This the second in my beginner series on Print and Cut Projects. You can find the first project here. I definitely recommend starting there, as it has all the basics about set-up which is critical for a successful print and cut. In today's lesson, … [Read more...]
Frugal Friday: Quick Phone Case Decoration
I have to admit it -- I've been using a VERY old phone for quite a while. My phone case was beginning to look quite a mess. I think it's a case of "I don't pay attention because I see it every day." But YUCK! I knew I'd be getting a new … [Read more...]
First Steps in Acrylic Etching: Curio
One of the coolest things about a Curio machine is that it can etch materials. Initially, it was created to etch metal. Some super innovative folks have been finding other materials to etch. In particular, my friend Cindy Pope uses it to etch leather … [Read more...]
Silhouette Summit 2019: Recap of new machines and products
Silhouette Summit wrapped up recently, which is the event Silhouette America holds each year to announce what's coming in the next year. There are LOTS of new things coming -- new machine models, new products and new software features. Here's a recap … [Read more...]
Cut Doctor: Lesson 24 — Dealing with difficulties after the cut
We've made it to the end of our series (to start with Lesson 1, go here). Your cuts should be all healed now! But today's visit is a follow up appointment where we go over things like post-operative complications. Specifically, we're going to talk … [Read more...]
Hack for aligning HTV when layering
I made a shirt last weekend to cheer on my Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Final Four of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championships. They made it to the final game -- HURRAH! They didn't win, but it was a great game that went to overtime. Wreck 'Em Tech! … [Read more...]
Cut Doctor: Lesson 23 — Bad cuts part 3
I spent most of last year dealing with health issues. It seemed like we'd NEVER find the cause or the cure. The day we did was the best day ever! Now I feel back to my normal self. I feel like today will be the same for many of you, because we're … [Read more...]
Cut Doctor: Lesson 23 — Bad cuts part 2
Have you ever send a cut job to your machine, watched it work and away, then removed the material and realized it didn't cut the material at all or cut it all the way through? Yes, I see every hand going up! We've all had this happen at one time or … [Read more...]
Cut Doctor: Lesson 23 — Bad cuts part 1
Welcome back to the Cut Doctor's office! We've been learning to diagnose cutting issues and prescribing remedies. So far we've looked at things that can happen before or during the cut. Today, we're moving into the realm of looking at a completed cut … [Read more...]
Cut Doctor: Lesson 21 — Problems with the mat or material during the cut
We're delving deep into the body of the cut job here in our troubleshooting portion of the Cut Doctor series. (To start with Lesson 1 in the Cut Doctor series, go here). Our topic this time is reasons why your mat or material might act up during a … [Read more...]
Too much of a good thing: the effects of overheating HTV
Heat transfer vinyl is a fantastic material. With it, you can customize virtually any fabric surface (and even more). It’s one of the materials that lots of folks purchase a Silhouette machine to cut. But there are some myths floating around about … [Read more...]
Advent calendars to make with your Silhouette
One of my favorite memories from my childhood was the Advent calendar my mom made for me. It was so exciting each year to see all the little packages she tied onto them and wonder what was in them. Was it candy, a small toy, a piece of jewelry? It … [Read more...]
Cut Doctor: Lesson 8 — Passes
Here we are again! I'm glad you've come back to see the Cut Doctor. You're getting better every day! Today we're going to talk about Passes. If you'll spend just a little time understanding this cut setting, you'll save loads of time in the long run. … [Read more...]
Frugal Friday: Using up scraps of textile foil
I recently shared a Frugal Friday technique for using foil scraps or "damaged" pieces of textile foil. Today, I'm going to share another simple way to use scraps. It's a tip that's pretty logical, but something you may not have thought about. Often … [Read more...]
Frugal Friday: Distressed Foil Technique with a time-saving tip
I've just returned from teaching at the All Things Silhouette Conference. One of the ladies asked in the Facebook group for the conference for us to share 1 thing we learned. Believe it or not, the top thing I learned was from a vendor. He showed us … [Read more...]