This is a question I get asked all the time: "Since Heat Transfer Vinyl requires a high heat to apply it, can I use it on fabrics such as polyester, spandex and nylon?" I had the same questions as a beginner, because we've all heard you have to be … [Read more...]
Vertical painted and stained porch sign with contact paper stencil
Lately, I've been sharing several lessons as I've been spiffing up my porch for spring. (Yes, for some of you it's already summer, but we are still having nights in the 40s here). I painted a door mat with our name using a freezer paper stencil. I … [Read more...]
The trick to removing “baked on” vinyl
Here I am again with another project for my front porch. I've already shown some custom-made layered letters I'm working on for a sign and my door mat. Once I had those up, I realized my address sign was looking pretty worn. (It's completely true … [Read more...]
Personalized door mat with freezer paper stencil
It was one of those "almost, but not quite" moments. My husband, noticing our front door mat was looking ratty, proudly brought home a new one. Only problem -- it wasn't exactly my ideal design. I had been planning to make a custom one. Famous last … [Read more...]
Top 3 tips for cutting paper
One of the most frequent questions I get is about how to have success cutting paper with Silhouette machines. If you struggle with getting a good cut without ripping, pulling or having it not quite cut through, you certainly aren't alone. That was … [Read more...]
Unexpected surfaces to use HTV on
I gotta tell you -- HTV is probably my favorite material to cut. I rarely have to change my cut settings, don't have to use a mat (on pieces that are wide enough to fit under the rollers) and the plastic carrier holds everything in place really well. … [Read more...]
Understanding different types of vinyl
I get lots of questions about the differences in the numbers and brands of adhesive vinyl. The type and quality of your vinyl can make or break your project, so it's good to understand the differences. Today, I'm going to give you an overview of what … [Read more...]
Top 2 reasons HTV doesn’t stick
If you've ever used heat transfer vinyl (HTV -- also known as heat transfer material), you've probably had trouble at least once with it not sticking, or falling off after a wash. You're not alone! This is a VERY common problem and the vast majority … [Read more...]
My entry for Silhouette’s gift wrap contest
Recently, Silhouette America held a contest for their blog affiliates. The challenge was to come up with gift wrap and a gift tag. That's it -- that's all they gave us. We had free reign to do whatever we chose. The winning designs will be featured … [Read more...]
First Steps in rotary blade: crepe paper dogwood flower
Have you heard about the crepe paper flower craze? For a relatively low cost, you can make beautiful, life-like flowers from crepe paper. Really -- you won't believe that aren't real. I'm not talking about the cheap-o kind of crepe paper used for … [Read more...]
Etched acrylic shoe tags
This past weekend I attended a family wedding. The bride is well known for wearing Converse tennis shoes constantly. So, we decided to wear regular shoes to the ceremony and then change to our own Converse for the reception. Most of the females wore … [Read more...]
Tuesday quick tip: dealing with tiny pieces of weeded vinyl
Today's quick tip is one I used recently when creating a stencil from vinyl. I had a ton of little dots to weed away. Weeding isn't the problem -- it's what to do to corral all those little pieces once they are off. My solution? A lint … [Read more...]
Vintage-look sign letter on acrylic
Our family room is decorated to express, well, our family. There's an old Disabled Vet license plate that was my dad's, a football, locker baskets with tags whose numbers are our old house numbers, an old Clue board of my mom's and more. For years … [Read more...]
Frugal Friday: Ways to use leftover foils
I admit it -- I LOVE all things shiny! That's why I really like to use foil in my crafting. It's also why I have lots of leftover pieces of foil. I just hate to throw those pretty things away. If you're like me, then read on and I'll show you all … [Read more...]
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