In this video tutorial, I’ll show you how to transform a stencil cut file into a graphic element, and we’ll use Silhouette Studio to create personalized place cards (download link for the free place card base cut file at the bottom of this post). Then, I’ll print the place cards using a laser printer and foil them with the Heidi Swapp Minc and Deco Foil in the color Pink Melon.
You can create all sorts of styles of personalized place cards using the free base cut file and graphic files or cut files that you repurpose as graphics. I think that these would be a great project for wedding receptions, anniversary, birthday, or even holiday parties because there are endless options for customizing.
In order to foil the print and cut files, you will need a laser printer. I have a color laser printer that’s 5+ years old, and I change the settings to black and white before I print anything that I’ll be foiling. There are several models of monochrome (black & white) laser printers that have good reviews and that are under $100 over on Amazon.com, too.
DIY Hot Foil Tips : Foil the place cards before you cut them. I’ve found that this gives me much better results. Also, be sure to cover the registration marks on your cardstock with pieces of printer paper or parchment paper to prevent them from melting onto the carrier sheet as you run them through the Minc (#4 heat setting).
As you’ll see in the video below, I forgot to do that, and the registration marks left areas of toner on my carrier sheet. If this happens, you can take a cotton ball that has some rubbing alcohol on it and rub off that toner. With a little elbow grease, the areas of toner come off completely, and your carrier sheet is good as new.
I used Hammermill Color Copy Digital Cover 80lb. cardstock for this project. I saw it recommended by Kerri Bradford, and I’ve been getting great results with it. It’s very reasonably priced, too. As of this post, it’s around $12 for 250 sheets over on Amazon.com.
Check out the video for this project below:
Supplies Used in This Project
The following supply list contains affiliate links. I make a small commission if you purchase through these links, and I really appreciate it if you do!
AMZ = Amazon.com SBK = Scrapbook.com DKB = Dick Blick SSS = Simon Says Stamp
Skinny Stencils, Set 1 Die Cuts
Silhouette Cameo ( AMZ // SBK )
Heidi Swapp Minc 12″ ( AMZ // SBK ) – this is what I have
Heidi Swapp Minc 6″ ( AMZ / SBK )
Thermoweb iCraft Pink Melon Deco Foil ( AMZ / SBK )
Hammermill Color Copy Digital Cover 80lb. Cardstock ( AMZ )
Heartwell Font
a laser printer
[VIDEO LINK]