Top 10 Tips for using pens with the Silhouette

Did you know that your could use the Silhouette Cameo to write instead of cut? I used mine to make this faux chalkboard kitchen plaque.

The word art on this sign was made by swapping the cutting blade for a pen holder and using a white gel pen on smooth black card stock.  The pen follows the exact path that the blade would, and so just draws the outline of the letters. I used a chalk marker to partially colour the larger letters and the coffee beans and a fine white gel pen to add a pattern to the coffee mug.

I thought I'd share a list of tips to help you achieve a pleasing effect.


10 TOP TIPS for using pens with your Silhouette:

1. Invest in a pen holder - it allows you to use your favourite pens.
2. Use a smooth cutting mat. I use the mat that I usually reserve exclusively for vinyl. A rough mat will cause your pen to skip.
3. Scribble a little with the pen to get the ink flowing before installing it in the pen holder.
4. Don't use too high a pressure setting, this can result in unwanted carriage lines, blotches and even cause the roller in a roller ball pen to close and prevent ink from flowing.
5. Use a flat lolly stick or tongue depressor under your pen nib to set the correct height in the holder for your pen ... and don't forget to remove it before you hit  'Send to Silhouette'!
6. Smooth card stock gives a more even result. Don't use textured card stock unless you are wanting a more distressed look.
7. Pens generally work best on card stock, so adhere your card to your item after it's printed (and had time to dry). The newer Curio machine allows for thicker items to be placed in the mat area.
8. Try to make your design small enough to fit between the rollers. The rollers may smear slower drying inks.
9. Select the best position for the card on your mat and match its location on your screen. N.B. there is a bigger space without rollers to the right of the mat. 
10. If you do get smears across your work leave them to dry a little and then remove excess pen marks gently with an adhesive eraser.

Do let me know how you get on if you try this - I'm happy to add additional tips too if you have any to share!

Details on this Coffee Lettering SVG file from Sanqunetti Design are in my previous post.  

Mad for Coffee Word Art

I love playing with word art and I SO enjoyed making some home decor items with the new Coffee Lettering SVG file from Sanqunetti Design and my Silhouette Cameo.

I made this coffee mug with regular outdoor rated vinyl. It cuts and releases like a dream if you use a good quality vinyl that hasn't been stored for too long. I now ALWAYS buy from a reputable supplier as poorly stored vinyl can be a devil to work with (don't ask me how I know)! I usually buy Oracal 651 from MDP Supplies in the UK. 

This wall plaque was made using the pen function - yes, the Silhouette can draw as well as cut!  There will be a mini tutorial on this process in my next post as it seems to be rather popular!

This box frame filled with coffee beans and decorated with gold vinyl looks great in 'real' life but didn't photograph quite as well - those reflections are so annoying!

Here is the file I made them all from. Its a great set for those new to svgs files - just a little re-sizing required. AND ... if you are quick, you can buy it from Sanqunetti Design at 50% off! (limited time offer). The download also includes a DXF file - so you don't even need the designer edition of the Silhouette Studio software to use it.

If you like seeing my makes, do leave a comment. There is nothing so good as encouragement to keep me crafting and blogging.  If you'd like further instructions do let me know and I'll see if I can write a little tutorial.

Thanks for visiting - call by any time!