Here’s a video on how to create a cuttable outline of your stamps using only Silhouette Studio (and a scanner):
And for those of you who prefer the steps written out:
-stamp your image clearly in black on white paper. (you can also use the back of the stamp, package insert or even an image from a catalog but be careful that size and details are identical)
-scan the stamped image (I use RGB or grayscale at 150 dpi/ppi, but that’s not important as this image is only for tracing) and save as a .jpg (this is important because .png or .psd files do not import at the proper size)
-file>merge and select your .jpg and click OK, or simply drag its icon onto the mat [note: this is a good time to roughly verify the size of your trace against the physical stamp]
-open the Trace window and click the “Select Trace Area” button, then drag around to select the area to be traced
-adjust settings until yellow in preview shows coverage you are happy with and then click the “Trace” button
-drag the traced image away from the .jpg
-click on the traced image (in the video I change its colors for better visibility) and open the Offset Window.
-click the Offset button and change the offset distance until it is the size you want and/or you see no unwanted interior details and click Apply
-If the margin is too wide once details are eliminated, keep that path selected and click Internal Offset. Adjust as desired and click Apply
-drag the paths apart and verify the one(s) you like against your .jpg image
– drag the .jpg, the original traced image, and any intermediate paths off the mat for safekeeping
-save and name the file
If you are going to cut then stamp:
-duplicate the desired cutline (in the video I click the Replicate button, then click Fill Page)
-cut a sheet of your mats from card stock and use a stamp positioner or other method to stamp on the cutouts (tip: it’s easier if you leave them on the mat, stamp, then remove the card stock and cutouts from the mat.)
My PixScan-less method for stamp and cut is here.
For making stamp mats in Make-The-Cut scroll to the bottom of this post.
My earlier video on making stamp mats in SCAL is here.
Kay, you are great. Thank you for sharing this technique. You are a very good instructor, you can really break an idea down and make it simple.
Awesome info – which I will be pinning. Thank you!!
Thanks so much for the tutorial. I have been doing this for a while and I love it. Love my Silhouette. You mentioned stamp and cut…is that something coming up or do you have a video for that?
Terrific idea! Thank you for your wonderful tutorial – it’s a keeper.
Great tutorial Kay! Thanks for sharing.
I love it and thank u for taking time to share. I do have one request. Could u speak a little louder. I have such a hard time hearing even with my speakers at 100%. Thanks
This is awesome! I don’t have a silhouette yet, but it will probably be my next machine, and for this very reason. Thanks for saving me hours to figure this out myself. Love it!
I can NOT thank you enough for being so willing to share your wealth of knowledge and in such a concise manner to boot. Forgive my ignorance, but you mentioned you have a “print & cut” tutorial as well. I did not seem to find it. Would you kindly direct me to it (which month)? Again, thanks so much. All this has previously seemed so daunting to me!
Kathy,
Thanks for your kind comments. The stamp and cut tutorial is being finalized now so check back soon!
Ok, great. Can’t wait!!!
thanks so much for sharing this technique and the tutorial. i look forward to the stamp and cut tutorial . K
Thank you for the knowledge you share and all of the time and effort you use to share with all of us. I have learned a lot from you.
I just purchased an eclips…with the sure cuts a lot software….can I do this type of thing with this machine? Love your videos…
Yes you can, and its even easier because you only need dots instead of right angles for registration marks. See the link in the very last line of this post.
Thank you so very much, Kay! Just found this tutorial and followed along as I finally created my very first stamp cut file that I was happy with. You are so kind to share this! Now on to the rest of my stamps đŸ™‚
Thank you sooooooooooooooooooo much for this! I just tried this for some alphabet stamps, and it worked beautifully!!!!!!!!! No more hand cutting letters for me! I’m going to spend a whole day scanning all my stamps now! Thank you so much for taking the time to write out the steps. It was perfect!
For what it’s worth, there are some stamping companies out there that specifically state it’s illegal to scan their stamps. Electronic or mechanical reproduction is prohibited. Close To My Heart is one company that is this way.
Thank you, Jann. Please understand that this is not scanning the stamp to reproduce it. This is scanning only to make an outline for cutting. If you are squeamish about this, simply use the catalog versions of the stamps that are readily available online and adjust for size.
Kay, I realize that the scanning is for cutting purposes, but Close To My Heart has three Cricut cartridges, which have 700 images on each, that coordinate with many of the stamp sets.
I’ve already talked to the VP of technology and there is no way the company would introduce other types of cutting files. Am I happy that this company chose Provocraft as a partner? Not really, but there are certain types of crafters who embrace the simplicity of pushing buttons to create. So for all intents and purposes, I am just going to continue to fussy cut their stamped shapes.
My prediction is that savvy stamp companies will soon realize that offering free cut files for all cutters will simply increase sales of their stamps.
Kay, I an trying to make a stamping up stamp larger for a project. I keep getting an error message. I have never tried to make a stamp before. I have the first silhouette made. Can you please help???
It’s a Christmas project.
Thanks
Joan
What error message are you getting? Also, be sure to check with Stampin Up to be sure this is allowed.