Silhouette card Archives

Posted on June 26, 2022June 22, 2022 by silhouettesecretsplus — 4 Comments

Triple Mat Card with Silhouette

I love being able to recreate just about anything in the Silhouette Studio software!

I’ve seen the triple mat technique in the stamping community for many, many years and even created cards with stamps using this same effect. Today we are going to take a look at how we can easily recreate this look with any pattern in the Silhouette Studio software.

First, a great big Thank You to Teresa P. for inspiring and helping with this tutorial.

I also have a video tutorial on my YouTube channel HERE.

Blue words in this tutorial are linked to more information on that particular topic. Click on the word and it will open a new window with a tutorial on that subject.

Creating a Triple Mat Card with Silhouette Studio

Open Silhouette Studio and set up the Page Setup Panel.
Select Letter size media or the size page you will be printing on.
Select Portrait Orientation.
I have the best results with print and cut on Portrait orientation.

I will be using a standard U.S. card size in the tutorial, however, you can adjust this to your desired card size. Create along with me for the technique and then play around with the sizes you normally create a card in.

Using the Drawing Tools on the left side, draw a rectangle any size.

Using the Scale Tools in Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) or
under the Transform Panel – Tab 2, resize the rectangle to 5.5″ W x 4.25″ H.
Hit enter after typing in the number for the design to adjust.

Make a copy of the rectangle.
There are about 10 different ways (or more) to copy and paste in the Silhouette Studio software. A couple are Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V, right click choose copy & paste, or right click and choose duplicate.
My favorite shortcut is to hold down the Alt key (Option on a MAC) then move the mouse over the red cut line and the cursor changes to a +. Left click on the mouse and drag a copy away.

Resize the 2nd rectangle to 5.25″ W x 4″ H.

Do this 4 more times and resize each rectangle as shown below.

Rectangle Copy 3 – 4.5″ W x 3.25″ H
Rectangle Copy 4 – 4.25″ W x 3″ H
Rectangle Copy 5 – 3.5″ W x 2.25″ H
Rectangle Copy 6 – 3.25″ W x 2″ H

You should end up with 6 rectangles all at different sizes that will make up the stacked technique.

Select Rectangle #1, hold the Shift key down and click Rectangle #3 & #5 to select them all at once. Move those off the design mat area to the gray holding area.
Next, with all 3 selected, fill those with black using the Fill Color in the QAT or the Fill Color Panel on the right side. These are the mats that will be cut out of black cardstock or any other color you desire.

Select the 3 rectangles on the design mat and choose the Center option in the top QAT Toolbar or use the Transform Panel – Align Tools and Center.

With the 3 rectangles centered and selected, right click and choose
Make Compound Path.
Compound paths are one of the most difficult concepts for a Silhouette user to understand. However, in this case, we are using the Compound Path option in a little bit different way. Check it out below.

Next, click on the Show/Hide Library option in the bottom left corner.

This opens up a split screen of the Library and the Design tab.

Click on the Patterns folder in the library.

Affiliate links may be present in the below and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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.

With the design selected, choose a pattern.
I am using Vintage Pink Rose and French Ephemera Collage Pattern by Traci Vanover – Design #401636

Now, it may look a bit odd right now, but hang tight and you’ll see the magic happen on the screen.

Click the Show/Hide library button to close the split screen library.

Now, we can adjust the pattern a bit before we move on.
Open the Fill Color Panel and click on the 3rd tab at the top.
Then click on the Advanced section to open up more options.

Under the Advanced section, you can Scale the pattern up and also Pan the pattern around. Just be careful to watch for white lines to appear as the pattern is “tiled”. The white lines indicate the edge of the pattern page. If you see those on the screen, it will print that way as well.

Adjust the settings to your liking.

Now, are you ready for the magic?

Right click on the rectangles and choose Release Compound Path.

Ta-da! Move the rectangles away and you can see that the pattern fill is now in all 3 rectangles in the exact location that it was when it was stacked together.

What a nifty little trick!

Now that we have our card design, it’s time to set up the print and cut.

Open the Page Setup Panel & make sure the page is setup properly if needed.
Choose Letter size (or the size you are printing on).
Choose Portrait Orientation.

Then click on the Tab 3 at the top of the Page Setup Panel for the Registration Marks.
Choose On.
Click the Restore Defaults button.
*This is an important step if you have ever had issues with print and cut or are just getting started. The default registration marks are where the machine can read the most accurately.

Arrange the designs on the page within the red cut border and stay away from the cross-hatched area.
If needed, use the Transform Panel – Rotate Tab to rotate the design to fit within the red cut border of the print and cut page.

The cross-hatched area is very, very important in the success of the accuracy in the print and cut! The optical eye is a laser eye that turns on when registration marks are on the project. This eye searches for those black registration marks and any part of the design that is in the cross-hatched area can interfere with an accurate reading.
It may look like it read the marks, but if it picked up part of the design instead of the edge of the registration mark, it can affect where it cuts.
Dark colors in, near, or between the cross-hatched areas can interfere with the reading.
If you have every had an issue, look at where your design is placed and are you using the defaults to give the machine the best chance to read?

Some users can successfully adjust the print and cut boundaries, but NOT ALL! The most accurate results with print and cut are with the default registration marks. Once you have established a baseline with the defaults, then you can start changing things and see what works. It does NOT work for all users to adjust.

Print and Cut is an amazing feature on the Silhouette software!
Here are some tips on how to set up a basic print and cut
Let’s Explore v4 – Print and Cut Basics
Starting with the basics will give you the most accurate print and cut results.

Once your page is ready, send it to print using File > Print.

Printed on a Canon TS9521C Craft Printer

I am often asked what printer to buy for print and cut.
Any good quality printer will work.
Start with the one you have and start with the Basics of Print and Cut, test it and see how it does.

Place the printed page on the cutting mat, exactly as it shows on the Silhouette Design screen in the top left corner and covering the grid lines on the mat.

Using a Silhouette cutting mat will also be the greatest chance of an accurate print and cut. Other 3rd party cutting mats are not the same dimensions and can affect the accuracy of a print and cut project.

Load the cutting mat in the Silhouette machine. On a Cameo, the left edge of the cutting mat should be next to the line on the left and not over top of it.
Hold the cutting mat flat as it registers the marks for best results.

Click on the Send tab in the top right corner.
Select the material type and adjust the cut settings as needed for your material.
Click the Send button in the bottom right corner when ready to cut.

For additional tips on Cut Settings check out this post
Perfect Cut Settings in Silhouette HERE

After it’s cut, unload the cutting mat, flip the mat over and carefully peel the mat away from the cardstock.

Add the black cardstock (or other color) to the cutting mat.
Click on the Design tab again in Silhouette Studio.
Select all 3 of the black rectangles, copy and paste to a new design mat and arrange to cut.

Send to cut.

After it’s cut, unload the cutting mat, flip the mat over and carefully peel the mat away from the cardstock.

Now that the pieces are cut, gather the supplies for assembly.

Supplies used:
Recollections White & Black Cardstock from Michaels – https://bit.ly/3bkIlS5 affil
Scrapbook Adhesives Tape Runner 3L – https://shrsl.com/3aeol affil
Foam Tape – https://amzn.to/3b9gHHu affil
Check out how to make your own card base HERE and size it as needed

Start by using the tape runner to secure the pattern to the black cardstock mat.

Secure the largest piece to the front of the card base using the tape runner.

Then add foam tape on the backside of the black cardstock mats to give it dimension.

Line up the pieces on top of the large rectangle, lining it up as you designed it. In this case, we centered the stacked mats.

Vintage Pink Rose and French Ephemera Collage Pattern by Traci Vanover – Design #401636

And you have created a triple matted card using the Silhouette Studio software and pattern fill.

As you get familiar with it, you can start experimenting with different designs, patterns, and placement.

Patterns used:
Vintage Pink Rose and French Ephemera Collage Pattern by Traci Vanover – Design #401636
Wildflower Watercolor Pattern by Angie Makes – Design #187189
Carte Postal Bird by Glitz Design – Design #33715
Golden and Blue Abstract Pattern by Nilmara Quintela – Design #318594

Golden and Blue Abstract Pattern by Nilmara Quintela – Design #318594

It is hard to see in this photo, but I added a bit of detail with a gold pen to this pattern.

Carte Postal Bird by Glitz Design – Design #33715

And since you are already setting up a print and cut, you can also add a sentiment that could either be added directly to the pattern area or create your own shape as well. Print it right along with your pattern pieces.

Wildflower Watercolor Pattern by Angie Makes – Design #187189
Thank you sentiment by Dresden Carrie – Design #171127

I hope you get a chance to get into the Silhouette Studio software and create today!

Check out the full video tutorial on my YouTube channel HERE too!

I would love to see what you are creating with your Silhouette software or machines!
Feel free to post on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

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.

Or if you are looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

Posted on September 18, 2020 by silhouettesecretsplus — 1 Comment

A Fun Card with Silhouette

Have you been joining in on the Silhouette and Michael’s free Zoom classes?

I have and I am loving them!

*Blog post written in Silhouette Studio v4.3.372*
*Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*

This weeks class was with Lori Whitlock and she showed how to cut and assemble the Impossible Card Sunflower – Design #330051.
Don’t let the name trip you up! They are pretty easy to assemble!

I thought I’d share a few tips that I like to do when I’m working with cards or projects like this.

Tips

Cut multiples of the Design

When I’m working with something like this, especially cards that have multiple pieces to cut, if I can fit more than one of the main card piece on a sheet of 12″ x 12″ cardstock, I’ll cut multiples out.

Since I am already cutting one out, it is not much more effort to cut a couple extras. Whether I assemble them all at the same time or set them aside for later, I will have the cutting part done.

Cut material down to the size needed.

By cutting the material down to the size I need, I can fit multiple colors onto the cutting mat to cut it all at one time and it can save the adhesive on the cutting mat as well.

How does this save the adhesive on the cutting mat?
Yes, there is still cardstock covering most of the cutting mat.
However, by cutting it down to the size I need in each color, I am only placing it on the mat one time versus putting 3 full sheets of cardstock on the cutting mat and removing it after each cut.
That right there will add a bit more life to your cutting mat.

For more tips on getting the most out of your cutting mats click HERE.

How do you know where to line up the colors?

I use the Transparency slider on the Page Setup Panel to reveal the grid of my cutting mat so I can line up the design and see where I need to place the cardstock on the cutting mat.

If you are using a Silhouette cutting mat, the grid on the cutting mat lines up with the cutting grid on the Silhouette software if the cutting mat is loaded properly.

Use the Textured Cardstock setting

I use the Textured Cardstock Setting to cut almost all cardstock. However, I do prefer to cut smooth cardstock as textured can be more of a headache to cut because of that textured surface. That does not mean you cannot cut textured cardstock, however, it may not always give you the clean cut you want.

Now, not all cardstock is the same so the best thing you can do is a Test Cut. My go to cardstock is Recollections brand from Michaels or Close to My Heart cardstock.

Test cut, Test cut, Test cut!!!

Why did I say it 3 times? It is one of the most important habits that you can get into when cutting on the Silhouette. This will save you a lot of time and wasted materials if you start with a test cut anytime you are using a new material or changing materials.

You can use the Test Cut feature in the software that is located at the bottom right corner of the Send tab.

Or my preferred method is to type out a capital B and move that around on my design mat as needed.

Why a B?
There is nothing magic about a capital B and it doesn’t have to be a specific font, the default font is fine. A capital B has straight lines, corners, and curves. This makes it perfect for seeing how the settings and your blade will work for the material you are cutting.

Keep a dedicated cardstock blade

Keeping separate blades for each materials can help the blades last longer. Different materials dull the blade at a different rate. It is just like having separate scissors for fabric vs paper.

Add designs for future projects to a print and cut page

If there is a print and cut aspect to the project, add more designs onto the page to fill it up. Set those extras aside for when you get a chance to cut out the pieces for those cards.

Impossible Card Flowers Thank You – Design #329058
Impossible Card Mason Jar – Design #328683

I cut 8 of the Impossible Card Sunflower design but still had extra space on the print and cut page so I looked in my library for future cards I might make and had 2 more of the Impossible cards. I opened each file and then copied the sentiment from the file to my print and cut page. I cut several of each to fill up my page. Now my print and cut portion is done for those future projects. Make sure to keep them some place safe that you remember for later.

For more tips on print and cut check out these two posts:
Print and Cut Basics
More Print and Cut Tips

and my final tip for the day….

Take advantage of these free Zoom classes hosted by Silhouette and Michaels.
When you join the call, come to pick up the tips and tricks from the instructor.
Watch the video and soak up the creative energy and then later create the project!
I wouldn’t recommend trying to create at the same time as the class. They are typically quick, 1 hour classes and it is hard to keep track of it all at once.
Don’t forget that you can come back and watch the replay after it’s posted.

Check out this video on Michaels YouTube channel HERE.

I am loving these Zoom classes to connect with other Silhouette users and spark that creative energy again. This has been an interesting year and at least this is one good that has come out of it – more online classes.

Find Lori Whitlock’s designs in the Silhouette Design Store or on her website HERE.
She is an amazing graphic designer and has some awesome cut files!
And you will find that she has a wide selection of tutorials to go along with those cut files HERE.

I hope these tips have helped give you some ideas on how you can be more productive with your Silhouette machines.

What are you creating with your Silhouette? I’d love to hear!
Feel free to post photos or questions on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Enjoy!

**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 November 6, 2018July 14, 2019 by silhouettesecretsplus — 3 Comments

Cutting Cards with the Silhouette

I started my Silhouette journey as a paper crafter and it has expanded from there. But, I always still love getting paper out and playing with it.

I love being able to make custom cards and unique items with my Silhouette machines.

It was my husband’s birthday last month, so I needed a card.

This year, while I was shopping for the perfect card idea, he was upstairs playing on the xbox and this one popped into my view – Happy Birthday Circuitry by Snapdragon Snippets – Design #78049.

When you open this file, here is how it looks.

The first thing I do is ungroup the file and then use the Fill Color Panel to add color to the design to make it easier to work with.

Now, I place one color on my mat, move the pieces of the design onto the virtual design mat and cut that color. Then I move those pieces off the virtual design mat and move another color on to cut, until I have all the pieces of my card cut out for assembly.

Normally, I don’t use a spray adhesive but this time, I thought it would be perfect since the card front had so many twists and turns.

A quick spray and it was ready to smooth down on the card base.

It was the perfect time to test my new Portrait 2 out.

I used Close to My Heart Cardstock, a Scrapbook Adhesive by 3L tape runner, spray adhesive and a silver brad to complete this card.

There are so many projects you can complete using your Silhouette machines! I hope you try something new today!

I would love to see what projects you create! Feel free to post on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Enjoy!

**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 June 12, 2018April 27, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — 2 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Pop Up Panel

Today we are exploring the Pop Up Panel. Did you know there was such a thing? If you have v4.1.197 or higher of the Silhouette software, then this is available to you.

This is a neat feature that you can take a design and make it pop out of base shape, such as a card.

Let’s take a look at how we can go from this

to this

First, I started with my Page Size set at 5.5″ x 8.5″ for my card base and turned it to a Portrait Orientation.

Next, I drew a 5.25″ x 8.25″ rectangle to fit inside my card base. I used the Scale Tab to get the exact dimensions I wanted for my inner rectangle.

Then, I used the Align Tool to Center the design to my Page.

Then, I pulled down a vertical Guide (blue line) from the top to line it up with the center fold line of my card at 4.25″. Guides are a Designer Edition upgrade feature and you can turn them on and off under the Page Setup Panel – Tab 2.

Now, open the design you want to use for the Pop up card.

We are now ready to take a look at the Pop Up Panel features.

Convert Selected Shapes to Popup – Select the Design and click this to create your Popup shape on your base. Lines will show up on the design at the top and towards the bottom.The bottom line is the score line for the center of the card. Match the score line up with the Guide created at 4.25″When the design is selected, a directional arrow in the center appears & that can be used to move and adjust the design and pop up features and vary the length of the design to pop out of the base.The farther down you pull the arrow, the more the features adjust. Pull the red dots on either side of the score line out to the edges of the card, so it will score a fold line to the edge of the card.
Restore Original Shapes – This will restore the shape to the original design. This is great if you decide you don’t like it and want to start fresh.
Release Popup – This releases the design into individual cut lines, which can be used to further manipulate the design how you like it. Each line will now become it’s own separate piece and can be moved or deleted, as you see fit.
Base Width – This will adjust the base width of the score line on the bottom edge of your design where it meets the card.Here I increased it to 57% to show you how it looks. Each design will vary in how it looks and the look you want to achieve.
Min. Strut Width – This adjusts the Popup tabs at the top of the design. As the number increases the number of tabs goes down.I increased the Min. Strut Width to 0.269″ and it changes so there are only 5 tabs at the top of my design.
Dash Pitch – Dash pitch adjusts the score line width and how far each line will cut before skipping to the next one.

And here is the final view on the Send tab before you go to cut the Popup design.

Send your design to cut and assemble the card.

This PopUp feature is amazing! So many options & so much fun to create with.

What is the best way to learn? Play, play, play!!! Will you make mistakes? YES! Everyone makes mistakes! But you learn as you go!

Now, set aside some time and play, play, play!

This card was created with Happy Face One Design #147176 by Sarah Bailey from the Silhouette Design Store, Close to My Heart cardstock, and Oracal 651 vinyl.

Yes, you read that right. I used Oracal 651 vinyl on a card. This would not work with all cardstock as it will depend on the fibers of the cardstock but a high quality, smooth cardstock you should have no issues using transfer tape to apply your design.