appeal to you.

If you have a Cricut Maker and do use third party software, you may want to select carefully from the new tools that are available.

If you don’t have a Cricut Maker, do not despair. Take advantage of some of the other alternatives for creating designs similar to what these tools can do.

Free Cutting Files

Would you like to see some of my FREE SVG projects? Check them out in my FREE Resource Library.

 

>> HOW TO ENTER THE FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY <<

This resource library is open to everyone for free. All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below.

If you already have your password, enter the resource library here.

 

 

How to Emboss Vellum with the Cricut

Many have asked how to emboss vellum with the Cricut.  You can also create flowers that pop out from the embossed background.  Then you can add some lovely petals for a 3D effect to make a gorgeous  card. In this tutorial I will share how to make this lovely card using your electronic cutter.

 

Embossed Popout Daisy Card

Embossed Popout Daisy Card

Using Electronic Cutters to Emboss Vellum

You don’t have to have a Cricut in order to make this card.  The SVG, PVGC, and FCM  cutting files for this project are available that can be used in most electronic cutting machines. You can find them in the FREE Resource Library. Download the free cutting files.  You can right click on the file link, and select “Save Link As” or “Save Target As”. Save it to your computer. When the download is complete, double click on the downloaded file and select Extract All. Then open your preferred cutting software, and import the cutting file. There is one file that contains all the design pieces. If you are using a Scan N Cut machine, use the FCM file.   Those using Pazzles InVue software will use the PVGC file. All others should use the SVG file.

Note: this post may contain affiliate links.

Supplies Needed to Emboss the Vellum Popout Card

Heavy Translucent Vellum Cardstock
Electronic Cutter – Pazzles Vue, Scan N Cut, Cricut Explore or Maker Silhouette Cameo, or other cutter that uses SVG files.

If you wish to add foiling to your design, you will need foiling tools. I used the We R Memory Makers Foil Quill and silver foil but you may use a metallic pen instead if you don’t have the foil quill. I used the bold tip for this project.
Embossing Mat- Pazzles,or Scan N Cut Embossing Kit, or  SNC Embossing Mat 
Embossing Stylus –Pazzles Embossing Tool
or
Hand Embossing Stylus or Scan N Cut Embossing tool
Dries Clear Adhesive
Low Tack tape
Pearl Stickers
Embossed Vellum Popout Card cutting files from the 
Free Resource Library 
Pop Dots

Limitations to Emboss Vellum With Cricut

Embossing vellum with the Cricut Maker is not as straight forward as it is with other electronic cutters. This is due primarily to the fact that Cricut does not allow any options for adjusting the pressure of tools using  the A slot on the Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore cutting head.  Cricut Explore does allow use of a special pen holder in the blade holder slot. With that  holder in the B slot, the pressure can be adjusted up to the maximum under Custom Settings to 340-350.

Pen Holder for Cricut Explore

Pen Holder for Cricut Explore

While the Cricut Maker boasts of up to 4000 grams of cutting pressure, this pressure is only available in the B slot on the cutting head. And a hand-held embossing stylus is not recognized in the B slot. Maximum pressure is needed to get an excellent embossed effect on vellum cardstock.

The only pressure options on the Cricut Maker head A are the automatic settings for either drawing or scoring.  Pressure for drawing on the Cricut Maker is inadequate for embossing. The pressure for scoring is adequate, given the right embossing stylus and mat. The Cricut Scoring tool tip is not broad enough for embossing. It has a tendency to tear through delicate vellum cardstock.

Paper to Use to Emboss

Selecting to best paper to use for embossing with your cutter is very important.  Lighter weight papers will emboss more readily on cutters, than cardstock. It can take massive amounts of down pressure to form nicely embossed shapes on cardstock.

What is Translucent Vellum Cardstock?

Vellum is a type of coating that is used on some papers. The type and weight of vellum is very important for this project. While our cutters cannot make a very good embossed impression on most cardstock, one exception is to use translucent vellum cardstock to emboss with your cutter. The cardstock should be translucent enough to be able to see through it.  When using translucent vellum cardstock, an embossing tool will create white lines on the Vellum.

Best Weight of Transparent Vellum Cardstock to Use

For the Embossed Popout Daisy Card, you need to use Transparent Vellum Cardstock that is neither too heavy nor too light. The popouts will work better with Vellum that is still. But if the cardstock is too thick, the embossed design will not be the pretty white color you are wanting. If the cardstock is too thin, the design may tear during cutting or removing from the cutting mat. I found that 36# translucent vellum cardstock works best for this project.

Embossing on Legacy Cricut machines

Those using any of the legacy Cricut machines  (Original Cricut Personal, original Cricut Expression, Cricut Cake, Create, Cricut Cake Mini) will find that the Pazzles Embossing tool fits perfectly in the blade holder of these older machines. You can emboss on these machines if you have an embossing mat and embossing tool.  Unfortunately, the Pazzles Embossing tool is too large to fit in the Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker.

Pazzles Embossing Tool

Pazzles Embossing Tool

 

Cricut has simplified the cutting process by providing automatic settings wherever possible. But this is an example of how automatic settings can limit creativity.  Perhaps one day Cricut will add full embossing functionality. Until then, you can use the techniques I have used to make this card.

Embossing Stylus

To emboss, you need to be able to use an embossing stylus. The stylus needs to fit the pen tool holder. In addition, the stylus tip needs to be long enough to extend deep enough through the pen holder to reach the mat.

Testing Hand-Held Embossing Tools

I have tested a number of different hand-held stylus tools. Unfortunately, most of the ones I have collected through the years will not work in the Cricut machines.  The length of the tips of most were too short.

I did find one that works in the Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker. This one has a metal tip that is a full 1″ long.

Hand

Hand Embossing Tool

I still have to wrap 5 inches of blue painter’s tape around the center of the handle to make it a bit thicker to fit snugly in the pen holder.  Place the tool with the larger ball tip down into the A tool holder of the Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker. Other cutters than have pen holders may also use a tool like this for embossing.

Hand Embossing Tool With Tape

The tip of the embossing stylus needs to  be quite close to the mat surface, as shown in my photo below.

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Embossing Stylus In Cricut Maker

Embossing Stylus In Cricut Maker

Embossing Mat

In order for an electronic cutter to effectively create embossing designs on vellum, it is essential to have a cushion under the paper on the mat. Too much of a cushion may result in tears in the delicate vellum. And not enough cushion may result in unsatisfactory embossing.

Some cutter companies provide embossing mats that work with their brand of cutters. Other companies do not. Thin craft foam that is .8mm to 1mm thick may serve as an embossing mat in some cutters. Others have found that using faux leather provides an adequate surface for embossing.

With the foam or faux leather options, you will need to apply some adhesive to the top in order for the vellum to adhere to it during embossing and cutting. Too much adhesive may cause the popout petals on the card to tear when removing it from the mat. Too little adhesive may allow the vellum to shift during embossing and cutting. Taping edges of the vellum down without adhesive on the mat does not work due to the intricate detail of this project.

Embossing Mat Testing Results

Pazzles Embossing mat works well with the Pazzles machine. It is a bit too wide to fit Cricut machines. However, the Pazzles embossing mat may be trimmed down to work with Cricut machines.

Bosskut Gazelle made an excellent embossing mat that works with a number of different cutters.  It will work with Cricut machines as well, but Bosskut is no longer in business.

I found the Scan N Cut Embossing mat to be a workable solution for How to emboss vellum with Cricut machines. A sticky Cricut mat holds the embossing mat in place. And the top surface of the embossing mat is sticky, and able to hold the vellum in place while the cutter is embossing and cutting.

Scan N Cut embossing mat on a Cricut mat.

Scan N Cut embossing mat on a Cricut mat.

When combined with a hand embossing tool, the Scan N Cut mat worked well to emboss vellum with the Cricut machines.

Silhouette users who would like to emboss vellum will need to use the Silhouette Curio cutter. This is because the Cameo and other Silhouette machines do not have adequate pressure for embossing. They also do not have enough clearance between the mat and roller bars to fit an embossing surface between the mat and vellum.

Foiling in Lieu of Embossing

In the event that you do not have an embossing tool and embossing mat that work to Embossing Vellum with your Cricut machine, you may elect to use the Embossed Popout Daisy Card design with a foil quill and foil. The background design of this card foils nicely. This is an option for those using Silhouette cutters as well.

Foiled Cricut Popout with Daisy Card

Foiled Cricut Popout with Daisy Card

How to Emboss and Cut the Embossed Popout Daisy Card

If you are using a Pazzles or Scan N Cut machine to emboss and cut the popout daisy card, you will find that all lines in the cutting files are designated as either draw or cut. Choose the Draw lines first and emboss the Draw lines using your embossing tool and mat.  Use maximum pressure when embossing.  Do test cuts to determine the best settings for cutting.

Do not remove the mat or move the cutting head after the “drawing” is complete. Simply replace the embossing tool with the cutting tool, and select “Cut” to use with the cutting lines. Cutting on the embossing mat will not ruin it it you have set the blade depth appropriately.

 

How to cut and emboss with the Cricut

The process is a bit different when using Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker.  First, import the SVG file into Cricut Design Space. To do that, open Cricut Design Space. Click on Upload, the bottom icon on the left toolbar. Next, click on Upload Image. Browse to the place where you saved the Embossed Vellum Popout Card file on your computer. Click on Save. The design you just uploaded will be visible now. Click on it to select it,  and click on Insert Image.

Get the Design Ready in Design Space

Ungroup the design pieces by right clicking on the design, and selecting Ungroup. Next, click on the white emboss portion of the the design, and designate it as “Score” at the top of the page. Select both the score and white cut layers, right click and select Attach. Click on the top score layer and the next group layer on the right toolbar. Right click, and select Attach.

Now click on Make It.  Move the entire design in and down 1″ from top and left sides of the virtual mat. This will reduce tearing along the edges of the vellum.  Select Continue, and select your machine.  Set materials to Vellum. Next, Set tools. Select the Scoring Stylus for the embossing.

Place your vellum on the embossing mat, and load the hand embossing tool in the A tool holder. Load the mat into the Cricut, and press the Go button on the machine when it starts blinking.  It will take about 30 minutes to do all of the embossing and cutting on the vellum. Get the paper for the mat and card base ready. Be very careful when lifting  the cut design from the mat to prevent the petals from tearing.  Finally, you can cut the remaining card pieces.

How to Assemble the Embossed Vellum Popout Card

Embossed Popout Daisy Card

Embossed Popout Daisy Card

The side that is facing up on the mat is the Debossed side, as the embossing tool has pressed the design down into the vellum. The opposite side is the embossed design. You may use the side that you prefer on your card.

Fold the base card in half. Next, glue the mat to the center of the card front, or use pop dots to raise the mat a bit off of the card base. Add small dots of Dries Clear Adhesive on the back side of the vellum, only on places that are white from the embossing. Let it dry. Gently lift the cut petals up, away from the card, to give dimension.

Add the 3D Daisies

Embossed Popout Daisy Card

Embossed Popout Daisy Card

If you wish to add 3D daisies to the card, place a daisy piece on a foam mat, and press down firmly in the middle of the daisy to lift the petals. Repeat with the next daisy piece of the same size. Place a dot of glue on the back of one of the daisy layers, and center it over the other daisy layer of the same size. Make sure the petals are opposite the first layer. Add a drop of glue on the center back of each 3D Daisy layer and adhere to the center of one of the popout daisies on the card, again, keeping the petals opposite the bottom layer.

Repeat with all three flowers.  Glue a pearl sticker to the center of each of the 3D Daisies on the card. You card is now complete! Add a sentiment of your choice to the inside of the card, and give it to someone special!

How To Emboss Vellum with the Cricut

How To Emboss Vellum with the Cricut

Be sure to go to the Resource Library to grab the free cutting file for the Embossed Vellum Popup Daisy Card cutting files. If you like this project, please comment, share, and pin!

This resource library is open to everyone for free. All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below.

If you already have your password, enter the resource library here.

Julie

;

How to Prepare Cutting Files with Intricate Detail for use with Cricut Design Space and Scan N Cut

You may love cutting lovely projects with lots of intricate detail as I do.  But sometimes the cutting files for those projects load very slowly, if at all, into your cutter software! In this post you will find some tips for making your SVG cutting files easier to use.  Learn to prepare SVG cutting files that are optimized to load quickly and cut more efficiently in Cricut Design Space and Scan N Cut Canvas Workspace.

Note: this post may contain affiliate links.

Here is a cutting file for a popup card with intricate detail that could be problematic for use with some cutters, if it were not properly prepared.  You can find the free cutting file for this project in the Free Resource Library.  Before you go any further, download the zipped files to your computer, double click on the downloaded file, and select Extract All. Then you  can follow along with this tutorial.

Valentine Popup Card

Valentine Popup Card by Julie Flanagan

What can you do if the cutting files won’t work correctly or require lots of tedious editing? This can be very frustrating.  Sometimes details do not load properly into the software.  Lines or shapes may be missing, or they show up in very odd places on the screen. What can you do to prepare your cutting files so that they load easily into your favorite cutting software?

You may wish to learn more about third party software that can be used for creating your SVG cutting files on this blog post.

What do Good Cutting Files look Like in Cricut Design Space?

Upload an SVG cutting file into Cricut Design Space

Now that you have downloaded and unzipped the cutting files for the Valentine Popup Card,  upload the SVG cutting  file for CDS to Cricut Design Space .  Cricut Design Space is a free program that you can use, even if you don’t own a Cricut. Open a New page in Cricut Design Space.

"How

Click on the  Upload icon at the bottom of the left toolbar.   A window will open allowing you to search your computer for the file you wish to use.

"How

Click on the Upload Image button.  Then click on Browse, to search for the file named ValentinePopupCard2-CDS-JulieFlanagan.svg  that you saved to your computer. Double click on the file name, and it should open in the next window you see in Cricut Design Space.

 

"How

Add as many tags as you might like to use when searching for this design once it has been loaded into Design Space. I use popup, card, valentine, heart, scallop, lattice, JulieFlanagan.  I can search using these tags later.  Now, click on the green Save button in the lower right corner of the screen. Another screen opens allowing you to select the image you wish to use.  Click on the image you just uploaded, and you will see a green outline around the image.

Click

"How

Select the green Insert Images button in the lower right corner of the screen.  The design will now appear on the Cricut Design Space Canvas.  Your cutting file is now open in Cricut Design Space. But it is not quite ready to use.

"How

Preparing to Cut a Design in Cricut Design Space

Before doing anything else to this design, notice the Layers on the right side of the screen. There are four layers, two with score lines, and two with the card shapes. You first need to click on the score line layer at the top of the panel. This highlights the score lines on the popup portion of the card.  Currently these lines are designated as cutting lines. You need to change them to score lines.  Under Linetype at the top of the screen, select Score.  Now these lines will not be cut. You will be directed to use the scoring tool with these lines when you go to Make the project.

"How

Repeat this process with the second score line layer for the card back.  Select Score from the Linetype drop down menu.  Now all score lines will be scored rather than cut when you send the file to cut.

"How

Attaching Score Lines to their Cards

Before you can cut your project, you still need to Attach the score lines to their cards. You cannot do that yet, because all design pieces are grouped.  Right click on the shapes on the Canvas and select Ungroup.  Now on the Layer panel on the right side of the screen, hold down your Shift key, and click on both of the layers, Score and Cut for the popup portion of the card (light pink in this case.  These two layers will now be highlighted, and you will notice that both layers on the Canvas are now selected.

"How

 

Now select just  the backing card (Burgundy) and its score layer from the Layers panel on the right side of the screen while holding down the Shift key. Right click your mouse, and select Attach.

Ready to Make It

Click on the green Make It button in the upper right corner of the screen.  You should now see only two mats ready for scoring and cutting.

"How

 

Other Files Not so Ready for Use in Cricut Design Space

You may have experienced SVG cutting files with Intricate details that need a whole lot more preparation for use in Cricut Design Space. If you are making your own SVG files in third party software, you may have run into some frustrating issues in preparing them for cutting in Cricut Design Space. Are your files very slow to load? Do you get error messages indicating that the design is too large to load? Are each of the tiny shapes in the design on its own layer?

"How

 

Are each of the many tiny score lines of a popup card on its own layer, and needing to be changed to score in the Linetype window? These tiny lines are very hard to select either from the Canvas or from the layers.  Changing each tiny line from cut to score takes way too much time!

"How

How to Prepare Cutting Files with Intricate Detail for use with Cricut Design Space 

There is a solution for this issue. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of our multi-layered, intricate projects would import into Cricut Design Space in just a few simple layers, instead of hundreds of layers?  The solution lies in the preparation of your files in your design software.  Not all cutter software includes the necessary editing features to achieve this. What is the secret?

Design

Layers or Line Colors.

Create your designs with score lines on different layers  from the cutting lines. An alternative is to assign one line color to score lines, and use another color for the cut lines.  If you need to cut pieces out of different colors,  keep the score lines for each colored piece separate from score lines on other colored pieces.

Select by Layers or by Line Colors

Once you have arranged your design pieces by layers or assigned line colors, you need to be able to select all the same linetypes by layer or by line color in your software.  Not all software can do this.  For example, The Valentine Popup Card has blue lines for mountain folds, red lines for valley folds, and black lines for cut lines. However, the score lines need to be on different layers or different line colors from those used for the backing card.  For my design, I needed four layers or line colors; two cards, and two sets of score lines.

For example, you can select by line or fill color using Illustrator, Inkscape, and Silhouette Studio. You can select by line color in Pazzles software. You can select by layer in Make The Cut and Sure Cuts A Lot.

Make Compound Paths from Selections

Once you select everything that has the same line color (stroke) or the same layer, you need to make a compound path (Illustrator and Silhouette Studio), or use Combine (Inkscape), or Group with Transparency (Pazzles) or Join (Make The Cut) or Merge (Sure Cuts A Lot).  Most cutter software includes a simple group or ungroup feature, but Cricut Design Space does not recognize all groups in imported SVG files.  Properly designed Compound Paths should import into Cricut Design Space in fewer layers, making it easier to select the layers that need to be assigned a different line type.  Cricut Design Space does appear to recognize compound paths.  Those compound paths may not be broken in Cricut Design Space, so keep that in mind.

DPI sizing for SVG Files in Cricut Design Space

If sizing of your project is important, then the SVG file needs to be exported with a DPI of 72 for it to import into Cricut Design Space at the correct size. This is the standard DPI exported by Adobe Illustrator, Pazzles InVue software, and Silhouette Studio Business Edition.

Sure Cuts A Lots has the option to export SVG for Cricut Design Space, which automatically exports at 72 DPI.

If you want your SVG export from Inkscape or Make The Cut to import at the correct size into Cricut Design Space, you will first need to Select All (Ctrl+A) in your software, and reduce the size by 80%. To do this in Make the Cut, lock the aspect ratio for the Height and Width fields at the top of the screen. Type in 80% in either the W or H field and press Enter. Now export SVG (Ctrl+Shift+S) and import SVG into Cricut Design Space. It will import at the correct size.

 Additional Tips

For tips on how to cut and fold popup cards, see this blog post. 

To learn more about importing and using cutting files for a popup card in Cricut Design Space, see this blog post.

 

Learn how to prepare cutting files with intricate detail for use with Scan N Cut

The built in software on Scan N Cut machines is limited in the number of shapes or layers that it can use. It may not recognize all of the tiny details, and tell you that the file cannot be used. Brother Canvas Workspace software, a free software download,  may also give you a message that tiny details may be lost when a design with intricate detail is imported.  As a side note, my CM350 would not load some detailed files, while the newer SDX225 loaded it fine.

Avoid overloading Scan N Cut memory by using the same suggestions listed above for making compound paths in your design software, before trying to import into Brother Canvas Workspace or before trying to import your cutting file designs directly into the machine.  By making compound paths in your design, you should have much less difficulty getting your Scan N Cut machine to handle your designs with intricate detail.

Page Size Limitations for Scan N Cut Machines

When creating cutting files for use with Scan N Cut, it is very important that all design details fit on a single canvas, either 11.5″ wide and 11.5″ long, or 11.5″ wide by 23″ long. Any design pieces outside of this workspace will cause the design to be automatically resized to fit the workspace. All design pieces in the cutting file will be reduced in size so that all of them fit within the cutting boundaries of the virtual mat.

While many cutter software programs allow designers to move pieces off of the virtual mat so that all of the pieces of a huge project are in the same file, this practice will be problematic for Scan N Cut users.

Larger designs need to be broken up into several separate files. Select all design pieces that will fit on one virtual mat, and export as SVG as  a page, such as PopupCardPage1. Then select the next set of pieces and export with the same file name, but with Page2, such as PopupCardPage2.  Then you can place all of the necessary files for a single project together in a single folder on your computer.

DPI sizing for SVG Cutting Files for Scan N Cut

If sizing is extremely important for your designs, make sure your SVG files are exported with a DPI of 96 for use with Scan N Cut.  If the DPI is set to the Illustrator standard of 72 DPI, then the design pieces imported into either Canvas Workspace or directly to the Scan N Cut machine will be too small.

Inkscape SVG exports are automatically sized to 96 DPI.  SVG cutting files exported from Make The Cut follow Inkscape parameters, so those files import into Canvas Workspace and Scan N Cut at the correct sizes.

Sure Cuts A Lot has an option to save your designs in the native FCM format for use with Scan N Cut. FCM export is better for use with Scan N Cut. The DPI sizing will automatically be correct, and FCM files will often load more quickly and efficiently to the Scan N Cut.

Converting Files from SVG to FCM

Using Brother Canvas Workspace, import your prepared SVG file by going to the File menu in the upper left corner of the screen. Select Import.

"How

Now you need to assign the score lines layer to draw instead of cut. To do that, click on the Layers icon, third icon down on the toolbar on the right side of the screen in Canvas Workspace.  To do that, click on the blade icon on a layer that appears to be black, You will have a cut or draw option. Select Draw for those layers which you want to score rather than cut.

 

"How

Your Layers panel should now show a pen icon on each layer that you want to score rather then cut, and a blade icon on each layer that you wish to cut.

"How

Now, you can go to the File menu, and select the option to Export FCM file.  You may get a Warning: “Tiny objects are automatically removed when converting to FCM because it is too small to cut.”  Ignore this warning if you have prepared your SVG file with compound paths. Click on OK. You will not lose Intricate or tiny details in your cutting file, if you have properly optimized it in your design software. 

"How

A window will open, allowing you to type in a File name and to select a location where you would like to save the FCM file.  Click on the Save Button.

"How

You can now share this FCM file, or add it to a thumb drive you plug into the USB port on your Scan N Cut. Then you can load the file from the USB thumb drive to your Scan N Cut.

Sending your prepared file to the Scan N Cut Wirelessly

You do not have to export your design in FCM format if your Scan N Cut has wireless capability.  All SDX models have wireless capability. Older Scan N Cut models may require the purchase of a wireless card in order to send files wirelessly from Canvas workspace directly to the machine.  To send wirelessly, go to the File menu at the upper left corner of your screen and select Transfer FCM via Internet.  You will get a message indicating the the file is ready to use on your Registered Machine.

Turn on your machine, place your media on the mat, and load the mat.  Select the option to Retrieve Data either from USB thumb drive, Machine, internet wifi or USB cable.

After you  load thedesing into your machine, edit the design. Next, select the portion of the file you plan to cut this pass.  Indicate whether you will be drawing or cutting. You may use an embossing tool in the universal pen holder. Or you may use the Brother embossing tool for your score lines. Select Draw for the score line portion of the design. Then select Cut to cut the cutting lines.

Assemble Your Popup Card

When you have finished cutting and scoring the popup card, you repeat the process to select the card backing. Then cut and score it. Fold it and assemble it.

"How

Additional Tips for using SVG files with Scan N Cut

See this blog post for more tips for using SVG files with Scan N Cut.  See also this blog post for more help with folding popup cards.

Make a Valentine Popup Card

"How

Cut and assemble this card. Create and use a topper, sentiment, or image of your choice on the front of the card. I would love to see a picture of your creation! You can send me a picture in the CutterCrafter Facebook book, so others can see it.  If you have any further questions, please let me know! If you enjoyed this post, please share on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Be sure to follow my blog for more great tutorials and free cutting projects!

 

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Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Black Friday is a great time to stock up on crafting supplies. Look for great deals on the high-priced items that help you to be more productive. Do you need a better cutter? Is there a Foil Press on your wish list? Or perhaps you need a more efficient die cutter/embosser to handle those very intricate dies.  Maybe you need a new computer or external hard drive. Do you need a new printer?

If you do not need a new machine, perhaps you need to stock up on consumable supplies for your crafting projects. Is you stash of paper or vinyl, or HTV dwindling? Do you have plenty of adhesives? Be sure to check your supply of blades and mats for your machines! There are lots of Black Friday Deals for Crafters that could save you money on your craft supplies.

Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Pazzles Inspiration Vue Cutter Best deal of the year for this machine! Don’t miss this best buy of the Black Friday Deals for Crafters!

Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Pazzles Inspiration Vue

Items on this page may contain affiliate links.

More Black Friday Deals for Crafters

Scan N Cut350 Get a great deal on the reliable version of this machine.

Scan N Cut DX This one is the latest Scan N Cut model with the auto blade.

Brother SNC Universal Pen Holder Works with older and newer Scan N Cut models.

Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex Printing\

Amazon Basics Thermal Laminator Use for foiling in combination with a Monochrome Laser Printer. Print your design in B&W on a laser printer. Place foil over printed image. Place  design and foil between printer paper. Run through preheated laminator. Foil transfers to the printed design.

Scan N Cut Standard Blade For older machines – not for the DX models.

Scan N Cut Standard Mat Fold older machines- not for the DX models.

Online Activation Card for Scan N Cut for WiFi connection DX models do not need this, as WiFi is built in on the DX machines.

Silhouette Cameo 3  Check the Silhouette Online store from your free Silhouette Studio software for the best deals of the year on cutting designs.

Cricut Maker

Mint Cricut Explore Air 2 

New Cricut Easy Press 2 Now in three different sizes. Heats to 400 degrees quickly.

Cricut Easy Press Mat  

Cuttlebug by Cricut

Cricut Bright Pad

Ultimate Fine Point Pen by Cricut  Set Assorted

Stamp set

Prismacolor pastel color sticks

Prismacolor colored pencils

Sizzix Extended Cutting Plates

Super Doodle 50 Gel Pens Set

Arteza Watercolor Premium Artist Paints Set of 24 Colors

Gemini Die Cutting/Embossing Machine Great price for a power machine! I ordered one, plus the plates for the Gemini Jr to use with this. Get this machine or the Gemini Jr. to use with the new Gemini Foilpress. Gemini Jr is only slightly less than the full size Gemini. So unless you really need the smaller size of the Jr. 6-inch width, I recommend the full size Gemini. You will need an extended plate for the Foilpress to work in the full size Gemini.

Sharpie Fine Point pen set of 24 colors Can you even have enough Sharpies? These fit in my pen holders to draw with my machines.

Dries Clear Adhesive Everyone needs a good supply of adhesive that dries clear for projects. I use this type of adhesive for my 3D flowers, boxes, cards, luminaries, and other projects.

Heartfelt Creations Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit I use this kit for shaping my 3D flowers. While there, take a look at their new products and their 50% off sale on Limited Editions.

Spellbinders Tool In 1 Great for brushing the tiny pieces out of intricate cuts. If you cut any intricate designs, you need this tool!

15″x15″ Heat Press If you do a lot of Heat transfer vinyl on garments, you need a heat press. The size is right on this one, and the best price I could find.

80# white cardstock Excellent cardstock for print and cut projects. The printer can handle it, and it cuts well.

100# white cardstock Great for cutting popup cards and stamped flowers for coloring and shaping into 3D flowers.

110# White cardstock Great for 3D projects

Ultra Fine Micro Line Pens set of 16  I couldn’t resist purchasing another set of these at this low price.

Derwent Watercolor Pencils set of 24  now at a reduced price. I love these for coloring my 3D flower creations.

Artists Choice Watercolor Pencils set of 72 More colors in this set, but the colors are not as intense as those in the Derwent set.

A4 LED Ultra Thin Light Box Tracer – Not quite as bright as the Cricut Bright Pad, but the price is right and it works well for weeding vinyl.

Tim Holtz Stamp Platform I love this for getting perfectly stamped images.

SanDisk 54Gb Flash Drive This will work to transfer SVG files to the Scan N Cut. I keep a dedicated thumb drive for that purpose.

Ultra Fine Glitter This is what I use with the Scor-tape Sheets to make patterned glitter paper.

Scor-tape Sheets I cut these with my electronic die cutters to use with foil to make lovely foiled projects. No heat necessary for this method. Brayer the dull side down over the cut adhesive.

Modeling Clay, 24 colors plus tools 

Flameless Candles  Great for luminaries and lanterns!

Set of 88 Alcohol Dual Tip Markers with case

Cricut Rotary Blade Kit

Dog Tags for engraving Engrave a blank tag for your pet using your engraving tool with your cutter!

Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks

Portable 4T External usb Drive You need a place to store all the files you collect for cutting!  Back everything up before you lose it!!!!!!

Instant Pot Duo 6 qt.  – I love my Instant Pot. I can do a lot of crafting while it does the cooking!

Blendtec Blender – My favorite Smoothie Maker at a great price! Prime Day price updated at checkout. Take a break from your crafting to enjoy a healthy treat!

See EVERYTHING available during Black Friday here

Learn to Use Your New Crafting Machines

Check back here, at Cuttercrafter.com for tutorials and cutting files to use with your new crafty purchases. You will find some FREE projects to try in our Free Resource Library.

Would you like to see some of my FREE SVG projects? Check them out in my FREE Resource Library.

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Best Paper for Cutting

What is the Best Paper for cutting with your electronic cutter? The answer to this question depends on what you want to do with the cut paper. Are you wanting to cut very intricate designs? Are you wanting to make popup cards? Do you want to print on the paper before or after cutting? Are you cutting very thin paper or very thick paper? Do you need to emboss your paper? There are many factors to consider in your paper choices.

Best Paper

Best Paper for Cutting

There is some excellent general information about paper called The Ultimate Guide to Card Stock posted here.  And there is excellent information about paper weights here.

No matter which paper you choose to cut, you must do test cuts. Test cuts help you determine the optimal settings on your machine. See this document for test cut suggestions.

Note: Some affiliate links may be used in this post. I am affiliated only with products that I use. When you purchase products using my affiliate links, it does not cost you any more, but I will share some commission. Thanks!

Machine Choice

Not every machine can cut every different type of paper well. For example the Cricut Maker can cut Tissue Paper,  Construction Paper and Crepe Paper very well using its rotary cutting wheel.

Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker

Rotary Blade Kit for Cricut Maker

But other electronic machines may require special stiffening to be cut these thin papers. And most machines will not cut these very thin and very fragile papers at all.

Silhouette machines, such as the Silhouette Cameo can cut lightweight cardstock and text weight papers very well. But these machines are not rated to cut heavier cardstock or heavier media.

Is the Best Paper Made of Hardwood or Softwood?

Every paper mill has its own formula for creating paper. All use hardwood and softwood to make their papers. But the proportions of hard to soft woods used in the papermaking process varies. When you find paper that works extremely well for the projects you like to make, take note of the mill that produces that paper. You might want to consider purchasing your favorite papers in quantities. When you get some papers that do not cut well for the projects you like to make, avoid purchasing papers from the mills that produce them.

For example, I purchase inexpensive paper made by Georgia Pacific for test cutting new designs if they are not too intricate. But when making final project cuts and intricate designs, I prefer to use papers by Neenah or Colormates from Worldwin. These papers seem to be crispier, and cut without shredding. Even very intricate designs cut very cleanly on these papers. Crispy papers have a higher hardwood content that make them cut better on electronic cutting machines.

However, stiff and crispy papers may crack under pressure when using Die Cutter/Embossing machines. In this case, it is important to test small samples for embossing, before you purchase in bulk. You may find that paper that cuts best on the electronic cutter, is not the best paper for using in a pressure embossing machine.

The Best Paper for Light Weight Projects

Tissue Paper

When you want to emboss many, many layers of tissue paper, embossing folders used with Die Cutter/Embossing machines work great. However, tissue paper may rip and tear under a cutting blade in a cutting machine. For this reason, a rotary blade, such as that available for use on the Cricut Maker works best. You can cut some amazing flower petals from tissue paper using the Cricut Maker and rotary blade.

Best Paper

Cricut Maker

Use a light tack mat, or the project may tear when you remove it from the mat. Do not attempt to cut any shape smaller than 3/4″ using the rotary blade. Cut larger simple shapes from tissue paper for best results.

If you are needing straight cuts, a hand-held rotary tool may work for cutting multiple layers at a time. Then you can use scissors to make any necessary curved cuts.

Crepe Paper

Crepe paper comes in a wide variety a weights and attributes. When making crepe paper flowers, getting a quality crepe paper that stretches nicely is important. Crepe paper comes in many weights. You may be able to cut heavy crepe paper, ironed between two layers of freezer paper with a regular blade on your electronic cutter. But I have found that if I want to cut crepe paper on a cutter, Cricut Maker using the Rotary blade is the only machine that will do it well without tearing. Again, do not plan to cut any shapes smaller than 3/4″.

Crepe paper rolls for decorating may not be your best choice for cutting. This type of crepe paper is very thin, and stretches very little.

Construction Paper

Construction paper is very inexpensive. But it is also tears very easily. Its fibers are very loose. Cutting blades rip and tear in the cutting process unless using a rotary cutting blade. Use the rotary blade on the Cricut Maker for simple cuts on construction paper. Otherwise, scissors may cut the best. Construction paper is not always the Best Paper option for use with cutters.

Vellum

Translucent vellum used for crafting is generally a thin, but crispy paper that cuts well with a blade on electronic cutters. It comes in a text weight or as cardstock. The text weight paper is very fragile, so should be handled carefully. Translucent vellum cardstock works extremely well with line embossing on electronic cutters. And it cuts very well, too, without using a special backing or freezer paper.

You can create some lovely parchment type crafts using vellum, an embossing tool, piercing tool and cutting blade on your electronic cutter. If your machine does not have piercing and embossing tools available, it is possible to use hand embossing or piercing tools in a pen holder. The tip of a blade can produce a pierced effect if you don’t have a piercing tool.

Pazzles InVue Cutter

Pierced, embossed, and cut Vellum popup butterfly

 Scrapbook Paper

Decorative scrapbook papers are fun to use on cards and scrapbook layouts. Most cutters can cut scrapbook paper without a problem. But some scrapbook papers cut better than others. Some scrapbook papers made of layers may split, bunch or tear when cut. If you have papers that give you problems, avoid tiny cuts. Use them for cutting larger shapes. Cutting small welded text with sharp angles can result in lots of tearing. It is better to use nice crispy paper without a white core for intricate cuts and tiny text. If you find a brand that cuts well, stick with that brand for cutting with your machine.

Text Weight Paper

Paper that feeds into printers is usually text weight. 20# text is very light weight printer paper. 24# paper is better than 20# for double sided printing. 37# text weight paper is very nice for print and cut projects that do not need to be stiff. You can use shimmer papers for making lovely 3D flowers. This paper is described as 18 GSM (32/80lb Text) , The key word is “text” – this is NOT cardstock. It feels like quality letterhead paper. It has a smooth, Satiny Metallic finish.

Text Weight Papers can also be sold in heavier weights. Even up to weights that are nearly equivalent to medium weight cardstock. Be sure to read the weight specifications. Is it Text Weight or cover stock? Even more importantly, try some test cuts. Does it cut well for your purposes? If you need to print on it, will it feed through your printer smoothly? It is recommended for use in printers? Heavy cardstock may not work well for cutting around printed images.

Be sure to use a light tack mat when cutting light weight papers. Light weight papers may not come off of a brand new, very sticky mat. At least you should condition a new mat, and do test cuts on heavier paper on a new mat before using it with lightweight paper.

Best Paper for Cardstock Projects

Cardstock is available in weights from medium weight 65# up to  very heavy weight 110#. 70#, 80#, 90#, 100# and 105# are also common cardstock weights. You may want to have a variety of weights on hand for different projects.

Medium Weight Cardstock

65# cardstock is the most common medium weight cardstock. It can be used for cards, scrapbook photo mats, stamping embellishments, home decor, gifts and other crafting projects. Some medium weight cardstock cuts well, and others do not cut well on electronic cutters. If you have some medium weight cardstock that does not cut well on your electronic cutter, try using it for embossing on cards and embellishments. It may also be used for making simple shapes or photo mats.

It is easy to assume that your cutter is broken when nothing will cut right. However, “mushy” paper is the culprit for bad cuts more often than not for me. Also, be sure to check the cutter maintenance tips to rule out other causes of poor cuts.

Best Paper

Cuts before and after cutter maintenance

Heavy Cardstock

Any cardstock above 80# is considered to be heavy weight. 100# cardstock is great for coloring, molding, and shaping for 3D flowers. You will love 110# cardstock for creating heavy duty boxes and 3D paper projects. 100# cardstock is great for making popup cards. You will like using 80#-90# cardstock for making cards, intricate frames, borders, corners, etc . If you prefer cutting heavy cardstock, stay away from the cutters that are limited to cutting medium weight cardstock.

Some heavy cardstocks have polyester fibers in them, which make them strong. But these polyester fibers make them much more difficult to cut cleanly, especially on intricate designs. The polyester fibers also are very hard on blades, dulling them quickly. These textured papers make very nice cards and photo mats. However, they may not be the Best Paper for cutting with your electronic cutter.

Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper can have different weights and densities. These papers are great for watercolor projects. Cutting watercolor paper into simple shapes may not be problematic. But it might be best to cut only simple, basic shapes from it. Because watercolor paper is not crispy, it may tend to bunch and shred by the blade. You may be able to cut shapes around your watercolor designs if you are careful.

Matboard

Professional quality photo mats are made from 4-ply matboard . Matboard is very stiff, and very difficult for most electronic craft cutters to handle. Some of the cutters that can cut with up to 1000 grams or more of pressure can cut 2-ply matboard up to 2mm thick. The cutting blade must also be able to handle the thickness of the Matboard. Some cutters, such as Scan N Cut, have the pressure rating for cutting heavier materials. But they are limited in the thickness that they can handle. Scan N Cut 2 is rated to cut media no thicker than 1.5mm. Read more about cutting matboard with the Knife Blade on the Cricut Maker here.  Pazzles Vue can cut 2 ply matboard up to 2mm thick.

Scan N Cut 2 cuts media only up to 1.5mm thick. The Scan N Cut DX to be released in the Fall of 2018 is boasting a 3mm thickness cutting option. Cricut Maker cuts media up to 2.5mm thick, but would require the optional Knife blade to access the pressure needed for cutting thicker media. Pazzles Vue cuts media up to 2mm thick. Some of the KNK machines will cut Matboard, as does the Silver Bullet line of cutters. Be sure to check your cutter specifications before investing in Matboard to cut.

Chipboard

Chipboard comes in many thicknesses and densities. Some chipboard is made of multiple layers. Some is coated on a single side, while others have a coating on both sides. Most cutters can handle cutting cereal boxes, which is flexible chipboard. Some chipboard is not flexible. That type is most difficult to cut. Some chipboard shreds during multiple cutting passes. There is chipboard available that cuts well without shredding. Here is an excellent article about chipboard. Cricut sells 11″x11″ chipboard made specifically for use with the Cricut Maker. Silhouette sells a chipboard colored cardstock, as regular chipboard cannot be cut on Silhouette machines.

I prefer cutting chipboard that will cut in a single pass. This is because the density of chipboard can cause a cutter to skip steps. If this happens, successive passes would not be in exactly the same location as previous passes. This results in shredding of the chipboard and very poor cuts. If multiple passes are necessary, it is best to start with lower blade extension and cutting pressure, then increase these settings for the next passes. This reduces the possibility of missed cutting steps. If you need thicker chipboard pieces, you might want to try cutting several pieces of .022″ chipboard, and gluing them together to make your project. Do not plan to cut intricate designs from chipboard.

Cricut Maker users may cut chipboard up to 2mm thick with the optional knife blade. The interesting thing about using the chipboard setting in Cricut Design Space, is that chipboard and other thicker, denser materials do not use a cutting pressure any more than 750 grams. The secret to success for this machine is the slow cutting, and many, many passes. The blade needs to have sufficient cutting surface to cut completely through the thickness of the chipboard.

Best Paper Brands for Cutting

I have been using electronic cutting machines since 2004. The brand of paper that I have had consistently excellent cutting results with is Worldwin Papers, I have used most of their papers varying from very light weight to very heavy weight, and all of them cut with excellence on my cutters. Their textured 65# Cutmates line is guaranteed to cut well on any electronic cutter. The selection of colors in the smooth 65# Colormates makes it to be much in demand among cutter users. My personal favorite smooth paper by Worldwin is the 90# Colormates Smooth and Silky. Their colormates line of heavy textured cardstock is also wonderful to cut. I love their metallics as well.

If you cannot find the Worldwin papers you need at Amazon, you can purchase your favorites from The Paper Mill Store.

When I need low cost paper options that I can get quickly locally from Michaels, I purchase Recollections cardstock . Their 65# cardstock generally cuts well, as does their very heavy 110# cardstock. 

Paper Brands to Avoid

I avoid papers from Joann. Their Core dinations  brand does not always cut well. I save this paper for purposes other than cutting on my electronic cutters. Paper sold at Walmart is inconsistent for cutting purposes. One color in a package may cut OK, while then next color will not cut well at all. These may work for simple shapes, but I stay away from their papers when cutting intricate projects.

Best Paper Hints and Tips

Humidity

Nice paper for cutting may not cut nicely if it has been exposed to humidity. Pressure and blade settings may change with the environment. What cut well this morning may not cut so well at the same settings in the afternoon when the air conditioning is running. Always do test cuts when environmental changes occur.

Storage

Store your paper in Zip lock bags after you have opened its original packaging. Two-gallon zipper bags fit 12″x 12″ papers well for storage. Storing them this way will prevent the papers from collecting excess moisture that can hinder cutting quality. Moist papers get “Mushy” and may tear and bunch during cutting.

Emboss the Cut

If you have some paper that is not cutting well, try using an embossing tool or scoring tool in the machine over all of the cut lines a couple of times at very high pressure. Then cut as you normally would. The embossing tool compresses the paper along the cutting lines so that you can get much better cuts.

Drying with Heat

Some have mentioned drying paper that has soaked up moisture in the oven. If you attempt this trick, be sure to keep an eye on the paper, so that it does start burning. Using a low temperature in a dehydrator for a longer period of time might be safer. Check on the paper at regular intervals. Some prefer to dry out paper using an iron.

Chipboard

After removing chipboard from its packaging, it gets thicker overnight. New chipboard straight from the packaging requires different settings than would be required if the paper sits out overnight. Cricut recommends letting its chipboard sit out of the package for a day before cutting for best results. Chipboard is very absorbent, and sensitive to environmental conditions.

Be sure to use a high tack mat and possibly tape the edges of chipboard and other heavy media to the mat to keep it from moving around during cutting .

Best Paper Cutting Settings

Because paper is very environmentally sensitive, the same paper may require very different settings. Those who live in very dry climates will need to use less cutting pressure than those who live in humid environments. For this reason, performing your own test cuts is extremely important. Don’t rely on a published list of settings or presets. Sometimes different colors of paper in the same package can require different settings. What cut well yesterday at certain settings may require different settings today. Be sure to do test cuts at the beginning of each cutting session, and any time you make color changes or environment changes.

Best Paper Conclusion

If you are faithful to do test cuts, you will be more successful cutting any papers you have in your collection. Be sure to keep lots of inexpensive paper that cuts well, on hand for doing project test cuts. Save your expensive paper for the final versions. This will save you lots of frustration.

The paper that is best for you depends on what you like to cut most, and what machine you have. Special tools available for use with your cutter can also make a difference in how they cut.

Here is FREE cutting project that you can use to check how well your paper cuts with each of the tree layers. The hearts layer provides some intricate cutting,  while the white layer provides a simple shape to cut. The Brown layer has some intricate inner detail. You can use this project on a card or scrapbook layout.

Best Paper

Best Paper for Cutting

Best Paper

Love Football Border

 

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Love,

Julie, cuttercrafter.com

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