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Using the cricut maker to cut your printables from etsy

Howto & Style

Using the Cricut Maker to Cut Your Printables from Etsy

Introduction

I want to start by explaining the primary focus of this article. It's about taking a printable sheet, which you might typically buy on Etsy, that has various elements on it—like this one with different items on it—and extracting a specific element, say a pizza box. You may want to isolate and resize this pizza box to have it cut out accurately using the Cricut Maker. The first part is all about using Photoshop to do just that—extract, resize, and prepare it for Cricut. Then, I'll guide you through the steps to get it ready for printing and cutting on the Cricut Maker.

Extracting Elements in Photoshop

To begin with, you need to take your Etsy printable sheet into Photoshop.

  1. Open the Printable Sheet in Photoshop: Load your desired printable sheet which, in this case, includes several elements but you're focusing on the pizza box.
  2. Isolate the Element: Use the selection tools in Photoshop to isolate the pizza box. For simplicity, Control+J to duplicate the layer, then use a selection tool like the magic wand to extract the desired element.
  3. Remove the Background: Follow by removing the background and placing the element onto a new document.
  4. Resizing: Resize it to your desired dimensions using Control+T (Transform).
  5. Adding a Stroke: Sometimes Cricut doesn't detect edges perfectly, so adding a one-pixel stroke around the element can help it detect and cut it correctly.
  6. Save the Image: Save your isolated and resized pizza box as a new file.

Preparing for Cricut Cutting

  1. Upload the Image to Cricut Design Space: Open Cricut Design Space and start a new project. Upload the saved pizza box image.
  2. Remove Background in Cricut: Utilize the background removal tool in Cricut to ensure your element is well isolated.
  3. Insert the Pizza Box: Insert it into your canvas. Resize if necessary.
  4. Duplicate: If you want multiple copies, duplicate the image to fill the page.

Printing and Cutting with Cricut

  1. Print the Image: With your images arranged, click 'Make It'. Ensure you have cardstock loaded in your inkjet printer, as it’s more rigid and suitable for creating boxes.
  2. Send to Printer: Click 'Send to Printer', ensuring you print with system dialogue to maximize quality.
  3. Adhesive Mat: Place your printed sheet onto Cricut’s adhesive cutting mat.
  4. Load into the Cricut Maker: Insert the mat into the Cricut Maker, which will read the calibration marks and cut your boxes accurately.
  5. Cut and Extract: After cutting, remove the excess paper and use the tools to gently detach your perfectly cut pizza boxes.

Assembling the Pizza Boxes

  1. Fold the Boxes: Carefully fold along the pre-scored lines. Using a ruler can help make precise folds.
  2. Final Assembly: You can use a dab of glue for more stability if you wish.

Summary

Using a Cricut Maker significantly simplifies the process of cutting out intricate elements from printable sheets purchased on Etsy, saving both time and effort while ensuring precision cuts.

Keywords

  • Printable sheet
  • Etsy
  • Cricut Maker
  • Photoshop
  • Extracting elements
  • Resizing
  • Adding stroke
  • Printing
  • Adhesive mat
  • Cutting mat
  • Assembling boxes

FAQ

Q: Why should I use a Cricut Maker to cut printables from Etsy? A: The Cricut Maker provides precision cutting, especially useful for intricate designs, and significantly speeds up the cutting process compared to manual cutting.

Q: Do I need to use Photoshop for this process? A: Photoshop is recommended for isolating and resizing elements from the printable sheet. However, other graphic design software with similar capabilities can also be used.

Q: Can I use materials other than cardstock? A: Yes, but cardstock is recommended for sturdiness, especially for creating rigid items like boxes.

Q: Does the Cricut Maker come with the necessary tools? A: The Cricut Maker comes with basic tools, but additional tools like the adhesive mat may need to be purchased separately.

Q: What if the Cricut Maker doesn't cut the edges perfectly? A: Adding a stroke in Photoshop helps Cricut detect and cut edges more accurately, improving the cut quality.

Q: Is assembly complicated? A: Not necessarily; using a ruler and optionally some glue can help ensure precise and sturdy assembly.