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Tutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs Using Kits

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One of my resolutions for 2017 on the blog is to write more posts about designing in both Silhouette Studio and Cricut Design Space. If you aren’t much of a designer – these posts are for you!

Lately, I’ve been seeing a shift by designers who create cut files for Silhouette or Cricut designs. Instead of selling a completed design that is ready to cut; a number of designers are offering kits to “assemble” your own cut file. If you remember, I recently created a red truck Valentine design using a kit (click here to view it).

Kits are a great alternative for crafters who want a more custom cut file, but lack design skills (like me!). Today, I’m showing you how these kits work. The concept is easy: drag pieces of designs together to create a cut file. Since arrows are trendy right now, Olga from Clean Cut Creative donated her popular The Ultimate Arrow Toolkit to me to use as a demo.

How to Create Semi Custom Designs in Silhouette Studio

  1. After purchasing a kit, decide on which design elements to use in your design. You’ll notice that this kit has arrow backs, arrow shafts, and arrow points. You combine them to create a full arrow. Here’s a peek into the different parts in The Ultimate Arrow ToolkitTutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs for Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space - by cuttingforbusiness.com
    Tutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs for Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space - by cuttingforbusiness.com
    Tutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs for Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space - by cuttingforbusiness.com
    Tutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs for Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  2. After selecting your design elements, open them all onto the same mat in Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space. Depending how your chosen kit is organized for download, you may need to ungroup the elements to use them. After your chosen elements are on the mat, your screen should look similar to this: Tutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs for Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  3. Now, drag your elements into place or align them using the align command. Tutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs for Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  4. Last, select all parts the of the design and weld them together. Tutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs for Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  5. You can use the design as is, or add additional text or design elements. Tutorial: How to Create Semi Custom Designs for Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space - by cuttingforbusiness.com

That’s it! Using kits you can create your own, semi custom design files! And, did I mention that The Ultimate Arrow Toolkit is only $6?! If you are wondering about the font Olga used in “family”, “faith”, and so on – it is KG The Fighter which was slighly offset and available for commercial use for $5.

Searching for more kits? Try search terms like “design elements”, “elements”, or “graphic packs”.

Save this tutorial to Pinterest:

Tutorial: How to Use Design Kits to Create Semi Custom Cut Files for Silhouette Studio or Cricut - by cuttingforbusiness.com

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Lisa-Jane Johnson

Friday 17th of February 2017

I was wondering what software you use to show just the part of the screen with the design on it? I make samples and show those but I also want to show people what they actually get. At the moment I am using Inkscape but I can only get it to show a portrait canvas so the file I display ends up with a big gap above and below the cutting mat. Any ideas please? I'd be really grateful. (I'm on a PC) x

Christine

Friday 17th of February 2017

On Windows you can use the snipping tool. (Use Google for more information - I'm a Mac user.)

Corynne Bailey

Wednesday 18th of January 2017

I'm really enjoying your blog and I recently purchased your book. what I found was it was good for any small business start up as you discuss all the things that are required in starting a small business. The cost factor on page 26 was what a friend of mine needed so I sent her that page she was delighted. I look forward to your post everyday.

Thanks

Christine

Thursday 19th of January 2017

Thanks for being a reader! I appreciate it!

Sheila

Friday 13th of January 2017

Thanks so much! You always have such great information to share.

Christine

Saturday 14th of January 2017

My pleasure!

Julie Marson

Wednesday 11th of January 2017

Thank you for the lesson, Christine. I have not purchased a kit yet because I was not sure how to use them. This is a great way to design something that you really like when you are not a talented designer who has the skills to make something on his or her own.

Christine

Saturday 14th of January 2017

You're welcome! I completely agree!

Tammy Rotzoll

Wednesday 11th of January 2017

Thanks, Christine! I love these and appreciate all you do for us!

Christine

Saturday 14th of January 2017

My pleasure, Tammy!