Author: silhouettesecretsplus

EllyMae, the driving force behind Silhouette Secrets+/Swift Creek Customs, has been teaching Silhouette users worldwide since 2016 through blog tutorials, in-person events, and online classes on her Teachable site. Recognized as a top troubleshooter in the industry, EllyMae, a Maker & Creator, seamlessly blends software and technology in her crafting, showcasing expertise in cutting machines, sublimation, and various industry products.
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Easy Fun Fall Card with Silhouette & Watercolors

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

These cards turned out fantastic and I just have to share how I created the Fall cards with my Silhouette and supplies from Pointer USA.

A crafting workspace with pink cardstock, art supplies, and homemade autumn-themed cards with falling leaves and inspirational quotes.

Sometimes I get the opportunity to work with a company or product and my goal is to find ways to use that with my Silhouette or with a Silhouette project. That is after all the main focus of Silhouette Secrets+ right!

I am a Creative Professional with NAMTA and Pointer USA reached out to me before the 2026 Creativation to see if I’d like to test some of their products. I will fully admit I wasn’t sure what the quality would be when I first looked at the site, but once I started using the products I had no doubts. I have since purchased more myself because I am using the products in my projects. Not only are they a good quality craft supply, but they are also economical too, which I know that most of those reading are also looking for. No matter what supplies you use, I hope you get some ideas from this blog post for your future projects

Full disclosure: I have received products from Pointer USA for testing and was paid for the Instagram reel created (Sept 2026). My opinions are my own and I was not paid to promote with this blog post.
Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

First, I want to share the Instagram reel that I created that shows the process. Of course, reels are designed for short form & it takes longer than 50 seconds to complete the project, so it is a very quick glimpse at my process. I’ll share a few more details, a supply list, and screenshots of my design in Silhouette Studio below the reel, so make sure to scroll farther down.

Supplies Used for Fall Cards with Silhouette

Fall Card Design Details

I started first with the watercolor background. This takes no skill at all and anyone can do this smoosh technique. I love how it gives a different pattern and unique look each time.

I started with my lightest color first. I added a bit of yellow watercolor paint on top of my Glassboard mat and then added water with a water brush from the watercolor travel kit.

Close-up of a hand using a water brush to apply yellow paint onto a grid-patterned surface, with a watercolor palette and paint tubes visible in the background.

Then I laid down the mixed media paper over top to pick up the color. I repeated that to fill the entire page. And repeated the same process with the orange and red watercolors. Have fun with this and create some awesome background images. Don’t focus on what the entire page looks like. It should be random, especially for this project since you will only see a glimpse of the background through the leaf cutouts of the card front.

A vibrant watercolor painting featuring shades of orange and yellow on textured paper, accompanied by a watercolor palette and a water brush.

I chose to use the Art PRO watercolor tubes of paint for this project and it turned out fantastic and bright.

While that dried I headed to the Silhouette Studio software to create my card design. I used a combination of sketching and cutting with the Silhouette to make the card fronts and designed everything in Silhouette so I knew exactly how it would look.

Here is a look at the card design in Silhouette Studio all put together. I love to be able to mock-up a design before I start cutting so I can see how it will all fit together.

A digital design featuring red autumn leaves scattered around the word 'fall,' with the text 'is proof that change is beautiful' at the bottom. The design has a layered border in orange and yellow.

The white and the yellow layers have the leaves cut out so it will show through the red layer which is going to be the watercolor background.

Here is a look at the layers of this card design separated out in Silhouette Studio.

Design workspace in Silhouette Studio showing a layout for fall-themed crafting, featuring various colored rectangles and autumn leaves.

The fall sentiment will be sent to sketch out on the front of the card and then without unloading the mat, the leaves will be cut from the card front. From one sheet of letter size paper, I could get 4 card fronts and I took it a step farther by swapping out the pen for each one. This took a little bit more time to complete, but I wanted to show how the colors would look and mix it up.

Since I was sending the designs to sketch and then cut, I used the Cut by line feature to be able to send each action separately. This was extremely helpful to be able to send only one card to sketch at a time and swap out the pen colors in between. More details on using the Cut/Sketch by Line Color in Silhouette HERE.

Four handcrafted greeting cards featuring autumn leaves in various colors, with the word 'fall' and the phrase 'is proof that change is beautiful' displayed prominently.

Look at that background showing through! It turned out even better than I thought it would. Each card is completely different and I don’t know which one is my favorite.

I love playing with paper and seeing what is possible. I hope this has sparked some ideas for crafty projects in your future.

Find more Silhouette Resources HERE.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Colorful fall-themed cut out cards displayed on a crafting table with various art supplies, including glue, scissors, and pens.

Enjoy !

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**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Cutting Chipboard with Silhouette – Types, Tips, and Troubleshooting

Photo shows a Pocket Notebook cut from chipboard with a Silhouette

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Have you ever cut chipboard with your Silhouette? Have you ever had troubles cutting chipboard? Years ago, I was testing and cutting chipboard with the plan to put out information on it. I ended up having some issues with different types of chipboard and burnt myself out on the topic. Fast forward to this month and I am working with a pocket notebook design for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter and have been cutting more chipboard again. So, it seemed fitting to share tips that can help you be successful if you use it for a project.

Here is a look at the first pocket notebook that I cut.

A handmade brown craft notebook with a green Celtic knot design on the cover, partially open to show blank white pages inside.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

And then I wanted to cut it bigger, so I did. That’s the best part of having a cutting machine, being able to cut what you want.

An open, handmade notebook displaying blank pages, with a visible stitching along the spine. Surrounding tools include scissors, thread, paper embellishments, and crafting supplies on a blue cutting mat.

Tips for Cutting Chipboard with Silhouette

  • Do NOT unload the cutting mat after the cut. Check to see if it cut first and then send it again if needed.
  • It is common for chipboard to require multiple passes.
  • Increase the blade depth incrementally for each round of passes. Starting at a high blade depth can be more difficult to cut through thicker materials and can cause cut issues.
  • Not all parts of the file may need cut multiple times. For instance, score lines may not need to be cut more than a few times, since it’s not a cut through. Turn the cut lines off for those parts of the file. This can save you time & decrease the areas the cut can go wrong.
  • If the cut lines are not lining up on additional passes or the mat is skewing, this generally happens because the cut settings are too high. Back off the blade depth and try a few more passes before increasing the blade depth.
  • Buy extra materials!
  • Keep a dedicated blade for materials that are fibrous or dull quicker than others.
  • The blade may need to be cleaned out when cutting fibrous materials. Debris build up inside the blade can affect the swivel action and cut capabilities. Unscrew the cap on the bottom of the blade housing and remove any debris, then carefully screw the cap back on. Be careful not to cross thread the cap or it may not cut properly.

Supplies Used in Demo:

Cutting Chipboard with Silhouette video

Settings Used in the Video for Light Chipboard

Silhouette Autoblade with Portrait 4 machine model
Round 1 – Blade depth 4, Force 33, Passes 2
Round 2 – Blade depth 6, Force 33, Passes 2
Round 3 – Blade depth 8, Force 33, Passes 2

Additional Resources:

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A woman holding a piece of chipboard and pointing at it, wearing a t-shirt with 'create' printed on it, in a crafting workspace with various supplies in the background. Text overlay reads 'Cutting Chipboard WITH SILHOUETTE'.

Enjoy !

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Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

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Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae
**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Glass Etched Beach Themed Decor with Silhouette

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

I love glass etching and being able to take something plain and make it stand out. I am always on the hunt for glassware at thrift stores and I’ve found some really good things. Thrifting is a great way to make amazing projects and keep on budget too. And Etchall etching creme never disappoints! It is so worth it, and a bottle lasts me a long time and more projects than I can count.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here is a recent find from the thrift store and I love how it turned out. Now, full confession, it takes me a long time to find a design I like and settle on. I’ll share a glimpse of that farther in the blog post.

Photo shows a glass home decor vase that is etched with Don't Worry Beach Happy next to a bottle of Etchall etching creme.

Steps to Etched Glass Projects

  1. Create a stencil for etching.
  2. Clean glass blank with alcohol and allow to dry.
  3. Apply stencil.
  4. Mask off edge of stencil to prevent bleeding
  5. Apply Etchall Etching Creme and allow to sit for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove any excess Etching Creme and place back in the bottle.
  7. Wipe off remaining excess with a paper towel and safely discard paper towel.
  8. Run water in the sink and rinse off decal thoroughly.
  9. Remove masking tape and adhesive vinyl under running water.
  10. Rinse blank thoroughly.
  11. Dry and Enjoy!

Glass Etched Decor Supplies

Glass Etched Decor with Silhouette

Gather the supplies. I use scraps whenever I can. As you’ll see through the photos my adhesive vinyl color changes. I grabbed a scrap of adhesive vinyl and unfortunately, it was bad. It cut fine, but when I went to weed it, I knew there was an issue because it was not easy to weed. And in my true stubborn fashion, I worked hard and weeded the entire thing and then it wouldn’t stick to the glass. I know better. And I still continue to punish myself and try to salvage it. I’m sure there is at least one other person reading this that understands.

Photo show a table top with supplies for glass etching that include adhesive vinyl, a craft stick, painters tape, Etchall etching creme, a glass vase, and a Silhouette Cameo 5 in the background.

A couple signs that adhesive vinyl has gone bad is that with a good cut it’s still hard to weed and the backing separates from itself. This generally appears that the backing sticks to the adhesive vinyl and is difficult to weed. This can also happen when the cut is too deep, but as you get more and more experience you will start to recognize old vinyl versus a bad cut.

I measure the blank and create the shape the same size in the Silhouette software using the Drawing Tools. Then it is time to find the design for your project. This takes me the longest time. I will go through so many options, but I don’t delete them, I just move them off to the side and keep on creating.

Photo shows a screenshot of the Silhouette Studio software with design choices for the glass etching project.

Glass etching is permanent and I like to ensure success, so I like to hit it with a little bit of heat. But, be careful and let the glass cool after this. Hot glass looks like cool glass. This step can help with little bits being held in place better. It can also help smooth out any areas that may have had allowed etching creme to seep underneath. I also add a layer of painter’s tape around the edges just in case any etching creme dribbles or runs. This has saved me so many times.

Photo shows a table top with adhesive vinyl applied to a glass vase and heat being applied to secure the stencil. A bottle of Etchall etching creme and a Silhouette Cameo 5 are in the background.

I then cover the entire stencil area where the design is with Etchall etching creme and wait 20 minutes.

Photo shows a glass etching project with the Etchall etching creme applied to complete the etch process.

When 20 minutes is up, I carefully scrap the Etchall etching creme off and put it back in the jar. Etchall etching creme can be reused and doesn’t lose its potency. After the excess is scrapped off, I will carefully wipe the design with a paper towel before running water in the sink and rinsing off any remaining residue. At this step, you do want to be careful not to dislodge any pieces of the design. It never fails that when an oops happens and the creme touches an area you do not want to etch; it will etch in seconds.

Once the Etchall etching creme has been rinsed, removed the stencil and painter’s tape, and then carefully dry the glass container. I love using Etchall etching creme and have perfect etches each time! I’ve compared etching creme’s and it is the best. Glass can have its flaws, which can cause some imperfections in the etch, but those are few and far between with Etchall etching creme.

Photo shows a look at the glass vase after the Etchall etching creme has been removed and the glass vase has been cleaned, dried, and polished.

I love it! That sounds like a broken record, but it’s true when I etch with Etchall etching creme. Now the only thing left to do is find the perfect thing to fill this glass etched decor vase with. I tried some shells and sea glass, but just wasn’t happy with how it looked, so I am still on the hunt for the perfect fit to this gorgeous piece.

Photo shows a finished look at the beach themed glass etched home decor project with a bottle of Etchall etching creme next to it.

Give it a try! But I’ll warn you, it might be addicting and then you’ll be on the hunt for more glassware to etch and more projects get added to your to do list.

Check out more glass etching projects HERE.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Photo is a Pinterest image of the glass etched beach theme decor with Etchall.

Enjoy !

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Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

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**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated for sharing.

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BIG projects with Silhouette – Supersized Giant Card Creation

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Do you create more than one project with a cut file? That is exactly what the Crafting Creativity series is all about! Do more with your files like blow it up and create a supersized, giant card creation with your Silhouette. Have you seen the giant cards in the store? If you own a cutting machine, you can make your own. I took a 5″ x 7″ card design by Lori Whitlock and scaled it up as large as I could to create a giant card.

Photo shows a background of a craft studio with supplies and EllyMae with Silhouette Secrets+ holding a giant card made with Silhouette.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This project type could be done with any model of Silhouette machine from the Silhouette Portrait, Silhouette Cameo, the Silhouette Cameo Pro, and even the Silhouette Curio 2. In the video below, I shared factors that go into this type of project & how I determined how big I could cut this file depending on the machine type.

Plus, more tips, still photos, and a supply list are included farther down in this blog post.

Supplies Used for Giant Card Creation

I used the Silhouette Cameo Pro MK II to cut all the pieces for this giant card using the 24″ x 24″, 12″ x 24″, and 12″ x 12″ Silhouette cutting mats. Here is a look at the giant card next to the original card design size of 5″ x 7″.

Photo shows a craft studio background and a supersized, giant card next to the original sized card for comparison.

If I were to recreate this project again, I would probably cut multiples of each piece and layer them together to make the card a bit more sturdy.

Here is a look at all the pieces cut for this card next to the Silhouette Cameo Pro MK II.

Photo shows a craft studio with a Silhouette Cameo Pro MK II machine on a table and poster board and cardstock pieces cut before assembly for a giant, supersized card.

How Large Can a Design Be Cut?

When cutting large projects like this, there are 4 main factors to how large you can cut.

  1. Material size – cardstock sizes can be a limiting factor. I used poster board for the largest pieces of this giant card.
  2. Machine model – from the Silhouette Portrait with a cutting width of 8-8.5″ wide up to the Cameo Pro with a cutting width of ~24″ wide
  3. The Design – layout and pieces of the design affect the size or if the file will need modified to cut larger
  4. Time – all projects take time. The larger you go, the more time it might take to cut and assemble.

Cut Settings for Poster Board

Poster board varies greatly in thickness, coating, density, and quality. There is no magic numbers for cut settings that works for all poster board. What does work to determine what works for the poster board you have are TEST CUTS!

The poster board I was using is thinner than other brands I’ve worked with, so my cut settings did not have to be very high.

Photo shows a screenshot of the Silhouette Studio software showing the Send tab with the cut settings used by EllyMae at Silhouette Secrets+ for this giant, supersized card project.

As I mentioned in the video, you want to use the largest piece of the design to determine the maximum size you can cut with your materials. I thought this green leaf piece was the largest piece and it was not until I started cutting parts out that I realized the largest piece was the pop out mechanism. I was already half way done cutting when I realized this, but for this project it was not too big of a deal and I could just scale the pop out mechanism down a little bit and keep on going.

Photo shows a screenshot of Silhouette Studio software with the pop out mechanism design on the virtual mat to be cut for the giant, supersized card creation.

This was such a fun project to create. Have you ever created a supersized project with Silhouette? Let us know below in the comments.

If you missed it above, you can watch the video on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

Check out the even faster reel on Instagram HERE. It took me about an hour to cut all the pieces for the card, but when you forget to adjust the timelapse speed from auto, it records it all in 21 seconds.

Photo shows EllyMae with Silhouette Secrets+ holding up the giant, supersized card created with Silhouette that features a Lemonade Bouquet design by Lori Whitlock.

Additional Resources:

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Photo is in Pinterest format and shows a giant, supersized card creation by EllyMae with Silhouette Secrets+.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

shop classes
Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae
**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Monogram Font Projects with Silhouette

Close up look at a custom shaker card made with Silhouette.

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

This edition of Crafting Creativity is all about projects with a Monogram Font from Quietfire Designs. The Crafting Creativity series focuses on using your designs to create more! More possibilities, more ideas, more crafting! This month’s feature is a Big Snowflake Monogram Font by Quietfire Designs and has so many options that include unique snowflake letters, but also 3 additional snowflake designs with alternate keystrokes.

Big Snowflake Monogram Font by Quietfire Designs

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Crafting Creativity series is designed for sharing inspiration, designs, and showing how to make your designs go farther or think outside the box. Find more Crafting Creativity inspiration HERE.

Crafting Creativity with QuietFire Designs

Crafting Creativity video preview of the projects created with Big Snowflake Monogram Font by Quietfire Designs. Additional photos, details, tips, tutorials, and supply lists can be found by scrolling under the video.

Project #1 – Shaped Edge Monogram Card – 2 Ways

I used the letter H monogram from the Big Snowflake Monogram Font and created a side fold and a top fold shaped edge monogram card. Plus, the way the font is created, you end up with a snowflake design cut from the middle that can be used for another project too!

This photo shows 2 shaped edge monogram cards that were created in the Silhouette software on a table in front of a Silhouette Cameo 5 with a Precision Glue Press.

Here is a look at the design file in Silhouette Studio as I was creating these cards.

Photos shows a screenshot of the Silhouette Studio software with the design of 2 shaped edge monogram cards created by EllyMae at Silhouette Secrets+

And I have a YouTube video showing you exactly how I created both of these cards in the Silhouette Studio software on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel. Watch it below or direct on YouTube.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #2 – Snowflake Ornament and Monogram Ornament

For this project, I used the Big Snowflake Monogram font added an offset and a small circle at the top to create an ornament design. I then exported the design as a SVG file to use with my laser machine.

I originally was just going to do the monogram ornament and then the snowflake jumped in the projects too! In this monogram font, the comma, period, and question mark all create a design too!

Photo shows 2 custom snowflake laser engraved and cut wood ornaments with wire wrapped beaded ornament hangers.

And then with a bit of wire bending and wrapping created 2 beaded ornament hangers. You could also use craft twine or premade ornament hangers too!

Don’t have access to a laser? No problem, you could also create ornaments out of many other different materials such as adhesive vinyl, cardstock, HTV, fabric, etc.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #3 – Snowflake Shaker Cards

Have you ever created a shaker card? While they may look intimidating, they can also be made very simply too!

The Big Snowflake Monogram font has the options that the keystrokes of a comma, period, and question mark all give a different snowflake design.

To create this shaker card, I started by creating the background of the card with a printed sentiment. I could print 4 – 4.25″ x 5.5″ card designs on one letter size sheet of paper.

Screenshot of the Silhouette Studio software showing a design for 4 card backgrounds.

I printed this on a blue shimmer paper and then took my paper trimmer and cut it apart.

Then I took one of the snowflakes and welded it to an oval frame.

Screenshot of the Silhouette Studio software showing the snowflake frame design created to be cut out.

I then cut the outer oval from a sheet of clear acetate/transparency film.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio showing the oval shapes to be cut from clear transparency for a shaker card.

Glue the acetate directly behind the frame and then add foam tape to create the “pocket” for the shaker and ta-da – you have a shaker card. I love how it turned out and now have 4 cards created in a short amount of time.

Photo shows a shaker card created in Silhouette and cut with the Silhouette Cameo 5 with a saying of We are like snowflakes, all different in our own beautiful way!

I share exactly how I created these shaker cards in this video tutorial on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel. Watch below or direct on YouTube.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #4 – Custom Snowflake Ornaments, Gift Tags, or Bag Tags

These acrylic etchings could be used for bag tags, gift tags, or ornaments. It can be an embellishment for a gift given or the gift itself.

I used the Silhouette Curio 2 and the Power Engraver to etch 3″ acrylic rounds.

Photos shows acrylic rounds that have been etched with the Silhouette Curio 2 using the Snowflake Monogram Font and then twine and beads added for hangers.

What a great way to personalize a gift and make it unique! I added some wooden beads on twine and made it even more personalized too. You could also match the colors to the gift wrap or bag too!

Now, what if you don’t have the Silhouette Curio 2? Well, maybe it should be on your wish list or…
Use the same idea but cut adhesive vinyl and apply it to an acrylic round instead.

And if you do start making stuff for the holidays, make sure you put it in a place you will remember where to find it. I cut out a vinyl decal and added it to a box so I can continue to add things like Christmas cards and decor to the box and hopefully it doesn’t get lost in a “safe” space when I need it.

Photos shows a plastic storage tote that is customized to with an adhesive vinyl decal that says Christmas 2026.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #5 – Custom Snowflake Monogram Glass Etched Decor

This design is the perfect design to use to create and customize gifts. I used it to create a stencil and then etched a monogram onto a glass container for a family friend.

Photo shows a custom monogram etched onto a glass container with a bottle of Etchall etching creme in the background.

This could be used as a candy or treat dish, candle holder, or a variety of other ideas. And it hardly cost anything to make. I used a piece of scrap adhesive vinyl from my stash and the container is from the Dollar Tree.

This glass container has a bit of a conical shape on it, so I used the Conical Warp tool to help in creating the stencil so it would lay flatter and not have any buckles in the design.

I shared this technique in the March Crafting Community exclusive tutorial when I made the etched martini glasses.

Photos shows a custom glass etched martini glass with the saying Espresso Yourself etched using Etchall etching creme also in the photo.

If you are a current subscriber, make sure to check it out in the Creative Community forum!

Not a member? Find out more details on the Creative Community HERE.

Find more details on this glass etching project in the blog post – Custom Etched Monogram Gifts & Decor with Glass Etching

Photo shows a title of Glass Etching with Custom Monogram Font - Silhouette & Etchall.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

So many options with one design! And with this monogram font you have endless possibilities on how you can customize and make unique, personalized gift ideas too!

Featured Designer – Quietfire Designs

A great big THANK YOU to Quietfire Designs for collaborating for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter!

Find more designs by Quietfire Designs

Follow along with Quietfire Designs on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE so you don’t miss out on future collaborations.

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For even more inspiration, tips, and creative project ideas, be sure to browse the Crafting Creativity section on the Silhouette Secrets+ website — click HERE to explore!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Photos shows a Pinterest collage of the projects featured in this edition of the Crafting Creativity series.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

shop classes
Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae
**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Custom Etched Monogram Gifts & Decor with Glass Etching

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

I love being able to create custom gifts for friends, family, and for events I attend. When I was brainstorming the 5th project for the month of July’s weekly newsletter I had several options. The one that beat out the other ideas was because it can be used as a gift for a family friend for the holidays. The winner? A custom etched monogram on a glass container with Etchall etching creme. This could be used for a candy dish, candle holder, home decor, or many other things. I’ll leave that up to the recipient to decide what to do with it.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Photo shows a look at a finished project with glass etching using Etchall Etching Creme.

Steps to Etched Glass Projects

  1. Create a stencil for etching.
  2. Clean glass blank with alcohol and allow to dry.
  3. Apply stencil.
  4. Mask off edge of stencil to prevent bleeding
  5. Apply Etchall Etching Creme and allow to sit for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove any excess Etching Creme and place back in the bottle.
  7. Wipe off remaining excess with a paper towel and safely discard paper towel.
  8. Run water in the sink and rinse off decal thoroughly.
  9. Remove masking tape and adhesive vinyl under running water.
  10. Rinse blank thoroughly.
  11. Dry and Enjoy!

Glass Etching Supplies

Gather the supplies. I started by grabbing a sheet of Oracal 651 adhesive vinyl in a color that I don’t really use often, however, I ended up using a scrap from my scrap pile because the design fit on it and I have a drawer full of scraps.

Photo shows supplies being used for glass etching with Etchall Etching creme that includes a craft stick, adhesive vinyl, transfer tape, and a glass dish.

Enlist a helper, whether you really want their help or not. Supervisor Goldy decided she was going to test out the tools and if I turned my back she would have taste tested the adhesive vinyl and transfer tape too!

Photo shows a yellow cat helping with the supplies for the project.

Measure the blank and create the design to cut for the stencil. For this project it does have a bit of a conical shape to the widest part of the vase, so I used the Conical Warp tool with the etched monogram design to help with that. I shared this technique in the March 2026 Crafting Community member exclusive tutorial when making etched martini glasses.
See more on the etched martini glasses HERE.

Photo shows a look at the Silhouette Studio software showing the glass etching design on the virtual mat.

Then I grabbed a scrap of adhesive vinyl and cut it with the Silhouette Cameo. Any Silhouette model machine can cut adhesive vinyl for stencils.

Photo shows a look at the Silhouette Cameo machine with a mat loaded with adhesive vinyl on it for the glass etching stencil.

Glass etching is permanent. So I do like to add a little bit of heat to the glass etching stencil when it has fine details. I do this carefully so not to burn myself and then let the glass and stencil cool completely. This step can help the adhesive vinyl adhere a bit better and smooth out any areas that may have had allowed etching creme to seep underneath. And then I add a layer of painter’s tape around the edges just in case any etching creme dribbles or runs.

Photo shows a look at the adhesive vinyl stencil applied to the glass container with painter's tape around the edges and a heat gun on the work space.

While you could cut a larger piece of adhesive vinyl with the stencil to avoid using the painter’s tape, then you run the risk of more wrinkles and the stencil not adhering completely flat on a curved surface.

I then cover the entire stencil area where the design is with Etchall etching creme and wait 20 minutes.

Photo shows a workspace with Etchall etching creme applied to a glass container.

When 20 minutes is up, I carefully scrap the Etchall etching creme off and put it back in the jar. It can be reused. Then I will carefully wipe the design with a paper towel before running water in the sink and rinsing off any remaining creme. At this step, you do want to be careful not to dislodge any pieces of the design. It never fails that when an oops happens and the creme touches an area you do not want to etch, it will happen in seconds.

Once the Etchall etching creme has been rinsed, removed the stencil and painter’s tape, and then carefully dry the glass container. Then admire the custom glass etched monogram project.

Photo shows a look at the finished etch when the glass is cleaned up.

I love how this turned out! A perfect gift idea with a custom etched monogram. And it was a very economical project to complete too! Glass jar from the Dollar Tree (which isn’t a dollar anymore, but still reasonable) and reusable Etchall etching creme that can make many, many more projects!

Photo shows a look at the finished custom glass etched monogram container with Etchall etching creme next to it.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Photo shows a finished glass etching project in a Pinterest format photo.

Enjoy !

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Creative Projects that Sparkle with Clikchic Designs

Time to Sparkle Header

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It’s Time to Sparkle! And use your designs for more than just 1 project. Clikchic Designs is this blog posts featured artist and I’m sharing several projects created with one of their designs. I have collected a lot of Clikchic Designs files and love seeing her process of creation. Did you know she creates her designs by hand? That may be one of the things that first caught my eye and made her designs stand out to me. She creates by hand and then digitizes her work to share with us. I am so inspired by her creations! Check out the end of this post for even more inspiration by Clikchic Designs!

Preview of Time to Sparkle Design by Clikchic Designs.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Crafting Creativity series is designed exactly for sharing inspiration, designs, and showing how to make your designs go farther or think outside the box. Find more Crafting Creativity inspiration HERE.

Crafting Creativity with Clikchic Designs: Time to Sparkle

Crafting Creativity video preview of the projects created with Time to Sparkle by Clikchic Designs. Additional photos, details, tips, tutorials, and supply lists can be found by scrolling under the video.

Project #1 – 3-D Mixed Media Canvas

I am a Creative Professional with NAMTA and every year they host Creativation which is a large gathering of craft industry businesses, retailers, and brands from around the world. This year the Creative Professionals had the chance to display art in the entrance hall of the event. We were given the parameters of a 12″ x 12″ canvas and a red, white, and blue theme and told to create to share our skills and talents. I love to be able to make unique creations and start with something flat and give it dimension.

Photo shows a 3-D Mixed Media Canvas project with a red, white, and blue theme. Projects features several 3-D papercraft designs.

This project was several weeks in the making. I believe we found out we were going to do this in January or February with the conference happening in May. Once a topic is given to me my brain just starts with throwing out ideas. I try to keep a running list, usually in my phone, but often times I find a physical list in my creative journal is what really gets ideas flowing and allows me to narrow things down.

This is one of those projects that is built as it goes along and I continued to add things to it over the entire process.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #2 – Sublimation Tumbler

Photos shows a shimmer sublimation tumbler with a colorful design and Time to Sparkle on the front along with the Craft Pro Tumbler Press from Heat Press Nation.

I started by measuring the tumbler then drew a rectangle in Silhouette Studio for the template size. Then the process of filling the design with patterns began. After testing many options I decided I loved this pattern with the ombre blues and having the design in white.

Photo is a screenshot of the Silhouette Studio software showing a rectangle template for the sublimation print with a background design and Time to Sparkle in the center.

I love how it turned out and now have another custom tumbler I can use.

Photo shows a custom sublimation tumbler with a bright background and Time to Sparkle on the tumbler. This design was created in Silhouette Studio and printed with an Epson F170 Sublimation Printer.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #3 – Sketch and Cut Out Card Design

This card design was created by first setting the Time to Sparkle up for sketching and then cutting out the stars and swooshes from the card front.

Photo shows a card created by cutting parts of the background out and sketching Time to Sparkle on the front of the card.

This design works perfectly for a going away card, new adventure, best wishes, congratulations, and more!

I set the text to sketch and used a crosshatch sketch fill of 0.015″. Then used the “cut” by Line Color on the Send tab to tell it what action I wanted each line color to do.

Photo shows a screenshot of the Silhouette Studio software with the Sketch set up on the Send tab to complete on the front of the card.

After the sketching and the cut out was complete on the front of the card, I added a layer of glitter cardstock behind to give it more sparkle.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #4 – Lighted Cake Topper

I added the Time to Sparkle design cut from glitter adhesive vinyl onto a clear transparency layer for this cake topper.

Photo shows a Lighted Cake Topper that was custom made in Silhouette Studio using the Time To Sparkle Design by Clikchic Designs

This design was created using the Draw Shapes tool in Silhouette Studio and creating several layers.

Photo shows a screenshot from the Silhouette Studio software showing the layers created for the lighted cake topper design featuring Time to Sparkle.

Supplies Used:

I love how one design can be used to create so many projects. The possibilities are endless!

Featured Designer – Clikchic Designs

A great big THANK YOU to Clikchic Designs for collaborating for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter!

Find more designs by Clikchic Designs

Follow along with Clikchic Designs on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Here are a few Instagram links to get you started – make sure when you visit to like and leave a comment too! Creators love to hear from real people who enjoy their work.

Sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE so you don’t miss out on future collaborations.

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One design can be used in so many different ways. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, tips, and creative project ideas, be sure to browse the Crafting Creativity section on the Silhouette Secrets+ website — click HERE to explore!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Photo shows a collage of projects for the Crafting Creativity blog post featuring Clikchic Designs - Time to Sparkle Design. Projects shown include a 3D Mixed Media Canvas, Sublimation Tumbler, Custom Card, and Lighted Cake Topper.

Enjoy !

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3D Mixed Media Canvas Creation with Silhouette

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When we were told as Creative Professionals with NAMTA that we would have the opportunity to display our artwork at the 2026 Creativation event, my brain immediately started thinking of ideas and I started a list in my phone. We were allowed to have 2 – 12″ x 12″ canvases on display in the entrance hall for the conference and were given a theme of red, white, and blue. This was an opportunity to display our art and share our skills. I love building things, so a 3D mixed media design was a no brainer for me. This was one of those projects that I started with a few basic ideas and built the project as I went. Sometimes that’s just how it goes. Some things might work together along the way and some things might not.

I love building 3D projects! There is just something about taking flat materials and molding them into a final 3D project. Having a cutting machine like a Silhouette or Siser Juliet or Romeo opens up a lot of possibilities to cut designs for 3D creations. The biggest factor that goes into it all is – TIME! It takes time to design, build, and modify things as you go along in the process.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this blog post, I’m sharing a look at the behind the scenes of creating this 3D Mixed Media Canvas: Time to Sparkle with a few still photos & the supply list. Check out the video at the end of the blog post for additional shots of the process as well.

First, here is a look at the finished project.

Photos shares a look at the finished Time to Sparkle 3-D Mixed Media Canvas project completed by EllyMae at Silhouette Secrets+ by Swift Creek Customs.

I started by gathering some supplies to get started. I had to order new inks to print the background papers. These 3 are designs by Clikchic Designs and can be found in the supply list below. I am able to print borderless with the Canon TS9521C printer. I ordered Oracal 851 glitter adhesive vinyl in red, white, and blue from Vinyl Spectrum. The entire theme of this canvas is to sparkle, so I embraced that fully.

Photos shows supplies on a desk that includes printed backgrounds, glitter adhesive vinyl, Mod Podge, a 12" x 12" canvas, TCW Stencil Butters, and tools that will be used to create a 3D Mixed Media Canvas.

I first started by cutting down the background paper for the backside of the canvas to fit within the frame. Then added layer of Mod Podge to the canvas and to the backside of the blue patterned paper. Smooth that down as much as possible. Adding the Mod Podge to both the canvas and the back of the paper helps it to adhere smoothly. Once it’s down flat, then I added another layer of Mod Podge Sparkle on the front of the blue paper. Let this dry completely.

Photo shows a bottle of Mod Podge and Mod Podge Sparkle that has been applied to the backside of the 12" x 12" canvas for the 3D Mixed Media project.

While that was drying I set up the design for cutting from Oracal 851 Glitter Adhesive Vinyl in Silhouette Studio.

Photo shows a screenshot of Silhouette Studio and the design set up to cut multiple layers of adhesive vinyl using layering marks.

Then I cut each color of glitter adhesive vinyl. For each layer, I cut the color and the green rectangles. The green rectangles are designed as layering marks that are used to line up the layers exactly. While it might use a little more material when using these marks, I find I get a much more accurate layering. This is one of those techniques that no matter how you do it, practice makes it better.

Photo shows a look at the layered adhesive vinyl design with 3 colors using layering marks to line up each layer.

While this design is not technically layered, the colors are in a specific location to each other, so I used the same technique with the layering marks and it worked out great!

Then I carefully applied the adhesive vinyl to the front of the patterned paper. This will be the background that shows through on the busted canvas.

Photo shows a look at the adhesive vinyl design applied to the patterned paper background for the 3D Mixed Media Canvas project.

Once the backside of the canvas was dry, I flipped it over and applied a layer of Mod Podge to the front of the canvas and to the backside of the pattern paper for the front. Once it was flat on the canvas, I applied a layer of Mod Podge Sparkle to cover the entire paper on the front. Let that dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Photo showing the patterned paper attached to the front of the canvas with Mod Podge and the background paper completed for the 3D Mixed Media Project.

Once it’s dry, then I flipped the canvas over and used a box cutter with a ruler to slice through the paper & canvas layers in multiple directions. This will allow the front to be rolled out for the “busted” canvas technique.

Photo shows a look at the front of the canvas after it's been cut and the edge rolled back to create the busted look for the 3D Mixed Media project.

I have made several of these busted canvas projects and I found that it was much easier to glue the rolled edges down and have them stay if the pieces were “trained” first before gluing down. To do this carefully roll the sections back and hold for a little bit. Then let it sit for awhile. Repeat this step as needed. I found I was much more successful in having the curls hold with hot glue when I did this as the paper didn’t lift or try to go back to it’s original shape. Since there are several layers of glue, paper, and canvas, it can be a bit stiff.

Once it has sat in “training” for a bit, then I glued each end down onto the canvas with hot glue and held it in place until it cooled. Repeat for any stubborn sections.

I have several other pieces to this project so while it’s in “training” or things are waiting to dry, I would move on to the next element of the design.

Photo shows a work space with craft supplies and cut pieces from cardstock to create 3D sparklers along with an assembled firecracker box for the 3D mixed media project.

I did not get any photos of the first 3D firecracker I created that’s shown in the top left corner of the photo above. As you can see, I have 2 copies. The first was a proto type that I cut and assembled to see if it would work with the layout. Then I decided to cut the box out of glitter cardstock while I was cutting the pieces for the sparklers too. These sparkler designs by Paper Beats Dynamite are fantastic with excellent written instructions.

The rectangles of color are glued to a bamboo stick and then once the glue is set, are rolled and glued around the stick.

Photo shows a close up look at creation of the 3D Sparklers for the 3D Mixed Media project. Hot glue was added to the ends of the bamboo skewers to look like it was melting.

On the end of each skewer, hot glue is drizzled from where the cardstock strip ends to the end of the skewer to make it appear like it’s melted.

Photo shows a look at creating 3D Sparklers using embossing powder on the ends to make it look like it's melting and on fire for the 3D Mixed Media project.

A layer of gray acrylic paint was applied over top of the hot glue and the cardstock. Then I used black and red embossing powders on the end of the sparklers to make it look burnt and burning or hot.

Next I cut more glitter cardstock for additional firecrackers to add to the canvas.

Photo shows glitter cardstock squares on a table with some rolled and some flat. These will be used to create 3D Firecrackers for the 3D Mixed Media Canvas.

These squares are rolled up and glued together to create a firecracker and I found it was easier to “train” them first and let them hold that shape a bit before gluing together. Once the glue was set, I could start adding them randomly to the bottom of the busted canvas section using hot glue.

Photo shows a bunch of assembled glitter cardstock 3D firecrackers on a work space. These will be elements added into the 3D Mixed Media Canvas.

Now, I will admit that I don’t typically like to cut glitter cardstock. It literally eats blades and can be difficult. But this project it was worth the effort it took. However, I am shocked that I actually got it all cut without issues because this is what my blade looked like after I was done cutting all these pieces.

Photo shows a look close up of a Silhouette blade with the cap off and the glitter debris that is filled inside the blade after cutting lots of glitter cardstock for the 3D Mixed Media project.

Next, I wanted to add another element in – beading. I even had my supervisor, Goldy in on this one. She wasn’t much real “help” but she made sure to keep me focused.

Photo shows a cat supervising and "helping" with wire and beads on a board.

Since this is a 3D mixed media art piece, I added another hobby of mine – beading – into the design elements. I strung beads in red, white, and blue on a wire and then bundled the colors together to create 3 different firework bursts. The one thing I did not take into account on this element was the weight of the beads and wire when finished. It all worked out and a LOT of hot glue held them in place.

Photo shows a workspace with a variety of craft supplies on the table that are being used to create the 3D Mixed Media Canvas. With 3 beaded bundles in red, white, and blue in the foreground.

I love how this all came together and the entire process of creating it piece by piece. 3D creations are one of my favorite things to do, but I don’t always take the time to do it.

This 3D Mixed Media Canvas may not be a project that you recreate, but I hope it inspires you to think outside the box and to combine and create ideas that reflect you as an artist. Every individual reading this has the creative spirit inside of them whether you believe it’s there or not. Sometimes you just have to let it out and let it flow, not try to control it or have the exact plan at the beginning.

Supplies Used for 3D Mixed Media Canvas:

Want to see a little bit more? I’ve created a video sharing even more of the photos behind the scenes in creating this process.

I love seeing what others are creating and their talents and skills. Check out this video I did from the Creativation 2026 entrance hall sharing a look at all the canvas creations by the Creative Professionals on Instagram or Facebook.
Each canvas is unique and no two are alike!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Photo shows a completed 3D Mixed Media Canvas project Pinterest pin layout.

Enjoy !

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Easel Card Design with Silhouette

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Emerald Creek Design Team – July 2026

Today I’m sharing a card design where I combined a stamp from Emerald Creek and used it with an easel card cut file from Lori Whitlock. I cut all of the pieces for the easel card and then added special touches to it with stamping, watercolors, and a little bit of sketching with a pen. One easel card cut file can be used to create so many different kinds of cards. Or scale the card file up and use it as home decor too!

Photo contains an image of an easel card with a flower stamp from Emerald Creek.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rather than keep the base of the card plain white, I chose to use the same flower stamp and stamp a few more along the bottom edge. I first stamped onto a sticky note and then cut around the stamped image to use it as a mask over top of the center flower, so the side flowers look like they are behind the middle image.

Close up look at the front of an easel card with a flower stamp from Emerald Creek and a Thank you sentiment.

Then I used a small Thank You stamp from Emerald Creek on the sentiment cut piece and then did a little bit of pen work around the edges to make it stand out. It is matted onto the same background paper as the top card piece and then popped up with foam tape. This little piece gives the card the support to create the easel part.

Photo contains an image of an easel card with a flower stamp from Emerald Creek.

Change it up with different flowers or focal designs and mix and match sentiments. One card cut file can open up a world of possibilities.

Photo contains an image of an easel card with a flower stamp from Emerald Creek.

It is great to have the option to be able to print and cut sentiments, but often times if I’m only making up a card or two, I know it will take me longer to find more designs to fill the page. Having a few key sentiment stamps can be very handy to finish up the card quickly.

This easel card style is one that you could easily have all the pieces cut and customize it as needed whenever you need a quick card to send out too!

The original file has holes around the scalloped edges, and I didn’t want those for this design. It was an easy modification to do by selecting the scallop piece, right clicking on it, and choosing release compound path. It may also need to be ungrouped too. Then I could move the large scallop piece away and deleted the small circles.

Supplies Used for Easel Card:

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Enjoy !

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Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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Create More: Creative Projects with Wispy Willow Designs

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Create more with your designs and your Silhouette! Do you ever get a file and then use it once and are done with it? Let’s change that way of thinking and get our designs to do more for us! That is exactly what the Crafting Creativity series is all about. Unlocking the ideas of creating with a design and seeing what can happen. For more inspiration and ideas, check out the Crafting Creativity series HERE.

In this blog post I’m sharing creative project ideas with one design file from Wispy Willow Designs. One design has so much potential and can be the key to unlocking the creative fire inside you! Check out how I used one design in 5 different projects ideas, including the ones that failed.

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Create More: Crafting Creativity with Wispy Willow Designs

Project #1 – Print and Cut Stickers

For this project, I did some stickers and was testing it with some adhesive photo paper that says it’s waterproof. While the image itself was waterproof, the paper itself was not and the stickers did not last.

Photo contains a water bottle with a decal, a Silhouette machine in the background with a print and cut page on the table. Create More with Silhouette

While this project failed as a water bottle decal, I still found I love the adhesive photo paper for other projects. I have been using it for cards, home decor signs, and more!

Here is a look at my setup in Silhouette Studio for this print and cut page. I try to maximize the space when I do a print and cut project. However, I do use the default registration marks for the most accurate print and cut results.

Photo shows an screenshot of the Silhouette software print and cut page setup. Create More

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #2 – Home Decor Tiered Tray Sign

When I created the print and cut sheet design, I was thinking ahead to projects and included a size of the image that I could use on a wood round for a tiered tray sign.

Photo shows a printed page for print and cut loaded in the Silhouette machine.

Wood is a natural surface, so it can be tricky sometimes to get things to stick. I did add a coat of Mod Podge to the wood and let that dry before applying the adhesive photo paper to it.

Photo shows a finished project for a tiered tray using a print and cut design. Create more with Silhouette.

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Round Ornament Design

This project was a failure! Big fat failure! The design itself turned out fabulous but the rest went into the trash.

Photo shows a close up of a print and cut sticker using the Happiness Comes in Waves design by Wispy Willow Designs. Create more with Silhouette.

I printed 2 copies of the beach design and then added them to a cardstock backer to make a double sided piece that was supposed to go inside a round clear ornament. I mentioned above that I like to maximize my print and cut space, so I included extra designs that I can use on cards in the future too!

Photo shows another print and cut page with multiple designs on it on a table with a Silhouette Cameo 5. Create more!

I wanted to add in sand and shells to the bottom of the ornament, but the glue didn’t look right when dry.

Photo shows a failed project with glue showing in an ornament with sea shells.

Back to the drawing board on this one. I tossed the ornament in the trash.

It was just not the look I was hoping for, but I do have a double sided design that is looking for a new project to be used in.

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – HTV on a Tote Bag

The previous project may have failed, but this one turned out FANTASTIC!

Photo shows a finished project with a fantastic HTV design using the Happiness Comes in Waves design by Wispy Willow Designs. Create more with Silhouette!

I cut each layer out of Siser Easyweed HTV and then pre-pressed the tote bag. Then each layer was placed and pressed for 3-5 seconds, just enough to get it secure and to be able to remove the carrier sheet. After the last layer give the entire design a press. I did 10 seconds at the end, but it really just depends on the layers and the material being used. This is a canvas tote bag with some texture, so I wanted to make sure it was well secured.

Supplies Used:

Tips For Working with HTV

Cutting Multiple Colors at Once

When cutting different colors of the same material, you can usually cut more than one color at a time. I do this with cardstock, adhesive vinyl, HTV, etc.

Here is a look at my setup for cutting this design, then I will cut my HTV colors down to the size I need and place them exactly where they are shown on the screen.

Photo shares a screenshot of Silhouette Studio software with multiple colors of the design on the design mat. Create more!

If using a Silhouette cutting mat and the mat is loaded properly, then the designs should cut in the exact location they show on the screen. If using a 3rd party cutting mat, they may not line up the same since the margins on the mat edges can vary from a true Silhouette cutting mat.

Cutting multiple colors at once, not only can save you time, but it can also make your mats last longer too because you are cutting the materials down to the size needed and not ripping a full piece of material off the entire mat each time.

Here is a look at the pieces after I cut and weeded each one.

Photo shows the cut design pieces from HTV on the table with a Silhouette machine.

Mirror the Design Yourself

Flip the design manually, by right clicking on the design and selecting Flip > Horizontal on the Design tab and then when you Send the design to cut, select “Send As Is” and the design will cut out exactly where you have it placed on the screen.

Photo shows a screenshot of Silhouette Studio showing how to choose Send As Is for an HTV design after it's been manually flipped. Create More!

If you let the Silhouette software mirror the design, then you may end up wasting materials and not having the material in the right location to cut. The software flips the entire mat, not just the design and does not show that on the screen. So you think it will cut on the left side, but it flips the entire mat and then cuts on the right.

Now, here is the humdinger on this one – the software flipping the entire mat can vary by software version. They added this “new feature” in and then it did not work the way a real user works, so many users wasted vinyl. After several years, they tried to “fix” it in the software so it would just flip the design and not the entire mat. Then in later versions, it was reverted back to flipping the entire mat again. It’s one of those things that I guess you’d say was implemented by an engineer and not someone who actually uses the Silhouette to cut HTV daily.

Pressing Multiple Layers and Colors

When pressing multiple colors, typically each color is pressed separately unless the pieces can be lined up WITHOUT any overlapping cover sheets. If the cover sheet of the HTV piece overlaps, it can interfere with the design being pressed.

Place one color of the design, then press for 3-5 seconds to “tack” it down, then remove the carrier sheet and repeat for all the layers.

Unless the carrier sheet of each layer covers the entire design, make sure to only press long enough to tack it down and then remove the carrier sheet for that piece. If you press it too long the carrier sheet can leave an indent in the other pieces of HTV that are already pressed.

For instance, if I left the carrier sheet for Beach on too long, it might leave a line impressed into the sunshine rays.

Photo shows several layers of HTV pressed onto a canvas tote bag.

Use a protective layer on top of the HTV when pressing each layer, unless the carrier sheet covers all of the HTV each time. This will protect the HTV and prevent it from sticking to the top platen of the heat press. I use a Teflon sheet or a piece of parchment paper depending on what’s handy and what material I’m using.

Oh and another one – parchment paper and wax paper are not the same. Wax paper in a heat press can leave a big mess.

Additional Resources:

Project #5 – Sketch & Mixed Media Design

This project was a test, well, actually several tests.

Testing pens to see if they were waterproof, sketching with the Silhouette Cameo Pro MK II with no mat, and mixing watercolor backgrounds with acrylic paint markers.

This idea just would not go away and for some reason, I really wanted to sketch out this month’s design. I can’t pinpoint why, but sometimes you just don’t know what will turn out until you give it a try. And sometimes you just have to let yourself play.

Photo shows a look at a sketched design that has been colored with watercolors and acrylic markers with multiple craft supplies on the table.

And it worked!
The pens were waterproof and did not bleed.
The Silhouette machine sketched the design as it should without a cutting mat.
The watercolor background turned out fantastic – LOVE IT!
The acrylic markers on top = worked!

It is unique! It also gave me a bunch more ideas too.

And I put together a video of this project below.

Supplies Used:

It is amazing how one design or creative idea can be the spark for so many more projects!

Featured Designer – Wispy Willow Designs

A great big THANK YOU to Wispy Willow Designs for collaborating for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter!

Find more designs by Wispy Willow Designs

Follow along with Wispy Willow Designs on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.

A great big thank you to Hannah at Wispy Willow Designs for collaborating with us this month!

Sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE so you don’t miss out on future collaborations.

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One design can be used in so many different ways. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, tips, and creative project ideas, be sure to browse the Crafting Creativity section on the Silhouette Secrets+ website — click HERE to explore!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Photo is a Pinterest photo for pinning this project that states Crafting Creativity with Wispy Willow Designs. 1 Design = 5 projects. Create More with Silhouette!

Enjoy !

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