Hello Super Cute!
Some cultures think we should see death as part of life, so Halloween deserves to be celebrated in style.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to make original Halloween Monster Coasters with Silhouette Cameo. If you have Cricut, Brother, or any other cutting plotter machine you can use the format compatible with your software and follow the tutorial.
When you download a design file it automatically downloads in SVG, Ai, DXF, Studio3, and Webp formats.
Plus I’ll give you lots of free design templates for you to enjoy making your DIY arrangements for this remarkable date.
These are the topics that we will cover in today’s tutorial:
- Materials and accessories
- Steps to organize sticky designs in Silhouette Studio
- Cutting process in Silhouette Cameo 4
- Transfer process.
In this tutorial, we will learn and have fun at every step, so if you are new to this world I suggest you stick to the instructions to get a wonderful project.
Materials and accessories
- Silhouette Cameo 4
- Standard grip adhesive cutting mat
- AutoBlade or 1mm Manual Blade
- Adhesive vinyl with the characteristic colors of Halloween: Orange, green, black, white and beige
- Tape or transfer material
- Circular sheets in natural wood*
- Water-based wood sealant glue**
- Brush**
- Spatula, hook, scraper and ruler (Silhouette accessories)
- Rubber roller
- Free Design Template: Download it at the bottom of this article by clicking here.
*Choose the material for the coasters according to your options or needs. Make sure the shape you choose is compatible with the design, you could also cut your coasters out of a cork sheet using the Silhouette Cameo.
**These items are only needed if you are using natural wood sheets as a base for the coasters.
Arrange the Design in Silhouette Studio
Step 1: Upload the Halloween Monster Coaster Design Template
Download the design file to a folder on your PC, then open the Silhouette Studio program and click the “File” button in the top panel, then click “Open.”
In the dialog box, browse to the folder in which you stored the design and double-click the file to open it in the Silhouette design software.
Step 2: Organize the design for the cut
This is how you should see the layout when you open it:
In the design area of Silhouette Studio, you will find the following 4 designs of the Halloween monster coasters:
- Boo!
- Halloween pumpkin
- Frankenstein’s monster
- Dracula
The size of the designs is 5.1 in diameter (12.95 cm) as this is the size of my circular wood sheets.
Depending on the size of your coasters, you will need to adjust the size of the designs before ungrouping them for cutting.
Once the size is adjusted, select each design, left-click, and in the menu that is displayed click on “Ungroup”.
Cutting process
Step 1: Select the elements, materials, tools, and cut settings for each element
I suggest you start with the elements in black, you must drag the other elements outside the design area to cut them later.
Click the “Send” button in the upper right section of the menu and set the cutting options.
Tip: I recommend turning on the “Line Segment Overcut” at 0.5mm.
To cut these elements you must select the black vinyl and put it on the cutting mat, load the mat into the machine with the added material.
Insert the AutoBlade into carriage 1 of the machine.
Click on the “Send” option in the lower section of the cut menu.
Once the elements are cut in black vinyl, select one of the outlines and take it to the design area, I’m going to start with the green outline, but you can do it in any order.
Click the “Send” button in the upper right section of the menu and set the cutting options.
To cut this element you must select the green vinyl and put it on the cutting mat, load the mat into the machine with the added material.
Insert the AutoBlade into carriage 1 of the machine.
Click on the “Send” option in the lower section of the cut menu.
Note: Repeat this same step with the other 3 outlines.
Finally, select the elements in white color and bring them to the design area.
Click the “Send” button in the upper right section of the menu and set the cutting options.
I suggest you activate and configure the option “Line Segment Overcut”
To cut this element, you must select the white vinyl, put it on the cutting mat, and load the mat into the machine with the added material.
Insert the AutoBlade into carriage 1 of the machine.
Click on the “Send” option in the lower section of the cut menu.
Very good, you have finished cutting all the elements… Almost there!
Step 2: Remove the Excess Vinyl
With the help of a hook, remember to remove the excess vinyl from the designs. Check the designs on your PC to see the areas you need to remove and not make any mistakes.
Transfer Process
Step 1: Using the Water Based Wood Sealer Glue
Take the circular sheets in natural wood, and with the help of a brush apply between 3 to 5 layers of water-based wood sealant glue on each side. Allow to air dry for at least 20 minutes between coats.
Tip: Avoid using heat guns or other devices to speed up the drying process as this could create air pockets between coats of sealant.
The sealing glue will fill the pores and grooves of the wood, allowing the adhesive vinyl to adhere correctly, as well as waterproofing the wood so that it resists humidity.
Step 2: Using the tape or transfer material
Cut pieces of tape or transfer material and glue them onto the vinyl elements.
Step 3: Transfer the design
Place and transfer the vinyl elements symmetrically on the balsa sheets, and help yourself with a spatula to improve adhesion.
Do not skimp on time when placing the elements, you do not want a crooked design!
Remember to remove the tape or transfer material slowly to make corrections if any part of the design has not been fully adhered to.
I want to serve some drinks!
Congratulations, Your Halloween Monster Coasters are Ready!
Free DIY Designs and Halloween Transfer Vinyl
I hope you have as much fun as I did making Halloween crafts! Here you can find the design templates I used in this tutorial and many others to inspire you to make multiple Super Boo’s! Crafts.
