Sunday, February 20, 2011

The DIY Project Parade

Do you have something DIY related to share this week?  We're still working on the kitchen  AND cleaning out the basement so we can get electric to where the kitchen island will be above and choosing the flooring and backsplash.  


I managed to squeak in getting familiar with my Silhouette before taking on a "more involved vinyl cutting project" which has me pretty excited to dive right in but best to know what I'm doing and the tips/tricks with Silhouette before taking on a bigger project. If you don't have a Silhouette - just look at the pictures to see another fun example of what it can do (giveaway coming this week). Skip the red tutorial text.  If you do have a Silhouette and you're looking for tips, hopefully this tutorial will help a little.


I made this project to get to know my Silhouette a little better.  A starter project.



This is Lalka.  


She needed somewhere to keep these...






Using the Silhouette SD, I personalized a cookie jar just for her.  Here is how we cut vinyl letters for labeling a glass cooking jar.  Trial and error. I wanted the letters smaller, but for cutting vinyl for the first time, best to go with something manageable. I still love the end result. 



I typed out my label using the Silhouette SD software.  Silhouette will cut any font on your computer - no cartridges needed!


Change settings according to the vinyl package and use the blue tip.  


Feed the vinyl paper shiny side up. 


Send the document to the Silhouette SD (just like a printer except that it has a blade that cuts) and it works it's magic, cutting the vinyl just deep enough.  It sounds like someone playing pinball. I love that sound!


Next, peel away the negative/un-used part of the vinyl from the backing. 


You'll see your vinyl letter/word/shape on the blue backing like this:


Now...cut a piece of the transfer paper to size.  Peel off the backing of the transfer paper.






Place over the vinyl letters.  Smooth into place.


Flip and peel the backing of the vinyl paper off.  (Your vinyl words might be all together. Mine are a little separate since this was my first time and it took 3 times to get good cuts. I ended up going with pieces. Don't give up!)




Now letters are ready to be placed onto the jar. 


Place and smooth, using fingernail to make sure it's sticking to the glass. 


Peel off the transfer paper. There are places where the jar is rounded, so tiny parts of my vinyl wrinkle.  I smoothed them out the best I could but I'm okay with imperfections.


Now, kitty treats are stored so much cuter than the original packaging. 






Exciting news!



SILHOUETTE GIVEAWAY Wed. 2/23!


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Do you have a DIY project to show off this week?  I'd LOVE to see it!  Or please visit the links to get inspired!





The DIY Show Off


If you'd like to link YOUR DIY project post to The DIY Show Off Project Parade:


1.You must use the button above and link to this post to share the linky love.


2.Include your name or blog name and project title. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your DIY project post url). Feel free to link a Past Post, just invite your readers in a current post with a quick note.

3.Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.


4.If you notice your link has disappeared -please add the link back to The DIY Show Off to your post today, a button or a quick note to your readers about the party and try again! I love when everyone participates and readers check out everyone's links, but I think the return favor of linking back is the nice thing to do so everyone plays fair and enjoys all of the projects and links. Also - this blog party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted.


*I received a Silhouette SD in exchange for product reviews and tutorials, however opinion (LOVE) is my own. 


Tomorrow is the last day to enter the DIY Club's monthly party!  The new rules make it easier for you to enter your project!  
DIY Club