Today I am so excited to share with you some of the videos we have just done to show you how you can use the Letterpress Starter Kit by Lifestyle Crafts with various machines!
Yes, it is true! We have tried, tested and proven the Letterpress Starter Kit with the following die cutting machines;
Sizzix Big Shot
Sizzix Big Shot Pro
Sizzix Vagabond by Tim Holtz
Cuttlebug by Provo Craft
The Letterpress turned out beautifully in each machine and it was so easy! There are no other mats required. Everything you need to start is included in the starter kit! Of course, if you want different cards, or ink colors you will need to purchase those separately.
Right now we have Letterpress Starter Kit on sale for $58.99! That’s a steal of a deal!
This kit includes the following:
Letterpress Starter Tool
Clear Packing Mat with grid
Paper Placement Guides
Ink Base
Brayer
Ten A2 flat cards
Nine Printing Plates
Tube of Black Ink
To view our videos you can either click on this link
These brief videos will show you how to Letterpress with different Die Cutting and Embossing Machines that are out there on the Market. You will be able to see how to do letterpress invitations and cards with the Lifestyle Craftsletterpress starter kit. With the starter kit you will get everything you need to get started in any of the following machines: Sizzix Big Shot, Big Shot PRO, Vagabond, and the Cuttlebug. Lifestyle Crafts formerly known as Quickutz has provided this starter kit with letterpress printing plates,ink,placement guides,roller,mats, and much more!
Click on anyone of the links to view the video demo on how to letterpress with these cutting & embossing machines!
Hold on to your hats! SizzixFramelits die sets w/stamps are here and are a hot item! They are blowing out of here as fast as we can get them in! Now that it is cooling off and the kids are in school, it is the perfect time to stay inside and do some stamping.
The Framelits sets w/stamps are not only beautiful, but very functional, because they include a stamp set AND the cutting dies that coordinate with each stamp! Here’s an example of one of the sets with 5:
You receive five – seven cutting dies (depending on the set) and a stamp set. Create the most exact cuts around your cling stamp images. Introducing wafer-thin and chemically etched Framelits Dies from Sizzix with their own matching cling stamp set from Hero Arts. With this unique product pairing, you cut exactly what you see with nothing to obscure perfect print registration. Even scraps, stamped images and printed sentiments can be cropped precisely. Framelits also create beautiful frames or die-cuts that fit snugly within each other. Ideal for stenciling or cutting windows in cards and scrapbook pages, too!
The Framelits Dies are compatible with the BIGkick, Big Shot and Vagabond Machines (used with a pair of Cutting Pads and the machine’s included Platform; when using the Essentials Platform or Solo Platform & Shim, the Extended Adapter or Solo Adapter is required). All items sold separately.
Just think how much easier these sets will make paper crafting! I am excited to give these a try!
I know that many of you have tried and love the Cuttlebug Embossing Folders by Provo Craft but, did you know that SizzixTextured Impressions are embossing folders that will work just like the Cuttlebug folders? You betcha they will!
Textured Impressions will work with the same sandwich formula as the Cuttlebug folders in the following Die Cutting Machines; Cuttlebug Machine, Big Shot and Big Shot Pro Machines, Vagabond by Tim Holtz, Grand Calibur and Epic Six Tools!
Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folders offer the deepest and boldest embossing experience. You can turn ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece.
Sizzix designers have created these folders with beautiful artwork to give your projects the special touch that embossing/debossing creates. You can choose from elegant flourishes and flowers to seasonal folders that will create a fantastic card in seconds!
Marcie took some video of the latest Textured Impressions at CHA that we would like to share with you!
Today I would like to introduce the QuicKutzTropical Splash Collection if you haven’t seen it already! Perfect for summer layouts, party invitations, and even party favors! There is so much you can create with this fun collection! There is a variety of sizes in this collection from 2 x 2 wafer dies to 12″ cookie cutter dies. The darling Tiki Alphabet is on a 4 x 8 plate with letters measuring approximately 1/2″ tall.
If you are planning a summer party or luau you can create your own Drink Umbrellas, Lantern, and even a Lei or two (or 50!).
My family is big into water sports so I have a ton of pictures at lakes or the ocean and this collection is perfect for my scrap room! Maybe I can get all those pages done that I have been putting off! At least I got a start with the pages below!
For my next page I used the full Hibiscus border on the top then cut up another one for the pieces on the bottom. The palm leaves are cut from the Tropical Tags die and attatched with a copper brad.
Here’s a look at some of the displays QuicKutz had in their booth at CHA!
I hope this gives you some inspiration for future projects! It is always fun to see someone else’s spin with a product! QuicKutz inspired me to start die cutting and I have been an addict ever since!
The new QuicKutz dies are out and are a big hit! If you have a party in your plans, you should really consider some of these new dies! I decided to take a few minutes and play with a couple over the weekend!
My neighbor’s birthday is the 4th of July. I was out of town for most of the weekend, but when I got back I wanted to give her a little something! I used the Gift Bag Cookie Cutter die, cutting it out with my Epic Six Tool. I stuck a flower and a button on the front, some candy inside and put it with a card and I was done! It made a cute gift in minutes!
Next, I used the Cracker Box die. This one is perfect for wedding or shower Thank You gifts! It goes together really quickly and you can embellish it with ribbon, flowers, tags, etc.! I used Petaloo Flowers to embellish mine and put some small candy inside!
This would be a fun treat to take to the office “Just Because”! Hmmm….. maybe I should take my own advise and make some to bring in to our office! A little surprise treat always makes the day better!
I’m looking forward to playing with some of the other new dies and posting them!
I appreciate when customers email with questions concerning products that I can use on our Blog! One of our customers asked today for ideas using SpellbindersBorderabilities Dies. She also asked if she could use the 12″ Borderabilities Grand in her Cuttlebug Machine even though she did not have the Extended Cutting Mats.
Yes! You can use the 12″ Grand Dies with standard plates if you are just needing a portion for a card or something short! Just make sure that you don’t bend the die where it is hanging over the edge!
If you do have the extended plates, you can cut the die cut to the length you need for layouts, cards, banners or other projects!
The Borderabilities Petite generally come with 2 dies. One of the dies usually comes with only one cutting edge for a nice card border, called an Accent Die. The Accent cuts the bottom edge and embosses the upper edge.while the other Border Die cuts and embosses on all sides for an actual border that you can place anywhere you choose!
You can use these dies any way you want, the idea is to PLAY! That is the whole idea in creativity! See how many ways you can use them! Let the kids use the dies to decorate soup can pencil holders for their teachers, or for their homework binders to dress them up for school! That will keep them busy during the hot summer afternoons when they “are bored” because it is to hot to go outside!
Okay ladies and gents, I finally had a chance to play with the new Heartfelt CreationsWedding Collection Stamp Sets! I just can’t get over the incredible detail that their artists put into them! They are so beautiful! These cling stamps are so easy to use with any acrylic block!
Now I can’t wait to use the other sets in the Wedding Collection! These really make fabulous embellishments for layouts as well as amazing bridal or wedding cards! Now is the perfect time to get yours, as summertime is the busiest time for weddings!
Many customers who have purchased the SizzixBig Shot Pro Machine have inquired how to use the Spellbinders Dies with that particular machine. I am happy to say that Customer Support at Sizzix was gracious enough to spend time with me explaining the sandwich formulas needed to cut and emboss Spellbinders Dies! We want to express our thanks to them for being patient and helping us help you!
I hope this is helpful for all of you lucky enough to have your Big Shot Pro Machines! They are gaining in popularity and have been on back order for some time!
For those of you who have not received yours yet, we are filling orders by when they were received, as the machines trickle in! We appreciate your patience!
If you are a scrapbooker you already know that borders are a wonderfully quick and easy way to embellish your pages! Well, we have a border die from Quickutz on sale for those Easter and layouts that you are planning to do!
Quickutz Easter Egg Border is a 12″ border dies that is perfect for layouts! It can be cut down to shorter lengths for smaller layouts or cards (think ahead)! On sale for the amazingly low price of $8.99 from the Retail Price of $24.99! This is a steal of a deal!
For some added dimention and springtime embellishment, why not add some Petaloo flowers! At 40% off you’ll want to gather them up as fast as you can! These are offered at this incredible sale price while supplies last!
It is crunch time to get you gifts done for Mother’s Day if you haven’t already! Here’s an idea for a card box if your mom likes cards, but needs a place to store them, or you can fill the box with pre-made cards for her to use when needed! Of course I used roses, because that is what mom’s like! Right?
The paper I used for my tin box is the Rustic Paper Stack from DCWV ( It is an exclusive to JoAnn Stores), and the Shimmer Stack for the roses. To cut the roses I used QuicKutzRoses die. Easy! I cut it out with my Cuttlebug Machine then rolled them up and glued them in place with some Zip Dry Paper Glue!
This was a lot of fun! It took me a minute to practice making the roses with some regular paper, but found that the thicker card stock made it easier! Just roll it up with your fingers and let go for it to take shape, then glue it where you want it!
WhooHoo! We have reduced the prices on all QuicKutz 4×4 dies! This is a fantastic savings!
We have also put some of these dies on clearance, so you will want to make sure to get the ones that you want now before they sell out! Once the clearance items are gone, they are gone!
Just arrived from Provo Craft are more beautiful Cuttlebug A2 Emossing Plus Folders! We have added 4 more to our inventory, which are the popular Carly, Whimsy, Cogs & Wheels and the Deco Burst! These folders are absolutely wonderful for making spectacular embossed cards on the fly! They cut and emboss all in one pass of your machine!
I really enjoy using either of these products, but for a really quick and pretty A2 card, I highly recommend the Embossing Plus Folders! They are awesome!
I have to say that I was so excited when I first saw the new SpellbindersCreative Book Pages Grand Die by Donna Salazar! There are endless possibilities for mini books with this spectacular set!
As I have mentioned before, my youngest boy just entered Basic Training for the Army National Guard, and it is his birthday this month, so I wanted to do something for him that he could use and keep in his limited space foot locker! They can’t have a whole lot and he made me promise NOT to send treats during Basic! Hmmm…. what do I send? Well, I CAN send pictures, and we just had our family pictures done the weekend before he left, so I decided to do a mini album using the Creative Book Pages Die Set! I only used dies #2-5. Of coarse I used my Spellbinder’sGrand Calibur to cut them. You will either need the Grand Calibur or a Big Shot Pro by Sizzix to be able to use this set.
I didn’t want to embarrass him by sending anything even close to frilly. Army style seemed fitting and manly! I used paper from Creative Imaginations Signature Collection-U.S. Army Scrapbook Kit. The stickers are by Karen Foster and Reminise. I also used the Boss KutBlack Jack Alphabet for the “My Family” title.
Well, that’s it! I think he will love it! His little niece will make him smile for sure!
This is really a fun project for any occasion! You can bind it any way you like!
Okay, so you already know that I am a paper junkie, but I would say my next scrapbooking addiction is alphabets! This week I tried my first couple of Boss Kut Alphabets! Love them!They work just like my QuicKutz Alphabets in myCuttlebug Machine!
Some of them are 2×2″ chipboard backing, like the Hobby Horse that I used on my layout for yesterday’s BLOG, and some are on 2×2″ metal plates, as with the Adore that I used for today’s layout. They work exactly the same!
My kids can’t believe how many I have. My accountant son thinks he has to add up the cost of each one and let me know how much I have spent, but I keep insisting that I almost always buy them on sale, so his calculations are over estimated! Of coarse my daughter doesn’t mind that I spend on alphabets, because she can borrow them for free!
I have been using QuicKutz Alphabets for years and thoroughly enjoy them! I won’t say how many I have, but I’m sure that some of you are in the same boat! Both QuicKutz and Boss Kut have foam over the letters to keep paper or card stock from sticking in the die. QuicKutz dies are all made of metal and have expanded some of their alphabets from 2×2 to 4×8.
Boss Kuts has some metal and some chipboard in the 2×2 plates. Both work great in most of the die cutting machines such as Cuttlebug, Big Shot, Grand Calibur, Epic Six and Wizard!
Like I said, I used the Adore Alphabet in this layout of my children. I used Bazzill card stock, and My Mind’s EyeSimply Delightful 12×12 stack. I cut one Spellbinder’sGrand Big Scalloped Ovals in half to place over the pattern paper and cut the flower embellishments from the same paper. The leaves are from the new Spellbinder’sFoliage set!
If you have never tried the Boss Kut alphabets, you should just give them a try! As the saying goes; Try it, you might like it!
We are so excited to have received the new Sizzix Textured Embossing Folders! We Oooed and Ahhhed over them while deciding which were our favorites! Now, I can tell you, that was hard! They are all gorgeous!
I love the embossing folders for making quick cards! You are probably starting to realize that I am all about quick! Sometimes I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, always in a hurry because I might be late! Needless to say that quick works best for me! You will most likely see quick ideas from me on our BLOG because that is what I do best! (Or at least have time for)
For this card I used the damask folder from the Corners & Damask Set. I ran white card stock through my Cuttlebug Machine then ran a Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink all over the top, which helped bring out the design. The pattern strip is from Basic Grey’sHello Luscious 6×6 Paper Pad with a strip of ribbon. I used 1″ Scor-Tape to adhere the strip and 1/2″ Scor-Tape to apply the ribbon. The tag is made from Spellbinder’s new CHA release Grommet Tags.
Using the corners folder of the Corners & Damask and both the DCWVLuxury Mat Stack and Linen Closet Solid Mat Stack, I made a quick wedding card! I finished it off with Spellbinder’s CHA Fancy Tags Two and Basic Grey’s Opaline Half Pearls!
For this next card I used a card from DCWVLatte Box of Cards and embossed the front with one of the Country & Flowering Foliage Set, the ran the card stock strip through with the other folder in the same set. I used another new CHA release, Labels Eighteen #3 die for the stamped greeting.
Last of all, I simply used two of the four folders in the Butterfly Migration Set for a simple, yet pretty “Thinking of You” card! I used a dauber to dab ink around the edges of the greeting and on the butterflies to create contrast to the rest of the card. 5 minutes tops!
I hope these give you an idea of how pretty these new Sizzix Embossing Folders are!
Here are some helpful tips and tricks when using the Silhouette SD digital die cutting tool. This machine can cut all types of material and connects to your computer. The Silhouette is made by Silhouette America. Here is a video below to watch how it functions. To read about this machine click on the link: Silhouette SD
UPDATE: The Silhouette SD has now been replaced with their NEW machine called the Silhouette CAMEO that can now cut up to 12 inches wide and 10 feet long with a very quiet motor. This is truly an upgrade. To see a video and or purchase this new electronic cutting tool click on this link:SILHOUETTE CAMEO
To cut a size other than the default 8 ½ X 11, when opening a new document you will be prompted with a box labeled “Document Settings” asking for your paper size. You may:
1. Click on the drop-down arrow next to the “Document Size” box
2. Select one of the “User Size” options
3. Click on the button marked “Specify User Size”
4. You may first assign a new name to your size for future reference (i.e. “QuickStripz)
5. You may also assign the “Width” and “Length” of your paper size (i.e. 4 Width by 8 Length)
6. Click on “OK”
This will define the correct area on your computer screen to work with. When you’re ready to cut, if your paper size is smaller than 8 ½ X 11, make sure your paper is placed on the cutting mat correctly.
If you have already started a document and want to change your document’s paper size in the middle of a project, click on the “File” menu and select “Document Settings”.
How can I cut letters best to easily apply adhesive once they’re cut?
Some of our designers have mentioned they like to cut their letters out backwards so they can apply adhesive onto the backs of the letters after they’re cut and then simply pull them off the cutting mat and have them ready to place on their layout or card.
To do this, after you have placed your desired text onto your screen, right-click on your text and select “Mirror” and then “Horizontal Mirror”. This will flip your text to a mirror image and cut your letters out backwards. After the text has been cut out, take your preferred adhesive (prior to pulling the cut letters off the mat) and apply as desired. You may now take your letters that already have adhesive applied on the back and transfer them from the cutting mat directly onto your project.
When using this tip with textured cardstock, you may wish to place your cardstock textured side down onto the cutting mat prior to cutting so that your letters have the textured side on their fronts. Please note that this tip is only for papers or cardstocks that do not already have their own adhesive backing.
How can I manipulate text to do different things in the Silhouette software?
You’ve probably already noticed that there is more to just typing words in the Text box. Here are a few tips when using the Text function:
Previewing Font Styles – Instead of knowing the font name, or having to select each font name individually to see what it looks like, you can view the “ABCabc” character preview by doing the following:
1. Open “Text” box
2. Highlight the name of the first font style listed next to “Font”
3. Use your mouse scroll wheel to move up and down through your fonts OR press your up/down arrow keys to browse fonts.
You should be able to see a preview of each font as you do this to find the font you are looking for that best suits your needs.
Spacing – When you click on the Text button and select your font style and type the word you want to cut, you can choose to space your letters closer together or farther apart depending on the space you’re working with, or if you’re planning to use the negative space on your page and want the letters to be specially spaced. To do this, after clicking on the Text button, locate the box that says “Space”. Positive numbers will make your letters farther apart, while placing a negative (-) in front of the number will squish your letters closer together.
Angling your words – From our previous tips on rotating, you’re already able to do this, but if you know in advance you’re going to want to rotate your text to an angle, click on the box that says “Use Mouse to Set Angle” prior to clicking on “OK”. Once you drop your text, it will swivel around until you find the angle you like and click your mouse. To turn this off next time, just uncheck the same box when you re-visit the Text features.
Sizing fonts – You’ll notice a “Font Size” and “Height” box. These are great for use when you may have done journaling in the same font style and want to size your lettering in the same manner or slightly larger for titling purposes. You’ll only need to do one or the other. Please note, however, that the actual height of your letters will vary from font to font. The “Height” refers to the blue outline of the text box you are creating rather than the actual letters themselves. While you are getting a good starting point for sizing your letters exactly, you may also wish to turn on your grid, as described in the sizing images tip.
Styling fonts -At the very bottom of your Text settings right above where you type your letters or words, there are several style options: “Italic”, “Bold”, “Underline”, and “Outline”. IMPORTANT: “Outline” must remain checked in order to cut. Un-checking the “Outline” option changes your text from cut format to print format to enable you to print solid letters from the Silhouette software to your printer. “Italic” may be selected in cut format. “Bold” and “Underline” are reserved for print format only.
Drawing text instead of cutting – When using the Pen Holder as described in the drawing tip section, you can draw your text. Note that the “Outline” box needs to be checked when cutting or drawing.
How can I size shapes to specific measurements?
You can measure your shapes to your exact desired measurement using the Grid function. To view the grid:
- Go to the “View” menu and select “View Grid”.
- The grid is defaulted to measure a half inch. If you would like to adjust the measurement to make it a smaller or larger measurement, go to the “Edit” menu, and select “Grid settings”.
- If you’d rather view your measurements in millimeters, go to “File” menu and select “Preferences.”
With the grid turned on, you can see how big or little your shapes and letters are as you are re-sizing them. Remember that when resizing images, if you click on any of the corner boxes, your shape will be sized proportionately. This is especially important when sizing fold-together objects such as boxes and templates. If you resize using the side or top arrows, your shape will simply be stretched or squeezed in whichever direction you’re going.
How do I change the lines in an existing drawing in the Silhouette software?
Let’s say you want to cut the butterfly, but you don’t want all of the circles and inner intricate details, or you’ve purchased our incredibly cute gorilla, but want to alter his smiley face to a ferocious frown.
1. Select your image after you have sized it to your liking so that a blue box surrounds your selected image
2. Click on the “Ungroup” button found along the top toolbar icons OR go to the Edit menu and select “Ungroup” OR right-click on your image and select “Ungroup”
3. Click outside of the shape so that the blue box disappears and your entire shape is no longer selected
4. Click on any desired line in your image you wish to alter. Selecting a line will make it turn into a blue line showing you what is selected. Note that pressing the “Tab” button will move you from one line to the next if you are having problems selecting the right one.
5. Either delete, move, or rotate the selected part of the image as desired.
This effect is great if there are slight alterations you wish to make or get rid of. Keep in mind, however, that you cannot delete portions of lines. If it’s connected, it’s all or nothing!
How do I create glass etchings with the Silhouette?
To perform glass etching with the Silhouette and Silhouette vinyl, please do the following:
1. Clean the surface of your glass thoroughly.
2. Use the Silhouette Digital Craft Cutter to select and cut out your design or phrase from Adhesive Vinyl.
3. Use the Universal Hook tool to carefully remove the design from the vinyl, creating a stencil from the negative space.
4. Peel away backing from Transfer Paper and apply it over the negative space of your design.
5. Peel away back of vinyl. Place the stencil on a table with adhesive side up.
6. Carefully apply your stencil with the adhesive side to the glass.
7. Smooth the vinyl over the glass using the Universal Scraper to press out all of the bubbles.
8. Slowly and carefully peel off the Transfer Paper, making sure all pieces of the stencil remain on the glass.
9. [Warning] Etching cream is a caustic substance. Pay close attention to safety labels on container of etching cream.
10. Using a cotton swab or craft brush, apply a thick coat of etching cream to the exposed glass, making sure the cream is evenly spread.
11. Consult the etching cream label to determine the amount of time required by the brand for the cream to set – usually 5 to 10 minutes.
12. After the appropriate time has passed, thoroughly wash off the etching cream with paper towels.
13. Peel vinyl off of surface. Use the hook tool to remove small pieces.
*Remove fingerprints with cleaner for best results.
How do I create matting or shadowing effects for my text or image?
Shadows or matting effects may be performed from directly within the Silhouette software at this time with the latest software version.
HOW TO: Create Shadow or Mat Effects
1. Create your desired text or select an image.
2. Once you have sized your text or image to your liking, create a copy and place it off to the side.
3. Select your copied image and click on the “Offset” button.
The “Offset” options will appear.
4. Select your desired settings. The following options are available:
Offset Value: The greater the number, the farther away the traced shadow or mat will be
Direction of Offset: “Outside” should generally be selected. This traces your shadow or mat outward. “Inside” will give you a reverse mat and trace your image inward.
Method of Join: This is the style of shadow or mat you wish to create.
Miter – This will provide sharp edges, There is an optional “Miter Limit Value” which will determine how sharply the traced edges bend
Round – This will provide smooth edges
Bevel – This will provide blocked edges
5. When finished setting your options, click “OK”.
How do I cut an image with separate color layers rather than as nested shapes?
If you wish to cut an image out in multiple layers, you may be able to do so with select images by performing the following steps.
1. Select your image after you have sized it to your liking so that the selection box surrounds your image
2. Click on the “Ungroup” button OR right-click on the image and select “Ungroup”
3. Click outside of the shape so that the entire shape is no longer selected
4. Click on any desired line in your image you wish to alter or move.
You can now move parts of the iamge off onto the inactive grey area and simply but those parts you want to keep in your first selected color. Continue on by then moving to the next selection of image parts for your other color(s) of paper and place them into the active cutting area to cut.
How do I draw my own shapes to cut?
So maybe you’re not a master artist, but you can draw your own ready-to-cut art from within the Silhouette software. On the left-hand side of your Silhouette software window, there are various lines and shapes that you can use to create some fun images.
To use these tools select the line or shape that best fits your needs and move your cursor to start drawing inside the red cutting area. Open line tools inclue Line, Polyline, Spline, and Arc. Closed line tools include Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Polygon, Circle, Elipse, and Closed Spline.
Drawing with open lines: If this is a line, click once at your starting point, and drag your line to the next point you wish to drop it. Do this as many times with the same line as you wish. Lines and Arcs will be very simple, while Polylines and Splines will continue drawing from each point until you release with a double-click of your mouse.
Drawing with closed lines: If you are using closed shapes, Rectangles, Rounded Rectangles, Circles, and Elipses will be very simple, while Polygons and Closed Splines will continue drawing from each point until you release with a double-click of your mouse.
When finished with a particular tool, remember to click on the “Select” button on the left-hand side of your screen to stop using that particular drawing tool.
If you don’t like the shape you’ve created but don’t want to start over from scratch, you can use the “Edit Point” button to move select points around to your liking, or right-click and select “Delete Anchor Point”.
How do I duplicate an image to cut multiples times on the same sheet of paper?
To duplicate an image to cut multiples on the same sheet of paper, please do the following:
1. Once you have sized your image to your liking, select your image by clicking on it
2. Right-click on your selected image and select “Copy”
3. Right-click again on your image and select “Paste” — this will change your cut lines to yellow, indicating that multiple lines are overlapping
4. Grab and drag your image to another desired location on your screen ensuring that your images are still within the cutting area.
5. Repeat as necessary
If you wish to replicate multiple images at the same time (for example, if you have duplicated your image several times already and want to duplicate all of them at once to double what you have already created), you may do the following:
1. Unselect any currently selected images — Selected images are those surrounded by a blue box.
2. Draw a box around your desired images by clicking your left mouse button toward the top left corner of the images, and dragging the box being drawn toward the bottom right corner.
3. Release your mouse button when all images appear to be surrounded by the box you are drawing.
4. Once all items are shown to be selected by one large blue outline, Right-click on your image and select “Copy”
5. Right-click again on your image and select “Paste” — this will change your cut lines to yellow, indicating that multiple lines are overlapping
6. Grab and drag your image to another desired location on your screen ensuring that your images are still within the cutting area.
How do I import and cut other images with my Silhouette?
You will first need to go to the “Help” menu in the Silhouette Studio program to check the version number under “About Silhouette Studio”. If you are not running the latest version of Silhouette Studio (V1.3.0) you will need to obtain the latest version.
The Trace feature in Silhouette Studio may be found by clicking on the “Home” icon in the upper right-hand tool bar. A panel should open on the right and one of the options listed should be called “Trace”. This will allow you to create cut lines for your imported image. You may open common image file types (such as JPG and BMP files) through the Open feature. If you are on a PC, you will need to select “All Files” from the file type selection in the “Open” window. Further information on using the Trace feature may be found in the User’s Manual (found through the “Help” menu in the Silhouette Studio program) on page 37.
Please note that Silhouette American cannot support or guarantee results from files not offered by our company.
How do I rotate/flip an image in the Silhouette software?
There are a few ways you can rotate images.
If you are working with Text, to rotate while creating your word (if you know the angle of rotation prior to making your word), select the “Angle” in the Text Settings window prior to clicking “OK” and placing your word.
To rotate text or images by hand:
1. Select your image so that the blue box is selecting your image
2. Click once on the any of the black rectangles in the corner of your shape – you should see a curved arrow now when you place your cursor over any of the corners OR click once on the shape. Doing either of these actions will change the boxes in each corner of your shape or text box to circles. Boxes are for resizing, and circles are for rotating.
3. Hold your mouse button down on one of the circled corners and drag your shape to rotate it around to your liking.
If you have already placed your text or image on the screen and want an exact angle and don’t wish to manually adjust, right-click on your image and select “Position Settings”. In the “Position” window that comes up, you may select to alter the “Angle of Rotation” entry field to rotate your image to your exact liking.
To flip shapes or text to mirror image:
1. Right click on the image you wish to adjust
2. Select Mirror and determine if you want your image facing the other way (Horizontal Mirror) or on its back (Vertical Mirror)
How do I transfer vinyl onto walls and other surfaces?
When using vinyl and looking to transfer your cut-out design onto a wall or other smooth surface, you will also need to have transfer paper. Transfer paper is used to transfer vinyl images from the vinyl’s backing onto your desired wall or other surface without having to manually remove each cut-out vinyl piece by hand and try to align them perfectly.
Once you have vinyl and transfer paper, you may proceed with the following steps:
1. Cut your vinyl design with the Silhouette.
2. Leave the vinyl’s protective backing in place and carefully peel away excess vinyl that is not part of the design.
3. Place the transfer paper over your vinyl image and rub firmly over the top of the cut vinyl design.
4. Carefully remove the backing from your vinyl, exposing the vinyl’s adhesive while leaving the transfer paper in place.
5. Arrange the design on your desired surface. Press down firmly with a flat-edged tool (such as the Scrapper Tool) over the entire design to affix and remove any air bubbles.
6. Peel away the transfer paper. Your design will stay put!
How do I zoom in to work with smaller images?
When working with smaller cut lines that are difficult to work with, or see well on your screen, you can zoom in to get a better look.
Zooming in
You can right-click and select “Zoom In” OR click on the “Zoom In” icon on your top bar with the image of the magnifying glass that has the plus sign.
Moving your page around when zoomed in
To move your page around as your screen is enlarged, click on the “Move” icon on your top bar with the image of the hand and arrows.
Zooming out
To zoom out step by step: You may right-click and select “Zoom Out” OR click on the “Zoom Out” icon on your top bar with the image of the magnifying glass that has the negative sign.
To zoom out all at once: You may right-click and select “Fit” OR click on the “Fit” icon on your top bar with the image of the white box with arrows.
How should I feed different sizes of paper into the Silhouette?
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When cutting smaller (than 8 ½ x 11 inch) sizes of paper with the Silhouette, you will need to ensure you are placing your paper correctly on the cutting mat. Placement for smaller papers will depend on the Orientation selected in your “Document Settings”
Portrait: Place your paper along the top of the cutting mat and justified against the right yellow strip on your cutting mat.
Landscape: Place your paper along the top of the cutting mat and justified against the left yellow strip on your cutting mat.
*Please make sure you are continuing to load your cutting mat with the left side of the mat lined up with the raised guide mark on your Silhouette machine, as you normally would when cutting other paper sizes, so that both white rollers are gripping the cutting mat.
Here is a quick demo video of the Sizzix Big Shot PRO die cutting and embossing machine. The Big Shot Pro Machine measures approximately 24 1/4″ x 15″ x 7 1/2″. It has a 13 inch wide opening and will cut all sorts of materials as seen in this video. It is a dream cutting machine for the serious crafters and scrapbookers! Great for school teachers! CutAtHome has the Best price at ONLY 249.99!
To read more or purchase the Big Shot PRO click on link below:
The Spellbinders Wizard Die Cutting Machine has a different style than the other machines out there with a rachet as the handle. Which mean you crank instead of roll to push the dies through. It allows 3000 lbs of pressure to make very thorough cuts and allows you to cut many different materials other than cardstock. It has many different plates and pads for cutting other consumer dies. On top of cutting and embossing the Wizard will let you emboss with brass stencils, charms, perform image transfers, set eyelets, smash bottlecaps and lots more. Spellbinders Paper Arts are proud of this versatile, user-friendly crafting tool.
The Lifestyle Crafts (formerly known as Quickutz) Epic Six is a die cutting and letterpress machine on the market. The name comes from its 6 inch wide opening. It is actually very similar to the Cuttlebug in design, portability, and function. Except Lifestyle Crafts states that the Epic 6 was made to distribute the pressure more evenly on the cutting surface so the user can get more of a clean and even cut on your dies. It will cut and emboss ALL Quickutz and Lifestyle Crafts dies unlike their old machines as well as other consumer dies. The unique feature of the Epic Six is that it can be used for doing letterpress printing on cards. If you buy the letterpress printing plates along with the ink these will fit in the machine. See video below on how to make a letterpress effect.
Here is another video showing how the epic six can be used to do letterpress printing right from your own home. No need for big bulky letter press machines. With the epic 6 from Lifestyle Crafts you can do all the cards, invitations, scrapbook pages that you want.
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