ScanNCut: Updating Software, Turning a Design into a Stencil, & 1 Design 4 Ways

Today I am sharing three ScanNCut video tutorials with you.  One of them is very ScanNCut specific (about updating your software) but the other two both deal with subjects any artist can take advantage of -- how to turn a design into a stencil and how to take one single design and use it in a variety of ways to create 4 different (but coordinated) projects.

First up, an important and easy process: updating your ScanNCut software.  The process is the same no matter what model of ScanNCut you own.

I encourage you to keep your ScanNCut software up to date.  Brother releases new features and improvements with each update and they're all FREE!  (Pretty, amazing, right?!)

I would say I get at least one e-mail every single day asking the same question: Can you use the ScanNCut to cut stencils?  The answer is a resounding yes!  Yes!  Yes!  Over the years I've done six or seven different videos about creating stencils with your ScanNCut because it's such a popular subject.  (You can find all of my ScanNCut videos HERE.)  Each time I do a ScanNCut stencil video I try to tackle a different aspect of stencil creation.  Today's video is about how to take a design that would make a fabulous mask and turn it into a proper stencil.  Watch the video for the how-to:

And here is the example from the video:

And before you ask: you can use virtually any stencil material under 2mm to create your stencil with the ScanNCut.  I use Grafix Plastic quite often, along with transparencies, plastic packaging, and good old fashioned paper!  There isn't a "right" material to use.  It's whatever you like to use and/or happen to have on hand.  That's one of the great things about the ScanNCut. It really does not require you to have Brother branded consumables.  Use what you love.

Finally, I wanted to remind you that with a little bit of imagination, you can transform a single design into lots and lots of projects!  In the video below I change one design into four projects, but I could probably have done forty projects and still had ideas for more!  You do not need a lot to create amazing things!

Here are the four projects from the video (note the card variations based on the font chosen for the text):

In my imagination, I was designing a suite of projects for a bridal shower or bachelorette party.  I used the doily design to create a silicone stamp and stamp out some upcycled wrapping paper for gifts:

The same doily design became a greeting card/invitation/thank you card:

I also used that design to create this really cute rosette "ribbon" pin for the bride to wear:

And finally, the doily design was cut from shrink plastic and used to create this ultra sweet ring:

It was easy and quick enough to create that I think you could make two dozen of these to give as favors at a shower or bachelorette party!

I'd love to know what project(s) you'd make from this doily design.  Leave a comment with your suggestion(s) and I'll pick one person to win a $15 gift certificate to the Balzer Designs Online Classroom!  You must leave your comment in the comments section of this blog to be entered to win.  Suggestions sent by e-mail or posted on Facebook are not eligible to win.  :)

Thanks for stopping by!

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I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut.  It is a machine that I love and use.  All opinions and projects are my own.