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Oh Baby, It’s a Washi Card & Silhouette Giveaway!

Okay, crafters, if you weren’t already obsessed with washi tape, you’re about to be.

Did you know there exists a magical material known as Washi Sheets?  Pretty much no surface is safe around me now because I want to plaster this stuff ev-er-y-where.  It’s essentially washi tape in 12″ x 12″ adhesive sheets that you can cut with your Silhouette machine, similar to the look I was going for with my Washi Tape Gift Tags this past Christmas.  (Silhouette America and I…we’re totally on the same wavelength, yo.)  So, yeah, consider it the coolest new craft supply on the block!

So, when a happy package from Silhouette America arrived on my doorstep earlier this week containing some of their snazzy new Silhouette products, I had to give the Washi Sheets & Adhesive Corrugated Paper a trial run.  And the verdict?

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Paper! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

They can stay.

And not only do I have a free cut file to share in this post, but a sweeeeeet Silhouette Giveaway to boot!  It’s a party up in here today.  But first, here’s a little tutorial for any of you eager to tackle your own cards, perfect for those friends who are expecting little ones.  And with the most popular birth month in the year coming up (March!), I have a feeling you’ll be able to put these babies to use in no time flat.  (You didn’t think I’d miss my opportunity for a cheesy pun, did you?)

Tutorial

First up, a quick photo collage of the Silhouette supplies used in this project:

All the fun Silhouette supplies used in this tutorial!

Step 1.  Create your design.  Or in this case, download a freebie!  Now, those of you who have been dear readers for quite a while may recognize the sweet little elephant on the front (and back) of this card from a past project.  Yup!  It was one of my Gender Neutral Onesies from last March!  I love that design so much, I decided to revive it in card form.

Gender Neutral Onesies & Free Cut Files | The Thinking Closet
Gender Neutral Onesies

So, in addition to the split elephant design, I incorporated a double-layered banner with my sentiment in the font Apple LiGothic.  But again, I’m more than happy to share my design with y’all for free so you can create your own congratulatory cards!  {Fine print: this design is for personal use only and not for commercial purposes.}  Just click the image below to download it from box.com.

Free Cut File

You can sign up to download your free cut file using the nifty form below or by clicking HERE. {Fine print: this design is for personal use only and is not to be used for commercial purposes. Thanks!}

FREE Cut File for Silhouette Studio: New Baby Congrats Card! via thinkingcloset.com

Step 2.  Cut your cards.  My Silhouette pal Kristy from Please Excuse My Craftermath recently published a gold-mine of a series called, “So, you want to make a card?”  In it, she gives some super helpful visuals for standard card sizes and how many different cards you cut from different sized cardstock.  I decided to opt for the most efficient use of an 8.5″ x 11″ piece of cardstock and that is to cut it down the middle to create two size A2 cards (4.25″ x 5.5″).

I used my FISKARS SureCut Scrapbooking Paper Trimmer to do the slicing and dicing.  And just used some white and pastel cardstock I had on hand.

Cutting cardstock for new baby congrats cards!

Step one in creating New Baby Congrats Cards with Washi Sheets!

Step 3.  Cut your washi sheets.  Next, I cut out my elephants on the washi sheets.  To ensure I had properly spaced out my elephants to cut on the three different patterns of washi, I drew three 4″ x 12″ rectangles on my digital cutting mat to match the three separate washi patterns.  Then, after I placed my elephants on the left margin where I wanted them, I just deleted the rectangles!

The Silhouette Studio Designer Edition up close!

While the software recommends a blade of 1 for the Washi Paper, I definitely recommend doing a test cut to confirm the proper setting for your blade.  My blade has gotten significant use lately, so it needed to be amped up a notch to 2.  But a brand new blade should do perfectly fine on 1!

Cutting washi paper for New Baby Congrats Cards! via thinkingcloset.com
Do as I say and not as I do! Ignore that rogue roller…I realized after taking this photo it need to be shifted over far right. Phew! Crisis averted.

And just for your reference, here’s a photo of the three different sheets of washi paper that all come in the pack:

Adhesive Washi Sheets by Silhouette America! My new favorite craft supply.

Ooooo!  Ahhhh!

Step 4.  Apply your washi elephants to the card.  This was the trickiest part in the entire project simply because washi is essentially made of paper and is very delicate.  So, if you have a shape that requires precise placement like mine did (on the card edge), I recommend leaving the backing on most of the design and slowly peeling it away once you have it where you want it.  That worked much better for me than peeling off the backing all at once and trying to apply it afterwards.

Applying a washi shape to a new baby congrats cards! via thinkingcloset.com

I thought it’d be festive to use contrasting cut-outs for the ears; the papers all jive together so well, it was easy to find designs to match!  And I think it makes the elephant shape all the more clear.

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Sheets! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

My favorite part?  The elephant’s bum, of course!

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Sheets! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

Step 5.  Cut your corrugated banners.  I love the fun texture that the new adhesive corrugated paper gives to paper crafts…and it cut like a dream!  I cut a set of white corrugated banners and brown, too!  I love how easy they are to apply; no glue.  Just peel off the sticker backing and place it on your card.

Adding a corrugated banner to my new baby congrats cards! via thinkingcloset.com

Step 6.  Sketch your sentiment.  For the inner banner with the sentiment, I decided to use two different adhesive-backed paper to complement the corrugated banners.  So, I sketched a set of the banners on printable adhesive kraft paper and a set on cool gray adhesive cardstock.  When you’re doing a sketch and cut design, it’s important to leave your material in the machine in between sketching and cutting.  Also, you need to tell your Silhouette which lines to sketch/cut and which to ignore.  So, open up the Cut Style window (the little scissors), and select “No Cut” to the banners and for the text, you’ll want to select “Cut.”  (What is in bright red is what your machine will cut or sketch in this case.)

How to use the cut style window when sketching and cutting!

Just remember to trade out your blade for a sketch pen (I used glitter black and aqua), and I recommend selecting “double-cut.”  That ensures your writing will be nice and bold.

Sketch pens at work!

Step 7.  Cut your sentiment.  Without unloading the media from the machine, go back in to your cut style window and switch them so your machine knows to cut the banner and not cut the text.  Swap out the sketch pen for the blade, select the proper media in your cut settings, and let ‘er rip!

Cutting your sentiment! Don't unload the media.

And after adhering your banners and sentiment to the card, you’re done!

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Sheets! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Sheets! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

This is only the second card I’ve made with my Silhouette machine (the first being my very first Silhouette project, the “A Thousand Thanks” letter-sized card), but I dare say it won’t be my last!  Especially considering I still have more of these fun new supplies to play with.  And my card-confidence is at an all-time high!

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Sheets! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Sheets! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Sheets! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

Now, to make some baby gifts to accompany these cards!  I think I’m going to have to consult my own round-up for ideas….  Is that allowed?

16 DIY Baby Shower Gift Ideas | The Thinking Closet
16 DIY Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Designer Edition Software: 40% Off

Silhouette’s new promotion starting today and running through February 14th covers not only new machine bundles, but the Designer Edition software, which is 40% off, and only goes on special sale a few times throughout the year.  (And the best part is that you don’t have to pay any shipping because it’s an electronic download!)

The Silhouette Studio Designer Edition contains all the same functionality as Silhouette Studio plus the following designer features (with my favorites highlighted in bold):

  • Ability to open, manipulate, and cut .svg files
  • Rhinestone tools to convert designs into rhinestone templates and create your own rhinestone designs
  • Sketch tools to convert designs into several styles of sketchable art
  • Creative knife tools to allow you to clip designs using different patterns
  • Enhanced eraser and knife tools to modify designs with more precision
  • Built-in ruler and guide lines for precise alignment and drawing
  • Shear window, which allows for more shape manipulation (video demonstration)
  • Eyedropper tool to transfer properties between shapes
  • Pivot point rotation feature to rotate shapes with greater ease

Plus, click here to check out a YouTube video tutorial showing these designer features in action.

Silhouette Promo Details

Now, onto the rest of the promo details.  By visiting the Silhouette Promo page and using the code CLOSET, you have access to these amazing deals:

  • The Silhouette CAMEO®, The Silhouette Studio® Designer Edition Software, the glitter collection sketch pens, and the metallic collection sketch pens for $363.96 $269.99 ($94 in savings)
  • The Silhouette Portrait™, The Silhouette Studio® Designer Edition Software, the glitter collection sketch pens, and the metallic collection sketch pens for $243.96 $129.99 ($114 in savings)
  • 40% off the Silhouette Studio® Designer Edition Software!  $49.99 $29.99

Silhouette Promotion! Awesome deals on machine bundles and the Designer Edition Software using the code CLOSET. Feb 6 - 14 at thinkingcloset.com

Click HERE to access the special Silhouette sales running today through Valentine’s Day, February 14th!

Silhouette Giveaway

Silhouette Portrait Giveaway! Win the craft-cutter of your dreams over at The Thinking Closet Feb 6th - 9th. Enter now!

And the moment you’ve all been waiting for…the Silhouette Portrait Giveaway!

Just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget below and gain up to 12 entries today.  This giveaway runs through 11:59 pm Sunday, February 9th.  I’ll announce the winner on Monday, February 10th so be sure to check back to see if it’s your lovely name that pops up this time.

[This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age and older.  For some light reading, check out the rest of the giveaway terms and conditions in the Rafflecopter widget below.]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Toodles!

New Baby Congrats Card with Washi Sheets! Tutorial and FREE Silhouette cut file via thinkingcloset.com

*Full Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post; however, I received free product in exchange for an honest review.  This post also contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase using my code or link, I receive a small commission.  Please rest assured that as always, I only recommend products that I use and love like cray cray.

{Linking up here.}

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47 Comments

  1. Such a sweet card for new parents to receive with the amazing washi paper and perhaps a matching onesie!
    The gif is subtle but adds a nice touch to your post!
    Nice of you to share your free cut file. Can’t wait to see who won the Silhouette Portrait.

    1. I wasn’t sure that the Designer Edition software was covered in the newest promo (running now through Feb 28), but I just checked and it IS! Instead of $49.99, the software is 20% off for $39.99. Hope you can take advantage of it if you’re still looking to upgrade!

    1. Aw, thanks, Lauren! And the muted colors match our blog colors! (Following you on Pinterest and G+ now. We Laurens gotta stick together!)

    1. Oh, I know you’d churn out some amazingness with the washi paper at your disposal, Emily. It’s so much fun to work with!

    1. You’re so welcome, Helen! Glad to share it. And how fun that you get to plan a baby shower for your friend! Yes, the washi paper is PERFECT in color and design for all things baby-related. Happy creating!

  2. Love this card! Brittany’s right….Hallmark’s got nothing on you. I too love the elephant bum and the lil’ tail! And I love your gif! I didn’t catch it the first time round, but went back and it caught my eye. You’ll have to teach me how to make one someday. Super cute, sis!

    1. Aw, thanks, Lisbeth! You’re making me blush…. And GIFs are super easy to create! The key is to try and take a few photos from the same vantage point and crop them the same (tripod works great, too). But there are tons of free GIF creators out there. Here’s the one I used for this one: http://gifmake.com/ Now, go hog wild!

    1. Tee hee. Thanks, Tara! Glad I got to resurrect the elephant in this project! Makes me rethink all the possible cut files I can reuse in different mediums. Enough of this reinventing the wheel business!

  3. Why yes I entered this giveaway! Shoot, how lovely would it be to win this!? SO LOVELY! Also, those baby shower cards are mega adorable. The elephant is oh so cute. So cute!Have you thought about selling these fabulous items you make? I am sure you would run a very successful business with all that talent you’ve got! I would definitely be buying these cards. Not even kidding!

    1. Ya know, it’s funny, people ask me that all the time. But I don’t think I have the stamina it would take to run an etsy shop and create enough creations to have a solid inventory. I get too easily bored and would want to create new things! Lol. But I have great respect for etsy shop owners like yourself. And love shopping handmade! Thanks for the encouraging words and for entering! Wouldn’t it be fun to DIY your wedding invites on a Silhouette…?

      1. It totally would! My boss has a silhouette cutter and she is going to help me make a few bunting banners. (that doesn’t sound right, but you know what I mean) I never thought about doing them for a invites! What a fantastic idea.

        1. That’s great that you’ll get to use a Silhouette on some of your wedding decor! It’ll be perfect for the bunting. And I’m a huge fan of your recent idea to do some hand-drawn invites. Love that you’ll have your personal touch on them!

  4. Well, I may just have to go have a child now, just so I can receive a card with an elephant’s bum on it! 😀 this is lovely as always, Lauren! I think that once I figure out my sewing machine (in 2-3 years or so), I’ll have to try for a Silhouette!

    1. Ha ha. If there ever was a good reason to have a child, receiving a card with an elephant’s bum is it! Lol. I feel similarly when I see kid shoes. They’re so tiny and cute…I want to have a child just to have an excuse to buy them! Ha ha. Real healthy reasoning, Lauren. And my poor sewing machine has been neglected since getting a Silhouette; I’m still a beginner, too…hoping to get back into it this spring!

  5. Lauren,
    Those cards are just too cute. I soooo need to win this. My hubby has taken over the bills and told me I can’t by anything If I don’t ‘need’ it ugh! Help a girl out, Thanks for the chance!

    1. Oooo! Hoping you win, Maddie! And then once you’d start churning out the creations and saving money on cards and clothes and gifts, your hubby would see that you DID need one after all! Lol. Best of luck!

    1. I do, too, Michelle! I’m such a cheapsake when it comes to cards. I’m always thinking, “I could DIY that.” Lol. Thanks for the kind words, Michelle! So glad you’re a fan!

    1. Ha ha. Hallmark is going down! Lol. Thanks for the compliments and for entering the giveaway, Brittany!

    1. Elephants are the cutest, aren’t they? Fun for any age, I dare say! And I love the name “Ava” by the way. So beautiful!

    1. I admire you for sticking to a budget, even though it’s tempting sometimes to just splurge. Hoping your turn to win one of these giveaways comes soon, Debra! 😉

  6. These cards are too cute Lauren! I loved your baby onesie and the re-use of the elephant is just divine. I think they would make a great pairing (maybe even wrapped in an embroidered gift box like Laura’s from the Experimental Home {http://www.theexperimentalhome.com/embroidered-elephant-gift-box-and-wall-art/}!

    And what a joy to see you linking to my card walk through. You put a smile on my face. 🙂 Your card-confidence should be at a high – this is amazing!

    1. Thanks for the shout-out Kristy! The three would make a gag-worthy cute present!

      Lauren, I actually got a cameo for Christmas and have been trying to figure it out (first project is coming tomorrow… I hope). I was actually hugely disappointed that I couldn’t import vector graphics into the standard software, so I may just have to get the fancy-smancy software. And… your cards are super-stinkin’ cute. 🙂

      1. You’re so right! That would be cuteness overload! (I always did love that embroidered gift box project of yours, Laura! The gift box is a gift in and of itself!)

        And hooray! Welcome to the Silhouette club! If you want to join our Silhouette Challenge group, it could be a great resource for you if and when those questions too crop up. And of course, I’m always looking for any excuse to hang out with you more! https://www.thinkingcloset.com/the-silhouette-challenge-facebook-group-new-members-welcome/ And yes, the Designer Ed. software is worthwhile, especially if you work with svg files. And I love it for the ruler tool alone! Can’t wait to see your first Silhouette project. Eek!

          1. Ha ha. Thanks for clarifying! And don’t worry, I’m continually looking back at my calendar to even see what day it is. So, I get it!

    2. Kristy, I love your idea to pair it up, and even add the elephant to a gift box! (Laura’s embroidered gift box is one of my favorite DIY gift wrapping projects EVA.) And of course, I had to link to your amazing walk-through. That series is truly a gift to folk like me who are a little bit leery when it comes to card-making. You’ve helped boost my card-confidence, that’s for certain! Thanks a heap, friend.

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