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...]
Etching slate
Recently, I saw a project from a friend who had etched some slate pieces. I’d seen folks use their Curio and the etching tool, but this time my friend used the etching cream you normally use on glass. I just had to try it! Since not everyone has a … [Read more...]
Spirit Swag — Personalized cowbell
For me, fall means FOOTBALL!!! It's an especially good bright spot this year. Since my son is no longer playing college ball, we have "adopted" a couple of players from a local university. It's so they have a family away from home. This week, I'm … [Read more...]
Tips for using the crosscutter on Cameo 4 models
One of the advantages to the new Cameo 4 models is an improved crosscutter. The crosscutter is designed for use with materials such as adhesive vinyl or HTV that come on a roll and are often cut without the mat. Rather than unloading at the end of … [Read more...]
Think outside the box project: custom peel-and-stick paint samples
After several bad paint choices, I have learned it’s best to put samples on the walls. I live with them for a bit, checking them at different times in the varying light. But it’s not always practical to have different-colored squares of paint all … [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...]
Think outside the box: customizing a ready-made sign
Today I want to share an out-of-the-box idea with you for a wood sign. Rather than starting completely from scratch, I’m going to show you how to take a sign that already has something on it and add your own unique twist. I found a really cute sign … [Read more...]
Wood tile message board
Today I want to share with you how to make this cute little message board. I based it on one I saw at one of the craft stores. It wasn't super expensive there, but I was looking for an inexpensive craft I could do with a group of ladies. This message … [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...]
How’d they do that? Adding spacing between elements
Today’s tutorial is helpful for those of us, me definitely included, who have trouble lining things up perfectly. By creating an intentional spacing gap between different elements, you give yourself some wiggle room. This is helpful for any material, … [Read more...]
Run, Don’t Walk!
Did you ever go into a store and come out with only the thing you went in to buy? Nope, me neither. I was at Ikea over the weekend for some curtains and happened upon this lantern on clearance: Note: This post contains affiliate links. That … [Read more...]
Planning and executing large projects: Phase 2 — Designing with the Layer tool
This is the second lesson in my series on how to do very large projects using your Silhouette machine. You can find Phase 1 on setting up the file here. In today’s lesson, I’ll show you how I added my design elements and used the Layer feature … [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...]