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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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...]
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 … [Read more...]
How to use a roll feeder
I’m currently working on a HUGE vinyl project for my church. We’re creating a forest scene with animals on a wall 45 feet long and 10 feet high. This is the perfect time to use a roll feeder, since the pieces are really large. Note: This … [Read more...]
10 Fun Stocking Stuffers to make with your Silhouette
Is your Christmas shopping done? For once, I got a big chunk of mine done early. But I love to give homemade gifts too, especially as stocking stuffers. Let’s face it – custom is always a good idea! And if it’s also inexpensive, that’s even … [Read more...]
Cut Doctor: Lesson 9 — Line Segment Overcut
You know that CPR can literally save a life. Penicillin and other antibiotics revolutionized medicine and saved countless thousands of lives in the past century. In today’s appointment with the Cut Doctor, you are going to learn about Line Segment … [Read more...]