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How to Use Silhouette Scratch-off Sticker Sheets

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Valentine’s Day has always been one of my most favorite holidays. I like it as much or more as Christmas! Maybe it’s because it takes place during February, right before my birthday. More likely it’s because I REALLY enjoy making Valentine cards and treats. This year was extra-special because I got to use Silhouette scratch-off sticker sheets to make scratch-off Valentine cards for my grandson’s classmates ♥.

Cards such as this are the perfect Print & Cut project, suitable for the Cameo, Portrait, or Curio (using the large base). I used my new Portrait 2, which worked GREAT!

Silhouette Portrait for Print & Cut Valentine Cards

If you’re new to working with Print & Cut files, check out this post for the basics. Today I’ll take it one step further and show you how to make a double-sided Print & Cut and how to work with Silhouette Scratch-off Sticker Sheets.

Silhouette Scratch-Off Sticker Sheets

What You’ll Need:

Step 1: Create the Card

Henry chose a robot theme for his Valentines. He has a sharp wit and a great sense of humor so I wanted the card design to reflect that as well. A quick Google search yielded a bunch of Valentine-themed jokes and riddles – enough to make 12 unique cards, each containing three jokes. Adding scratch-offs to reveal the punch lines provided an extra element of fun and was super-easy with the help of Silhouette Scratch-off Sticker Sheets.

All screenshots from Silhouette Studio, Version 4.1

  1. In Silhouette Studio, open a new file and set the page dimensions to 8.5 inches x 11 inches. Turn on the registration marks. (Shortcut: Press M on the keyboard.)
  2. Create a 3-inch x 4.25-inch rectangle with rounded corners.
Screenshot from Silhouette Studio
  1. Make one copy of the rectangle by choosing Object > Replicate > Duplicate Right. Move the duplicated rectangle a few spaces to the right so that there is space between the two rectangles.
Screenshot from Silhouette Studio
  1. Select both rectangles and choose Object > Replicate > Duplicate Below. With both of the bottom rectangles selected, move them down a few spaces so that there is some blank space between the top two rectangles and the bottom two rectangles. You will now have a set of four rectangles that are evenly aligned. This is very important if you are planning to make a double-sided Print & Cut. If you are making a single-sided Print & Cut, the alignment is not as critical.
Screenshot from Silhouette Studio
  1. Select all four rectangles, copy them, and paste them into a new file. (This will be the reverse side of your Print & Cut.) The new file does not need to include registration marks.
Screenshot from Silhouette Studio
  1. Return to the design page for the card fronts. Fill the rectangles with color and/or patterns, if desired.
  2. Add graphics and text. Be sure to set all graphics and text to No Cut. For the card fronts, I chose four Robot Valentine Print & Cut designs from the Silhouette Design Store, created by Stinkin Cute Paper Piecings. (Design ID numbers 113356, 113359, 113365, and 113368)
Screenshot of Valentine cards in Silhouette Studio

I used fonts with a “techno” appearance to coordinate with the robots:

Tip: The Print & Cut designs I used include a white background. This is not a problem if your card background is white. If you’ve filled the rectangles with patterns or color, you will need to eliminate the white background of the Print & Cut design. For tips on how to do this, check out my post on how to remove the background from an image in Silhouette Studio.

Removing the Background from an Image in Silhouette Studio
  1. Group all four rectangles together and align them to the center of the page by choosing Object > Align > Center to Page. This will align them properly for a double-sided print.
  2. Repeat steps 6-8 for the reverse side. I created the background using elements from the Steampunk Gears pack (Design ID 80868 in the Silhouette Design Store). To add the jokes, I found it easiest to type the text into a Word document and then copy & paste it into Silhouette Studio.

Step 2: Create the Scratch-offs

  1. Draw a rectangle around each text area that includes a punch line. These are your text boxes that will become the cut file for the scratch-off stickers. Make sure the line weight is set to 0.00pt so that the rectangles do not print. I grouped each rectangle with its corresponding text so I would have a guide to follow when applying the stickers. (Note: The text should be set to No Cut as directed above. The rectangles should remain set to Cut.)
  2. Select all the text boxes by holding down the SHIFT-key and clicking on each one. Copy and paste them into a new file.
Screenshot of Print & Cut Cards in Silhouette Studio
Screenshot from Silhouette Studio for Print & Cut Scratch-Off Valentines
  1. In the new file, move the rectangles closer together in order to conserve space on your sticker sheet.
Screenshot from Silhouette Studio for Print & Cut Scratch-Off Valentines

Step 3: Print the Scratch-Off Sticker Sheets, Cut, & Complete

For the Print & Cut design:
  1. Print the card front design with registration marks.
  2. Reload the paper into your printer and print the reverse side without registration marks. (Tip: Test the alignment by printing first onto a sheet of copy paper. Hold the paper up to a window or other light source to check the alignment. Adjust the design as necessary.)
  3. Place the printed sheet onto the mat with the front of the design and the registration marks on top.  Load into your machine.
  4. Click on the Send panel and double-check that only the outside border of each card will be cut.
  5. Choose the correct settings for the paper you’re using. (I chose Cardstock, Plain.) Perform a Test Cut if needed. Click Send.
Send Panel in Silhouette Studio
Scratch-off Valentine Cards
Scratch-off Valentine Cards
For the Scratch-off Sticker Sheets:
  1. Place the sticker sheet onto the mat and load the mat into your machine.
  2. Click on the Send panel and double-check that only the rectangles (no text) will be cut.
  3. Choose Scratch-off Sticker Sheet as your material and click Send.
Silhouette Portrait & Scratch-off Sticker Sheets
  1. Peel each rectangle off the backing and place it over the text you want hidden.
Silhouette Scratch-off Sticker Sheets
Silhouette Scratch-off Sticker Sheets

Voila! You have just completed a set of scratch-off Valentine cards that are sure to be a hit with all your little sweethearts.

Tips for working with
Silhouette Scratch-off Sticker Sheets:

  • The sheets have a strong odor when they are first removed from the package. I recommend leaving them exposed to air for a while before working with them in order for the smell to dissipate.
  • If you place the designs too close together, you will end up with lots of stringy bits after cutting. (Ask me how I know!)
  • Cutting the sticker sheets makes your blade quite dirty. Be sure to clean it before going on to your next project.
  • Applying multiple stickers will leave some residue on your fingers. This is easily washed off but you’ll want to be careful not to get any on your printed cards.
  • Scratch-offs can be messy but they are oh, so much fun!

Like what you see here? Share the image below to Pinterest!

Scratch-off Sticker sheets are just one of the many types of specialty media  made by Silhouette. I enjoyed using them in this project and look forward to creating other scratch-off designs in the future. Are there some ideas you’d like to try? Any other specialty materials you’d like to know more about? Let me know in the comments below or, better yet, come join my Facebook group! I value your input!

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Until next time,

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4 Comments

  1. Thanks for such a great tutorial. I would love to make these for my grandson. Your instructions were so clear & concise.

  2. This is so neat!! I just found your blog and I am LOVING everything you have posted. You have the most detailed explanations 🙂 THANK YOU so much for typing all of this out! PLEASE continue to post! I’m learning so much!

    1. Amy – thank you so much for your comment and the kind words! I’m glad you’re enjoying my posts and hope that you’ll keep coming back :).

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