For as long as I have been designing, I have always offered only SVG and PNG versions of my designs and templates. Well, that's all changed now... introducing: Printable Templates! These printable templates require no Cricut or cutting machine - just your home printer and some simple scissors. You can use a blade, if you're fancy.
Printable Diary Valentines
These notebook shaped Valentines were a special request from my niece, Lily, who loves to create art with her collection of special felt pens. She lends her pens to her friends at school - so she wants to share one with each of them for Valentine's Day. You can get the pens she uses here.
Printing Your Printable Template
I've made a video showing you how to accurately print your printable templates. The video will walk you through how to print at the right size for cutting with scissors, and if you decide to use your Cricut machine it will also show you how to load the design in for cutting that way.
Checking the Size of the Template
For some templates, like this one, the size of your printed design matters. So, I've come up with a way for you to be sure you're printing at the correct size. Once you print your design, have a look at the heading on the top of the template. Firstly, you'll notice it prints in a very light gray -this is to save your ink... which ain't free!
Then you'll see a handy tool for checking the size of your print. There is a 1inch square for reference. Grab a ruler and line it up to the square and it should measure 1 inch. If it doesn't, head back to that video and adjust your settings.
How to Cut your Template
Scissors will work for every printable template. Look for the gray dotted lines on the template and cut along those. TIP: cut just a little bit inside the lines so the lines don't show. Take your time!
On some templates, like this one, there may be cuts in the center. When you get to those, you can fold the template and use your scissors to make the cut. For more precision, you can use a craft blade. I use Excel Blades - I have the one with the hot pink grip handle and it's awesome.
Using the Cricut Pen Tool
For Lily's valentines, I decided to use my Cricut Pen Tool to write her name on them. The video tutorial will also show you how to do this.
What I Used
•Cardstock from 12x12 Cardstock Shop
•Bearly Art Craft Glue
•Inkjet Printer (I use a Canon Pixma 3722)
•Excel Blade (optional, but I love it!)
•Scissors
More Printable Templates
I am glad to continue to create new printable templates and reach a new audience of home crafters - come along with me and check back to see the new templates as they come in! You can see all of the current printable templates here. Subscribe to my email list and I'll update you when I post a new one.
Download the Free Template
Have you made this project? Share on your socials and tag me @thesaltyyankee – I love to share your creations!
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