Creative Cutters: Playing with Paper
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Each month the Creative Cutters group focuses on a different media or technique that can be used with the Silhouette. This month we were all about paper crafting, creating two projects that are perfect for fall decorating!
First up was a demonstration of matless cutting on the new Cameo 4. I shared my thoughts on when to use this feature (simple designs where the small connectors won’t pose a problem) and when not to (detailed cuts where you need sharp, smooth edges, like those in our pillar signs). If you’d like to see matless cutting in action, check out this post.
Fall Pillar Sign
Then it was time to play! Despite its detailed look, this pillar sign design by Lori Whitlock was very easy to assemble. The file contains several pieces – two for the pedestal, one for the sign background, one for the decorative top, six that can be used to cover the sign background, and one Print & Cut design. I chose not to use the covering pieces.
To assemble the pedestal, decorative top, and sign background, we simply folded on the score lines and glued the tabs in place, using Art Glitter Glue*. (The small brown square is used to cover the top of the pedestal.) Next, we glued the three parts together to form the entire pillar. The Art Glitter Glue worked great for adhering the pedestal to the sign background, but glue dots and/or double-sided scrapbooking tape worked best to hold the decorative top in place.
*I’ve tried a lot of different adhesives when working with paper – glue pens, glue sticks, liquid glue, you name it – and so far Art Glitter Glue is my absolute favorite. It dries clear and creates a strong bond.
Adding the printed sign was the final touch. In addition to the “Fall Greetings” design included with the pillar sign file, I printed a variety of fall designs for everyone to choose from. Some people put the same design on either side while others used two different designs. It’s always good to have options!
Print & Cut Designs Used
It’s Fall Y’all by Lori Whitlock
Design Store ID 274844
Fall Harvest Print & Cut by Silhouette
Design Store ID 33542
Give Thanks Grateful Heart by Lori Whitlock
Design Store ID 274840
Pumpkin and Leaves by Echo Park
Design Store ID 301962
Fall Mason Jars by Echo Park
Design Store ID 93368
Thankful Sampler by Pebbles in My Pocket
Design Store ID 49271
Truck with Flowers by Sandi Idleman
Design Store ID 303366
Jack O’Lantern Box
Our second project was this Jack O’Lantern box (Cute Pumpkin Box by Nilmara Quintela, Design Store ID 67098). In the original design, the box piece measures 11.414 in x 6.272 in, meaning that only one will fit on a 12 in x 12 in piece of cardstock. By scaling the design to 95% of its original size, I was able to get two bases on a 12 in x 12 in page, creating a 3.25 in x 2 in x 2 in gable box. Never be afraid to modify a design to suit your purposes!
This design was also easy to assemble. First, we glued the pumpkin pieces onto the base and then glued the single tab of the base into place. Once that was done, it was just a matter of folding the base into a box shape and interlocking the bottom tabs.
Didn’t they turn out cute?
No meeting is complete without door prizes! Carrie was the winner of this month’s Mint drawing, courtesy of Silhouette America.
Are you a paper crafter? Have any tips to share? Be sure to leave a comment below! And if you’re in the East Texas area, come join us sometime for Creative Cutters. We’d love to have you!
Until next time,
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Lycia is a lifelong crafter whose goal is to help others find value, confidence, and joy in whatever they create. She geeks out on using technology to supercharge craft projects with Silhouette Studio, Design Space, Glowforge, sublimation, etc.! Lycia teaches these skills and more through online tutorials and videos as well as in-person classes at both the local and national levels.