Use the Silhouette SD to Make Invitations
The Silhouette SD, a digital cutting tool manufactured for craft and scrapbook usage, is similar to a desktop printer. The machine connects to a computer with a USB cable, but instead of printing with ink, a blade cuts the images and text you create into a sheet of paper. Users build digital files using Silhouette Studio software's included shapes and any font installed on a computer. If you need extra shape files you can purchase them from the company website (see Resources). Mixing the Silhouette SD shapes and designs with colorful paper provide endless creative solutions for invitations.
Instructions
1. Plan out the design you want to create for the front of your invitation. Think about your design in terms of shapes and layers. Your design can include geometric shapes, shapes from the Silhouette Studio library and any fonts installed on your computer. For this example, think about creating a flower with the words "Tea Party."
2. Cut cardstock to the correct size for the overall card, and fold it in half. You can cut with scissors or use a ruler and craft knife. Make sure to consider how you will mail your invitation and choose a size card that will fit into a standard envelope. Consult an envelope size chart for help.
3. Open the Silhouette Studio software.
4. Type the height and width desired into the box on the side panel. This measurement will be the size of the first piece of paper you wish to cut.
5. Create the first shape in your design. In keeping with the flower example, use the "rectangle tool" button to draw a tall, thin rectangle that will become the stem of the flower. Draw this to the left-hand side of the page in Silhouette Studio.
6. Click on the "text tool" button, and click the cursor next to the stem from Step 5. Type the words "Tea Party." Select any font you wish from the font list. Select the point size that matches the overall size of your card.
7. Cut the paper to the size you indicated in Step 4.
8. Place the paper in the upper right-hand corner of the cutting mat, next to the arrow.
9. Turn on the Silhouette SD.
10. Push the arrow buttons on the Silhouette SD until the menu reads "Load with Carrier."
11. Feed the cutting mat into the machine. Make sure the mat is centered between the white rollers and the arrow on the mat is pointed into the machine. Press the "Enter" button on the machine to feed the mat into the machine.
12. Press the "Send to Silhouette" button in the Silhouette Studio software.
13. Click the "Change Settings" button, if needed, and select the paper weight from the menu. Click the "Send to Silhouette" button at the bottom of the panel when all settings are correct.
14. Remove the cut pieces from the cutting mat, and glue onto your card.
15. Repeat this process for all elements of your design. You can create the flower by cutting a series of ovals and circles, or by choosing a flower design from the design library.
16. Write the invitation details inside the cards, place into envelopes, address them, add stamps, and mail your invitations to your guests.
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