I was playing with the sketch options in the Silhouette DE software intending to use my sketch Pens to make Christmas Cards, but when I finished, I realized that as there was quite a bit of detail in this design, it would take a fair amount of time (and pen ink) to sketch these with the Silhouette. Also, I’d have to group, ungroup and mess around with the cut settings when I wanted to switch Colours! As I was going to make a few cards – I definately wanted a quicker option!
The answer was to print the design out instead! It would be just an easy print and cut card and I could save my sketch pens for less complicated projects!
I wanted to put a picture on the inside of the card too. Hmmm…here I go – complicating things again! Luckily, it turns out that Double sided Print and cut isn’t too scary – the trick to lining everything up is to use the “Center to page” option in the Align Menu.
First print out the outside of the card with the Registration marks and then flip the printed page over and feed it back through the printer to print the inside of the card on the reverse of the page. No need for registration marks on the reverse. Then pop it on the cutting mat and send it through the Silhouette to cut. One tip – I test printed on paper first to make sure I was loading the first page back through my printer correctly to print on the back. Here’s the inside of the card:
Ooops – I just realised that I forgot to add a perforated fold line down the centre of the card in the pattern. I scored my card with an embossing tool to make the fold but you can easily add in a fold line if you like before cutting it out.
Don’t have the designer software? You can still use my free files. There’s two versions on the file , I screen captured my design and converted it to a jpeg and imported it to the file – so that’s the one to use if you don’t have DE. The other one won’t show up on your screen properly anyway, so you can delete it ….unless of course you’re going to get the Designer Edition software at some later date 😉
Here’s the Silhouette Studio files – one each for the outside and the inside of the card. There’s a note in the files explaining the options!
Credit where Credit’s Due:
- Watch the video by Clever Some Day for more info on Double sided print and Cut techniques – Kay explains it all in detail.
- The reindeer was adapted from this reindeer image .
This post is part of “The Silhouette Challenge” where fellow blogging friends participate in a monthly challenge to create a new project with their Silhouette Machine.
Here’s an image of all the inspring projects on offer this month that will be sure to tempt you to enjoy a little blog hop…. The links are below the picture.
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- 2013 Snowman Christmas Card by Please Excuse My Craftermath…
- Christmas Hoop Art by Lil’ Mrs. Tori
- Silhouette Nativity Advent Candle Box by One Tough Mother
- Christmas Party Photo Booth Props by unOriginal Mom
- Another Stenciled Tea Towel by Cutesy Crafts
- Silhouette Gift Tags by Rain on a Tin Roof
- Snowflake Pin / Ornament by Coley’s Corner
- State Sign Couple Gift by It Happens in a Blink
- Mason Jar Christmas Ornaments by Vintage News Junkie
- Merry Christmas Wall Decor by One Artsy Mama
- Deer Head Holiday Banner…featuring Santa’s Reindeer by The Thinking Closet
- Restore your UGGS (with PAINT) by From Wine to Whine
- Monogrammed Snowflake Ornaments by Architecture of a Mom
- Christmas Countdown Sign by The Girl Creative
- Elf Chalk Sign: “The Best Way to Spread Christmas” by Weekend Craft
- Glittery Christmas Subway Art by The Turquoise Home
- Sketch Pen Labels by Sowdering About in Seattle
- Snowflake NOEL Sign by My Favorite Finds
- DIY Holiday Hostess Gift by Everyday Paper
- Folding Nativity Backdrop by Chicken Scratch NY
- Recycled Glass Jar Advent Calendar by Nearly Handmade
- Personalized Block Ornament by Suburble
- Paper Medallion Christmas Tree by Create & Babble
- Mini Mid-Century Homes by Tried & True
- Glitter and Vinyl Minecraft Christmas Ornament by A Tossed Salad Life
- DIY Countdown to Christmas Refrigerator Style by My Paper Craze
- Reversible Recipe Holder/Block Frame by The Sensory Emporium
- DIY: Lettered Christmas Pillows by The House on Hillbrook
- Simply Charming Christmas Ornaments by Life After Laundry
- No Glitter was Worn by GiveMeAPaintbrush
- Make Easy Ornaments from Paper Circles by Bringing Creativity to Life
- Cutting Machine Embroidery Applique by Terri Johnson Creates
- “Believe” Christmas Banner by Daily Dwelling
- DIY Christmas Nativity Card by Pitter and Glink
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Your cards came out great! Plus, what a brilliant idea to use the print and cut feature for a sketch pen look. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Kristy, It’s great that it opens up another design option!
Super card. I use print n cut all the time but never tried it double sided. Looks great.
Thanks Glenna, I want to try printing on both sides of some some gift tags next 🙂
Sa~weet!!! I love love love this look.
Thanks Tanya – Glad you like it!
What a great card! It never ceases to amaze me at how talented everyone is, and this is another project to add to the amazingness! I am not advanced enough to try this quite yet, but have at least opened up to the idea of trying new things. Love your creative double sided print and cut challenge!
Thanks Bev, you are very kind.
I’m pretty sure you are advanced enough Bev, I’ve seen your work and you could do this easily 🙂
oh my, I love this!!! I really (really) love the inside! (p.s. I totally didn’t know about centering to the page.. so thanks for the tid bit!) Good Job!
Thanks Dee, Glad you like it!
I was pretty excited myself when I found out about this – opens up lots of potential new projects.
There is so much for me to learn with this machine. I’ve never tried the print and cut feature. I’ve been nervous about switching between the two machines. I’ll have to give it a shot. I really like the different lines of the reindeer.
Thanks Emily. Print & Cut isn’t too hard – Worth having a go – you won’t regret it 🙂
I just LOVE this little talking deer! ADORABLE!
Thanks Jessica, I had a lot of fun making him in the software with the sketch features.
Thanks for the great hint on using the “Center on Page” function to print double sided! It’s such a pain when the sides don’t line up!
Thanks for visiting Vanessa. I was thrilled when I first heard about it too. I want to try it out on some more projects now.
Pam! You have fabulous taste in blog layouts 🙂 I love your reindeer card – so cute and very unique! Turned out great!
Ha Ha – we both do 🙂 Thanks for your kind comments.
For some reason, these cards make me think that the guys in my life would really like them. They are more “masculine” than most holiday cards–love it!
Thanks Rachel – glad you like it.
It’s got a few masculine elements hasn’t it? Although I didn’t think about it before,- The Red & Black combo and the stag head are all a bit masculine. If it was “bambi” in gelato colours it would definately be a more feminine card. LOL!
Print and Cut is probably my favorite Silhouette feature! I didn’t know about the double sided technique. Thanks for sharing that and your card is so cute!
I waited ages before I tried it, but now I use Print & Cut so much! I can see why it’s your favourite feature.
Thanks Jeanie!
Great card Pam! I love the reindeer speech bubbles.
And I love the matching envelope!
Ha Ha – Thanks Valerie, I was getting a bit carried away LOL!
Thanks so much Valerie!
Double-sided print and cut is a new concept for me…thanks for introducing it to me! And for the tips! I love how your card looks sketched, but actually printed. You’ve inspired me to try out some of the sketch options some more. This really turned out beautifully.
Thanks for participating in our December Challenge! Out of this world inspiration (as always).
Thanks Lauren, the sketch features are pretty fun – I dropped an hour (or several) experimenting with them all. I’m using this one as the card I’m sending out this year. Now it’s all set up it’ll be quick and easy to replicate.
I really enjoy doing the challenges and seeing everyone’s creations too.