Cutting Chipboard with the Silhouette Cameo - Wall Decor Arrows

This week I've been playing with the Silhouette chipboard and have shared some tips and a quick tutorial with you over on the Silhouette UK Blog.

If you haven't used the silhouette chipboard before you might be surprised! It has a very smooth surface and looks like greyboard but is less fibrous and not as thick. It's very versatile and is fantastic for layering and makes strong and dimensional home decor items.  In the post I show you a quick tutorial on how to make a set of arrows and demonstrate how versatile it is by showing you some alternative finishes.

To make the project I used the Arrows file (#53730) designed by Sweet Afton from the Silhouette Design Store. There are many alternative arrow styles to choose from, visit the store, you'll be spoilt for choice.

The trick to using the Silhouette chipboard is to layer up the identical layers. I adhered six layers with a strong adhesive, Beacon 3-in-1 craft glue.

I finished the front surface with a now discontinued Graphic 45 patterned paper - a tribal pattern that I'd had in my stash for years - perfect for these arrows and gives them an almost wooden carved look. On the reverse I used the Silhouette faux leather for a classy finish  adhered with Beacon Fabri-tac.

Do visit the Silhouette UK Blog. There is a new project or tutorial on the blog EVERY day of the week.

Catch up with me on social media:  Profile | My Blog | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram

Using Real Designer Paper

This weekend I had the chance to play with some REAL designer paper and an ace cutting file. 

The stress at work has finally lifted and I rewarded myself with some really nice designer paper from Graphic 45 called Bohemian Bazaar. The colours are wonderfully bright and well complemented by my favourite teal cardstock from Paper Mill Direct. 

I purchased the cutting file from SVG Cuts, and selected to make the eye-catching 3d telephone from the Call Me Later set.

I made some additional elements using the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition.

Firstly, a dial, partly for nostalgia's sake, and partly to try out my new EC shape tool (14mm rounds). The dial was scaled to fit around them. Purists may notice that there is one number/button missing. That's down to lack of space ... and artistic licence!

Secondly, I made perforated shapes to go over the ear and mouth pieces. It just seemed to need that finishing touch.

I'm happy to share files containing these shapes (they'll be in the proprietary .studio format). Just leave a comment, follow this blog, then email me at libraryquine AT gmail DOT come, and I'll send them to you.

I'm so impressed with design and quality of this paper. It is very much thicker than the other brands of designer paper I've used so far. I've applied to join their NING to get more ideas on using this product.

Now - what to make next?