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Crafting with Abstract Florals: 5+ Creative Project Ideas Using Clikchic Designs

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Welcome to this edition of Crafting Creativity, featuring the bold and beautiful abstract floral designs by Clikchic Designs! These eye-catching patterns are the centerpiece of a wide range of creative projects that highlight the versatility of digital designs. From a custom shaker card and sketch-style greeting cards to shrink plastic tool charms, bracelet charms, earrings, wine charms, and a personalized chalkboard sign—these florals bring a fresh and modern flair to every creation. You’ll also see them used in card backgrounds and oversized tags, offering endless possibilities for crafters of all kinds. Get ready to be inspired by how one design collection can do so much!

Collage of vibrant floral designs featured in various handmade projects including greeting cards, tags, charms, and bookmarks, showcasing the versatility of digital designs.

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

A great big THANK YOU to Clikchic Designs for being the May contributing artist for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter. These gorgeous abstract floral designs can be found in Clikchic Designs artist store on the Silhouette Design Store site.

A collection of abstract floral designs in various colors, featuring purple, pink, and green blooms, as well as leaves, showcasing the artistry of Clikchic Designs.

Sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE for future free files & project inspiration.

Crafting Creativity with Clikchic Abstract Florals

Project #1 – Custom Shaker Card

A hand holding a Mother's Day card embellished with colorful floral designs, positioned in front of a crafting machine and various crafting tools.

I set this up to print on a 12″ x 12″ sheet of cardstock. The only thing that did not fit on one sheet was the frame. It could easily be cut using letter size cardstock too.

Digital design interface displaying a shaker card layout featuring floral elements and a 'Happy Mother's Day' greeting.

I added a bit of sparkle on top of the flowers with a shimmer pen and love it. The hardest part is getting that to show up well on photos.

Close-up of a hand-decorated card featuring colorful abstract floral designs in shades of pink, red, and blue, adorned with green leaves and sparkly embellishments.

My mom loved it!

Don’t forget to add your shaker bits before you adhere the acetate & frame down. I got excited and forgot, so I had to peel up a corner and add them in. Nothing like making a project harder than it needs to be.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – Sketched Card Backgrounds

Two birthday cards featuring abstract floral designs, one with a pink flower and the other with a blue flower, placed on a wooden table beside a container holding more floral stickers. A black pen and a white gel pen are also visible.

I drew out 2 rectangles and applied different Sketch Effects to them to create the sketched squares, then added a sketch sentiment around the outer edge of the border using a font called Flannel Shirt Sketch.

I then added some foam tape on the back of the Abstract Floral designs and added those to the center of the sketched frame to give it some dimension.

Next, I sketched a couple more with a premade frame called Dot Frame Sketched.

Two handmade greeting cards featuring colorful floral motifs with the text 'just for you' at the top. The cards are displayed on a wooden surface alongside a Gelly Roll marker and a black pen, with additional floral stickers in the background.

I think this one is my favorite of them all, but I think I’m drawn to this pink flower for some reason.

A birthday card featuring a colorful floral design on a white background, surrounded by the text 'happy birthday' repeated around the frame. In the background, a cutting machine is partially visible.

They are all gorgeous when paired with the Abstract Floral designs by Clikchic Designs.

A birthday card featuring a watercolor-style pink flower with dark outlines, positioned centrally within a black frame. The words 'happy birthday' are printed around the frame in a playful font.

I added the random dots around the edge of the square frames by hand after the card was sketched. I could have set it up in the software and had the machine do it perfectly, but it might have also smooshed the tip of my pen. This gives each card a randomness to it as well and makes it unique.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Shrink Plastic Projects

Have you ever used shrink plastic before?

There are so many things you can create with shrink plastic. From wine charms, bracelet charms, earrings, tumbler charms, tool charms, and more!

A variety of shrink plastic charms and earrings featuring abstract floral designs, displayed on a silver tray. The collection includes two flower-themed earrings, decorative tags, and a bracelet adorned with floral motifs.

Here is a look at my printed page using Silhouette Shrink Plastic Sheets.

A hand holding a printed sheet featuring various colorful abstract floral designs, showcasing purple, pink, and blue flowers alongside the word 'INSPIRE'. The sheet is being prepared for use with a cutting machine in a crafting workspace.

I used the default settings in the Silhouette Studio software to start with. Here is a look at the Send tab when I sent this page to cut.

A digital design workspace in Silhouette Studio, showcasing colorful abstract floral elements with the text 'INSPIRE'. Various floral shapes are arranged for cutting on shrink plastic.

Larger shrink plastic designs can be interesting when they shrink and you just have to keep going to get them to flatten out. Sometimes, they will also not be a uniform shape at the end. I think that adds to their uniqueness and can be fun to see what happens.

Custom tool charms are a great way to mark your scissors either for a specific purpose or to identify them when you go craft with friends. They are also handy to help you locate them on your craft table if they like to hide in a “safe” place often.

A pair of beige scissors with a protective cover sits on a grey surface, alongside a handmade keychain featuring a bookmark that reads 'INSPIRE' decorated with pink flowers and colorful beads.

I love watching it shrink when heat is applied! Check out this quick video on the Silhouette Secrets+ Facebook Page, on Instagram, or on my YouTube channel.

Any type of plastic will dull the blade quicker than other materials, so it is not uncommon to have to increase the settings the more you cut.

There are several brands of shrink plastic out there and they can all be a bit different. I cut both Silhouette Shrink Plastic and Grafix Shrink Plastic during this process. I was using an older blade and I think it’s about done for now. It was having a hard time cutting through the Grafix Shrink Plastic in clear.

Test cuts are really the only way to know what is going to work with your blade and materials.

Two “secrets” of mine are:

  1. I’ll take a blade that isn’t cutting other materials such as cardstock or HTV well and move it to my shrink plastic blade. I get a bit more life out of my blades this way.
  2. Do not unload the cutting mat after the cut and check it first. If it did not cut through, you can increase the settings and send it again until it does cut.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – Custom Sign or Chalkboard Sign

I started by measuring out the size of this chalkboard sign and then drew a rectangle the same size in Silhouette Studio. Then I just started adding the abstract floral designs and moving them around to create a floral frame.

A decorative black sign featuring a colorful floral border and the text "Create THE THINGS YOU WISH EXISTED" in white and pastel hues.

Did you know that vinyl goes bad? Yep! I started this project using Silhouette Printable Vinyl, which I love for the print quality. However, it must have been an old package because it would not weed properly and was separating. I ended up using Orajet 1917 that I’ve had in my craft stash for many, many years and it cut beautifully.

There is a shelf life for vinyl and other craft products such as pens, paint, string, inks, tape, etc.

What is the lifespan of vinyl? Well, there really isn’t an exact date or time as you never really know how long it’s sat on a retailers shelf or the manufacturer’s shelf, etc. And other factors play into it as well, such as temperature, humidity, etc. You will see many mention 2 years when stored properly. But, you never really know how it was treated before you bought it. I have some vinyl that I still try to cut even though I know it’s like 7 years old. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

How can you tell if it’s gone bad?

The 2 most obvious signs I have found is that it can separate when you try to weed it and it’s a bugger to work with no matter your troubleshooting or cut settings. These 2 things can present themselves by the adhesive can visibly be separating from the actual vinyl or the vinyl will not easily come off the backing paper.

Usually I try to push through and I always end up kicking myself for working so hard to try to salvage it.

However, the final way I know the vinyl has gone bad is when I get a new good piece and it weeds so smoothly. And that’s when I end up kicking myself.

For this project, I lost a few letters of the text in the middle, so I just ended up cutting the text from a scrap of Oracal 651 in white and adding that on to the project. A great use of scraps!

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #5 – Cards with Unique Backgrounds

When I do a print and cut page, I will fill the page with extra designs and this month I had a good bunch of the florals left over to create with. So I set about brainstorming what I could do with the left overs.

A collection of colorful floral stickers featuring various flower designs in shades of blue, pink, and red, arranged on a light blue background.

I was browsing Pinterest and found an idea where they created custom backgrounds with a stencil and inks. Why not do that with a stencil design & digital patterns?

Here is a look at the first ones I created.

Four handmade birthday cards featuring abstract floral designs in various colors, each with the text 'Happy Birthday' displayed prominently. The designs include a mix of pink, blue, and purple hues, set against a white background.

The next set, I started playing around with the orientation and mixed it up a bit.

I had so much fun playing around and creating backgrounds with different pattern papers.

Here is a close up look at one of the cards.

A birthday card featuring a pink flower with green leaves, against a background of blue and purple leaf patterns, with the text 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' prominently displayed.

You can do this too! Check out the video How to Make Stunning Card Backgrounds with Stencils & Digital Patterns in Silhouette on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel.

A digital tutorial for creating cards with stencils and patterned designs, featuring a split-screen image of the design process on a computer and finished card samples showcasing floral elements.

I am sharing my process of design creation, mistakes, and explanations of how and why I did things too!

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #6 – Custom Tag Designs

Whether you need a design 2″ or 6″, you can do it with your cutting machine. You can create things whatever size you want.

These tags are 3.5″ wide and 6.125″ tall. I used the Project Wizard in Silhouette Studio to create the basic tag design and cut from 110 lb Neenah cardstock.

Two colorful birthday tags featuring floral designs, one with a blue flower and another with a red flower, both embellished with 'Happy Birthday' labels.

I used up the last 2 flowers and bits of greenery I had printed on cardstock and combined that with a patterned paper I designed and printed when I shared the tutorial on Creating Custom Background Patterns in Silhouette.

A person holding a printed page with an abstract blue and purple design, showcasing swirling patterns. In the background, there is a white printer and part of a calendar visible.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

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

Find more designs by Clikchic Designs at:

Follow Clikchic Designs for more inspiration on her website, Facebook, and Instagram. I love watching the videos of how the designs are created. I love how she takes something that she has physically painted and turns it into a digital file so we can all enjoy and create with her amazing artwork!

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

From handmade cards to custom jewelry and home décor, the possibilities with these abstract floral designs by Clikchic Designs are truly endless. Each project in this Crafting Creativity edition showcases how one digital collection can be transformed into a wide variety of unique creations. Whether you’re crafting with paper, shrink plastic, or chalkboard materials, these versatile florals add a bold, artistic touch to every piece. We hope you’re inspired to explore new techniques and think outside the box with your next project.

Check out the Crafting Creativity series HERE.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A collage of various handcrafted projects featuring abstract floral designs, including greeting cards, jewelry, and a chalkboard sign, all showcasing the versatility of Clikchic Designs.

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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**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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How to Craft Stunning Mixed Media Projects with Sarah Hurley’s Digital Files

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Welcome to this edition of Crafting Creativity! In this edition, I am sharing the vibrant world of mixed media digital design with the talented Sarah Hurley! In this post, we’re spotlighting sharing inspiring ways to incorporate Sarah’s digital elements into your own creative projects. Whether you’re crafting cards, journals, or home décor, you’ll find plenty of ideas to spark your next masterpiece. Let’s explore how digital and traditional techniques can come together to make something truly magical!

Last month was the 2025 Creativation by NAMTA event in Seattle and I was able to connect with Sarah Hurley in person. I’ve known Sarah for a couple years now and always enjoy getting together with her to connect and collaborate.

Three women standing in front of a sign for the Sarah Hurley Academy Pavilion at a creative event.

The Sarah Hurley Academy Pavilion was on the trade show floor and I loved hearing her Trend Report during the event. I was madly typing my notes in my phone during her presentation.

It was the perfect month to collaborate again with Sarah’s designs for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter.

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

If you missed these files in the April newsletter, you can find these mixed media files in the Mixed Media Dingbat Font – Volume 2 HERE.

Sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE for future free files & project inspiration.

Let’s Get Creative with Digital Mixed Media

Project #1 – Artist Trading Cards – Mixed Media Background Elements

One of the projects the Creative Professionals did at the 2025 Creativation was create “found art” and place them all over the trade show floor for people to find and keep. I designed it all in Silhouette Studio using a collection of different elements, including the mixed media designs by Sarah Hurley.

Artist Trading Card with Mixed Media Files by Sarah Hurley

I am not sure which one I like the most, but I love that I can create in the software and test things out before I print my projects. I wanted each one to be a bit different and I was able to achieve that easily.

Artist Trading Cards for Creativation with Digital Mixed Media by Sarah Hurley

I also designed these double sided so I could include my information on the backside.

NAMTA Creative Professional Backside of Found Art

The biggest thing about doing a double sided print and cut is your printer. Every printer is different and you have to figure out how the printer prints and how to insert the page back in the printer so everything lines up.

I printed these and then used my paper trimmer to cut to the size I needed. Since it was a simple rectangle I felt it was more efficient for this project. I cut between 60-70 cards to “hide” during the event.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – T-shirt with Siser Metallic Puff HTV & Mixed Media Designs

This may be my new favorite shirt! Not only is the Siser Tiger Lily Metallic Puff HTV gorgeous, but the mixed media background really made this design unique!

A black t-shirt featuring a pink design with the word 'create' in a stylish font, surrounded by a dotted pattern.

I duplicated the mixed media design, scaled it up, and then subtracted an offset of the text from the background.

Here is a closer look at the design.

Close-up of a dark t-shirt featuring the word 'create' in a shiny pink metallic finish, surrounded by a pattern of smaller pink dots.

I just love how the mixed media design puffed up. I’ll definitely be using more mixed media designs for backgrounds!

Specialty materials with shine are always so difficult to photograph and really capture how beautiful it is. I have had great luck with the Siser Metallic Puff HTV living up to it’s puff. Regular puff HTV and I have had a few issues, but the Metallic Putt HTV is so easy to use.

I share how I created this design on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

A black t-shirt featuring a textured 'create' design in pink puff HTV, surrounded by dotted embellishments, with a colorful gradient background for the text.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Digital & Physical Backgrounds – Cards

I added the mixed media files on top of a patterned background and set it up as a print and cut for a 4.25″ x 5.5″ card background.

Two artist trading cards designed with mixed media elements featuring vibrant backgrounds and the text 'Enjoy Every Moment'. The left card showcases a grid overlay with colorful bubbles, while the right card has a marbled background with a dotted pattern.

On the left side I used a pattern called Purple and Rainbow Bubble Background by Sarah Hurley, then placed the mixed media design on top on the left side. I used the eyedropper tool in the Fill Color panel to pull a color from the pattern and then adjusted it just a bit to make it pop.

On the right side, I used the background pattern created using the Gradient Fills in Silhouette from last month’s YouTube videos. I then added a different mixed media design on top and again pulled color from the pattern and adjusted to make it pop.

Check out more on how I created this background pattern in these videos:

I wanted the sentiment to stand out a bit so added that as a separate piece to the print and cut file so I could pop it up with foam tape.

Here is a look at the print and cut file I created in Silhouette.

A look at the Silhouette Studio software print and cut page with the mixed media card designs.

I used the Enjoy Every Moment by Sarah Hurley sentiment and added an offset around the design. For this design, I first made a larger offset to enclose everything and then made an internal offset to bring it back closer to the design. Once I had the offset as I wanted, I deleted the larger offset as it was not needed.

But I couldn’t stop there! These designs can be used for more than just digital projects too!

I cut these same designs from cardstock using the Silhouette Autoblade with the Cameo 5. Look at those cuts!

Close-up of a cutting machine with a mat displaying mixed media designs cut from cardstock.

Then I added the designs on top of a dark blue card base to make them stand out.

Two handcrafted greeting cards displayed on a wooden surface. One card features a purple polka dot design with the words 'You are' in a circular frame. The other card has a grid pattern in the same purple color with the words 'Best Wishes' arranged around a central circle.

Add a sentiment and you have a quick easy card design.

I did not just want to print and cut 2 designs, so I filled the page and had several options to choose from.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software showing a card design layout with circular sentiment designs.

I drew a circle and centered the design inside, then with both the circle and design selected, chose Cut Edge on the Send tab. Once it was cut, I added foam tape to the back of the sentiments to give the card a bit of dimension.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – Stencils

Stencils can be from many different types of materials. I grabbed some scrap cardstock and also cut some plastic stencil material as well.

A Silhouette cutting machine positioned on a wooden surface, next to materials cut for stencils with a mixed media design.

Scrap cardstock is a very economical way to test out a stencil design and it can hold up and work for many projects too. I know I have a lot of scrap cardstock in my stash, so it’s perfect to test with.

I also see many who want to cut plastic stencil materials and I have both 6 mil and 7 mil stencil material on hand. Something to keep in mind with plastic stencil material is that plastics dull a blade differently and often quicker than other materials. All stencil material will vary in the cut settings that will work well with it.

A workspace featuring a white canvas with blue paint splatters, three bottles of DecoArt acrylic paint, a painter's brush, a color palette, and various art tools on a wooden surface.

The one above is 6 mil stencil plastic and I used the Stencil Material setting in the software with a used blade, but increased the passes to 3. I still had to pop the bits out of place, but it actually cut better than some of the smaller areas did on my fibrous cardstock.

And then just have fun! I grabbed some of the ​DecoArt Paints​ and a Dynasty EvoArt paint brush and just started stenciling a background. I don’t know how this will turn out yet, but I’m going to keep adding to it and see what speaks to me.

If you are cutting lots of stencil material, I’d recommend having extra blades on hand and also know that you will need to increase the cut settings as the blade dulls.

I am always looking for sales or bundles to stock up on blades or mats. Check out ​Crafter Cuts for a blade bundle HERE​ and use coupon code SECRETS to save 10% on supplies too!

A painted canvas displays splatter designs in teal, with stencils of mixed media designs.

I love this background pattern so much and still don’t know what I want to do with it. I asked for suggestions from my community and one of them was to scan it and save it as a digital background. YES! I love this idea.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

A great big THANK YOU to Sarah Hurley for collaborating for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter!

Make sure to follow Sarah Hurley and watch for new designs:

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

Bringing mixed media designs by Sarah Hurley into your creative projects is a fantastic way to add personality, depth, and a unique flair to your crafts. Whether you’re layering textures, combining materials, or experimenting with color, these designs offer endless possibilities to explore your creativity. If you’ve enjoyed this project, be sure to check out the full Crafting Creativity series for even more inspiration, step-by-step ideas, and creative ways to make your projects truly stand out. Let your imagination lead the way—there’s always something new to discover! Check out the Crafting Creativity series HERE.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A collage showcasing various crafting projects featuring Sarah Hurley designs, including a black T-shirt with 'create' in pink, two colorful card designs, sheets with mixed media elements, and crafting supplies like paints and paper.

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 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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Crafting Creativity with Nitwit Collections & Silhouette

Nitwit Collections Digital Kit
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Welcome to this edition of Crafting Creativity! This time, we’re diving into the wonderful world of digital kits with an inspiring collection from Nitwit Collections. Their beautifully designed elements and papers make it easy to create stunning projects with Silhouette. From layered cards to custom decor and everything in between, we’ll explore creative ways to bring these digital designs to life. Get ready for a fun and crafty adventure as we showcase projects that highlight the versatility and charm of Nitwit Collections!

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

Nitwit Collections Logo

If you missed these files in the March newsletter, you can find the Warm Embrace Knick Knack kit HERE. There are so many amazing kits available, make sure to check out the full shop HERE.

Sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE for future free files & project inspiration.

I have also released a new print and cut class: Master Print and Cut with Silhouette: Step-by Step Class that is available on my Teachable site HERE. The kit is provided in the class so you can use the same files I do and create amazing projects too!

Silhouette Print and Cut Class - Step-by-Step

If you are looking for step-by-step classes to learn more, check out all of the classes that are currently available on my Teachable site HERE.

Crafting Creativity with Nitwit Collections

Project #1 – Creative Card Designs: Make Every Greeting Uniquely Yours

Layered Card Design with Nitwit Collections Warm Embrace Kit

I just started playing around in the software to see what new card idea I could create after I finished the Print and Cut class. I like to make a mock-up in the software of a lot of projects before I actually cut. That means I will add all of the design pieces and play around with placement, elements, colors, and more right in Silhouette Studio.

Here is a look at my design file for this card in Silhouette Studio.

Silhouette Studio Design File of Framed Card

Once I have an idea of the card design layout, I can start cutting and in this case, printing, then cutting all the pieces.

Here is a close up look at the finished card with the 3-D layers.

Layered Card Design with Nitwit Collection Warm Embrace Knick Knack Digital Kit

But, I didn’t stop there! The creative ideas were still flowing and I decided to share how I created this card design in Silhouette with a LIVE tutorial on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel.

Designing in Silhouette Studio with Nitwit Collections Digital Kits

This session covers essential skills and techniques, including drawing tools, scaling tools, pattern fills, the Quick Access toolbar, Flexishapes, Draw Note, and more! Plus, with real-time viewer participation, questions were answered and demonstrated live to help you master these features. Check out the replay HERE on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to Like and Subscribe if you want to be notified when new videos are released or Live tutorials are scheduled.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – Seagull Card Design: A card to WOW!

I’ve been watching the Nitwit Collections Facebook group and saw that a member, Lisa Shaw, was doing a Live demo and I joined in. I was mesmerized by her demo of a flying seagull card! The moment I saw it, I knew everything else had to wait. I just had to dive in and create this card style as a 5″ x 7″ card!

Seagull Card design with Warm Embrace Knick Knack kit by Nitwit Collections

Immediately following the LIVE demo, I started working out the math to make a prototype of this card. It reminded me how much I love to design and create fun fold and 3-D cards. Now, I can’t say that I got it right the first few times, so there was a few sheets of cardstock that are now in my scraps pile, but I did get there eventually.

Seagull Card Creation Behind the Scenes look

After I made the prototype, I could then bring it all together in the Silhouette Studio software to create a cut file.

Seagull Card Creation Design File Process

And then I printed all the pieces and started assembly to see where the elements should go. Here is another behind the scenes look at creating this card.

Seagull Card Design with Nitwit Collections

Here is a collage of how this card looks finished out from a few different angles.

Seagull Card design with Nitwit Collections Photo Collage

The top photo shows how the card look when completely unfolded. The bottom left shows the card completely closed and then on the right is a top look showing the Seagull Design.

I shared some of the tools I used to create this card file in Silhouette in the LIVE tutorial – Silhouette Studio Secrets: Design Smarter with These Powerful Tools

Silhouette Secrets Tutorial - Design Smarter with These Powerful Tools

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – No Peeking Gift Bag Topper

These are so easy to create and can add a unique look to any gift bag. Plus it hides the contents until you are ready for the recipient to see it.

No Peeking Gift Bag Topper created with Nitwit Collections digital kit

Here is a close up look at these layered designs on the gift bag toppers.

Close Up of Custom Gift Bag Topper Layered Design with Nitwit Collections

Such an easy thing to add to make a gift bag stand out.

Custom Gift Bag Topper with Nitwit Collections Digital Kit

I shared how I created this design in Silhouette Studio in this video – DIY No Peeking Gift Bag Topper in Silhouette Studio on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

No Peeking Gift Bag Topper YouTube video tutorial

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – Custom Sticky Note & Pen Holder

I love using this Sticky Note & Pen Holder file from Lori Whitlock and the Nitwit Collections kits work perfect for creating a custom cover. These make great gifts and work awesome for swaps at events too!

Custom Notepad & Pen holder with Nitwit Collections

Here is a close up look at the design layered on the front of the sticky note holder.

Close Up of Sticky Note & Pen Holder design by Lori Whitlock with Nitwit Collections

Supplies Used:

A great big THANK YOU to Nitwit Collections for collaborating for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter!

Make sure to follow Nitwit Collections for more amazing designs:

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

Unlock endless creative possibilities with a digital kit! In this edition of Crafting Creativity, we showcased a fabulous digital kit from Nitwit Collections and explored how a variety of unique projects. The Crafting Creativity blog series is your ultimate source for fresh ideas, practical tips, and expert techniques to take your crafting to the next level. Whether you’re transforming a go-to design, trying out new materials, or refining your skills, these posts are designed to ignite your creativity and help you bring your ideas to life. Check out the Crafting Creativity series HERE and discover where your imagination can take you!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Crafting Creativity with Nitwit Collections Digital Kits

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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One Design, Endless Creativity: 5 Craft Projects with Quietfire Design

Crafting Creativity with Quietfire Designs
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

In this edition of Crafting Creativity I’ll be sharing the projects I created through the month with a 3-D Hawaiian Turtle Tote and Tag file and the Tropical Fish pattern. A great big thank you to Suzanne from Quietfire Designs for providing the free file for the Silhouette Secrets+ February newsletter!

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

Files from Suzanne Cannon of Quietfire Design

If you missed these files in the February newsletter, you can find the Hawaiian Turtle Tote file HERE and the Tropical Fish pattern HERE in the Silhouette Design Store. And then make sure to check out the assembly tutorial HERE on the Quietfire Design website.

Make sure to sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE for future free files & project inspiration.

Crafting Creativity with One Design by Quietfire Design

Project #1 – Hawaiian Turtle Tote and Tag

I always like to start with creating the design file at the original size it was created at. But I also couldn’t resist to create a mini turtle tote too!

Hawaiian Turtle Tote created with Silhouette - Design by Suzanne Cannon with Quietfire Design

Look at that mini tote! I just love it! I love sharing all the possibilities you can create with 1 file!

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – Valentine’s Treat Tote or Table Decoration

I scaled the design up as much as I could to still be able to cut it the main piece from a 12″ x 12″ sheet of cardstock. Then cut the main tote part from pink cardstock and used a heart flourish pattern to create this Valentine’s treat tote.

Valentine's Treat Tote created with Silhouette using a file by Suzanne Cannon with Quietfire Design

Or you could use it for a table decoration or centerpiece.

Table Centerpiece with Silhouette using a file by Suzanne Cannon with Quietfire Design

Use this design for many different holidays, seasonal decorations, or just every day use.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Bespoke Handmade Cards

Custom Made Card with Silhouette using design by Quietfire Designs

I used the Silhouette Studio software to design this card and create a mock-up of the project before I even started cutting.

Designing a card in Silhouette Studio

Then used the Tropical Fishes pattern background and print and cut the elements for the waves and the turtle. Foam tape added to the back of the elements such as the waves, matted sentiment, and the turtle gave the card some dimension.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – DIY Jewelry Pendant

DIY Jewelry Pendant with Artesprix

I love that I was able to combine Silhouette, Artesprix, and my new beading hobby!

Designing in Silhouette

I measured the size of the Artesprix jewelry pendant and then drew a circle in Silhouette Studio to use as my template to size the turtle in.
Tip: hold the Shift key down while you draw to create a perfect circle or rectangle shape.

Silhouette Cameo 5 cutting Artesprix Heat Resist Mask

Once I had the size right, I made a couple copies and then cut the Artesprix Heat Resist Mask with the Silhouette. I love using the heat resist mask to create unique projects.

Jewelry Pendant with Silhouette and Artesprix

Check out all the details on this project HERE.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #5 & 6 – Custom wood button & earrings

There are so many projects that you can create with one design or even just one element of a design.

For this one, I opened the SVG file for the Hawaiian Turtle Tote & Tag design in Silhouette Studio, then ungrouped the file to use only the turtle design.

Next, I released the compound path so I could remove the inside pieces and add in 2 circles in the center. Once I had the circles in place, I selected everything, right clicked and chose Make Compound Path. Then I exported as a SVG file and opened in the Glowforge app to cut a custom button from wood with the laser.

Turtle design by Quietfire Designs

I set it up on the Glowforge to engrave the turtle design and then cut the button shape. Once I had my new button, I was able to string it up on some leather cording and make the rest of this beaded bracelet.

But now, I needed some earrings to wear with it. I started again with the SVG file and used the turtle shape, added a small hole at the top and exported as a SVG file to cut custom earrings with the Glowforge. I just couldn’t decide what color wood to use, so I cut multiples.

Custom wood buttons & earrings with Quietfire Designs

If you don’t have a laser machine, don’t let that stop you from creating fabulous projects! Think about what you do have available. There are many materials you could use such as faux leather and more!

If you are creating files to export as SVGs for use with other cutting machines, laser machines, printers, etc. I do have a class sharing showing how to create and export SVGs and what you need to consider when designing in Silhouette Studio for use in other programs.

Find the Creating SVG files in Silhouette Studio for use with Cricut, Siser, Glowforge, and more! class HERE.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

A great big THANK YOU to Suzanne at Quietfire Design for collaborating for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter!

Make sure to follow Quietfire Designs for more amazing designs:

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

One design, endless possibilities! The Crafting Creativity blog series is your go-to hub for fresh inspiration, packed with clever ideas, hands-on tips, and expert techniques to elevate your crafting. Whether you’re reinventing a favorite design, experimenting with new materials, or honing your skills, these posts are here to spark your creativity and turn imagination into reality. Dive into the Crafting Creativity series HERE and see where your creativity takes you!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Crafting Creativity with Quietfire Designs Pinterest

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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1 Design, 5 Projects: Unlocking Creativity with a Single Silhouette File

5 Projects with 1 Design
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Each month in the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletters, there is a free file offer. I then use that file to create multiple projects, showcasing the endless possibilities you can achieve with just one design. In this blog post I am sharing a variety of creative projects made using snowflakes designs that I created in the Silhouette Studio software. There are so many possibilities when working with just one design and I hope it sparks your creativity to look at your designs differently and think about the possibilities for multiple projects with one file.

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

The January newsletter files were several snowflake designs that I created in the Silhouette Studio software. This is a great way to learn more about using the tools in the Silhouette Studio software and every single user could create these themselves. Check out the tutorial on the tools I used HERE.

Snowflake Designs by EllyMae Created in Silhouette Studio using the Drawing Tools

Make sure to sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE for future free files & project inspiration.

Crafting Creativity with One Design

Project #1 – Acrylic Ornament

Acrylic Ornament with Oracal 651 decal - Silhouette

I drew a 3″ circle in the Silhouette Studio software as my template to create within for placement and getting an idea of what the design would look like. Using one of the snowflake designs, I added an offset and then used the Knife tool in Silhouette to cut the snowflake design in half. Next, I opened a snowflake saying, adjusted it at bit, and added that to the design. Then cut everything from Oracal 651 and applied it to the front of a 3″ acrylic circle.

Oracal 651 adhesive vinyl cut for a decal with Silhouette

I used the Silhouette Autoblade for these cuts and it did beautifully.

Adding weeding lines in Silhouette to a design for easier weeding

Using the Line Drawing Tools to add weeding lines can help so much when you have intricate designs to weed. This allows you to weed smaller sections of the design and not have the material stick back to itself.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – 3-D Snowflakes

Creating 3-D Paper Snowflakes with Silhouette

Using one of the snowflake designs, I added a score line down the center and cut 3 for each 3-D snowflake out of cardstock. Then assembled them together to make the 3-D ornaments. The score line helped to fold each of the snowflake sides directly in half for assembly.

I shared how I did this in a new video on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel found HERE.

How to Make a Stunning 3-D Snowflake in Silhouette Studio - step-by-step tutorial

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Keychains/Bag Tags and Earrings with Heat Foil on Silhouette Leatherette

Key chains/bag tags and earrings created with the Silhouette Heat Foil Pen and Silhouette Leatherette

This silver foil looks amazing on the Silhouette black leatherette. I highly recommend the Silhouette leatherette for anyone who wants to get started with cutting faux leathers. Create many different projects with the Silhouette heat pen and Silhouette leatherette.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

For older model machines without the powered tool housing

Additional Heat Foils that I’ve tested

Project #4 – Cut Out Card

Snowflake Cut Out Card with Silhouette

I cut the snowflake design out of a blue sheet of cardstock and then had to walk away for a bit because I wasn’t sure how to finish this out.

Snowflake Cut Out Card in Process

I ended up pulling out supplies and stamps just to see what might be good to add on to finish this card out. I stamped some embellishments from a birthday stamp set as snowflakes in white ink and then stamping the sentiment in a light blue and adding it to the card with foam tape for dimension.

Card Making Process using Stamps and Inks

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #5 – Printable Magnets

Printable Magnets with Silhouette Printable Magnet Sheets

Print and cut is so awesome and there are many different material types you can use, such as printable magnet sheets. I filled the snowflake designs with color, added an offset and then a few more shapes to fill the page. These could be used to decorate any magnetic surface.

I used them to give additional ideas for a recent class I taught on creating a custom chalkboard for home decor. This chalkboard is magnetic and has so many options you can play around with.

Custom Chalkboard Design for Home Decor Created with Silhouette

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

I love discovering how a single design can spark endless creative possibilities! The Crafting Creativity blog series is your ultimate source of inspiration, filled with innovative ideas, practical tips, and expert techniques to take your crafting to the next level. Whether you’re transforming a favorite design, exploring new materials, or refining your skills, these posts are here to fuel your creativity and bring your ideas to life. Check out more in the Crafting Creativity series HERE and see where your imagination leads you! ✨

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

5 Projects from 1 Design with Silhouette Pinterest

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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Maximize Your Creativity: 4 Stunning Projects Using Just One Jaime Lane Designs File

Poinsettia Flower Projects with Jamie Lane Designs
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Each month in the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletters, I team up with a talented designer to offer a free file. I then use that file to create multiple projects, showcasing the endless possibilities you can achieve with just one design. In this blog post I am sharing a variety of creative projects made using the Poinsettia Gift Tag file by Jamie Lane Designs.

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

Poinsettia Gift Tag Cut file by Jamie Lane Designs

Make sure to sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE for future free files & project inspiration.

Crafting Creativity with Jamie Lane Designs

Project #1 – 3-D Poinsettia Gift Tags

Poinsettia Gift Tags by Jamie Lane Designs

To start the month off, I cut the design and assembled it for gift tags using kraft cardstock and colored cardstock. I then inked the edges of the cut pieces and used some paper shaping tools to add dimension to the flowers before gluing it all together.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – Christmas Card Embellishment/Home Decor

I scaled the flower design down just a bit and used it as an embellishment on our Christmas card.

Christmas Card Decor embellished with Poinsettia Design by Jamie Lane Designs

This one shown isn’t quite mail friendly, so I kept it for myself and used it as decoration for this year.

I added an easel to the back of all the Christmas cards I sent out and the one shown above that I have on display in my home.

Christmas Card Easel Stand by Lori Whitlock

The Silhouette LIVE tutorial on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel from November is what started the entire idea of using this with my Christmas card design. In the live I followed a suggestion from a viewer which began the creation of this years Christmas cards. I also shared sketching tips and a demo using the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat.

Silhouette Sketching & Electrostatic Mat Demo & Tutorial

Watch that Sketching tutorial video HERE.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Gift Box Topper

Poinsettia Tag Design by Jamie Lane Designs Gift Box Topper

I scaled the poinsettia design up a little bit, cut a few more center pieces for the flower and added it on top of a hinged gift box. Added a little bit of gold sparkle spread on the poinsettia and now have a custom made gift box ready to go.

Hinged Gift box by Jamie Lane Designs

Want to know the perfect cut settings for all cardstock? There isn’t one. There are many factors that affect cut results such as: brand, color, weight, paper finish, blade life, cutting mat adhesion, humidity, the design, and more! Test cuts are the best way to know what will work for your particular cardstock or any material in fact. This will save you time, frustration, money, and supplies.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – Poinsettia Bouquet

Over a year ago, I started working on a poinsettia project and crafted these gold-painted wool ball centers for the flowers. While that project was never finished, I kept all the pieces neatly tucked away in a basket, waiting for the right moment to complete it. As I revisited the project, I realized I had used this exact poinsettia flower file from Jamie Lane Designs. Inspired, I decided to pair it with beautiful pearlescent papers from 12 x 12 Cardstock Shop to create a stunning bouquet.

Poinsettia Bouquet with Jamie Lane Designs File and 12 x 12 Cardstock

I ordered the cardstock and when I went to use it I was surprised at how thick it was. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to successfully cut it with the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat. After feeling it, I went looking for the weight and found it was 105 cover that’s 285 gsm. Even though I thought it might be too thick, the only way you really know if something will work is to test it! So I did just that. I did have to adjust my cut settings a bit at the beginning and then it cut beautifully!

As I mentioned above, there are no perfect cut settings that work for all cardstock. The faster you can learn to accept that, the less frustrating it will be. You will quickly learn that test cuts will save you time and if you are like me, kick yourself when you don’t do them.

Check out the new video on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel where I shared how I created this paper flower bouquet with tips to using the Electrostatic Mat too!

Perfect Cardstock Cuts with the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Poinsettia Flower Design by Jamie Lane Designs and Neenah Stardream Cardstock from 12 x 12 Cardstock Shop

I miss counted when I was cutting the flowers out and I had more flower pieces cut than I had wool ball centers, but I wasn’t going to let this one sit unfinished. I had extra center pieces leftover from the previous projects and still finished these out to use for a future project or gift.

What are some ideas you have for projects this year?

Find more designs by Jamie Lane Designs at the Silhouette Design Store.

I love exploring how one design can inspire multiple creative projects! The Crafting Creativity blog series is your go-to source for endless inspiration, packed with innovative ideas, practical tips, and expert techniques to elevate your crafting. Whether you’re reimagining a favorite design, experimenting with new materials, or mastering advanced skills, these posts are here to ignite your imagination and help you bring your creative visions to life. Head over to the Crafting Creativity series HERE and discover where your creativity can take you!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Poinsettia Projects with Jamie Lane Designs

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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Unlock Creativity: 5 Stunning Projects You Can Create with Just One Design by Megan Hardy

Crafting Creativity with Megan Hardy
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Discover the magic of versatility with Megan Hardy’s creative designs! In this post, we’ll show you how you can transform a single design into five unique projects that are perfect for any occasion. From an etched acrylic sign with the Silhouette Curio 2 to a wood sign using adhesive vinyl, a personalized apron using Artesprix sublimation markers and paints, a sketched place card for stylish gatherings, and a dazzling foiled card featuring the triple mat stacked technique—this post is packed with inspiration and tips to make the most of your crafting tools. Do more with your designs and bring your creativity to life!

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

Each month in the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletters, I collaborate with an amazing designer to bring you a free file. Throughout the month, I work with the newsletter file to create and share a variety of projects, showcasing the many ways it can be used.

Make sure to sign up for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter HERE for future free files & project inspiration.

Crafting Creativity with Megan Hardy

Project #1 – Etched Acrylic Sign with the Silhouette Curio 2

Etched Acrylic Sign with the Silhouette Curio 2 - Design by Megan Hardy

I used the Silhouette Curio 2 with the Power Engraver to etch on a clear acrylic sign.

Silhouette Curio 2 Acrylic Etching Engraving with the Power Engraver

In most cases, I prefer to etch on the backside of acrylic, however, I knew I want to paint on the back, so I etched the front for this design. The Silhouette Power Engraver leaves a pretty smooth finish, but that will also vary based on the actual acrylic being used and the fill options chosen. The only way to know how it will turn out is to test.

I use shapes in the Silhouette Studio software to create a “template” in order to align the design where I want on the blank I’m using. Just make sure to turn the “cut” line off for the template before you send it to etch or it will also etch the outer edge of your blank as well.

Silhouette Studio Setup for Curio 2 Etching

Also make sure to keep the design away from the taped edges or it could affect the etch results. I got lucky in this etching and it still etched through the painters tape, however, that can also gum up the Power Engraver tool too with the tape particles and adhesive.

Silhouette Curio 2 Engraving Tips

Additional Resources:

Don’t have a Silhouette Curio 2 to etch with? No problem!
Check out these other ideas for Acrylic Sign Decor with Silhouette HERE.

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – Wood Sign with Adhesive Vinyl

Wood Sign with Adhesive Vinyl decal - design by Megan Hardy

I grabbed a plain wood sign from my stash that I had picked up years ago in a Target dollar spot. Added a couple layers of paint to the sign and let it dry. Then measured the inside of the blank and used a rectangle as a template to size the design. Once I had the design sized, I moved my rectangle off to the left side and drew in some weeding lines with the line tools so it was easier to weed in pieces.

Silhouette Studio Software - Adding Weeding Lines to a Design

I also cut my material down to the size I need so I can save the adhesive on my cutting mat and don’t have to peel a full sheet of material off the mat each time. To do this I decrease the Transparency on the Page Setup Panel so I can reveal the cutting grid and know what size to cut my material down to.

Cutting Adhesive Vinyl with Silhouette

Now I am not using the adhesive on the rest of the mat and it will increase the lifespan on the cutting mat.

Weeding Lines on Adhesive Vinyl

Adding weeding lines in the Silhouette software may take a couple extra seconds before you send the design to cut, but can save you frustration when weeding adhesive vinyl.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Sketched Place Cards

Sketched Place Cards with Silhouette - design by Megan Hardy

I love how these turned out! This place card was designed in the Silhouette software, using a rectangle, dashed line for scoring, and the pumpkin design from the Falling for Fall design.

Silhouette Sketched design with white pen - design by Megan Hardy

Let’s not talk about the fact that I created these for Thanksgiving dinner and then totally forgot to use them. There is always next year!

But, they turned out looking awesome! I love the painted liked texture that the sketch fill with the white pen gave it. Each one turned out just a bit different in the way the ink laid down and moved.

After creating these, I did a LIVE tutorial on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel sharing more on sketching tips and a demo using the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat as well.

Silhouette Sketching & Electrostatic Mat Demo & Tutorial

Watch that Sketching tutorial video HERE.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – Custom Apron with Artesprix Sublimation Markers and Paints

Custom Apron with Artesprix Sublimation - design by Megan Hardy

Artesprix sublimation products are a great way to test and investigate if you want to go deeper into the sublimation side of things. I used the Artesprix black sublimation marker to sketch out the design with my Silhouette.

Silhouette Studio Sketching with Artesprix - design by Megan Hardy

With Artesprix sublimation products, you don’t need any special paper! Plain ordinary copy paper is all that’s needed and if you don’t like what you’ve made, you aren’t out much. I love playing with the Artesprix products and seeing what can happen.

Once the main design was sketched, then I sponged on some paint in 2 shades of orange around the design to complete the custom apron.

Check out more details in the blog post HERE.

Sublimation Custom Apron with Artesprix Sublimation Markers and Paints

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #5 – Foiled Card Design with the Triple Mat Stacked Technique

Foiled Card Design with Triple Mat Stacked Technique - design by Megan Hardy

Make your cards pop with the Triple Mat Stacked technique and add heat foil to that for even more wow factor. I love combining things to make unique projects!

This was completed using a digital pattern in Silhouette Studio, setting it up for a print and cut, then using the setup for foiling the design before cutting.

Silhouette Print and Cut plus Foiling a Card Design with Triple Mat Stacked Technique

Foiling can really add a unique touch to your projects! It does take extra time in creating, but can definitely be worth it.

Silhouette Heat Pen Foiling for a card design

You can see this in action in this video – Quick Foil Card Design: Silhouette Cameo 5, Heat Pen, and Print and Cut video on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel.

Foil Card Magic with Silhouette Cameo 5 & Heat Pen

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Find more designs by Megan Hardy at the Silhouette Design Store or on Etsy.

Follow along with Megan Hardy here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganHardyDesigns​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganhardydesigns/

I love exploring how one design can inspire multiple creative projects! The Crafting Creativity blog series is your go-to source for endless inspiration, packed with innovative ideas, practical tips, and expert techniques to elevate your crafting. Whether you’re reimagining a favorite design, experimenting with new materials, or mastering advanced skills, these posts are here to ignite your imagination and help you bring your creative visions to life. Head over to the Crafting Creativity series HERE and discover where your creativity can take you!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

5 Projects with 1 Design by Megan Hardy

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.
Posted on by — Leave a comment

4 Creative Ways to Use Lori Whitlock Designs: Inspiring Projects for Every Crafter

Projects with a Lori Whitlock Design
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Lori Whitlock’s designs are a treasure trove of inspiration for crafters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, her versatile and beautifully crafted files can transform any project into something truly special. In this blog post, we’ll explore four unique ways to bring Lori Whitlock’s designs to life, showcasing a mix of techniques and ideas that highlight their creative potential. From cards to home décor, these projects will not only spark your imagination but also help you get the most out of your crafting tools.

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

Crafting Creativity with Lori Whitlock

Project #1 – Fall Blessing Wreath Sign

Fall Blessings Wreath Sign with Lori Whitlock Design

I cut all of the cardstock pieces for the wreath using the Silhouette Electrostatic Bed along with my Cameo 5 . Once everything was cut, I started gluing the pieces of the wreath together and then added it onto a wood round that I’ve had in my stash for awhile.

I am loving the Silhouette Electrostatic Bed and not having to peel the cardstock off the adhesive sticky mat. I’ve cut lots of cardstock in the last year and it has saved me time.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – Tiered Tray Wood Sign Decor

Tiered Tray Wood Sign Decor with Lori Whitlock Design

While I was cutting the cardstock for the wreath shown above, I cut extra flowers and branches. Then added some ink to the cardstock pieces and used shaping tools to give the flowers dimension before gluing them together. Once the flowers were assembled, I cut fall blessings from adhesive vinyl and added that to the wood block. Then arranged the flowers and glued them down on the left side. Added a bit of twine wrapped around the wood on the right and had a new sign for my tiered tray.

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Pop Out Top Used for Place Cards, Cards, or Treat Toppers

Pop Out Top Cards with Lori Whitlock Design - Place Cards, Cards, or Treat Topper Designs

This is such a fun design to create! For this pop out top card, I used the Fall Blessings design and print and cut. I shared the entire process to create this in a live YouTube tutorial on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel. In the video tutorial I not only shared how to create the design of the pop out top card, but also gave many tips for successful print and cut projects!

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – Magnetic Bookmarks by Teresa P.

Magnetic Bookmarks with a Holographic Overlay

I love these so much! After the Silhouette Live tutorial where I shared how to create the pop out top, I woke up the next morning to see these beauties posted on my group. My friend Teresa creates amazing things and she combined several of my tutorials to make some new magnetic bookmarks.

She used print and cut and added a holographic overlay on top to make them sparkle. In her region, they don’t use the term “fall” so she swapped it out for a few other designs to make it a better fit.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

I love taking one design and thinking of several ways to make projects with it!

The Crafting Creativity blog posts are your ultimate source of inspiration, designed to spark new ideas and help you explore the endless possibilities in crafting. Each post is packed with innovative project ideas, practical tips, and expert techniques to help you think outside the box and take your creativity to new heights. Whether you’re looking for fresh ways to use your favorite designs, exploring new materials, or learning advanced techniques, these posts aim to fuel your imagination and empower you to turn your crafting dreams into reality. Check out the Crafting Creativity series HERE and see where your creativity takes you!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Crafting Creativity with Lori Whitlock Designs

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.
Posted on by — 1 Comment

Unleashing Creativity with Color Cubes by Sarah Renae Clark: How to Elevate Your Craft Projects with Stunning Color Palettes

Color Cubes by Sarah Renae Clark - Color Inspiration
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Have you ever had a tool in your craft studio that helps you save time and be more creative? I am sure there are a few you utilize if you stop to think about it. The Color Cubes by Sarah Renae Clark have helped me. I am terrible at picking coordinating colors for projects and often will spend hours going back and forth on colors. Now there is no more guessing and I have a great resource at my finger tips.

In this blog post, I’m excited to share some creative ways Color Cubes by Sarah Renae Clark have helped me in my recent Silhouette projects.

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

Crafting Creativity with Color Cubes by Sarah Renae Clark

Color Cube by Sarah Renae Clark

Creating Custom Color Palettes in Silhouette Studio Using Color Cubes

Did you know you can add your own custom color palettes to the Silhouette software Fill Panel?

With the Color Cube cards it makes it so easy because it has the HEX code for the colors on the backside of the card. Simply pick the color card of your choice.

Color Cube Cards by Sarah Renae Clark

Then add a new palette to the Fill Color Panel in the Silhouette Studio software by clicking on the + to add a palette and then entering the HEX code at the bottom of the Fill Color Palette.

Silhouette Fill Color Panel - Custom Color Palette

Want to see it in action? Check out this video Silhouette Studio Tips: Create Your Own Custom Color Palette & Add Colors! on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

Silhouette Studio Custom Color Palette video tutorial

I used the Color Cube cards to quickly add colors to make these bookmarks with an Arrow design by Sarah Hurley.

Holographic Bookmarks created in Silhouette using Print and Cut using Color Cubes for the project colors

Find more details on this project HERE.

I also did a live tutorial sharing even more on colors in Silhouette Studio. Check it out HERE.

Colors in Silhouette Studio Live Tutorial

How to Test Print Colors in Silhouette Studio

We often see users ask why the colors that printed do not match the colors they see on the screen? One way you can find out what colors will print and compare those to what you see on the computer screen is to do a test print.

Silhouette Studio HEX code for custom colors

For this test, I used the Color Cube cards 001-009 and added the colors in using the HEX code to fill in squares and then did a test print out to see what the outcome would be.

Test Print Colors from Silhouette

This can be a big help in seeing what colors might print out for a project you are working on. I share even more details in the blog post Silhouette Studio: How to Test Print Colors HERE. Using the Color Cubes I was able to add a variety of colors to the test print page to see how they would turn out. There are many other factors that can affect your print colors and I share those too in the post linked above.

Selecting Cardstock Colors for a Project

Selecting Cardstock Colors with the Color Cubes

Do you ever get stumped trying to pick out colors for a project? The Color Cube cards can help! Or need a little bit of inspiration on getting started with a project? Grab a color card and match your cardstock to the card colors. Even if the colors are off by just a bit, it can help you get started in the selection process and visualize how different color combinations look together.

Color Selection for Other Projects

It does not have to be limited to projects with your cutting machines either.
Grab a Color Cube card for matching bead color combinations for bracelets, earrings, and more!

Color Cubes with Beading Projects to Select Color Combinations

I have recently gotten into beading and find it so relaxing to string beads, however, it doesn’t matter what project I’m working on, picking colors can take me the longest time. I grabbed a few Color Cube cards and opened my Tool Box where I am storing some of my beads that are just waiting to be made into a project and started matching up the colors to see what I had that was close.

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You never know when you might pick up inspiration! This new beading hobby started with me purchasing a book written by a friend, Juliana C. Avelar. I bought the Jewel Loom Inspirations book to do a bit of research as I was writing my own eBook and I fell in love with the projects. For a few months, I just drooled over the pages because I didn’t have the supplies and kept telling myself I didn’t need a new hobby. But one bracelet featured in the book kept calling my name. Then I attended an in-person crafting weekend in Texas and we used the Eileen Hull Jewel Loom and I was hooked!

I am not even a chunky jewelry type of person, but I just had to make one and wanted to have it for my trip to Hawaii for the Silhouette Summit. I am sharing because it was not hard at all and sometimes we need a little inspiration outside of our normal arenas.

Beaded Bracelet with Jewel Loom Inspirations Book

I tried to get some photos in Hawaii, but nothing really captured the bracelet well.

Here is another look at my first bracelet (in front) and the next one that is on my loom. Both of these have a very similar color scheme. I started with the Eileen Hull Jewel Loom and of course, one thing led to another and now I have a few more looms like the Beadalon Jewel Loom pictured below.

Beaded Bracelets

I need to add findings to the bracelet to finish it up and then my next bracelet will be with colors found using the Color Cubes for inspiration. I can’t wait!

Color Cube Inspiration for Beaded Bracelets

Whatever your hobbies include, whether that’s crafts with cutting machines, collecting craft supplies, cardmaking, scrapbooking, beading, fabrics, or something else – keep on creating!

If you are looking for inspiration, check out the other options on the Sarah Renae Clark website too! She has journals, notebooks, stickers, planners, adult coloring pages, printables, and more!

Sarah Renae Clark Website

And follow along on social media too for more crafty, colorful inspiration too!

Sarah Renae Clark Facebook
Sarah Renae Clark Instagram
Sarah Renae Clark YouTube
Sarah Renae Clark Website

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Crafting Creativity with Color - Color Cubes by Sarah Renae Clark

Enjoy !

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