July 19, 2012

Hand-Cut Nursery Art

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Truth be told, I really wish I had a cutting machine. But I don't. So I learn to make do.

I would love to add a Silhouette Cameo or Cricut cutting machine to my arsenal of craft tools. But for now, I'm cutting my projects by hand. I've found that with a little time and a bit of patience, you can still create really cool gifts - even without a cutting device. 

This week, I hand cut this nursery art for a friend's baby who was recently baptized.
Would it have been easier to make this with a cutting machine? Most definitely! But what I lacked in crafting tools I made up for with perseverance.

So maybe the lower curve of the "s" is slightly jagged, and center of the letters are absent, but let's not dwell on that okay? Just humor me, and agree that it adds to the gift's charm :)


Want to make your own? Here's how...

  • First create your graphic using PicMonkey, or equivalent. Begin with a blank image resized to the dimensions for your frame. (Send me an email if you need help getting started.) Design your graphic in regular view and once satisfied, switch to a reversed image by clicking the two sideways arrows. (Located on the text edit box - where you select the color.)
  • Save and print your image (on cardstock). It should look something like this...

  • This will be your guide for both stitching and cutting. The printed portion will be on the back side of your art.
  • Stitch selected portions before cutting.
  • Then cut out name and hearts with craft knife.
  • Line backside with pretty fabric.
  • Embellish frame with rosettes made in corresponding fabric.
Sit back and enjoy your completed gift! 
(and try not to dwell on how much simpler this would have been with a cutting machine :)














8 comments:

  1. What a beautiful handmade piece of art. I love that you did it by hand.

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  2. I need to make this for my granddaughter. I am sending you the Liebster Award. You can get all of the details from my blog.

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  3. I love this project and I am right there with you. I don't have a cutting machine either! What a sweet way to remind your daughter that she is a child of God! I am your newest follower!

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  4. It might have been faster with a cutting machine, but not nearly so cute and heartfelt. The imperfections are the things that make it absolutely perfect!

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  5. I love your blog description, I am a new follower from the blog hop!

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  6. Before there were cutting machines people cut works by hand all the time. It was called Scherenschnitte. You did a fantastic job and the results are fantastic. I am sure your friend loved it. It is extra special since you did it all with your own two hands :-)

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  7. That turned out SO cute! You did awesome without a cutting machine! I found you via the July Blog Hop and am happy to be your newest follower! I'd love a visit back at http://www.two-in-diapers.blogspot.com. :)

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  8. I think it turned out lovely. I am a hand cutter as well. I ran across your project on a link up and I would love to have you come on over to my first blog hop for "Valentine Inspirations" this would fit in perfectly. I joined your GFC. Almost to 100, how exciting. http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/

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