30 Ways to use Cut Files on your Scrapbook Layouts + FREE Cut File.

Hey Creative Friends, I’ve been asked about this A LOT! I’m frequently getting messages for ideas on How to use Cut Files on scrapbooking layouts so I thought, why not give you a whole bunch of ideas to get you inspired! Cut Files really are so flexible and useful, which is why I love them so much! First up though, do you love FREEBIES? Make sure you sign up for our Cut File lovers Newsletters, I send two free designs every month, so you will want to jump on that! You can sign up HERE.

30 Ways to use Cut Files on your Scrapbook Layouts

Now, onto the ideas I have for you… I challenge you to give them all a try!

#1 As a layout title. Cut files make amazing layout titles that are super inexpensive and so so flexible. This design features the ‘You Are Special‘ cut file which you can grab for FREE HERE.

#2 Frame it! There are many cut file designs that feature frames. These designs are so great to work with because you have a ‘spot’ for your photos ready and waiting to go, who doesn’t love that! This balanced layout structure is a personal favourite. ‘Roses and Frames‘ design.

#3 As a repeating pattern. This ‘Smell the Roses‘ design has been repeated and positioned around the page for a really striking design feature. The roses direct the eye towards the centre of the page.

#4 Help document the details of your story. School photos can be tricky, years blend into the next after time. This ‘Grade School‘ cut file helps to document the details of the layout. By choosing pattern papers carefully, parts of the cut file design stand out and can really help the viewer quickly identify details in the story.

#5  Turn them into shaker pockets. Um… sequins, yes, please! For this page, I’ve cut the ‘Camera Beautiful You‘ design to fit the layout background. I’ve then backed with vellum and pattern paper and added sequins in between the layers to create a shaker pocket. So fun!

#6  White on White. There is something striking about a white cut file on a white background. This cut file ‘Garden Background‘ is a great choice as the extra detail in the design really set the page off. It adds real texture and interest that I just love.

#7  Double it up! For this layout, the large feature cut file (Floral Banner) has been cut twice, once in dark blue and secondly in white. The dark blue cut of the file acts as a shadow to the white design. It’s such a striking addition to this page.

#8 As a large background feature. The ‘Bows on Strings‘ cut file used here really creates a striking element on this simple page design. For interest, some of the bows have been backed in pattern paper, with others left open to show through to the background. A page like this is super quick to pull together.

#9 On a dark background. Placing white cut files over a dark or bold background adds a striking element to any page. The extra beauty of this technique is that no backing is required so if you are not a fan of fussy cutting, this tip is a winner. I’ve used the ‘Winter Wonderland‘ page builder file for this layout.

#10 Cut out of pattern paper. This cut file design has been cut from pattern paper. Not only does it add a striking element to the page, but saves time with no need to back it. Simply add to your page, add photos and a few embellishments and you are done! ‘Trio Flower Cluster‘ design.

#11 Be ‘punny’, it’s fun! The cut file ‘Brace Yourself‘ on this page is a fun pun that relates to the photos. It would also work for an adventure page, you can get really creative with your titles so go for it!

#12 Add a clean mixed media element – You can add all kinds of mixed media paints and sprays to your cut files. I love doing this and then adding them to a clean background for a clean mixed media look. For this page, I’ve added Distress Ink to several cuts of the ‘Celebration Flowers‘ files in various colours. I’ve added colour blocking for the embellishments and teamed this all with a black and white photo that pops!

#13 To help with your layout design. In this page, the cut file ‘Butterfly Garden‘ fills a large part of the page. When using files like this your design choices are limited, which actually helps pages come together faster. There are fewer embellishments required and limited photo positions available. This stops that shuffle I know you do (because I do it too!)

#14 Double Up! Using two different cut files on your page is double the fun! For this page, I’ve used both to help tell my story. The ‘Sunny Skies‘ design acts as a background and the ‘Summer Days‘ file is my page title.

#15 To add a bold feature title to your layout. Let’s face it, alphas such as ‘Thickers’ can be expensive, cut files give you a similar bold look at a fraction of the price. This ‘Traveller Background‘ is the perfect bold title for this vacation-inspired layout. I’ve layered it on top of the globe element from the same cut file and some watercolour inspired pattern paper for the win!

#16 To maximise negative space. This ‘Stitch Heart Geo‘ design was the perfect addition on this page to fill in the blank space of the background. These designs are also some of the easiest to work with as they simply need layering onto pattern paper. The paper shows through the design, no need for fussy cutting to get a ‘backed’ look!

#17 To reinforce your story. Every element on your scrapbook page should help you tell your story. In this page, the ‘Book Stack‘ design is a perfect fit for this photo at our local library.

#18 DIY inexpensive embellishments. The cut files in this layout may not be as noticeable as those in other pages shared here, but they are working just as hard. For this page, I simply cut out two leaf designs ‘Leaf Duo‘ and used them as a base for my embellishment cluster. Embellishments can be expensive so these leaf elements are a great option for those of us scrapping on a budget!

#19 To help create a scene. The photo in this layout was taken on a sailing boat, but you can’t really tell that from the photo, especially at first glance. The ‘Set Sail‘ cut file design really helps the viewer to get a feel for where the photo was taken, it helps set the scene of the photo to theme the page.

#20 To document small moments. This photo was just a quick snapshot, a silly photo of my daughter on her phone, but it tells a story of my Miss 13 and her love for technology. I love documenting the small moments in life as well as the big ones, it’s so important. The cut file ‘Chit Chat‘ I’ve used here expands on that idea, giving me a space for some typed journalling that fits in the theme.

#21 Use as a design element. Cut file designs don’t have to directly relate to your photo. More generic designs such as these ‘Quad Frames‘ are so versatile and can be used on so many different styles of pages. I’ve added them to this page as they help draw the eye to the central design elements and most importantly the photo.

#22 Go Monochromatic. For this layout, I’ve pulled a stack of a blue/green papers and elements in my stash to create this Monochromatic layout. I’ve mixed and matched the papers to back my ‘Happiness‘ cut file. It still surprises me just how few supplies you actually need when working with a cut file. They really extend your stash and this technique is a great way to stash bust!

#23 To document family holidays. Back from vacay and have a bunch of photos to scrapbook? Cut files can really help pull your pages together fast and give a consistent look in travel albums. This page features our ‘Makin Waves‘ design which has been coloured with watercolours. The waves in the design really fit with the Summer vacation theme and could easily be repeated throughout an album with a sailing or summer theme.

#24 To give your photos context. The ‘Conversation‘ cut file on this page not only acts as a wonderful background and base for my photos and embellishments for the layout but gives the photo context and helps tell the story.

#25 Add a repeated pattern. This ‘Speech Bubble‘ design has been cut twice to fill the centre of this layout. Many cut file designs can be cut out several times and then repeated on your page for a fun effect. Any repeated pattern can help your layout design feel more consistent.

#26 Colour blocking. Cut file are a great way to add clean colour blocking to your page. For this layout, I’ve used the ‘Intersecting Hearts‘ cut file which I’ve repeated down my page and then added a plain pattern paper to back them. This creates three blocks of colour which creates a base for my photos and embellishments.

#27 To document special occasions. I don’t know about you, but I find scrapbooking ‘special events’ so much harder than scrapbooking ‘everyday’ photos. The pressure to make the page ‘good enough’ for that special photo can seem overwhelming! This is where very specific cut file designs come in really handy. It doesn’t matter to me that I’ll possibly only ever use them once, they are so inexpensive it’s worth it to help me get that very special photo scrapbooked! Cut files used on this page are part of the ‘Christmas collection‘.

#28 Add Floral elements to your page. Flower embellishments can be expensive and can add a lot of bulk to your page. Floral Cut Files such as these ‘Lily of the Valley‘ can give that same look, especially when teamed with some fussy cut die cuts and layered leaves. I love that you can reuse these over and over and make them fit any scrapbook layout just by changing up the pattern papers you use to back them.

#29 Cut them up! You don’t have to use a cut file design as a whole element on your page. They are really great for chopping up and changing up the design. This file ‘Flowers and Frames‘ actually has two square photo boxes as part of it. I’ve chopped those off and used just the floral elements for this layout. Think outside the box and you can get several looks from the one design.

#30 To help you use up your stash. This layout is one from our KIT to YOU collection. These exclusive designs help you use up your stash with Step x Step instructions and a special ‘Shop your Stash’ section, so no going out for new supplies, you can use what you have! ‘Flower Band Kit‘. Find out more about KIT to YOU here.

I hope this list really helps to give you some ideas for creating with Cut Files, they really are so versatile!  Just one more thing before you go… Now that you are all inspired and have a stack of layout ideas to try, why not download our FREE Project Planner Template?

Why not print out a bunch and get planning!  If you’d love to have these in a pad format shipped to you, you can also shop them here!

Until next time,

How to Scrapbook with Cut Files | Beginners Guide

New to scrapbooking with cut files? I’m here to help!! I’ve gathered some essential info to get you started super quickly and easily. Learn how to scrapbook with cut files, the equipment you need and how to get started, plus details of how you can get your very first free SVG design sent directly to your inbox.

What is a Cut File?

A cut file is simply a digital version of an image or text that can be downloaded to your computer. Once downloaded, files can be imported into the electronic die-cutting machine software, manipulated and then sent to cut. Cut files come in a large variety of shapes and designs and texts. Files are typically in either JPG (.jpeg), PNG (.png) or SVG (.svg) format and can be cut from lots of materials including paper and cardstock. You may also find cut files in DXF (.dxf) and EPS (.eps) file formats.

What are SVG Files?

SVG files are particularly useful as cut files. SVG stands for Scaleable Vector Graphic. These file types are super popular because they allow the image to be scaled without changing the quality of the design. Typically, SVG files also come on a transparent background so they are super useful for all kinds of craft projects; not just scrapbooking!

Essentials for Scrapbooking with Cut Files

There are a few things you will need to get started.

  1. A digital die-cutting machine. Brands include Silhouette, Cricut and Brother Scan and Cut. There are several models available for each of these brands. I use a Silhouette Cameo. You will also need a computer to connect the machine to and the cutting machine software. There are free versions of the software for the cutting machines as well as paid versions available. Start off with the free version where you can, it could very well be all that you need.
  2. Cutting Mats. Depending on the brand of machine you purchase, you will need matching cutting mats. There are also unbranded versions at great prices that are compatible with many machines. I use ‘Universal Crafts’ brand. Be sure to check your machine warrantee before using unbranded supplies, this could be a good option once your warrantee period has expired.
  3. Cutting Blades. Depending on the brand of your machine, you will also need matching cutting blades. The Silhouette comes with many options suitable for the different materials you will be able to cut including the ‘Deep Cut’ blade, ‘Auto’ blade and ‘Fabric’ blade.
  4. Machine accessories. If you plan on working a lot with cut files, I’d highly recommend getting a scraper tool. This will help you to remove the design off of the cutting mat once it is cut. There are other tools as well available such as a ‘Weed’ tool which is great if you plan on cutting Vinyl for DIY projects. Planning on only cutting paper and cardstock? The scraper is all you need.
  5. Paper and Cardstock. While any paper will work in the machine, results can be quite varied. For scrapbooking with cut files I recommend the American Crafts Precision Cardstock. It is made for intricate and clean cuts, well worth the little bit extra you will pay for it.

If you’d like even more info on these, you can learn more in this article ‘5 Essentials for Cutting Digital Cut Files‘.

You have all the equipment you need and you’re ready to go, now, you just need a design to cut.

Free SVG Cut Files

If you haven’t already, make sure you sign up for our Cut File lovers Newsletters, I send free SVG cut files out every month, and you’ll get our ‘You Are Special’ design immediately so you will want to jump on that! You can sign up HERE and it’s free to join. I highly recommend starting off with free SVG designs, they are great to test and play with until you get more confident with your machine.

I also wanted to get you some inspiration using the free SVG design I mentioned above. This layout documents a sweet mother/daughter moment. Love the title for this page? It’s our ‘You Are Special‘ design which you can grab for FREE right HERE just by signing up. What a lovely reminder to your loved ones of just how special they are no matter what the season.

How to Scrapbook with Cut Files?

Need more help to get started? Want to learn exactly how to scrapbook with cut files? Check out my YouTube channel filled with hundreds of Scrapbooking Ideas, Tutorials and instructional videos.

Need specific help with How to trace and resize a Cut File using Silhouette Studio – Watch this video.

Want specific help with How to back a cut file with paper? – Watch this video.

Still have questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Until next time,

How to Fussy Cut Pattern Paper For Beginners – Tips and Tricks To Get AMAZING Results Every Time!

Learn How to Fussy cut pattern papers and take your paper craft projects to a whole new level! If you’re a Card Maker, Scrapbooker or Journal maker, you’ll want to be getting the most out of your pattern papers. One way to do that is by Fussy Cutting. Whilst it can be tricky to get a professional looking result, it’s easy when you know how. Today I’m sharing my best tips and tricks for how to fussy cut pattern paper like a pro! Discover the best scissors and paper to use and my favourite tips and tricks for getting great results in no time at all.

What is Fussy cutting?

Fussy Cutting is the process of cutting a design out of paper, rather than cutting the paper into a design.  Fussy cutting is typically used in scrapbooking, card making, and other paper crafts. It is a great technique for beginners because it is easy to master with practice and produces great results. Fussy cutting is a wonderful way to add to the versatility and creativity to your paper crafting. It can also save you money by helping you get the most out of your scrapbook pattern papers.  You can also fussy cut out stamped images to create your own embellishments and layered details for cards.

What are the best scissors?

My favourite scissors are these from EK Success.  They have a lovely thin blade and the tip is very fine and sharp allowing you to get into the smallest areas of a design.  They are perfect for fussy cutting projects as well as backing cut file designs.  

EK Success Scissors perfect for paper craft projects. The best option for fussy cutting pattern paper.

Keep your scissors sharp by using a blade sharpener just like this Fiskars one.  The quality of the cut is determined by how sharp your blades are so it’s important to keep them nice and sharp.  Keep your scissors for crafting separate to those you use for household purposes, you’ll want to take care that these scissors are only used for paper crafting.  Those with a soft rubber grip are best for comfort especially if you are going to cut out images in bulk which I would recommend.

My favourite glue is Nuvo Deluxe adhesive.

Tips and Tricks.

Using the centre part of the scissor blade, start by making a broad cut around the shape or section you want to fussy cut out.  It is much easier to work in sections than try to cut the design straight out of the large 12 x 12 sheet.  Cut a general section out leaving a wide white border at first, then you can go back and work slowly and methodically to cut out the design.  

When choosing your sections to fussy cut, keep them as large as possible, you can always trim parts off as you are creating your project, but you can’t add them back on so I find it better to keep the fussy cut design as full and large as possible to give me options later on.  A perfect size is around 5 inches square.  Trying to manipulate a large piece of paper is difficult so you are best to work with this size section wherever you can.  If you find it tricky to do as a beginner, try leaving a small white border around the edge of the design rather than cutting the design out exactly or super close to the outer line.  Be sure to move the paper and not the scissors.  By moving the paper you’ll achieve a much smoother line and more professional looking result.

As you practice, over time you can reduce the size of the white border around the design.  It does require patience and precision.  If you have any medical issues with your hands, stick to a thin white border for best results.

How to Fussy Cut Pattern Paper

Discover the best tips and tricks for fussy cutting like a pro for FREE!

LEARN MORE

The best pattern paper.

The paper and design you chose is important. You’ll want to start with designs and shapes that are simple or basic at first and then as your skills improve you can try some more intricate designs.  It is best to use a paper that is medium weight.  Thin or lightweight papers can be difficult to cut; so too can thicker cardstock style papers.  A good quality medium weight paper is the easiest to start with.  The paper should also be clean and free of any excess glitters, mediums or glue.  

Papers and brands perfect for fussy cutting:
Pink Fresh Studio Lovely Blooms Collection
Simple Stories Vintage Linen Collection
Echo Park Family Collection
(Slightly thicker paper but it’s STUNNING!)
Carta Bella Bloom Collection

Be sure to only use the middle part of your scissor blade.  Cutting right to the end of the scissors may create a small tear in your paper (Note: that this does not happen with the scissors I’ve recommended above, another reason why I love them so much!).  Ensure that you have great lighting so you can easily see where to cut and work slowly.  As your skills improve, you will get faster.

I like to do my fussy cutting in batches ahead of time for use in my paper craft projects.  It is so nice to have a selection of designs fussy cut out ready to add to my pages and projects.  I find the process very therapeutic!  Turn on your favourite TV show and fussy cut the night away.  You can fussy cut out floral patterns, butterflies, geometric shapes, banner pieces or titles, the options really are endless.

I’ve created a fun YouTube tutorial, made for beginners where you’ll learn how to fussy cut pattern paper and get amazing results every time as I share my best tips and tricks.  I show you in real time how I fussy cut out floral designs and butterflies.  You can watch it here.

It’s your turn to give it a try.

Now that you know how to cut out shapes and designs from pattern paper, you can create some amazing projects. You can use these items as decorations for your home, on scrapbook layouts, cards and personalised gifts.  You’ll save yourself money and get the most out of your pattern papers.

Learn more about me and my crafting, come see my craft studio.

Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only link to products I personally use, trust and love. 🛒 Shop them here:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/createdbygwen

RAINBOW VIBES | SCRAPBOOK LAYOUT IDEA BY GWEN WRUCK

Hey there Creative friends! I’m back on the blog today with some more scrapbook inspiration for you. Today I’m creating with Cocoa Vanilla Studio ‘Day Dream’ collection and the super fun ‘Rainbow Vibes‘ cut file by CUT to YOU to create a dreamy summer layout. This selfie was taken on Christmas Day last year while we were on family vacation.

When creating this layout, I was a little short on time, so I’ve let the cut file do the hard work for me. I’ve cut it out nice and large so that it fills the entire background of the layout. I’ve then backed it in a mix of the pattern papers. This is a great way to quickly get started on a page, especially if you are anything like me and sometimes find it hard to know where to start. 

I’ve added the cut file flat to the page for this layout as I’m going to be adding my dimension behind my photo and embellishments. This is also the quickest way to get it locked into position.

Working from the largest elements to the smallest, the next big decision was the placement of my photo. I decided to place it slightly to the right of the page as I liked the way the palm tree and my hair flowed in the direction. I find it is best to go with the flow of photo rather than work against it.

Next, I positioned some fussy cut floral elements and created a couple of clusters to help draw the eye around the page. I’ve also included some fussy cut out moths from the ‘All a Flutter’ pattern paper. For dimension, I’ve added a flair button and these fun typed sentiment stickers which I’ve raised up on foam tape. I’ve used the floral clusters to balance out the page and then the smaller elements for details.

I’ve also made a You Tube process video where I share more about my design process and you can see the page come together. You can watch it here:

Thanks for popping by today,

Until next time,

Craft Room Tour 2022 | See my Craft Room Organisation

Hey Creative Friends, Back on the blog today with a share that I have been wanting to do for the longest time! I finally have a tour of my scrapbook studio for you. I’ve included lots of details of the craft room storage that I use including goodies from my favourite stores, IKEA and Kmart… as well as the details of a couple of custom furniture pieces I have. I talk about how I store my supplies and why storing them that way what works for me. It is my hope that the video doesn’t just show you my craft room but also helps give you ideas for how to organise your craft space as well!

My studio is in a bedroom of our house, all of the storage ideas are free-standing, so if you are renting, there is nothing attached to the walls, everything is relocatable. My desk is not a standard office desk but a dining room table which I have centred in the room. I have lots of ideas to share with you including 12×12 paper storage, punches, dies and embellishments and what scrapbook craft room tour would be complete if it didn’t include my Raskog.

I will include links to as many of the items as I can below… especially helpful if you are an Aussie scrapbooker like me! I hope you enjoy seeing my scrapbook space and that it gives you some storage ideas to try for yours.

IKEA Supplies:

Other Supplies:

Someday Dream Co Crystals + Minerals – https://www.somedaydreamco.com.au/

Wendy Brightbill 💗

Wendy – Stencil Girl – https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-wendy-brightbill-s/2073.htm Wendy – ETSY Shop – https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/agirlandherbrush