Bringing a Cut File from Adobe Illustrator into Silhouette Studio

I was so excited when I got my first Silhouette Portrait. There were visions of projects dancing in my head, now I had a great tool to help them come to pass. 

When I first tried playing around in the Silhouette Studio I found the program a bit limiting, as far as being able to create my own unique projects. Adobe Illustrator is a program I have been using for years, some for school and some just for fun, and so I was much more familiar with it and believe I can do so much more {design wise} with it. Now the trick is figuring out how to get those AI files into Silhouette Studio to cut.

There is a plug-in that can be purchased now but I got familiar with this technique before that was available, and this way is free, so I will just keep doing this technique.

MATERIALS/SUPPLIES
Cardstock to fit the size of your cutting machine

TOOLS
Computer
Silhouette Machine

Adobe Illustrator {I am using CS5}

INSTRUCTIONS
Make sure your artboard in Adobe Illustrator is the same size as the cutting board in Silhouette Studio {ie. 8.5" x 11" or 12" x 12" etc.}. Create an image using a line weight of 1 pt, making sure not to double and triple your lines. It can get tricky doing a project with so many curves, if the design is kept simple it will transfer over to Silhouette Studio more easily. I would recommend playing around with a couple of shapes first: ie, circle, square, triangle etc.

Once the design is created it is time to get it ready and export from Adobe Illustrator.

• Make sure to save your file  ex. ~ Hearts Cut Lines.ai
• Clean up your file and remove everything except the line{s} you want transferred to Silhouette Studio to be cut.
• On a different layer create an outline of the entire artboard area {ie. 8.5" x 11" or 12" x 12" etc.}. This will force the image to be placed on the cutting board area in the exact location it is in from the artboard area {Illustrator} when transferred to Silhouette Studio. This box will also help check that everything is proportionate once brought into Silhouette Studio.

To export:

• File --> Export to save your image as a DXF file {AutoCAD Interchange File}

Settings:

• AutoCAD Version: 2004/2005/2006
• Click "Scale Line Weights"
• Artwork Scale 1 inch = 1 inch {this is what keeps your art work the right size}
• "True Colors"
• "Raster to PNG"
• "Preserve Appearance
• No other options should be selected.
• "OK"

Merging your DXF file into Silhouette Studio

Merging Preferences:
Click on "Silhouette Studio" in the top bar, from the drop down menu choose "Preferences". The menu will open to the right of your cutting area. 

*If using a PC "Preferences" will be found under the "File" drop down.

Settings:

• General ~ Unit of Length = inches; Dimensions = click
• Defaults ~ default fill style = outline only; Blade Type = cap blade
• Import Options ~ When Importing DXF = centered, make white lines black, join lines into polylines
• Click on "Apply"

To Merge:

• File --> Merge; select your DXF file you created in the previous step

Your lines should appear centered on the cut area in Silhouette Studio. By selecting the outline created in Illustrator that outlined the work area, you can make sure that the scale stayed true. Simply select it and check the measurements, ie 8.5" x 11" or 12" x 12" etc. If it's all correct, then go a head and delete it.

If your lines don't show up after merging them, try zooming out. I have found that a lot of times I may have missed a simple step and when the DXF file comes in, it is HUGE and you have to zoom way out to see it! Just go back to Illustrator and export again and double check all the settings.

If there is any last minute finagoling that needs to happen, now is the time.

Then simply cut like normal.

The original post I got all this wonderful information from can be found here. They talk about how to create a print image in Illustrator and cutting it with a Silhouette after printing it.

Next I will put together a tutorial with simple techniques about designing in Illustrator for when it will be transferred into Silhouette Studio.

Here are some other projects I have done using this technique.

  

If you have any questions on this tutorial, please leave me a not in the comments. I would be happy to help you be able to create your projects any way I can.

New Tradition for the New Year

This year was our first Christmas season, since we have been married, that we decided to stay home instead of packing up and heading out to stay with family for the Holidays. I know, seven years and we are finally going to start our own traditions. Part of the reason for this is because I am pregnant and still dealing with being sick and also because our daughter is two this year and we wanted to start making some of our own family memories and traditions.

What is our new tradition you ask.....well it comes out of procrastination. 

I was super late with getting Christmas letters out then found that Staples had a deal on cards, 50 for $5. SWEET!!! Even after Christmas came and went, I still hadn't gotten them done but the deal was still good at Staples.

Friday I designed our cards and sent them in, for the extra $5 I put a bunch of photos from the year on the back so everyone could see how much Lady A has grown. I LOVE how they turned out. 

The reason this is going to be my new tradition......getting them ready and sending them out after Christmas means there is one LESS thing to try and fit in, we got to make personal photo cards at a great price and if I wanted to {since everything is digital now} I can also include some of our photos from Christmas morning for grandparents and others.

It looks like the sale is over now but watch for it next year if this sounds like something you want to do. Unfortunately the my local Staples customer service was lacking quite a bit, but next year we will be somewhere new and I enjoyed doing New Years cards so much this year, I'll still end up doing them again.

Thank You Notes

When we first moved to Connecticut we didn't know anyone or even know what we were getting ourselves into. We had so many people reach out to us and help with finding Dr.'s {our baby was due 6 weeks after moving here}, an apartment, and this being our first baby, everyone helped to make sure that we had what we would need for our little lady. Well, now that the school year is coming to an end we have decided to go to Utah for the summer for work and to spend time with family. Needless to say, I can't procrastinate sending out my 'Thank You' notes any longer.

I love how they turned out. Super simple but from the heart.

What you'll need: Card stock, cutter, photos, spray mount, white pencil.

I cut the card stock in to pieces a quarter inch bigger than the photos. In my photo editing program I added 'Thank You' to the photo of me and Lady A then just had it printed at a local photo print shop. Then I spay mounted the photos to the card stock and wrote a little note on the back using a white colored pencil.

Pauls Graduation Announcement

I love that my husband is graduated now and has the drive to continue on in school. Not going to lie, I'm a bit nervous about moving ALL the way across the country pregnant and having our first so far away from my family and the familiar. But, here's to a great new adventure.

We had some personal info on there so I had to tweak it a little bit to put it out there for everyone to see. But here is Paul's graduation announcement. I love how it turned out and while I might be a little biased, I think he is a pretty handsome guy. He will also be a great dad!!

Neapolitan Floral Wedding Invitation

I designed my own wedding invitations and this one is a take off of it. The colors definitely remind me of Neapolitan ice cream. With the soft colors the design is simple and elegant while still remaining sophisticated. The font color for the names is taken from the photo to keep a consistent color scheme.

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality 300 dpi digital jpeg file that you can print yourself.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-font
-font color
-wording
-theme colors

~PROCESS
-Upon purchase, please email your information to alwaysbecreating.designs [!at] gmail.com or in the notes to seller
-Within 24-48 hours, I will send you a proof for your review.
-Upon completion of the design process, and your approval- I will email you the final file.

~PACKAGES
Invitation packages are also available!! Check them out.
http://www.etsy.com/shop_policy.php?user_id=10920771

~Optional Printing
Send me a convo to inquire about printing and cost.

If you like my style, but don't see what you are looking for contact me! I love custom orders!

Love Birds Wedding Invitation ~ Change

Well as I spent more time looking at the Love Birds Wedding Invitation I was feeling like there was something not finished. The heading box needed a little something to break it up so this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy!

There is a touch more elegance and it feels finished now. I love it.

Love Birds Wedding Invitation

Love Birds Wedding Invitation

The original idea for the love birds came from a custom order I had. The gal was looking for recipe cards to go along with the theme of her friends wedding. I was so excited about how they turned out and the customer loved them as well. The Love Birds invitation has a simple and elegant feel you are sure to enjoy and so will your family and friends!

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality 300 dpi digital jpeg file that you can print yourself.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

To go along with this announcement there are also Bridal Shower Recipe Cards. Check them out here. Everyone loves to know their work is appreciated, here is what my customer had to say...

"Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!
The recipe cards were absolutely perfect -
They went over so well at the Bridal Shower, the bride LOVED them.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make them
and then hurry and send them.
I definitely will visit your shop again..."

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-font
-font color
-wording
-theme colors

~PROCESS
-Upon purchase, please email your information to alwaysbecreating.designs [!at] gmail.com or in the notes to seller
-Within 24-48 hours, I will send you a proof for your review.
-Upon completion of the design process, and your approval- I will email you the final file.

~PACKAGESWedding packages are also available!!
-Sweet Pea ~ Your choice of all ready designed invitation plus two other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $27.50
-Iris ~ Custom Designed Invitation plus two other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $30.00
-Amaryllis ~ Your choice of all ready designed invitation plus three other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $35.00
-Calla Lillie ~ Custom Designed Invitation plus three other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $37.50

If you like my style, but don't see what you are looking for contact me! I love custom orders!

Chandelier Wedding Invitation

Chandelier Wedding Invitation

The look of a silhouette chandelier is a simple yet elegant design feature and I have enjoyed working on this one. Even with the design in one solid color the detail of the chandelier really stands out against the background but doesn't shout.

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality 300 dpi digital jpeg file that you can print yourself.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-font
-font color
-wording
-theme colors

~PROCESS
-Upon purchase, please email your information to alwaysbecreating.designs [!at] gmail.com or in the notes to seller
-Within 24-48 hours, I will send you a proof for your review.
-Upon completion of the design process, and your approval- I will email you the final file.

~PACKAGES
Wedding packages are also available!!
-Sweet Pea ~ Your choice of all ready designed invitation plus two other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $27.50
-Iris ~ Custom Designed Invitation plus two other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $30.00
-Amaryllis ~ Your choice of all ready designed invitation plus three other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $35.00
-Calla Lillie ~ Custom Designed Invitation plus three other cards of your choice {Thank You's, Save the Date, RSVP, Direction/Maps, Reception cards, etc.} $37.50

If you like my style, but don't see what you are looking for contact me! I love custom orders!

Monster Mash ~ Halloween Party Invite

Here is another fun Halloween Invite.

I enjoy the play of the Halloween colors of black and orange. Fall is such a fun time to gather with friends and family. What better way to get a group together than a costume party.

Final dimension of the card is 6x6 inches or 5x5 inches when matted on black card stock. Each card is finished with eyelets and grass twine. Card stock and font colors can also be changed.

If you like the design but need a different theme leave me a comment or visit my ETSY shop and send me a convo.

6x6 cards are $1.75/ea

5x5 cards are $1.25/ea
Minimum quantity order of 10 cards

Party Invitations for Halloween

Today has been fun. I spent some time designing some Halloween cards. I know we design them early so that we can be sure to get them online and available ~ but now I am so excited for a Halloween party. When my husband came home I told him about ideas for a party, he just looked at me like I was crazy.

When it comes time to choose one to use for our own party, I don't know which one I'll go with. I like them both for different reasons but I also started a couple others that I'm pretty excited about too. Good thing I have time to choose.

Ever since my seventh grade art class
I have loved Yellow and Purple together.

This one was inspired by a picture of drift wood (more like drift tree)
and the Hill of Crosses!

ENJOY!!

4th of July ~ Celebration

4th of July ~ Celebration

I love love love this card!!!!

The 4th of July is a great time to get together with family and friends? Invite them all over for a great time with this customizable invitation.

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality 300dpi digital jpeg invitation, that you can print yourself.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-font
-font color
-wording

~PROCESS
-Upon purchase, please email your information to alwaysbecreating.designs [!at] gmail.com
-Within 48 hours of receiving the information, I will send you a proof for your review.
-Upon completion of the design process, and your approval- I will email you the final file.

~PRINTING
If you would like me to print your invitations for you please let me know at time of purchase. I will then set up a custom order for the amount of cards you want printed.

~EXTRAS
A map or a custom design for the back of the card can be added for a small charge. Or you can have the back be whatever you want.

If you like my style, but don't see what you are looking for contact me! I love custom orders!

Recipe Card ~ Pink Dafodil

Recipe Card ~ Pink Daffodil

This was a fun to make and use. I love the colors and how they worked out. This is a set of 4x6 recipe cards. 25 for $14.00!!! Cards are printed on 70 lb Card Stock.

They work great for the photo album for 4x6 picture album slots, which is a great way to organized your recipe cards. It is fabulous way to keep everything in one spot.

If you wold rather the main color be something else just let me know and I can whip that up for you.

These make a great gift and are fun to have at events like bridal showers. If you have a specific color combination in mind but do not see it here convo me at time of purchase. I can also print double sided if more space is needed for an additional $3.00.

Orders ship immediately after payment. If proofing is needed they will ship the following business day.

ENJOY!!

4th of July ~ Celebrate with Us

I have always loved the 4th of July. A member of my family has their birthday that day and now as our family has been getting bigger there seems to be so many birthdays around that same time. Most of the time everyone has that day off since it's a holiday and with us all together it turns into quite the event.

4th of July ~ Celebrate with Us

The 4th of July is a great time to get together with family and friends? Invite them all over for a great time with this customizable invitation.

The announcement measures 5x7 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 size. If larger prints are desired please convo me to set up a custom order.

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-font
-font color
-wording

~Printing
If you would like me to print your invitations for you please let me know at time of purchase. I will then set up a custom order for the amount of cards you want printed.~Extras
A map or a custom design for the back of the card can be added for a small charge. My example shows a simple map - you can have the back be whatever you want.

Thank You Cards

I had a lot of fun designing the Valentine cards I decided to make some cards of my own. Over the last little while I have been wanting to create some personalized Thank You cards. I wanted to keep them simple but be sure that my personality was able to show in them as well.

Here they are. Each one has a different rendering or construction document on them of a project of mine from school. On in the inside is contact info and my name and logo on the back of the card. I have to say I am pretty excited about how they turned out. The goal is that when I send a Thank You, the image on the front will remind the recipient of my portfolio and keep me in the front of their mind when a position opens up.

Cards for that Special Someone...

Cards for that Special Someone...and all those special people in your life.

Tell all those you care about just how much they mean to you. This is a fun and simple card to be able to do just that. The font was really fun to work with and adds a lot of character. Is there a specific sentiment that you would like?..... No problem. Just let me know at time of purchase and I would be happy to change the font of the card to whatever fits you. Simply stated on the inside 'Happy Valentines Day' leaving you room to write a note of your own.

Each set comes with 4 cards (4.25 in x 5.5 in folded) and 4 matching red stylized envelopes.

Circle Recipe Cards

This set of 4x6 recipe cards were fun to create.

I use them all the time and my mom showed me a fun way to organize my recipes. She has a photo album for 4x6 picture slots and has organized her cards in there. It is fabulous way to keep everything in one spot.

The set comes in a package of 25. You can mix and match the colors how ever you want or request custom colors. Cards are printed on 110 lb Card Stock.

These make a great gift and are fun to have at events like bridal showers. I can also print double sided if more space is needed.

ENJOY!!

A Different Take

I have this card up for sell in my Etsy store. The lady who purchased it had a cute picture of her little baby boy but needed a different color other than orange ~ it would not work with her photo. This is what we came up with. I just wanted to show the difference just a couple of changes could make. The color was changed to red and a note was added to the bottom.

Thanks for allowing me to work on the Announcement Card for baby Kade.
Enjoy!!!

Bentley Photo Collage - Digital Letter Template - Stationary - Printing Available

This is a great way to share with your family and friends what you have been up to in the last year, to put together a collage of pictures! Look at the options and notice that there is one little difference - option 2 has a card stock texture. With customizable color and text you can truly make it your own. All you do is print the PDF then type your letter on your families personal stationary.

With the purchase of this listing, you will receive the high quality digital PDF file that you can print yourself. As well as Word Doc with margins already set. You just enter your text and print.

Digital Christmas

I love the idea of putting a collage of pictures together in one card - to show what has been going on over the last year. This one is of me, my husband and our new addition, Bentley. The pictures can be cropped or squares can be changed to fit the photos. Another thing I like is when the cards are more of a unique size. This one is 6x7, a size that is not used as much as a 5x7 or 4x6. One of the other things that is great about having a personalized digital card is that for those who would want to, you can just e-mail the cards if running short on time or for those who would prefer e-mails. But they can also be printed off at your own convenience and for a lower cost.

ENJOY!!!!

Contemporary Christmas Dots

Contemporary Christmas Dots - Digital File Only - English - Portuguese - Printing Available

Looking for a fun card to wish your family and friends a Merry Christmas? These two are both great options. With customizable color and text you can truly make it your own. You can choose to add text make it a Christmas party invitation.

The card measures 4x8 inches but can be formatted to a 4x6 or 5x7 size.

~CUSTOMIZATION
On this design, the following customization options are available:
-I can change your photo to black/white or sepia
-Font
-Font color
-Wording
-If you would like to add extra text above "Merry Christmas" please e-mail that along with your photo at time of purchase.

If you like my style, but don't see what you are looking for contact me! I love custom orders!