Today I’m excited to be teaming up with some other fab Canadian bloggers who LOVE their Cricut machines… to give one away to you! We are all sharing some rad DIY projects using the Cricut as well. You can scroll all the way to the bottom of this post to get to the giveaway and read on for the DIY!
You know I love to use my Cricut to cut hand lettering (you can see aaaall the projects I’ve done like that here), but I wanted to get a bit more creative today. Since we’re celebrating with a Cricut giveaway, I wanted to show something really, really darn cool that the Cricut can do. So I tested it out with an extra detailed design. This was my FIRST time using it to cut anything this intricate and it took me a couple redesigns to get it quite right, but now that it is? I am excited to share it with you! I made this ‘You’re Invited’ invitation by lettering and illustrating on my new iPad Pro and turned it into a PNG file for you to cut out. Just upload it into design space, size it how you like and hit CUT!
First step? GET THAT CUT FILE!
A couple tips on cutting an intricate design like this floral invitation? Use a blue mat (this is the Light Grip Mat) so you have an easier time peeling that thin design off the mat once it’s done. Set your machine to ‘Custom’ material and select ‘Card Stock (Intricate Cuts)… yep, there’s a setting just for that! It goes over the design twice lightly to make sure it doesn’t tear the paper #score. You’ll also have best luck if you use a new blade and mat. I had both so popped them in for this one.
Oh! And I used the Cricut brand cardstock from the Antiquity pack if you like the colours :)
I have a Cricut Explore Air which is of course amazing BUT the giveaway is for the upgraded model- Cricut Explore Air 2 which apparently cuts SO much faster. It’s totally on my wishlist, if you were wondering. Did I mention it’s prettier?
Make sure you leave LOTS of time for your Cricut to work on this baby. It’s a lot of itty bitty cuts in this floral invitation so it does take a while. And then leave time for weeding it. I was SUPER careful weeding it because I’m not usually a paper crafter. I am usually a ‘get it done’ type of crafter and paper is too fragile for my style of DIY. Buuut when you want an invitation, paper is the way to go ;) I used both my spatula and weeder (both in the basic tools set and in the bundle you would win in the giveaway). The key to getting it off the mat with no tears (I think) is to bend the mat, not the paper and use the spatula upside down to separate the paper from the mat (the gold is the spatula in that picture up there). When it’s off, use the weeder to poke out all those cut pieces! Once I figured out this system, it went much quicker!
When it’s all done being weeded, I used a spray adhesive (like this) to affix the floral invitation to a light blue piece of cardstock (again, from the antiquity pack) for contrast and stability. You can print or write all your information on the back! That’s really it! Now… for the blog hop and giveaway!
The prize package includes: CRICUT EXPLORE AIR 2 MINT // CRICUT DEEP CUT BLADE WITH HOUSING //CRICUT COLOR CANDY SHOP PEN SET //CRICUT TOOLS BASIC SET // CRICUT CUTTING MAT 12X12 // VARIETY 3PK CRICUT WINDOW CLING 12X48 BLACK
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don’t forget to visit my co-hosts! They each have a rad Cricut made project AND You can gain more entries by commenting on each blog post ;)
PMQ for two // Hello Creative Family // Lemon Thistle // BrooklynBerry Designs // Woman In Real Life // The Learner Observer // Love Create Celebrate
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
Our Exterior Renovation- Progress Update!
Jane
Gorgeous design! So intricate and pretty.
Ellen
Fabulous file! I have a Silhouette Cameo – do you know how this compares to that machine? Not sure I can justify having both! :)
Colleen Pastoor
Great question! I’ve never used a Silhouette but spotted this great comparison post the other day :) http://www.laurascraftylife.com/2017/06/cricut-explore-air-2-vs-silhouette-cameo-3.html
Katie Rozak
This is beautiful! I am just trying to learn hand lettering now and your blog has been such an inspiration. I have three children under four at home and crafting has become a bit of a stress reliever. A cricut would really amp up my game!?
Colette
Thank you for all your tips on weeding!
The design is beautiful.
Krista McMillan
Wow!!! What an awesome giveaway! I would love to use the Cricut to take my paper crafting to the next level!!!
Sarra Fedick
This is crazy intricate! Looks amazing all cut out too!
Danielle Rothman
This is great! Thanks for the template and the giveaway. I would use a Cricut to make custom mugs and wall decals!
Lesa M.
Been following your blog for years now. I love your style and your vibe, both as a designer and a human being.
Colleen Pastoor
That is so sweet Lesa! Best of luck in the giveaway! XO
Lesa M.
We just bought a new home back in April. I’d use the Cricket to help me with decorating our home. :)
Torrie
LOVE this Colleen! I’ve been wanting a cutting machine to make diecuts and collage elements for my art journals.
Deb Elliott
That invitation is gorgeous! I’d love to make it with a Cricut Explore Air 2. :)
Jessica
Oh I have so many ideas for a new machine. I wanted to play around with the design space to make vinyl layouts for water bottles but the cricut I have doesn’t work with it. And I plan on making some custom Halloween clothes.
Ariel
Beautiful! I’ve gotta get my weeding game up to your level ;)
Cristin
What a fun tool. I have never used one and need to learn more about it
Tracy Larsen
This is really pretty! Would like to make this.
Katie Rozak
This is so pretty! I am just starting out at hand lettering and your blog has been a huge inspiration! With three children under four life is pretty crazy and crafting has become an outlet for me. A cricut would be an amazing addition!
Colleen Pastoor
3 kids under four is crazy! We are in the exact same boat :) Best of luck
Staci Torgerson
I would love to own a Cricut. I would use it to make cuts for quilting as well as a pattern or 2 to paint my hardwood floors. I’ve always wanted white hardwoods and I’d add a pattern to the bathrooms, laundry and possibly stairs…..for starters.
Jena
Every time I see something that is created using a Cricut, I am so tempted to go out and buy one… But I have yet to actually follow through… This invitation is beautiful!
Megan White
I am a first-year teacher who loves to craft. I would use this awesome machine not only to help make my classroom an awesome place to be but also to make crafts at home too!
Crystal @ Hello Creative Family
Colleen that is STUNNING! I adore your hand lettering. That’s such an intricate project. I’m sure the weeding took forever. I’m loving the new Cricut LightPad for doing my weeding on. It makes it so much easier to see all the cuts! Beautiful work! I’ve pinned your project. :)
Kirsten
I would use a cricut to make some cute signs for my new house! Also for fun t-shirts for the kids!
Tiffanie Ing
SO gorgeous! I would totally make cards and do a lot of die cutting. I don’t have a manual die cutter, and I’d love to get more paper crafts done with a Cricut!
Joan Sorensen
Oh my goodness! Gorgeous!!
Jessica Fox
I would make “all the things”!!!
Kimberly Stelly
I would use my new Cricut to make all of those amazing handlettering projects I keep drooling over on Pinterest! I would also incorporate cut elements into my jewelry designs and mixed media art projects. Basically, I would use my new Cricut for EVERYTHING!
Charlotte Ross
Make beautiful signs in addition to the hand lettering signs I currently make!! :)
Karen Donald
This Cricut looks amazing! I am just imaging all the things that I could do with it! I love the intricate the pattern is on your freebie! Your weeding skill is amazing!
Jocelyn
Definitely excited about the giveaway! Looking forward to making cutouts for my scrapbooks :)
Joanne Daniels
I would have to make things with my Grandsons. They really like making ornament and things.
Patricia
thank you for the ‘invite’ file I have been hand copying your wedding backdrop. Having a Cricut would be a dream come true!
Colleen Pastoor
Hey Patricia! Do you mean the wooden one with floral overlay? Shoot me an email and I can send the file to you! [email protected]
Sarah
Oh what would I do with a circuit!? The possibilities are endless, but first I would start by using it for the girls organization that I run called “Still Beautiful” To do DIYs with the girls at conferences and events we hold. Also I’d love to make a few things to give a way as prizes… not gonna lie I would LOVE to use it for personal use too !!
Colleen LOVING the blog I always get some many creative ideas!
Glenda Shine
Oh gosh would I love to own a Cricut! I was diagnosed in 2011 with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. That is the rarest and most aggressive for of MS and the only type of MS that has no treatment.
Before that I ran our family business while raising two of the most wonderful kids! My kids are just now in their 30’s and living lives of their own and I am already disabled. I can no longer work because of pain and slow destruction of my nervous system. I also can no longer drive so I am very isolated. Blogs like yours have inspired me to get crafty to enjoy my time and keep my cognitive skills working. However going from a highly paid job to living on disability is a BIG hit. It does not leave room for fun money. This would be an amazing gift and opportunity for me and I thank you for considering me to have this magic item.
Glenda Shine
Diana Herrera
All the projects look fantastic. Would ❤️ to have an Explore!
Judy Vair
Beautiful Design! I don’t need invitations but I think I’ll change it to write and make a colouring page!! Just think how fast I could do it with the Cricut Explore Air 2! I make my own cards, scrapbooking, custom glasses, signs stencils for glass etching. I even created a stencil to silk screen on part of a 6′ x 6′ Mural that’s in a local hospital! Everything for gifts and donation!
Lindi Vanderschaaf
This is beautiful!!! I LOVE the design!
Marcie
I’ve been wanting (hinting forever) a Cricut! I would use it to make stencils for hand painted signs.
Jessica Bordelon
OmG! I would love to win an Explore to give to my wonderful Mother-In-Law! I purchased one for myself last October and thankfully so! I have been in and out of the hospital since then (my most recent surgery just 5 days ago) and on continual bed rest. I had never done papercrafting before, and I know had I not made this purchase, I would have gone completely crazy! She has become absolutely amazed by it, but on a fixed income is unable to afford one. Now that we are both disabled, it would be so great to work on projects with her! :) Every year she knits hats and gloves for the needy, and I can only imagine what she could do with this as she is also a retired art and home economics teacher. This would be an absolute God send for her to receive! I only wish I could afford to purchase one for her myself!
Cathy Bartch
if I won this cool prize, i would be creating like crazy. i would be so excited to own thiis and it could be a job that i would enjoy doing. Come on Colleen, that’s my daughter’s name by the way. You know you want me to have it. Just send it over and the first item I make will be yours. I have a pinterest heading for Cricut, even though I don’t have one yet. I’ve been watching the tutorials even though don’t have one yet. Really my husband would be thrilled because he wouldn’t have to hear anymore how wonderful life would be if I had one. I’ll be watching the mail for my prize. Really though have fun and keep giving away those great prizes..
J. Royan
Enjoy the intricate nature. Had me thinking about a Christmas version with ornaments instead of flowers. I appreciate when creative people are willing to share with those of us that are not so crafty!
Lily
I’d love win this to make some fun shirts for the family and as gifts for others!
Isha
This is SO beautiful! I would totally use this for cards! Birthday and thank you cards specifically!
Fernanda Marquez
This is perfect for making fancy invitations. Loved it!
Justine Winser
Excellent tips!!! I’d make even more really rad greeting cards.
Claire Manhas
Great tips! I’d use it to up my party planning and decorating game. ;)
Sara W
Ah, how beautiful design! I would defo make sonething similar with the cricut. I see already an idea of making random trees with the machine and embossing or stamping few forest animals behind it to get some perspective.
ann
I would make cards, make embellishments for my scrapbooks, use the vinyl to make more things. create . create . create!
Nicki
Gorgeous design work!!
Kristian
I LOVE papercrafting so a cricut would be an awesome tool for me! My husband is a 2nd grade teacher so I’m always working on something for his classroom!
Heather
I have been dying to get my hands on a cricut! Just having been able to justify the cost with a little one and the rest of life. Would love to use it to make gifts for my mom, sisters, and friends!
Melissa
I would make so many papercrafts for my nursery
Chelle Chapman
That would look SO pretty on a mirror, except for the wording of course! I LOVE making intricate cut vinyl on walls, canvas, etc.!
Jocelyn
Colleen this invitation is stunning! I admire your ability to make such pretty things! I would love to try the cricut to make my Christmas cards this year, cuz yes I am old school like that and still mail off Christmas cards! (And get very excited about doing so!!!)
Maria
Oh wow! That is one fancy invitation design! Amazing. I’d love to win one, I have a lot of ‘Thank you’ notes from our wedding to send out, so this would come in SUPER handy!
Jen
So beautiful! My to do list would be endless with all the great things I could create!!
Jen
So beautiful! My to do list would be endless with all the great things To create!
Alissa
Oooooh this is gorgeous, Colleen! I’d love to get my hands on one of these babies! So many possibilities for us hand-letterers!
Maria Leeker
I would use the Cricut 2 to cut some planner stickers … and monogram everything! LOL Well, not literally monogram everything, you get what I mean ;)
Matt
Paper cuts for days
Brenda Haines
I would use it to decorate for parties, make my son shirts.. Make myself shirts! Redo a room or 5 with all the great ideas I can get online.
Malia
I have been wanting a Circuit for about a decade! I’d make signs with it.
brianne sheppard
Ah this would be awesome for my DIY workshops! Love all the projects you make, and safe travels today!
Rose-Anne Gillespie
Gorgeous invitation! This is the type of thing you would buy in a boutique store! How cool to be able to do it yourself! So many neat, beautiful things one could do with a Cricut! Would love to have one of my own!
Katie
I’ve started a fund to get myself a Cricut by selling craft items I’m no longer using but winning one would be even better. ?
Alicia Plaseski
I would love to use the cricut to create cake toppers! ?
Haley Feller
This is so beautiful!! And a bonus giveaway ?
Tina
That design is gorgeous! I’ve wanted a cricut for some time now, this is a great contest! I would use it to make cards, tshirts and vinyl wall clings…the possibilities are endless!
Maria
I would make planner stickers and monogram things
Britt janz
Awesome! This looks beautiful!