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
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!
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 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 Side Flap
Repeat with the other side flap.
Lift the other side flap.
Pull the front flap down.
Open the Front Flap
Now, fold the side flaps back down, inserting their tabs into their original slots.
Replace Side Flaps in their Slots
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 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
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
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.
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
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.
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 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 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 Assembly Step 5
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 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 Step 8
Now you can add the other bottom piece on the inside of the box.
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
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
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
These boxes have paper clips on top and bottom to join the two boxes together.
Clipped Boxes for 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 – Julie Flanagan
Enjoy!
Julie, cuttercrafter.com
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 for Cutting
Love Football Border
>> HOW TO ENTER THE FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY <<
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Love,
Julie, cuttercrafter.com
Pazzles Inspiration Vue Cutter Review
Pazzles Inspiration Vue may be the electronic cutter you need. It ranks among the top electronic cutters. The Vue is a powerful, but simple to use machine. You can cut many different types of materials with it. And with optional accessories, you can also use the Pazzles Inspiration Vue to cut, draw, engrave, emboss, pierce, and distress many media types. The Pazzles Inspiration Vue is the choice of beginner and well as professional crafters. This article reviews the features of this amazing machine to help you decide if this is a good choice for your crafting needs.
Note: I may have used some affiliate links in this review. I am affiliated only with products that I use. When you purchase products using my affiliate links, it does not cost you any more, and the tiny commission that I get contributes towards the costs for maintaining my blog. Thanks for your support!
What Do You Want to Cut?
Cutting Vinyl with the Pazzles Inspiration Vue
The Pazzles Inspiration Vue cuts vinyl of all types, whether the vinyl is repositionable wall vinyl, permanent outdoor vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, vinyl window cling, Stencil Vinyl, Glitter or Flocked vinyl or other types. It is recommended that you cut your vinyl on either the 12″ mat or the 24″ mat. Reserving a standard cutting blade for cutting vinyl ensures that you will always get smooth cuts with for your vinyl projects.
Split Regal Monogram on a Ceramic Tile
You can make wonderful gift items such as the customized tile above using your Pazzles Inspiration Vue electronic cutter. The design for the shirt below was a special request from my husband. The Pazzles InVue software that ships with the machine, allowed me to create the cutting design from an actual photo of my husband fishing.
Glittered Heat Transfer Vinly project
Cutting Heavy Cardstock with the Pazzles Inspiration Vue
Entry level cutters do not have sufficient cutting pressure to allow users to cut heavy media. The Pazzles Inspiration Vue boasts of up to 1000 grams of down pressure, making it rank among the top home crafting cutters. It can cut media that is up to 2mm thick. So it can cut even tough chipboard. If you love to cut 3D projects from heavier media, you will need a more powerful machine. This machine boasts of three times the cutting pressure of the legacy Cricut machines as well as the Cricut Explore models. And it has about 4 times the cutting pressure of Silhouette and Craft Robo machines. The print and cut embellishments used on this card were all created using the Pazzles Inspiration Vue and its InVue software.
Fall pop-up Card
3D boxes such as the Trailer Gift Box below are much more stable when cut from heavy cardstock.
3D cutting projects
Here is another project that required heavy cardstock. If you love making sturdy 3D projects, you will be happy if you have a cutter that can handle cutting the required heavy media.
Flower Mailbox
Projects like this Snow Globe Box Card last a lot longer on display when its pieces are cut from heavier cardstock. Pazzles Inspiration Vue cuts these so efficiently! The intricate snowflake detail cut beautifully on this machine.
Snow Globe Box Card
Engraving Metal with the Pazzles Inspiration Vue
You can use Pazzles optional Diamond Tip engraving tool to engrave on metal. I recently engraved on a dog tag for our puppy. The tallest letter was .057″ and the smallest letter was .06″ tall. The entire tag was only 1.5″ wide. I was able to fit four rows of text on the back of the tag with our puppy’s name, address and phone number. Here is the front of the tag. (I blurred the phone number.) You can cut thin aluminum metal with the blade.
Engraving On Metal
Cutting and Piercing Delicate Designs in Vellum with the Pazzles Inspiration Vue
You can also cut very fine and delicate media such as vellum. I used Pazzles optional Piercing and Embossing tools on vellum to create this popup butterfly anniversary card.
Pierced, embossed, and cut Vellum popup butterfly
Cutting Fabric with the Pazzles Inspiration Vue
Cutting fabric with this machine is great. I was amazed at how nicely my Vue cut the doily and the flowers out of fabric for this Easter Bonnet. It is good to reserve a blade dedicated to cutting fabric, since paper can dull blades quite quickly.
Fabric Doily Easter Bonnet with Fabric flowers
Cutting Wood with the Pazzles Inspiration Vue
Yes! This machine cuts thin balsa wood or basswood up to 2mm thick. Here is a Captain’s Wheel design that I cut. Covering the back of the piece of wood with blue painter’s tape before cutting keeps the thin wood from splitting during the cut and while lifting from a very sticky mat.
Captain’s Wheel cut from thin wood, with pen writing.
Making 3D Flowers with the Pazzles Inspiration Vue
If you love making 3D paper flowers as I do, you will be happy to know that this machine cuts lots of different types of paper petals for making beautiful flowers. This bouquet includes some vellum flowers, some made from printed scrapbook paper, some from medium weight cardstock, and some from heavy cardstock.
Musical Paper Flowers
Cutting Rubber Stamps
You can create your own custom rubber stamp designs using the Pazzles InVue software that ships with the Pazzles inspiration Vue. Then you can cut the rubber using the Pazzles Inspiration Vue. I had an idea for a musical stamp, so I created the design, and let my Pazzles Inspiration Vue machine cut it out for me.
Homemade rubber stamp design.
Cutting Clay, Fondant, Gum Paste and Frosting Papers using the Pazzles Inspiration Vue
You can use Pazzles optional Cake Accessories Kit for cutting clay, fondant, gum paste, and frosting papers. Here is a project I made using thinly rolled Sculpey clay.
Clay Cornucopia Fall Decor
Cutting Scrapbook Page Overlays
Scrapbook pages are fun to make using the Pazzles InVue software and cutting with Pazzles Inspiration Vue. This machine will cut a full 12″ wide border or scrapbook page. It is not limited to an 11.5″ cutting width as some cutters are. Here is a scrapbook calendar page that I created. Notice the detail of the embellishments.
December Calendar page with fancy embellishments and 3D snowflake flower.
Rhinestone Templates
Designing templates for use with rhinestone designs can be done using the Pazzles InVue software that ships with the Pazzles Inspiration Vue cutter. You can turn any design or test into a rhinestone template design. Then you can cut your template out of rubber designed for cutting rhinestone templates using your Vue. Here is my first rhinestone project.
Cutting Around Printed Images
Before I received my Pazzles Inspiration Vue, I was never happy with the cutting around printed images with my other machines. You will love how the Pazzles Inspiration Vue automatically finds the registration marks, and cuts perfectly around printed images that are up to 8.5″ wide. This project would have been extremely difficult to cut and assemble if I had cut each tiny element separately. Instead, I chose a number of appropriate designs from the generous Image library available in the Pazzles Craft Room, and printed the shapes. Then I had my Vue cut around the printed images. It did a great job!
Teacher’s Cascade Card with print and cut Embellishments
You can see more of my Pazzles creations here .
What is your Cutting Skill Level?
If you are a novice cutter user, you will appreciate how easy the Pazzles Inspiration Vue cutter is to learn to use. With the great support offered by Pazzles to its customers through the Pazzles Craft Room, you can learn to start using your Vue to make amazing projects right away. The Pazzles Craft Room has hundreds of projects like the above, ready for you to download, cut, and assemble. The downloaded projects are yours to keep, even after your membership expires. And their Angel policy allows you to use the designs commercially. You can get almost all of the above projects for free as a member of the Pazzles Craft Room.
Ease of Use
The click style blade holder in the Pazzles Inspiration Vue makes setting blade depths easy. The software tells you where to set the blade for the media type that you have selected to cut. The blade holder and blade are the same ones that the Deep Cut blade holder and blades that legacy Cricut machines used. The blades are easy to insert and remove.
The machine automatically loads your mat. The optical reader sets the starting point at the same place every time. The optical reader also makes cutting around printed images so much easier!
More Advanced Users
You will love the flexibility you have in using the Pazzles InVue software. It has all of the basic functions with which you are familiar from other cutting software. But it also has lots of advanced design and editing functions. Some of these advanced features are not available even in the most expensive professional design software programs. Pazzles developed their InVue software with all the advanced design features that its staff and professional users were familiar with, and used to using.
The amazing thing about this software is that it is provided for FREE with the purchase the the Pazzles Inspiration Vue. And it is available for a VERY low price for those who wish to purchase it separately and use as third party software with other cutters. This software, combined with the advanced cutting technology in the machines, means that you most likely will not outgrow its functioning for your crafting purposes.
What is your Price Point?
Some people like to start their cutting adventure with a very inexpensive machine. Then they start saving their money, and plan to purchase a better machine when they outgrow the features of that machine. Others prefer to get the best machine they can get, so that they won’t be outgrowing its features any time soon. Pazzles Inspiration Vue is one of those machines that meets your growing cutting needs, without a need to upgrade to bigger and better machines later on.
Purchase options
There are several shopping options, making your purchase of the Pazzles Inspiration Vue cutter affordable. You can check out those options here. If you wish to purchase the machine outright, you will get the best price by first joining the Pazzles Craft Room for one month. While a member, you will receive a 15% discount on all Pazzles purchases. So you can get a 15% discount on your machine, and all the optional accessories you need. I save on shipping by purchasing all that I think I might need for a year. I like to keep three good mats and three extra blades on hand at all times.
With your outright purchase, you will receive several months of free membership in the Pazzles Craft Room. Be sure to take advantage of that time to view all of the training videos in the video library. These will help you get a great start in using your new machine. Also, be sure to download all of the cutting files and projects that you can get while you are a member. You can download up to 400 files per month, if you are diligent to download 40 files every 70 hours. These are yours to keep. While you are a Pazzles Craft Room Member, all downloads are FREE!
If you find that you love all the new projects that are regularly posted, you may decide that you want to maintain your Pazzles Craft Room membership. I really like all of the wonderful projects that they offer so much that I decided to keep my membership going. The best price for me turned out to be purchasing a machine for $99 with a two year commitment to the Pazzles Craft Room. Another similar option is to purchase a machine for $199 with a one year commitment to the Pazzles Craft Room.
System Requirements
Pazzles Inspiration Vue works on both Windows 7, 8, and 10, and on Mac: OS X 10.9.X & 10.10.X.. It needs a USB2 connection directly to your computer. The InVue software also works on these machines. You will need software to cut to the Vue. You can use Pazzles InVue software or you may use Sure Cuts A Lot. If you have Pazzles Inspiration Studio Pro 1014, you can use it to cut to the Vue. However, that software is no longer available for sale.
You do Not need high speed internet in order to use your Pazzles Inspiration Vue. Connect to the Internet to update your firmware and software one time after receiving your Vue. You can disconnect your Vue from your computer after making a cut. Then you can repeat that exact same cut with the same settings as many times as you like by pressing the Repeat button on the machine. When you need to make a lot of the same project, this is a real handy feature to have.
Pazzles Inspiration Vue Specifications
This cutter ships with the machine, USB cable, power cord, and converter box, blade, blade holder, and a print and cut mat. The machine will cut up to 1000 grams of pressure using settings of 1-50. You have 5 speeds from which to choose. The click blade holder has 11 different blade depth settings. Maximum cutting width is 12″. Cutting length is 12″ with the standard mat, and 24″ with the 24″ mat. The machine weighs 11.2 pounds, is 22″ wide x 6.5″ tall x 11″ deep. Its roller bar has two permanent pressure rollers, and four more rollers that are removable when cutting thicker media.
There is an accessory tray on top of the machine as well as three slots for additional tools. A support tray for the mat is built in to the front of the machine. You slide it out when using the machine. Then push it in when done.
Pazzles InVue Software Overvue
Pazzles InVue Software
The InVue software ships without additional cost to you with your purchase of the machine. It has many outstanding features. For that reason, we will touch only on the highlights. The software has special features not only for cutting, but also for drawing, piercing, embossing, engraving, distressing, and converting to rhinestone designs. My favorite tools are the replace with a line, and replace with an arc.
The software will import and export SVG files. It will also import and export WPC files. The image gallery connects to your online account with Pazzles. This allows you to download all new files easily. The software automatically stores these downloaded files in the correct topical file folders on your computer. Downloading files from the online library requires an Internet connection. But once they are saved to your computer, no internet connection is necessary for using them.
Software Pros
There are a variety of welding options in the software. One that is unusual to see is the WYSIWYG weld function. This allows you to arrange design pieces as you wish to see them. Then you use WYSIWYG Weld to get rid of all overlapping lines instantly. It has a nice inline/outline feature. It also has a nice Duplicate feature that lets you fill your page with the selected images.
The software will also convert images to cutting lines. There is a nice Fit text to path feature, which allows you to select any path for the text to follow. I love the Vertical/Horizontal tool, and the corner rounder features as well.
Text
The software will access any fonts installed in your computer’s system fonts folder. It will also access single stroke fonts that you have installed. The software has a very nice text preview window. This allows you to type in text and preview how it looks with any of your installed fonts. I love being able to see the text in different fonts in a large size before I select one. Once you have added your text to the layout, you have many options for spacing and kerning. Thickening fonts is easy in this software. Creating mats for text is also easy. So you can make some lovely word art quickly and easily with this software.
Software Cons
Features that I miss in the Pazzles InVue software are freehand draw, fit object to path, and blackout shape. I miss the scissors cuts we had in Inspiration Studio Pro 2010, and the Create a Font option. This software is missing the word envelopes, simplify paths, and smooth small angle tools.
I go back to Make The Cut to use its better tracing options, its Conical Warp, and Texture Snapshot features. The MTC measuring tool and Lattice functions are some tools that I miss as well. Thin paths, Fuse and Weld and the Tiler functions are also features that I still go back to Make The Cut to use.
I go to Sure Cuts A Lot to make instant Knockout Text. We can do this using InVue software, but it takes a few more steps. Viewing and using alternate glyphs in the private use area of fonts is another feature of Sure Cuts A Lot that I use on occasion. I go to CorelDraw to use the envelope for fitting text to a shape and for creating True Type fonts. CorelDraw and Illustrator have useful batch conversion utilities that come in handy from time to time. Sure Cuts A Lot does a batch convert for Brother FCM files. Pazzles InVue software does not have any batch conversion features.
The nice thing about the Pazzles InVue software is that even if you go to other software to use certain features, you simply export the files as SVG, import into InVue, and you are ready to cut. You get the best of all of the software choices this way.
Conclusion
Now you have an idea of some of the great things that the Pazzles Inspiration Vue can do for you. You need to figure out what your specific needs are. I have 14 different cutters in my collection. Each one has its own special purpose. I select the one that will work the best for the project on which I am working . You need to determine if the Pazzles Inspiration Vue or another machine meets those needs better. Study your options. What do you like to do the most? Get the best machine that you are able to afford that will work the best for your purposes. So the most important thing is for you to use what you have until you can get something better. You won’t really know exactly what you need until you start using what you have!
Free Thankful For You Tag SVG Cutting File
I have created a new cutting file for you using my Pazzles InVue Software, and I cut it on my Pazzles Inspiration Vue cutter. But you can use the FREE SVG cutting file with your own software and cutter. You can get the FREE Thankful For You Tag SVG cutting file in my FREE Resource Library. See the link at the bottom of the page.
Thankful For You Tag
>> 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.
Love,
Julie, cuttercrafter.com
Review of Gemini Die Cutter/Embosser
This review of the Gemini Die Cutter/Embosser covers tips for cutting thin dies made by various companies. The Gemini is a must-have electronic machine for cutting very intricate dies in a single pass! You can get this amazing machine from Amazon for a great price. This is the full size version. There is also a Gemini Jr available for those who need a smaller, more portable size. But I prefer the larger size of the Gemini, as it can cut a lot of dies in a single pass, up to 9″ wide and 12.5″ long!
Boxed Gemini
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.
Unboxing the Gemini
Right out of the box, this machine is ready to go. It needs a space of 14″ wide, 8″ deep and 6.5″ tall for storage. When in use, it needs some room in front and in back of the machine for the cutting plates to move in and out. So plan on a stable working surface area of 14″ wide by 34″ deep. The machine itself weighs 14.6 pounds. You should be able to move it easily for storage unless that weight is too much for you. I like the hand grips on the sides of the machine that make it easy to lift.
In the box you will find the Gemini Die Cutter & Embosser, an assortment of plates, some metal dies, an embossing folder, User Guide, and power cord.
Gemini Review and Tips
Gemini Plates
The Gemini ships with a nice assortment of plates. These plates all measure 9″ wide by 12.5″ long. The opening for the sandwiched plates measures just under 5/8″ (19/32″) high by 9″ wide. Included are two clear cutting plates. One of these goes on the bottom of the sandwich, and one goes on the top. Also included are a metal cutting plate, a magnetic shim, a plastic shim, and a rubber embossing mat. Suggestions for which plates and shims to use are included in the User Guide.
Gemini User Guide
The User Guide is a nicely illustrated, six page set of instructions. Instructions in French, Spanish, German, and Dutch are also included. Operating the Gemini is simple. Use a single power button on the back of the machine, and three buttons on top of the machine. The User Guide provides simple explanations of the functions of these buttons. Operation of the machine is automatic. As you insert the sandwich, the machine starts automatically, grabbing the sandwich, pulling it through, and stopping when the cutting is complete.
In addition to the Operation instructions, there are sections covering several types of metal dies and embossing folders, including the following:
Cutting Thin Metal Dies
Cutting Very Intricate Dies
Deep Multi Media Dies
Embossing with Crafter’s Companion Dies
Embossing with 2D Folders
3D Embossing Folders
Cut & Emboss Folders
Pressure
The Gemini is a very powerful cutting machine which has much more pressure than its competitors. It was designed to exert enough pressure necessary for cutting very intricate dies that other die cutting machines do not handle well. Since not all thin dies are made with equal thickness, the pressure may need to be adjusted. The Gemini pressure can be increased or decreased using different combinations of plates and shims.
Buttons on the Machine
Gemini Buttons
The button on the left is the power button. The center button is a Pause/Resume button. Use this button to stop the forward motion of the platforms. Press this button again to resume feeding the sandwich into the machine. The button on the right reverses the platforms out of the machine. The machine will automatically stop if the stack of platforms is too thick. After a few seconds, it will automatically back the stack out. If you have paused using the center button, you can use the reverse function to back the platforms out of the machine
Getting Started with Cutting Dies
The Gemini is shipped with a number of dies. The particular dies included may be different, depending on where the machine was purchased. HSN markets machines with a unique combination of dies, not available elsewhere. Machines purchased elsewhere will include a different variety of dies and embossing folders. It is good to do some practice cuts with the dies that came with your machine. Start with the sandwich suggestions in the User Guide for the type of dies you are using. Please note that dies with intricate detail require a different sandwich than those that are simple shapes.
Tip: Plan an uninterrupted time to become familiar with how the Gemini handles each of the different types of dies in your collection. Take notes! It will help to put a sticky note on your machine with a description of the sandwich that works for each of your most used die types.
Cutting Very Intricate Dies
There is a recommended Sandwich for use with very Intricate dies in the User Guide. Please be aware that as your clear cutting plate is used, it will warp. The sandwich may change if you are using a warped clear plate. The clear cutting plates must be positioned on top and bottom of the sandwich. The inner stack may differ, depending on what you are cutting. When using a die with very intricate inner detail, be sure to use the metal plate under the paper and die, with the cutting edges of the die facing toward the metal plate. It helps hold the die in place if you include the magnetic shim under the metal plate.
Tips:
Although different from the suggested sandwich in the User Guide, it is also helpful to use the magnetic shim under the metal plate, smooth side towards the metal plate. The metal plate should snap to the magnetic plate, and the metal die(s) should be held in their positions on the metal plate.
Place your paper or other medium on top of the metal plate. Place the die, cutting side down toward the metal plate. Then place the cutting plate over that. On the bottom of the stack, you will need another clear cutting plate. This sandwich may or may not require the addition of the plastic shim. Try it without the plastic shim first. If the cut was not quite clean, add the plastic shim under the magnetic shim. If the addition of the plastic shim makes the sandwich too thick to pass through the machine, use a couple of sheets of 110# card stock folded in half, instead. You may also need to send an intricate die through the machine two or three times in order to cut through all of the tiny detail.
Cutting with Thin Metal Dies
Your machine came with some thin metal dies that do not include intricate detail. It is important that you do NOT use the metal plate with these open shaped dies. The use of the metal plate with these may cause them to warp.
Tips:
If you are using a thin metal die to cut around a stamped image, it is OK to flip the recommended sandwich so that the die blades are face down over the stamped image. This allows you to carefully line up the die over the edges of the stamped design. You may need to use some tape to hold the die in place. Under the stamped image, place the cutting plate. Add the plastic shim over the top of the die, and a cutting plate on top of the sandwich. If this is not thick enough, you can add the magnetic shim or 110# cardstock shims between the plastic shim and cutting plate. I do not like to place the magnetic shim directly on the die, as the die may put unwanted cuts or indentations in the magnetic shim.
Alternative for Cutting around Stamped Images
If you do not want to use tape to hold down your die, there is an alternative to try. From bottom to top, make a sandwich as follows:
Clear plate on bottom,
3 or 4 pieces of 110# cardstock next,
followed by the Cuttlebug Magnetic Cutting Plate,
paper with a stamped image facing up
Die with cutting blade down,
Clear Cutting plate on top.
Magnetic Cutting Plates
The magnetic shim that ships with the Gemini is not suitable as a cutting surface. However, the Cuttlebug Magnetic Cutting Plates are thicker, and designed to be cutting plates. These are not destroyed when a die is cut with its blade down on them. They are not stiff, so they can be bent back into shape if the high pressure of the Gemini causes a bit of a curve. This alternative will work, and eliminate the need for taping down stamped paper or non-intricate dies. I do not recommend using this alternative with very intricate dies.
Deep Multi Media Dies
The dies made by some companies come with deeper cutting edges than the traditional thin metal dies. The standard sandwiches may be too thick to fit through the Gemini with these dies. Do not use the metal plate if the die is not intricate. However, if the die is intricate, follow the sandwich suggestions for cutting very intricate dies. You will not likely be able to use the plastic shim, as it may make the sandwich too thick. I use about 4 layers of 110# cardstock in place of the plastic shim for these deeper multi media dies. The thickness of the media you are cutting will determine how many shims you need to use.
Tip: After sending your deep intricate dies through 2 or three times, and you still have some areas of a die that did not cut through, use a scrap of paper over that particular uncut area. Send it through the machine again.
Consumables
When using any die cutting machine, you will find that you will need to replace the cutting plates from time to time. The cutting plates warp. The dies leave a mark on the cutting plate with each pass, and the plates become very scarred with much use. Because the Gemini exerts much more pressure and force against its plates, warped plates will need to be replaced more frequently than plates on other machines. To reduce warping of all plates and shims, it is recommended that you rotate or flip them after each use. This allows each of the four corners to be exposed to like amounts of pressure. Warped plates may still work for some cuts, but severely warped plates may not feed through the machine. Portions of intricate dies may not cut well if the plates are warped.
Purchase Extra sets of Cutting Plates
You are going to need extra cutting plates. This may happen sooner, rather than later. Purchase a number of cutting plates before you need them. You don’t want to be working on a special project, and get stuck because your cutting plates are too warped to be used. Some people have posted ways to remove some of the warping on plates. These techniques may work. But you will eventually need to replace your warped plates. Having extras on hand will save you frustration.
Tip: I try to keep three good sets of plates on hand at all times. When one gets damaged, I order a replacement while I still have a couple of good ones. Since working with my Gemini, I realized after only a couple of weeks of use, that I needed to order more. I ordered 4 extra cutting plates for both the Gemini and Gemini Jr. I know I will be needing them.
Optional Smaller Plates
Many people prefer to use the smaller plates and shims for the Gemini Jr. with their full size Gemini machine. There are some advantages for using these plates. First, the Jr. plates take only 8 seconds rather the 13 seconds to pass completely through the Gemini. Secondly, the smaller plates tend to warp less than the larger Gemini plates. Thirdly, these smaller plates serve as backups when your other plates need to be replaced. If using the Gemini Jr plates, you need to place them into the Gemini along the longer edge. The Gemini will not grab the shorter edge of these plates. If you do not need the larger cutting area of the Gemini plates, the Gemini Jr. plates are excellent options.
Tip: Using smaller plates means that you need less table surface space of only 26″ deep.
Alternative Shim Solutions
Keep in mind that you can use chipboard, paper, and card stock as shims. If what you are using is not working, you can always use a substitute combination of plates and/or shims. Write down your special combination so that you won’t have to figure it out again. Also, if you are using alternative shims, you still need to use the clear cutting plates on the top and bottom of your sandwich.
Tip: I keep a sticky note on my machine where I write down my favorite sandwich stacks for my favorite die types.
Compatibility
The Gemini is the best die cutting machine I have tried for use with very intricate thin metal dies. Getting excellent cutting results with this type of die in other machines requires more muscle strength than I have for cranking the very tight stack through them. Since the Gemini is electronic, I don’t have to worry about cranking tight sandwiches. Gemini also boasts more cutting pressure to handle those dies more efficiently. Therefore, I reserve intricate thin metal dies for use with my Gemini.
No Steel Rule Dies
You cannot use steel rule dies with the Gemini. The opening is not high enough for dies such as theregular Sizzix, Accucut, Big Shot, or Go dies to fit. The Gemini opening measures only 14 mm. The opening is also not high enough for use with the flower shaping molds by Heartfelt Creations. Also, any die that is wider than 9 inches will not fit in the Gemini. You will need to use your other machines for these dies and flower shaping molds.
Third Party Cutting Plates
Tip: I do not recommend using most cutting plates for your other die cutting machines with the Gemini. I may try testing some if the need arises, and report on the results. They were not made for the extra cutting pressure exerted by the Gemini, so they might warp. This would make them unusable in your other machines. I reserve my other cutting plates for my other machines, so that they will work when I need them for projects that I cannot do with my Gemini. The one exception right now, is the Cuttlebug Magnetic cutting plates. I will use those with non-intricate dies to eliminate the need for taping dies or paper for precision cuts.
Intricate Dies from other Companies
Intricate dies that I have used successfully from other companies with the Gemini are:
Tattered Lace,
Anna Griffin,
Heartfelt Creations,
Cuttlebug,
Ellentina,
Spellbinders,
Crafters Companion
Die’Sire
Tim Holtz Sizzix thin metal dies
Additional Supplies
You will need the Spellbinders Tool in One or a similar brush with your intricate dies. The roller brush tip helps remove the cut materials from the dies. Place the cut pieces with the die on a foam pad, and brush the back side of the die. Use the pointed tip of this tool to poke through the holes on the back side of the die to release the cut pieces from the die. You can purchase additional accessories for this tool such as the embossing tips and brayer tip, if you do not already have those tools.
The other very necessary tool when cutting intricate dies is a trash can. You can avoid a lot of vacuuming by removing your intricate dies from the cut projects over a trash can.
Tip: Tap the die gently against the edge of your desk or table to loosen tiny pieces trapped in the die. Do this over the trash can!
Pros
Gemini cuts with greater pressure than any other die cutting machine.
Fewer passes are needed with this machine, as compared with thin dies used on other machines.
The machine is simple to use, as it is motor driven. This is great for those with limited mobility in hands, arms, or shoulders.
The maximum die width for use in the Gemini is 9″.
The 12.5″ cutter plate length allows you to cut many dies at the same time.
Gemini can use thin metal dies and embossing folders from many different companies.
You can use dies to cut around your stamped images by reversing the recommended plate order.
The Gemini automatically rejects a stack of plates that is too thick to cut.
Cons
Cutting plates do not last long. So purchase extras! If you place dies, blade side towards the metal cutting plate, you will need extras of those as well.
Gemini is NOT compatible with plastic or wooden steel rule dies. They are too thick to pass through this machine.
Gemini cannot be used with Flower shaping molds. The molds are too thick to feed into the machine.
Be careful with the way you stack the plates and shims, as it is easy to ruin them. Cutting blades with material to be cut, must have a clear or metal cutting plate next in the stack!
Love,
Julie, cuttercrafter.com
>> 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.
PRIME DAY DEALS FOR CRAFT LOVERS
Prime Day Best Deals for Crafters
Best Prime Day Deals for Crafters to Check Out on Amazon.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is Monday, July 15-16, and Prime Day is a great event for getting the best prices available all year. If you haven’t heard about Prime Day before, it’s a once-a-year HUGE sale at Amazon — like, 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. But I recently learned that 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. But be warned — it’s addicting.
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.
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 They also have a special deals for students.
- 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 for Crafters
Machines
Pazzles Inspiration Vue Cutter – See my review here.
Silhouette Cameo 3 – Look for low prices with newer model coming out at the end of the year.
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.
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 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 2 9″x9″ Higher heat options for Cricut Infusion projects
Cricut Easy Press 2 12″x10. Necessary for larger Cricut Infusion projects.
Cricut Ultimate Fine Point Pen Set Assorted
Cricut Rotary Blade Kit– See my review here.
Nicapa Mats for Cricut– Set of Three
Crafter’s Companion 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.
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
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, assorted colors, 24 pieces, 9.8″ square.
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.
Epson WF 2760 Printer – Use with sublimation ink.
Sublimation Ink for Epson WF 2760– Print designs on sublimation paper, and transfer to project blanks
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.
Electronics
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 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!
Blendtec Blender – My favorite Smoothie Maker at a great price! Prime Day price updated at checkout.
Flameless Candles for those lantern 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.
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.
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
48 Colored Pencils– less expensive, but less dense pigment than Prismacolor colored Pencils.
136 colored pencils – Best deal
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
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 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.
Impossible Butterfly Popup Card
You can make this lovely Impossible Butterfly Popup Card with the SVG cutting file from the Free Resource Library. It will make a lovely gift for someone special. The card base is made from a single piece of heavy cardstock, and yet the center pops up in a seemingly impossible way! This special Impossible Card includes a dimensional butterfly, whose wings pop out from the card base. The card makes a lovely conversation piece when displayed on the mantle or coffee table.
Impossible Butterfly Popup Card
Supplies Needed to Make the Impossible Butterfly Popup Card
Please note: Some supplies may include my affiliate links. I am an affiliate only for products that I use. Your purchase from my links will not cost you any more, but they will help support my blog. Thanks!
Digital Paper from Pazzles.
Medium Weight Cardstock
1 sheet 110# cardstock
Strips of Double-Sided sticky tape 1″ wide
6”x6” grey square jpg file included with the cutting file.
Electronic Cutter (I used Pazzles Vue)
SVG Cutting File from our Free Resource Library
Pop Dots
Art Glitter Glue Dries Clear Adhesive
The Font used for this project is Aubrey Script
Printing Instructions
I used Digital Paper from Pazzles. But you may use printed papers of your choice.
Resize the digital paper to the following measurements, and print on medium-weight cardstock.
Printed Digital Papers
Light Pink paper is cut from Stripes resized to 8.5”x7”
Yellow pieces are cut from yellow paper resized to 8.5”x6”
Blue resize to 8.5″x5″
Dark pink resize 8.5″x3″
Print the 6”x6” grey square jpg file.
When printing, use the Best Quality setting on Plain Paper in your printer Preferences.
Print the sentiment on pink paper and cut around it using the piece for it in the SVG cutting file.
Printed Sentiment
SVG files are provided All in one file or in three separate files for your convenience. However, if using the All in one file, you do not need to use the separate files.
Cutting Pieces
Cut the File Pieces
First cut the file pieces with the black lines on 110# heavy cardstock using the chipboard setting. Next, score the red line without removing the mat from the machine. Do not move the cutting head. You may use a scoring tool, or cut the score line with a retracted blade and lower cutting pressure.
Cut Card Base
Folding Card Base
After you finish cutting and scoring the card base, remove it from the cutting mat. Then fold the center portion of the card towards the front, and use a bone folder on the crease.
Twist right side to back
Now, twist the right section of the card to the back, and press the side portions flat, allowing the center to pop up.
Twist right side to back
Make Glitter Paper
See detailed instructions for making Glitter Paper in a previous post. In this project I used 1″ wide double stick tape instead of a sheet of scor-tape.
Use double sided sticky tape over the entire printed grey piece that you printed. To use it, first remove the backing. Next, adhere the sticky strips to cover the grey paper. Then Remove protective layer off the front of the tape.
Cover the grey paper with double sided sticky tape strips.
Sprinkle the sticky tape with glitter. Next, brayer over the glitter. Now, rub the glitter with your finger. Finally, sprinkle off the excess glitter, and pour it back into the jar.
Glitter paper ready to cut.
Next you can cut the large and small grey butterfly pieces, as well as the sentiment mat from the glittered paper. Use your poker tool to remove small inside pieces that did not stick to the mat. See the resource document for information on cutter crafting tools in the Free Resource Library.
Cut Butterflies
Assembly of the Impossible Butterfly Popup Card
Now, your cut pieces are ready to assemble.
Cut pieces are ready to apply to the card.
Butterfly Assembly
Bend the butterfly wings forward. Glue only the center body part of the butterflies when assembling layers.
Next, glue body of the large lacy butterfly to the solid pink butterfly. Then glue the body of the pink butterfly to the striped mat. Finally, glue that mat to the blue mat, aligning the tops of the pieces to each other.
Assemble the butterfly layers.
Now you can glue the butterfly layers to the card base, aligning the tops of the design. The edge of the bottom layer should line up with the score line.
Glue the butterfly layers on the card.
Next, center yellow panels to the card base and glue in place.
Add decorative panels.
Tag Assembly
The larger tag and mat for the back side of the card is for writing your personal greeting. First, glue the yellow journaling piece to its mat. Then center the tag on the back side of the card with the edge flush against the fold line to give support for the butterfly popup. Now, glue in place. Finally, to finish the back side of the card, glue the striped panel to the back side of the butterfly.
Back side of the card.
Card Front Embellishments
Now you are ready to add the embellishments to the front of the card. First glue the long narrow rectangle to its mat. Center it on the front bottom part of card. Then glue in place.
Front panel
Now, add pop dots to the back of the sentiment, and place on the grey mat. Then glue the assembled sentiment at an angle on the left front side of the card over the decorative strip.
Add the Sentiment
Next, bend the wings of the small butterflies upward. Then glue the body of the smallest butterfly to the pink butterfly. Finally, glue the body of the pink butterfly to the bar on the front, over the open space.
Small Butterfly Embellishment
Finished Impossible Butterfly Card
Now you can display your finished card.
Finished Impossible Butterfly Popup Card
When it is folded flat, the card will fit in a 7″ square envelope for mailing.
The recipient of your card is sure to be encouraged by your lovely card.
Love,
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.
How to make and use glitter paper for Patriotic Decorations
Now is a great time to make some patriotic decorations for your Independence Day celebrations.
Patriotic 3D floral centerpiece with DIY Glitter Paper
I saw some lovely glitter paper projects at a Stamp and Scrapbook convention, and I thought you might like to learn how to turn an ordinary piece of patterned paper into a sparkly paper. The glitter paper can then be used to create lovely 3D craft projects. This 3D flower, embellished with DIY glitter paper works perfectly for patriotic decorations for a variety of projects. Vinyl can then be used to add detail to the cut project.
Patriotic celebrations in the US call for Red, White and Blue decorations. Pazzles Craft Room has a nice set of digital papers, and among them are some papers in these colors. Take a look through their digital paper collection when you need some seasonal papers for your projects.
Supplies Needed to Make Glitter Paper
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!
White Cardstock- 65# Recollections 8.5”x11”
Pazzles Americana Digital Paper design 8.5”x11”
Scor-Tape 6”x6” sheet double sided adhesive, acid free and heat resistant.
Transparent Micro Fine Glitter
Flower Shaping Tools – Large ball Embossing tool, foam pad
Designer Dries Clear Adhesive Glue
Black Vinyl
Pearl Sticker(s)
Red, White and Blue Ribbons
Tray, coffee filter or folded sheet of printer paper
Optional: Hair Clip, Flowers, Mug, Electric Candle, Card or Scrapbook page as you prefer.
How to Make Glitter Paper
Making Glitter Paper is easy with the correct supplies. First, print the paper you wish to use, or select a piece from your own paper collection. Then cut a selection from the paper that is a bit larger than the project that you wish to cut. Next cut a piece of scor-paper to fit the paper that you cut. Remove the backing from one side of the score tape, and stick it to the paper. Now place paper in a tray, coffee filter, or on a piece of printer paper, folded in half. Remove the protective coating of the adhesive sheet.
Sprinkle Micro fine glitter over the entire surface of the adhesive sheet. Brayer over the glitter to press it into the tape. Rub the glitter paper with your fingers to make it smooth and add bling from the oils in your fingers. Tap off the excessive glitter onto the tray or printer paper. Finally, pour all excess glitter back into the bottle from which it came.
You now have some custom, DIY glitter paper in exactly the right colors for your project.
Cut Your Project Pieces
Perform some test cuts for each part of the project. Cut the flower layers from printed glitter paper on your cutting machine, glitter side up, using the cutting file. The cutting file is FREE for Pazzles Craft Room members. The file is also availabe to purchase in SVG, AI, and WPC formats, if you are not a member.
Create a Vinyl “Press and Peel” Outline
Cut the black portions of the design from black vinyl, being careful not to cut through the backing. Weed out the vinyl pieces that will not be used on the finished piece. Place vinyl transfer tape over the weeded design, and use a brayer and squeegee to adhere the vinyl to the transfer tape. Lift the transfer tape with the design off of the backing. Carefully line up the black vinyl design over the cut and glittered flowers. Burnish the vinyl, and remove the transfer tape.
Shape the 3D Flower
Place the flower layers color side down on double layered foam mat. Roll the large tip of the embossing tool around the center of each flower layer, and press
the tool from the outside of each petal towards the center. Turn the flower on the foam mat to have the right side up. Roll the embossing tool around
the center of each flower. Press down firmly in the center to lift the petals on each layer. Curl the tip of each petal back, using the small end of a small paint brush.
Assemble the 3D Flower
Place glue on the center back of the smallest layer. Put the smallest layer in the center of the medium layer, offsetting the petals. Place glue on the center back of the medium layer. Place in the center of the large layer, offsetting the petals. Press firmly down through all layers to lift petals. Place a large or five small pearl stickers in the center of the top layer of the completed flower.
Embellish A Project
Embellish the project of your choice with your completed 3D flower. Not only does the 3D Flower make a nice ornament for a vase centerpiece, it can be hot-glued to a hair clip to create a lovely patriotic decoration for the hair. Add some colored ribbons for a festive look.
Patriotic Flower Hair Ornament
Or you can add the DIY Glittered 3D Flower to a jar to make a patriotic luminary to add to your patriotic decorations. Add an electric tea light to the jar, and glue the flower to the top of the jar. You can make a number of these to decorate and light up for an evening celebration.
Patriotic Decoration – Flower Topped Luminary
More Patriotic Decorations for Your Celebration
Exploding Box Centerpiece
You can make the title of this patriotic centerpiece shine with the addition of DIY Glitter Paper. I am sure you can think of lots of ways to make your patriotic celebrations sparkle by using some homemade glitter paper on your projects.
These Patriotic Decorations work well not only for Independence Day celebrations, but also for Memorial Day, and Veteran’s day. You can add to them for next year’s celebrations as well!
Please show off some of your Patriotic Decorations in our CutterCrafter Facebook group!
Thanks,
Julie
>> 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 Use the Regal Split Monogram Font
Learn to use the Regal Split Monogram Font in your cutter software to create lovely personalized gifts for weddings, anniversaries, and other occasions. You will find the FREE font in my Free Resource Library.
Split Regal Monogram on a Ceramic Tile
Supplies Needed
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!
Regal Split Monogram font in TTF format from the Free Resource Library
12″ square ceramic tile
outdoor vinyl 12″ square
12″ square vinyl transfer tape
Alcohol wipe
Vinyl Pick Tool for weeding
Squeegee Tool
How to Download and Install the Regal Split Monogram Font
To use the Split Regal Monogram font, you will need to first download it. You can get the zipped font from my Free Resource Library. Save the zipped file to your computer. Double click on the saved file, and select Extract All. Now you can right click on the extracted font, and select Install. The font will be installed into your computer’s system fonts folder, and will be available for you to use in any software that allows use of True Type Fonts. You can use it in your cutter software, just as you use any other font.
How to use the Regal Split Monogram Font in your Cutter Software
Once the Regal Split Monogram Font is installed in your computer’s system fonts folder, you can access it from your cutter software. Select the font in your cutter software by clicking on the T. Scroll through the font list to the R fonts. Select the Regal Split Monogram1.ttf font. Now type the capital letter you wish to use for the monogram. The design for that letter should appear on your screen. Resize the design to 10″ with the aspect ratio locked. If your project will be smaller or larger, size the monogram to fit. Since my tile is 12″ square, I chose to size my monogram to 10″. This allows for some room under the monogram for additional text.
Using fonts in each software is slightly different, so I have made some video tutorials on how to use this Regal Split Monogram Font in the most popular cutter software programs. Click on the software name to view the video.
Brother Canvas Workspace – Scan N Cut
Adding Custom Text to the Regal Split Monogram
There is a space in the middle of the monogram for you to add customized text to the design. You will need to select a font from your collection for this text. I used Caslon BD BT for my text. Upper case letters may work easiest, although I used upper and lower case letters for this particular project. After you have selected the font you would like to use for the remainder of the project, type your text. I used the last name of the couple for whom I made this tile plus the word “Family” in the space in the middle of the monogram.
Resize Your Custom Text
Resize your text to fit the space in the middle. You need to unlock the sizing tool, and drag the text to fit the available width and height. You may slightly overlap the top edge and bottom edge of the text with the bars of the two sections. Then select All (Ctrl+A) and weld all pieces together. Another way to do this is to make the text slightly smaller than the opening in the middle of the monogram. The text can fit in between the two parts of the monogram. But I think the welded version is easier to weed and apply.
Adding Custom Text Below the Regal Split Monogram
You can leave space below the monogram design where you can add additional text such as an important date. My project is a wedding gift for friends, so I added their wedding date under the monogram design. I used the same font that I used in the middle of the Monogram. Once you have added the text of your choice, resize it to the same width you used for the monogram design. You can change the height of the text to fit your available space.
Save Your Completed Monogram Design
Next, give your design a name, and save the file in your software. I like to save the design before I weld the customized text, so that the design will be ready to use for another gift. But once the design is saved, I weld overlapping letters. It is also a good idea to group everything together. But if you are using Cricut Design Space, rather than grouping, you should select all, right click, and select Attach. This keeps all of the design together when you go to cut your project.
Cutting your Regal Split Monogram Design
Be sure to do a test cut on your vinyl before cutting the large design. See the post on Performing a Test Cut . You need a very accurate blade depth and cutting pressure for this project. Make sure that your blade cuts cleanly through the vinyl. The blade should NOT cut through the backing material on the vinyl. If the cutting pressure is inadequate, you will have an extremely difficult time weeding the vinyl that will not be used on your project. Too much pressure may also cause bunching and tearing of your vinyl. Use a slower cutting speed, as the monograms contain some very intricate, fine lines.
Cut the vinyl. Notice the test cuts in the lower right corner. The first two tests cut all the way through the backing.
Weeding Your Regal Split Monogram
Weeding involves removing all of the vinyl that you do NOT want to place on your tile. I put boxes around the text at the bottom and around the main monogram design before cutting, so that weeding was a bit easier. Use a sharp, pointed object to lift the unwanted outside vinyl pieces away from the backing. Use scissors to trim away sections of the vinyl that you are pulling away. Don’t allow vinyl pieces to attach themselves to portions of the design that will be placed on your tile. After you remove the large outer pieces, work very carefully to remove the tiny pieces inside of letters and designs. Be careful not to lift any of the design pieces away from the backing.
Weeded vinyl still on the backing.
Apply Vinyl Transfer Tape to the Weeded Vinyl
Apply a 12″x 12″ piece of vinyl transfer tape over the cut and weeded vinyl design, a little bit at a time. Avoid getting air trapped between tape and weeded design. Pull away the backing material slowly, while pressing down on the transfer material from the top.
Apply vinyl transfer tape over the weeded vinyl a little at a time.
Use a squeegee tool to burnish the transfer tape securely to the vinyl design.
Use a squeegee tool firmly across the front of the design to remove all air bubbles and wrinkles. Rub firmly on front and back of design to get the vinyl pieces to stick to the transfer paper. At the same time you want the backing to release the vinyl pieces. Check the front and back of your design to make sure that everything is firmly in place where it belongs on the transfer tape. This is the time to fix any crooked pieces of vinyl.
Pull up on a top corner of the transfer tape. Make sure that the cut vinyl pieces stick to the transfer paper as you slowly peel it away from the backing.
Clean the Tile and Apply the Vinyl Design
Remove all dirt and oils from the tile. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the entire surface so that the vinyl will stick to it.
Clean Tile
The large 12″ square design may want to jump onto the tile before you are ready. Once this vinyl sticks to the tile, it will NOT want to come up. So it is very important to place the vinyl exactly where you want it to be the first time.
Start placing the vinyl on the tile.
Place the backing paper over most of the tile to prevent the design from sticking to the tile prematurely. Place the lower edge of the design where you want it on the tile. Use the squeegee to remove bubbles and apply the vinyl design smoothly to the tile. Move the backing back little by little, as you press the cut vinyl to the tile. Inspect the vinyl to make sure that all air bubbles and wrinkles are smooth and flat to the tile surface. If you have some bubbles, use the squeegee to move the bubbles to the edges of the cut design. You may use a heat tool to remove stubborn bubbles or wrinkles. Poke smaller bubbles with a needle or tip of your pointed tool to let the air escape.
Remove the Vinyl Transfer Material
Once all of the vinyl pieces are in place on the tile, slowly peel back the transfer material 180 degrees over itself to remove it. Make sure that the vinyl pieces stick to the tile as you peel away the transfer material.
Remove the Transfer tape.
Check your vinyl to make sure it is all secure on the tile. You special gift is now ready to give. The vinyl will last for many years. Your project is sure to be a blessing for its recipient.
>> 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.
Love,
Julie, cuttercrafter.com
Will the Cricut Maker Cut Felt?
Will the Cricut Maker Cut Felt? Will it cut even inexpensive, loosely woven felt that has not been stiffened or backed? I purchased some felt in a variety of colors to do some test cutting from here. This is a 9″x12″ piece from a package of 10 sheets in different colors. I can cut felt on my other cutters if it is stiffened, backed with adhesive, or Heat n Bond, ironed between two layers of freezer paper, or cut on a very sticky mat. Cricut advertising for their Maker with the rotary cutting wheel and 4000 grams of available cutting pressure indicated that this machine would not require that fabric, felt included, be stiffened, adhesive backed, ironed between layers of freezer paper or cut on a very sticky mat.
Finding a Project to Cut in Felt
In order to cut to the Cricut Maker, users must sign in to the free Cricut Design Space software. No other software will cut to the Cricut Maker. There are Apps for use of this software on tablets as well as Windows or Mac computers. You can select a ready to cut project from Cricut Design Space called Felt Flower Wreath since this project was designed specifically for use with felt. You don’t have to cut all of the flowers for this project if you just want to experiment with cutting felt. This project is free to Cricut Access members. You may follow the instructions posted with the file for cutting and assembly of your felt flowers.
Cutting the Felt
Cricut recommends the use of the pink cutting mat that ships with the Cricut Maker for cutting fabric. You may use an older Cricut cutting mat if you prefer. I used an older cutting mat in case I had difficulty getting the felt residue off of the mat. This mat had very little adhesive left on it.
Old Cricut cutting mat with felt placed on it.
In the Cricut Design Space software, select Make It. Select just the Turquoise mat # 8 to cut. Make sure that your rotary blade is installed in the machine, and select the rotary blade option from the software. Select Felt as the media. Load the mat, and press the Start Button. The machine will cut the flower shapes.
Remove the excess felt from the mat.
The excess felt lifts away from the cut flowers easily and cleanly. Each flower layer is perfectly cut.
Felt flower layers cut cleanly.
The felt flowers lifted off of the mat nicely. They were all cut out perfectly with no snagging. Even though the mat was not very sticky, the cut pieces did not move around on the mat during cutting. The Cricut Maker Cut felt perfectly.
Cleaning the Cutting Mat
When the felt flowers are removed from the mat, they leave behind a residue that will not come off with a scraper tool.
Felt residue left on mat after cutting.
However, you may use alcohol-free baby wipes to remove this fabric residue. The old mat will clean up nicely with these wipes.
All Felt residue is gone using alcohol-free baby wipes.
The mat is ready to use again. You may notice that there are some excessively deep cuts in the mat where the roller blade cut circles. Cutting this type of felt may be cut using less pressure to avoid gouging the mat like this. The extra pressure cutting into the mat is not good for the blade either.
Use Hot Glue to Assemble the Flowers
Place hot glue on the tab of each flower layer to give it a cupped shape. You can use two or three layers for each flower, placing hot glue around the center of each layer to adhere the next smaller layer to it. You can glue one of the small cut circles to the center of the top layer, and embellish as you like. I used a pearl sticker in the center of each of my felt flowers. The cut felt flowers are ready to add to your favorite DIY craft project such as cards, home decor, hats, hair ornaments, and 3D projects.
Cut and assemble felt flowers.
Will the Cricut Maker Cut Felt?
Yes, the Cricut Maker cuts felt very well! Cricut Maker does a better job cutting felt than any of my other cutters, faster, with much more ease, and much less expense. Very inexpensive felt can be used, no backing or stiffening is required, and results are exquisite! I purchased the Cricut Maker because of this exceptional feature.
Cricut Maker Cuts Felt
Would you like to have some FREE SVG cutting files for a variety of projects?
>> 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.
You can make a Lovely Floral Gift Box
Would you like to make a lovely Floral Gift Box for someone special in your life? That someone is sure to be wowed by a lovely handmade creation such as this. After making this floral gift box, topped with this special heart flower, I filled it with chocolate bon-bon candies, and gave it to my Step-Mother as a birthday-Valentine’s gift. She absolutely loved not only the chocolates, but she also appreciated the handmade heart flower that I used instead of a bow to decorate the top of the box, as well as the lovely box that she can now use to hold jewelry or other small household items.
Two part gift box with decorative 3D Heart Flower ornament
Two part gift box with decorative 3D Heart Flower ornament
The floral gift box has a magnetic closure to keep it closed. You might want to decorate your floral gift box with more masculine papers for male recipients. The flower may be used to decorate other DIY projects such as cards, frames, scrapbooks and more. You could even make an entire bouquet of these flowers and place in a vase for some lovely home decor.
You can make this box out of ordinary cardstock, which cuts nicely on electronic cutters such as Pazzles Vue or Inspiration, Cricut, Silhouette Cameo, Scan N Cut, KNK Zing, Zing Orbit, or Force, Silver Bullet, or other cutters that have software that can use SVG, AI, or WPC file formats. The heart flower ornament can be cut out of cardstock or from lighter weight paper. I used some lovely iridescent text weight paper for mine.
Illustrated, printable, step-by-step assembly instructions accompany the cutting file, to make the assembly process quick and easy. It amazes me that we can make such gorgeous gifts out of something as mundane as paper! Do you need a box for a gift for a special occasion coming up soon? The box measures about 3.5 inches square, and it is 1.5 inches high, making it a perfect size for a watch, jewelry, a special sweet treat, as well as a gift card. I hope you will give it a try for an upcoming occasion.
