Balzer Designs

Direct Cut Around a Stamped Sentiment

One of the most crazy cool features of the ScanNCut is its ability to cut around stamped images. However, the ScanNCut isn't able to distinguish between a word and a shape. So when you have a stamped sentiment like this one: The scanner wants to cut around each individual letter (aka shape)... ...instead of creating a block, like this: In this video I show you how to create that block: It's quick and easy to do and makes fussy cutting sentiments so very easy! Thanks for stopping by! --- P.S. I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut. It... Read more →

New Live Online Classes Listed

Hello! I listed some new live online classes, as described below. If you're wondering what a live online class with me is like, here is a nice e-mail I got recently: The Zoom format truly is as close to a live in-person class as you can get without being in person. I suspect that even post-pandemic, I will continue to teach this way. It allows me to stay home with my family and it allows people from all over the globe to take live classes from the comfort of their home (with all of their supplies right at hand). Here... Read more →

Glow in the Dark T-Shirt

I made another t-shirt for the baby. I really can't stop myself from making him cute little clothes! (He's resting on the quilt I made him just before he was born! I blogged about it in 2019: part one, part two, part three.) At first it just looks like a regular t-shirt... ...but then it glows in the dark! How fun is that?! You can find the tutorial on my YouTube channel. Thanks for stopping by! Read more →

ScanNCut: So Many Techniques to Try

I'm always thinking about how to help you get the most out of your ScanNCut. Today I'm sharing lots of videos with techniques for you to try. First up, a fabulous new feature that you've been asking for for years: the ability to curve text in CanvasWorkspace. This function has been added to CanvasWorkspace for PC and CanvasWorkspace for Mac. Find the instructions for CanvasWorkspace for Mac in this video: And here is the clear place card I shared in the video: I also like it with a line of acrylic paint across the back: And now, did you know... Read more →

Live Online ScanNCut Classes are Here!

I don't think I'll be getting on an airplane anytime soon. And so I've figured out a way to bring my live ScanNCut classes to you! I'm teaching Live Online Classes for ScanNCut DX and ScanNCut 2 owners via Zoom. You can see the full listing HERE. Classes are strictly limited to 10 students. Here's a screenshot of the current offerings: As you can see, I'm offering a Super Basic Beginner class to get you up to speed, How to Cut Fabric, Scanning 101, and a project class, sharing how to make a super cute rainbow mobile with sparkly raindrops:... Read more →

ScanNCut: Cut File to Card Base

A happy early Mother's Day to you! Using the built-in editing functions of your ScanNCut, it's super easy to take almost any cut file -- symmetrical or not -- and turn it into a card base. I used a flower shape to create a super cute Mother's Day card. Watch the video for the how-to: Here are the basic steps: Choose your cut file. Resize it so that it's slightly wider than 6 inches. Increase the number of flowers to 2: Align the two flowers and then flip one of them. And last but not least, weld your design. As... Read more →

Fabric Face Mask with Filter Pocket

Like many people who sew, I made some cloth face masks. I used the template provided in the description of THIS video tutorial to make these particular masks: I used all kinds of fabric: hand painted, hand printed, hand dyed, sun printed, and commercial. The ones I made are for friends and family and I sent them out into the world with this video I made on how to use them -- proper fit is very important to functionality: This particular mask design calls for 6 pieces -- 2 outer, 2 lining, and 2 for the filter pocket. I cut... Read more →

ScanNCut: Videos for Sewers

I have a super fun project for you today! We are going to take advantage of the fact that the ScanNCut makes cutting shapes from stiff felt quick and easy. We are making this booklet-style felt needle case: These needle cases make great gifts and can be customized for the recipient with a variety of motifs and even their name! Watch the video for the how-to: Here's a peek at some of the details of that gorgeous needle case! And here's what it looks like inside: It's beautiful and functional. Can't beat that! I love to create "technique" videos for... Read more →

Sun-Printed Shamrock "Galaxy" Fabric

What can you do with these little shamrocks? Well, let me tell you! As I mentioned yesterday, I made a stencil... ...and I was about to throw away all of the cut-out shamrocks when I had an idea: Why not use them to sun print some fabric?! And so I did! To me, the colors I chose and the way I laid out the shamrocks ended up making this piece of fabric take on a quasi-galaxy-like appearance. It isn't until you take a closer look that you really see the shamrocks: I love how some of them are crisp and... Read more →

St. Patrick's Day Cookies

Some people love to watch dog videos. Personally, I'm always up for a food video -- especially cookie and cake decorating! There were two things that intrigued me in some recent videos and I wanted to give them a try: royal icing transfers and tipless piping. I figured St. Patrick's Day was as good an excuse as any to make some cookies and do some experimenting! (Although, do you really need an excuse to make cookies?!) What are royal icing transfers? Royal Icing is the most commonly used sugar cookie icing. A royal icing "transfer" is basically where you create... Read more →