Cricut cutting machines have become very popular in the crafting world. They allow you to create intricate cut-outs and work on projects that would be too difficult to tackle with just a pair of scissors. The sky is truly the limit in terms of what you can create when combining cricut design software together with the cricut cutting machine.
In fact, there are so many things you can create that you may not know where to start. Oftentimes, we may own a particularly useful machine but not utilize it to its full potential. This is normal because it can take time to discover all the different things you can use it for. This cricut layered cardstock projects guide will show you how to use a truly unique crafting method for your next cricut project. This method is known as cardstock layering or layered cardstock art.
What Is Cardstock Layering?
As its name suggests, cardstock layering is layering different pieces of cardstock paper on top of each other. Doing so achieves a layered look that is almost 3D like in its appearance. While you can technically choose to layer only a few pieces of cardstock, most layering projects utilize lots of layers. The more layers that you choose to incorporate into your design, the more three-dimensional the effect will be.
Not only does layering allow you to create a 3D effect, it is also such a popular crafting method because it lets you include so many ranges of color into your design. Each layer can be a different color and a different shade, which only serves to enhance the overall look of the finished project.
For example, if you wanted to create a gorgeous butterfly image, there is only so much color and dimension you can add if you aren’t using the layering method. When layering cardstock, you can incorporate as much color and depth as you would like to make your butterfly look truly life-like, as if it’s practically about to fly off the paper.
How To Make Layered Cardstock With Cricut
Since layered cardstock projects require a lot of measuring and cutting, a cricut cutting machine is your best option. Ideally, you want to work with the Cricut Maker or the Cricut Explore machines. While it is possible to use the Cricut Joy as well, your designs will be very small and it may be hard to avoid tearing when dealing with intricate designs.
Next, you will need the cricut cutting mat. It is very important that your cardstock paper adheres fully to the mat in order to avoid unclean lines or tearing. To help make sure the paper is fully secured to the mat, you can use a cricut brayer tool. Simply roll the brayer tool over your cardstock paper to make sure it is firmly attached to the cutting mat. Cricut’s premium fine-point blade is also necessary to ensure precise cutting. After the cutting has been done, you will want the cricut scraper tool to carefully lift each individual piece of cut-out cardstock paper off the cutting mat.
Perhaps the most important supply needed for your cardstock layering project is the cardstock paper. Cardstock paper with a weight range of 65 pounds to 100 pounds is ideal. To begin, you will need the Cricut Design Space software. Simply upload your desired design onto Design Space or choose any available layered cardstock design from Design Space itself. If you search online, there are many free templates available to download. Just make sure that the template you choose is for a layered cardstock design.
MATERIALS NEEDED
When your design has been inserted onto your blank canvas, resize it to fit the needs of your particular project. Next, click the “Make It” button at the top right hand corner of the screen. In the dropdown menu underneath each layered cut, make sure to select both the size of paper you are using and the type of paper.
Next, place your cardstock paper onto your cutting mat. Don’t forget to use the cricut brayer tool to make sure that it is firmly adhered to the surface of the cutting mat. You are now ready to load the cutting mat onto your cricut machine. Simply follow the instructions on the screen in Cricut Design Space to begin cutting each layer of your layered project design.
Once all of your layers have been cut, lay them out in front of you in the correct order in which you wish to layer them. When it comes to gluing the layers together, you have multiple options. You can choose to use a regular adhesive to glue the layers to each other or you can use small foam adhesives to attach each layer to each other. The foam adhesives, because they are thicker than a standard layer of glue, will allow you to create much more dimension in your design. The choice is up to you depending on your desired look.
Layered Cardstock Project Ideas
The options are endless when it comes to layered cardstock project ideas. However, endless options can sometimes be intimidating. It can often be helpful to have an idea presented to you. One popular layered cardstock project idea is the butterfly. To find a layered butterfly template, simply search online. There are many free templates available for download. Depending on your level of expertise, you can search for beginner designs or more advanced designs.
You can always choose to pay for designs as well. If you are looking for something very specific and unique, there are plenty of templates available for purchase. It simply depends on your budget and what design you are looking to create. If you’re a true design pro, you can even create your own layered cardstock template.
Incorporate as many colors of cardstock paper as you would like into your butterfly design. One of the reasons why butterflies are such a popular choice for layered cardstock projects is because they allow for the incorporation of so many different colors. Once all the layers have been cut, you can begin assembling the layers. To make the butterfly truly life-like, remember to use foam adhesives for the layers of the butterfly’s wings. This will create a gorgeous 3D effect.
Other popular layered cardstock project designs include flowers, hearts, and animals. In truth, almost anything in the world can be turned into a layered cardstock design. It is a truly unique crafting method, because it allows you to create such intricate and colorful designs without a million different tools. All you really need is a cricut cutting machine, the Design Space software, and some cardstock paper. As stated, there are additional tools which can be useful, but they are not technically necessary.
When you have finished creating your layered cardstock project, you can decide how you would like to display it. Many people like to place the design inside a shadow box which they can then hang on the wall, place above a fireplace mantle, or sit atop a side table. However, you can also choose to use your design for greeting cards or for layered cardstock invitations. What you choose to do with your layered cardstock art is up to you. Just make sure that its beauty gets to be enjoyed by all.