Posted on Leave a comment

How to Make ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) with Silhouette

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Have you ever heard of an ATC? Or Artist Trading Card? They are a very popular thing to create to swap or pass out to other creatives at events or even through the mail. I had a good friend many years ago who collected them and would put them into trading card pockets. I thought it was such a neat idea. Then fast forward and I started attending Silhouette events and started making things to trade. Without even thinking about it, I was creating ATCs and swapping them. ATCs can be created with physical supplies or digital supplies and then printed. There is NO WRONG WAY to create one.

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

When I’m traveling, I like to make digital ATCs, so they take up less room and are not bulky. And you don’t even need to own a Silhouette machine to create and print from Silhouette Studio. The Silhouette Studio software basic edition is free for anyone to download from Silhouette America.

Here is a look at the ATC design in Silhouette Studio that I created for Creativation 2026 that was held in St Louis. I used a colorful background pattern, mixed media design, and a font by Sarah Hurley, along with a St Louis svg I found.

Colorful graphic design featuring the text 'LIVE YOUR DREAMS' and 'ST LOUIS' against a vibrant background with abstract shapes.

Now, one thing to note, if you want to open svg files in Silhouette Studio, it does require a software upgrade to Designer Edition or higher. Find more details on that HERE.

Once I had the design how I wanted, then I grouped it all together and replicated the design and centered them all to the page.

Design layout featuring multiple artist trading cards (ATCs) with a colorful background, text reading 'LIVE YOUR DREAMS', and company branding at the bottom, displayed on the Silhouette Studio software interface.


I also wanted this one to be a double-sided ATC so created a second page by using File > Save As, then deleting the details inside the rectangles and adding new information. This ensures that the design placement is exactly the same for both sides.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software displaying a design for business cards with a template for ATC (Artist Trading Cards) stickers.

Now, the biggest thing about a double-sided print is figuring out how your printer loads, pulls the material through the machine, and which side it will print on. Every printer is different and the only way to know is to test it and make a few mistakes. It never fails every time I do this that I have a few I mess up.

A close-up image of printed stickers featuring the text 'Live Your Dreams' and colorful abstract backgrounds. A hand with a ring is holding the sheet of stickers.

Since my design is straight lines, I opted to not use print and cut and have the registration marks take up space or spend the time loading each page into the machine for it to be cut out. I grabbed 2 of my paper trimmers, a 12″ to cut the long lengths and then a smaller one to cut each card apart. It ended up being faster to do this than if I let the machine do it for me and I can get more to a page.

However, if I have a design that needs to be cut exactly around the design, then I definitely set up a print and cut project.

A crafting workspace featuring a paper trimmer, colorful printed cards with the text 'LIVE YOUR DREAMS' and 'ST LOUIS', various art supplies, and a cutting mat.

I share the full creation process of the ATCs in the video below or on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel.

Supplies to Create ATCs in Silhouette

Additional Resources:  

What will you create today? Sometimes it’s fun to just play around and put things together to see what happens, even if you don’t have a purpose for it at the moment.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A close-up of an Artist Trading Card (ATC) displayed on a cutting mat with colorful designs, featuring the text 'Live Your Dreams' and 'ST LOUIS'.

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!

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.

Posted on Leave a comment

4 Confusing Silhouette Studio Tools that Surprise Users Most

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

I have been troubleshooting with Silhouette users since 2016, and we have answered a lot of questions during the years. One of the most common questions is “What is this?” and “Why did it just appear?” In this blog post, I’m sharing more details on 4 of the tools that are often confused with each other, how they get turned on, how to turn them off, and where to find more information on each of the tools. These 4 tools can be useful when designing in Silhouette Studio, but not all users utilize them or will use them all of the time. That is one of the great things about Silhouette is the choice of having the options to use a tool or feature. This is also one of those cases where if a user doesn’t know what a tool does specifically, they may never know that it can actually be really useful to them in their workflow.

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

The 4 tools in Silhouette Studio that are often confused are:

  • Crosshairs
  • Center of Rotation
  • Guides
  • Text to Path Control Point

Watch the YouTube video on this topic below and keep on scrolling down to see additional information on each as well.

Crosshairs in Silhouette Studio

Crosshairs usually appear for 2 reasons.

  1. Pressing the letter ‘H’ on the keyboard toggles it on and off.
  2. A file is opened that the designer saved it with crosshairs on.

Typically we see crosshairs appear because a user thinks that they have activated Text Mode and it did not take. So when the letter ‘H’ is pressed on the keyboard, it toggles it on.

Crosshairs can be turned on and off 3 ways:

  1. Press the letter ‘H’ key. If they don’t turn on and off, click on the design mat and then press ‘H’ again.
  2. Open the Page Setup Panel, click on Tab 2, and click the Crosshairs button.
  3. In the top left menu, under View, select Turn on Crosshairs.

Crosshairs are a Designer Edition upgrade feature and those on Basic will not see this available.

Find additional details on Crosshairs in Silhouette in this tutorial HERE.

Center of Rotation in Silhouette Studio

Center of Rotation looks like a little circle with crosshairs in the middle of it and appears in the center of a design typically.

This tool typically appears for 2 reasons also:

  1. It can be toggled on and off by pressing the letter ‘O’ key with a design selected.
  2. A design was saved with Center of Rotation on and was opened.

Again, if a user thinks they are in text mode and a design was selected, if the letter ‘O’ key is pressed it will toggle it on and off.

Center of Rotation is a Designer Edition feature and those using Basic will not have this option.

Center of Rotation can be activated or deactivated in 2 ways:

  1. Press the letter ‘O’ key with an object selected.
  2. Under Preferences, in the Defaults tab, Center of Rotation can be toggled on and off.

See additional information on the Center of Rotation in Silhouette Studio HERE.

Preferences can be found in 2 places in Silhouette:

  1. On the Design tab, gear icon in the bottom right corner.
  2. Top left menu, under Edit, then Preferences.

Additional information on Preferences can be found in these tutorials:

Guides in Silhouette Studio

Guides can be pulled from the rulers on the top or right side of Silhouette Studio. Guides are a Designer Edition upgrade feature along with Rulers.

These can be accidentally activated if clicking the mouse on top of the rulers or click & pull from the ruler area onto the design mat.

Guides can be deleted by clicking on one to activate it, it will turn dark blue, then press delete. Light blue color means it is not the active Guide selected.

Guide settings can be found under the Page Setup Panel, under Tab 2. Snap to Guides is by default always active, but unless you have a Guide placed on the file, you won’t see it work. Guides can be toggled on and off under this tab too.

Guides can also be found in the top left menu under View, then select the option desired.

Additional details on Guides in Silhouette can be found HERE.

Text to Path Control Point in Silhouette Studio

This control point appears any time there is editable text activated.

This is the control handle that is used to drag text to a path and have it snap to the path. This feature is always available on editable text and there is no way to turn it off.

Find more details on Text to Path HERE.

The April 2026 member exclusive tutorial for the Creative Community is an in-depth tutorial on Text to Path with advanced techniques too! Check out more details on the Creative Community HERE.

*Creative Community members watch for a cheat sheet on these tools coming soon to April’s forum!

Graphic showcasing the interface of Silhouette Studio with the title '4 Confusing Tools in Silhouette Studio', highlighting design tools and features.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

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!

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.

Posted on Leave a comment

Troubleshooting Fonts in Silhouette Studio: Fix Font Issues

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

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

A black sign and a light purple mug, both featuring the word 'Create' in a stylish font. The sign is positioned on a cutting mat next to a craft machine.

A black t-shirt featuring the word 'Create' in a vibrant pink script font.

Graphic showing the phrase 'WTH WHY does this happen in Silhouette?' with an illustration of a design window displaying shapes, and arrows pointing towards the shapes with the text 'TROUBLESHOOT & FIX IT'.

Enjoy !

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.

Posted on 2 Comments

How to Make a Peekaboo Layered Calendar in Silhouette Studio | Easy Cutout Calendar Tutorial

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

If you love layered paper projects and clever cutout designs, you’re going to enjoy today’s Silhouette Studio tutorial! In this step-by-step guide, I’m sharing how to create a Peekaboo Layered Calendar—a cutout-style design where the background shows through for unique look. This tutorial walks you through the full design process in Silhouette Studio, along with a supply list, and helpful tips with your Silhouette software. Whether you’re crafting a calendar for home décor, gifts, or adding unique designs to your shop, this project is simple, fun, and perfect for any skill level.

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

I absolutely love how this lotus flower design cut out and the pink and yellow holographic cardstock seemed just perfect for it.

A calendar for January 2026 featuring a lotus flower design cutout at the top, displaying the month alongside the numbered days. The calendar is displayed on a wooden surface.

The brand-new Peekaboo Layered Calendar video tutorial is now live! Watch the video below or on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel below to see the full step-by-step guide and learn how to design this cutout-style calendar in Silhouette Studio. After watching, be sure to scroll down — you’ll find a complete supply list, in-progress photos of this project, and additional project ideas too!

Supplies for Peekaboo Cutout Calendar:

Optional supplies if using print and cut:

Additional design ideas shown below:

A Bit More – Peekaboo Cutout Calendar

Here is a look at my original design file showing all of the calendar pages.

A screenshot of Silhouette Studio software displaying a design for a Peekaboo Layered Calendar. The design features lotus flowers and calendar squares for each month from May to December.

When I am working with a multi-page print and cut project, I will create separate files for each page. With print and cut, it is very specific and you do not want to move anything on the screen after the page is printed.

Having each page in a separate file will allow me to be able to easily recreate the project again if I want and also allows me to setup and print page 2 and 3 while the first page is cutting. I simply copied and pasted the next set of calendar sheets onto a new design mat and saved that file as Pg 2.

A screenshot of Silhouette Studio displaying a design for a Peekaboo Layered Calendar with months labeled May, June, and August for the year 2026, with a grid background.

The holographic cardstock was thinner than my 110 lb cardstock, so I did cut an additional backing and then used an adhesive tape runner to secure the background to it. This gave it a bit more weight so it would hold the straight shape more. I also did that on the next one too because I printed the graphics on Epson Presentation Paper – Matte, so it is a lighter weight paper, but has an excellent print quality to it and I love using it.

A colorful calendar page for January 2026 featuring a hedgehog illustration with a vibrant, drippy background, displayed on a wooden surface.

I can’t just print one image on a page though, so I did make some variations on this one and printed several.

A Silhouette cutting machine with a printed sheet displaying colorful animal images, ready for cutting.

Now I can swap out the images through the year if I want to and have these bright, colorful faces to look at throughout 2026.

A layered paper calendar for January 2026 featuring a lotus design at the top. Below it, three blank cards with colorful animal illustrations on them are placed in a wooden surface setting.

And once I started with these projects, it really is hard to stop. And this is why the video tutorials or blog posts are delayed. I love creating new projects and have to force myself to stop to get other things done.

And then I go and ask my daughter what kind of design she would want. “A whale shark, of course, Mom!”

A colorful, cutout-style calendar displaying the month of January 2026, featuring a whale shark design and hearts, placed on a wooden surface, with a Silhouette cutting machine in the background.

This peekaboo calendar turned out awesome too! I had to order a bit taller easel for this design though as it measured about 5″ tall and my smaller easels didn’t work well. My daughter loves this Whale Shark design by La La Shiba and I’ve used it on quite a few projects from temporary tattoos, water bottle decals, and shirts too!

I have so many additional ideas for the calendar designs. I’ll come back and update when I get more of the peekaboo designs made.

There are so many different design ideas you can create using the same tools shown in this video. I hope you take the tools I shared and put them to use and start creating.

Here is another example of a layered desktop calendar design.

A layered calendar for January 2026 featuring cartoon chickens on top, displayed on a wooden surface beside a cutting machine.

This calendar style was created using a file called Quirky Funny Chicken Clipart found HERE.

Want to create this style? I shared how I made it in this video tutorial below.

Additional Resources:

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A Peekaboo Layered Calendar featuring a lotus flower design with cutouts revealing a colorful background, displayed prominently with the month 'January' at the bottom.

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!

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.

Posted on Leave a comment

Interactive JOY Spinner Card Tutorial in Silhouette Studio

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

If you love creating interactive cards, this JOY Spinner Card is a must-try holiday project! In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to design and assemble this layered spinner card using Silhouette Studio, along with a complete supply list and helpful tips and additional resources. Watch the full video, grab the supplies below, and let’s create a festive card that’s sure to impress!

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

Two layered spinner cards displaying the word 'JOY' and a white snowflake in the center, with crafting supplies in the background.

This card design was first shared in my Silhouette Secrets+ Facebook group and my admin did a bit of sleuth work and found who we believe is the original designer for this spinner card idea. This card design was inspired by Dress My Craft. Make sure to grab the Dress My Craft spinners linked in the supply list below.

One thing leads to another… down the rabbit hole I went and Dress My Craft has so many neat ideas to create with the spinners.

Watch the full design tutorial below.

Create the layered look with the same colors of cardstock or mix it up and do multiple colors. I cut both to see what it would look like, but I think I prefer the white layered on top of each other with the offset. I am so glad I saw my admin (Teresa’s) card ideas and included that into the video tutorial. I think it really makes it stand out.

Supplies Used for Interactive Spinner Card:

Additional Resources:

I love being able to create designs in the Silhouette software, and projects like this JOY Spinner Card truly show how versatile it can be! If you haven’t already, be sure to watch the full video tutorial on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel for step-by-step instructions and extra tips. I hope this inspires you to create your own interactive card and continue learning even more about what Silhouette can do!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Image of a layered spinner card featuring the word 'JOY' with a snowflake design, showcasing blue and white colors, perfect for a holiday project.

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!

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.

Posted on Leave a comment

How to Create a Tri-Fold Shaped Edge Card in Silhouette Studio: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Creating custom card designs in Silhouette Studio is easier than you might think, and today I’m excited to share a step-by-step Tri-Fold Shaped Edge Card tutorial now live on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel! This project is perfect for any occasion, and once you learn the process, you can customize it with your own text, images, and themes. You’ll find the full supply list conveniently located right below the video link, so you can gather everything you need and craft along with me.

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

Watch the full step-by-step tutorial below. I walk you through each part of creating a Tri-Fold Shaped Edge Card so you can follow along at your own pace and customize it to match any theme or occasion. And while you’re there, I’d love your support—click the Like button, leave a comment to share what design you plan to create, and make sure to subscribe for more Silhouette tips and project inspiration. Don’t forget to tap the bell so you’re notified as soon as new tutorials are released!

Ready to design your own? Once you’ve watched the tutorial and are inspired to start creating, here are the supplies I used for my Tri-Fold Shaped Edge Card. Feel free to follow along with the same materials or customize your project with what you have on hand—either way, you’ll be crafting a unique card in no time!

Supplies for Custom Card Design:

Additional Resources:

This is a card design that can be used all year long and for many different situations.

Here are a couple more designs that I created too!

Four custom card designs featuring colorful patterns and bold lettering with messages such as 'just for you', 'hello', 'get well soon', and 'Happy Birthday'.

Mix and match different paper patterns with the same designs to create different looks.

A handmade card featuring the word 'thanks' in a playful font, placed on a wooden table with crafting supplies like a glue bottle, tape runner, and tweezers in the background.
Custom Card Design in Silhouette

This is a great way to use up scraps papers or smaller sheets too!

Two crafted cards with the word 'thanks' displayed in bold on a wooden table, alongside a glue runner and scissors, with a Silhouette cutting machine in the background.
Custom Card Design in Silhouette

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

An instructional image showcasing two tri-fold shaped edge cards with 'thanks' written on them, positioned in front of a cutting machine on a wooden surface.

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!

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.

Posted on 1 Comment

How to Make Custom Stencils with a Silhouette Machine: Tips, Materials & Project Ideas

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Ready to unlock the full potential of your Silhouette machine? Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, stenciling is a fun and versatile technique that can transform almost any project. In this post, I’m sharing creative stencil ideas you can cut right now with your Silhouette—think custom doormats, etched glass, painted wood signs, fabric decor, layered art journaling, and more. You’ll also find must-know tips for designing stencils, multiple stencil materials that can be cut, and step-by-step tutorials below too! This blog post is packed with Silhouette information, tips, and tutorials—so make sure to bookmark it for future reference.

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

Stencils can be created from many different materials. Cardstock, adhesive vinyl, plastic stencil materials, and more! I’m sharing some of those materials below with tips and tutorials to help you design and create in Silhouette Studio.

Crafting Creativity Projects – Silhouette & Stencils

Project #1 – Custom Stencils with Silhouette Stencil Material

Create your own stencils with basic shapes and patterns in the Silhouette Studio software.

A silhouette cutting machine with a light blue mat displaying two custom stencils in geometric shapes, alongside a clear storage container holding small cut-out pieces and labels.

I created these 2 stencil patterns and cut them from the Silhouette non-adhesive stencil material using the Silhouette Autoblade.

Silhouette stencil material packs displayed on a work surface next to a Silhouette cutting machine.

Silhouette has both adhesive backed and non-adhesive backed stencil material as shown above. One might work better for your projects versus another. Since my plan was to use the stencil on a flat material like mixed media paper, I didn’t really need it to be sticky on the backside.

A Silhouette cutting machine positioned on a wooden surface with blue stencil material and cut-out shapes displayed.

I also kept all the negative bits that were cut out from this stencil for a possible future project. They could be used as elements on a card, creating a pattern on a card, as a stencil by itself, and more!

I used this stencil with some TCW stencil butter to create a background on mixed media paper.

Workspace with stencils, paint, and a heat gun, featuring teal and gold colors, used for crafting projects.

Then I pressed a piece of bubble wrap into the stencil butter to give it even more texture.

A sheet of white paper featuring blue, textured triangle shapes arranged in a geometric pattern. Tools and materials are partially visible on the side, suggesting a creative crafting project.

Make sure to let the stencil butter dry completely before touching it. I sometimes get impatient, so having a heat gun can be handy to help speed up the process too.

I shared how I created these stencil designs in the video below.

Supplies Used:

Handy Tools to Have:

Additional Resources:

Project #2 – Stencils with Adhesive Vinyl

I use adhesive vinyl for many different projects as a stencil such as glass etching, painting, or in this project below – I was trying it with a Scorch marker for wood burning.

When creating a stencil with adhesive vinyl, weed out the design and that creates the stencil. In the photo below, I have weeded the flower design out of the black adhesive vinyl. I use basic shapes such as a rectangle around the design to create the outer edge of the stencil. The actual project I’m creating will determine the size of the shape I place around my design for the stencil outer edge. For projects such as painting or glass etching, I will give myself plenty of space around the design. For something smaller, as shown below, I don’t need as much extra space since it will be close to the edge of the blank being used.

Workspace featuring a Silhouette cutting machine with various stencil designs on a blue mat, alongside wooden shapes and craft tools.

Now, in this case, my project failed, but I’m still sharing it with you because it happens! Projects don’t turn out, projects fail and what you see on social media is not always reality.

Four painted wooden teardrop shapes on a wooden surface, with a Scorch marker positioned nearby.

These wood earring blanks were a bit too porous, and the Scorch marker liquid just bled too much. It looks more like those therapy cards – What shape do you see?

And that’s just how it goes sometimes. Some projects fail!

Here is another example of adhesive vinyl cut for stencils that I was using for glass etching.

A Silhouette cutting machine with five custom cut designs featuring a longhorn skull and the number '3-7-77' on a blue surface.

And this one turned out fabulous!

A crystal decanter with a matching set of four engraved glasses, each featuring a bull skull design and the inscription '3-7-77'. The glasses are positioned next to the decanter on a neutral backdrop.

Additional Resources for the tools I used to create the design:

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Layered Stencil with Plastic Stencil Material

We see a lot of questions by users on cutting stencil materials. Typically, it is in reference to plastic materials that a user is trying to cut. While Silhouette machines can cut a lot of different materials, there are limits and it is not just about thickness, but also density and composition.

A hand holding a stencil sheet with flower patterns, positioned next to a Silhouette cutting machine on a workspace with a cutting mat.

Another thing to keep in mind is that stencil material is plastic and plastic will dull the blade quicker than other materials. It is perfectly normal to have to increase the blade settings or passes the more that is cut. And if you are cutting this material a lot, you may go through more blades than other thinner, easier to cut materials.

I cut this 6 mil stencil material using the preset for Stencil Material in the Silhouette Studio software. All I changed was to increase the passes to 2 and then when that started having a few hang ups, I increased it to 3 passes.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software showing a design workspace with flowers and circles. The interface displays cutting settings and options for stencil material.

The settings that work for you will depend on the blade sharpness, material, and your machine. There is no perfect setting that works for all users magically.

I do recommend cutting one stencil design at a time. This way you can catch any issues before you’ve wasted time and materials.

Do not unload the cutting mat before you check the cut and if it did not cut through you can send it again.

I was using the same Autoblade that I used with the Silhouette Stencil material mentioned above and it’s still going strong with the settings pictured above on the 6 mil stencil material.

The hardest part for me was that I had to stop the design and creation process and move on to other things. Once you get started cutting, it is easy to get wrapped up in the projects. Here are a couple more I cut before I moved on to the next phase – using the stencils.

Now to test the stencils with some Kingart mixed media gel sticks. I love how it turned out!

An assortment of colorful markers beside sketched floral designs and hearts on paper, with a ruler and crafting tools visible on a wooden workspace.

Want to learn even more on how I designed the layered stencil used to create the design pictured above? Check out video tutorial below or on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel.

And there is more!!! A follower asked for more design tutorials after seeing the video above. So, I also shared how to quickly design a flower and a heart in Silhouette too!

Click the images above or the links below to watch these quick tutorials:

Supplies Used:

Handy Tools:

Project #4 – Stencil Fonts

When working with stencils whether it is a design or a font, the pieces have to all remain in the stencil somehow. If a piece is completely cut out, it will fall out of the stencil.

Screenshot of the Silhouette Studio software displaying stencil letters with the text 'ABCDOPQR' highlighted in a bold font style.

For instance, for letters A, B, D, O, P, Q, and R, they all have “counters”, which are the centers of the design that would fall out when cut. In order to cut as a stencil and remain in place, the letter needs a “bridge” so it can be held in place when cut.

I typed in “stencil font” to the Silhouette Design Store search and many options come up. All kinds of styles and the perfect one will vary based on your project and taste.

A collage of various stencil font designs available for cutting with a Silhouette machine, showcasing different styles and fonts labeled with their names and prices.

A few I own are:

You can see my taste varies and some of these will cut better at larger sizes than smaller. Each project may vary and you never really know until you test it.

The fastest way to create a stencil font is to use a premade font file, but you can also create your own from a font. This works best with a bold font where you can make “bridges” to help hold the centers (counters) of the letters in place.

A Silhouette cutting machine is positioned next to a cutting mat displaying a stencil with the text: "MAKE WAVES, NOT WORRIES. GO WITH THE FLOW. DON'T BE CRABBY. SALTY AIR, NOT MOODS. SEAS LIFE'S MOMENTS. SHELL-ABRATE THE LITTLE THINGS."

I used a font style called Grossura to create the stencil quote shown above.

Once you see how easy it is to alter a font, you may not want to stop creating and the ideas may just continue to flow. See how easy it is in this video tutorial below or on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

Supplies Used:

There is so many different projects you can create with stencils! And you can apply the same techniques and design steps to other projects as well. I hope you’ve picked up a few new ideas and techniques!

Looking for more creative ideas and inspiration? Check out the Crafting Creativity blog posts for a treasure trove of fun and unique projects! Each month, I share a fresh collection of craft ideas designed to spark your imagination and help you expand your skills with confidence. Don’t miss out—your next favorite project could be just a click away!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Collage of images showcasing custom stencils created with a Silhouette machine, featuring various designs and crafting materials.

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!

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.
Posted on Leave a comment

How to Create Custom Sketch Designs in Silhouette Studio – Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Ready to take your Silhouette skills to the next level? In this step-by-step video tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to create custom sketch designs in Silhouette Studio—perfect for sketch pens, foiling, sublimation markers, and more! Whether you’re personalizing cards, creating decorative outlines, or adding hand-drawn touches to your projects, this tutorial will show you how to design from scratch and prepare your file for sketching.

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

This year I took a watercolor class from artist Tracey Weinzapfel and I’ve been creating all kinds of projects with the ideas from class. When I started designing a class for the Sublimation & Beyond Camp 2025, I wanted to see if I could recreate my designs in the Silhouette Software.

Two circular coasters featuring floral designs with the phrase 'Bloom where you are planted', surrounded by various Artesprix sublimation markers and packaging on a wooden surface.

I had so much fun in the design process of these custom sketch designs and just kept on creating flower designs just to see if they would turn out.

Preview of custom sketch flower designs in Silhouette Studio with text 'Bloom where you are planted' and 'Stop and smell the flowers'.

I used the sketch designs to create sublimation coasters using the Artesprix sublimation markers. Since the class would be viewed by a variety of cutting machine owners, I designed in Silhouette Studio and then saved the file as a SVG.

Here is the supply list for the sublimation coasters in case you want to create too!

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Watch the video below and follow along as we unlock the creative power of sketching with your Silhouette machine! Can you spot my mistake I made in the video?

A colorful image showing various crafting supplies, including mixed media gel sticks and stencil materials, neatly arranged on a surface.

What custom sketch designs will you create? Let us know in the comments below.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Image featuring custom sketch designs created in Silhouette Studio, showcasing two coasters with a flower illustration and the phrase 'Bloom where you are planted', surrounded by Artesprix sublimation markers.

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!

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.

Posted on Leave a comment

How to Create a Layered Stencil Design in Silhouette Studio – Step-by-Step Tutorial

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Did you miss this video tutorial? Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered! In this step-by-step tutorial from the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel, I walk you through exactly how to create a layered stencil design in Silhouette Studio. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to level up your stencil projects, this video will show you how to break a design into layers, align them perfectly, and prep each one for cutting. Layered stencils are perfect for multi-color painting, mixed media, and more — and with these tips, you’ll be designing your own in no time! Watch the full video and start crafting with confidence.

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

I used the Kingart mixed media gel sticks on some mixed media paper when testing these stencils. I am loving playing with this new form of mixed media and experimenting with it.

A tabletop scene featuring a variety of colorful markers, sketches of flowers and hearts on paper, and crafting tools, emphasizing creativity and artistry.

Watch the video tutorial below.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

A colorful image showing various crafting supplies, including mixed media gel sticks and stencil materials, neatly arranged on a surface.

What would you use stencils for? Let us know in the comments below.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Collage of layered stencil designs created in Silhouette Studio, featuring colorful flowers and leaves, alongside various mixed media tools and supplies.

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!

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.

Posted on Leave a comment

How to Create a Design in Silhouette Studio in Under 1 Minute – Quick & Easy Tutorial

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Looking for a fast and easy way to jump into designing with Silhouette Studio? In this quick tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a custom design in under 1 minute! Whether you are brand new to Silhouette or just short on time, this step-by-step guide is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. From shape tools to compound paths, you’ll learn how to make a project-ready design in no time—ideal for faux leather, fabric, vinyl, HTV, paper crafts, and more. Let’s get designing in 60 seconds or less!

Quick Design in Silhouette Studio

Open Silhouette Studio and grab the teardrop shape from the ​Flexishapes​ menu on the left side of Silhouette Studio.

Silhouette Studio screenshot showing the Flexishapes Tool

Left click on the design mat and drag down to create the teardrop shape to create approximately a 2″ tall shape. It does not have to be perfect. Then right click and choose Convert to Path.

Silhouette Studio screenshot showing Convert to Path

With the tear drop selected, in the top ​QAT (Quick Access Toolbar)​, highlight the numbers in the H box and change it to 2″. Press Enter.

Silhouette Studio screenshot showing QAT and Scale Tools

Double click on the tear drop shape to activate the ​Edit Points​. Click on the edit point at the top of the tear drop and 2 blue nodes will appear.

Silhouette Studio screenshot showing edit points on design

Grab the blue node on the left and drag it out so it is even with the red cut line on the left side.

Silhouette Studio screenshot adjusting edit points

Grab the blue node on the right side and move it to the right so it’s even with the red cut line.

Silhouette Studio screenshot with custom earring design

Ta-da! Ok. It probably took longer than a minute to read the steps and follow them, but you can do this again and could design this shape in less than a minute. But you don’t have to! It’s not a speed test.

If you want to create the hole for the top of the earrings. Grab the ​Draw Ellipse tool​ on the left side, hold the Shift key down to draw a perfect circle. Let the mouse button go before you let the Shift key up and you will have a perfect circle. Decide what size you would like and adjust as needed. Place the circle at the top, select both the circle and the tear drop and ​Align Center​.

Silhouette Studio screenshot showing Align Tools

With both the circle and the tear drop selected, right click and choose ​Make Compound Path​. Fill the design with color and you will see the hole is “punched out” of the tear drop shape.

Silhouette Studio Screenshot of earring design

Quick Video of Designing in Silhouette Studio

Check out this quick video below showing these steps in less than 1 minute.

Additional Resources:

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio showing a teardrop shape with a hole at the top, designed in a pink color, and text reading 'DESIGN IN SILHOUETTE IN LESS THAN 1 MINUTE'.

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!

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.