What machine do you use to make your lettering?  

        I use a Silhouette Cameo . It's a die cutting machine and so much more. It cuts cardstock, vinyl, fabric, felt and more. The possibilities are endless with this machine! This bundle is my number one recommendation. It's backed by a lifetime warranty, comes with great vinyl, extra guides, files and much more! 

 

What silhouette tools do you recommend I have to get started if I want to make signs like you?

 

I recommend having a 12x24 mat , or a roll feeder (preferably both!), you'll need transfer tape . This is my favorite. You will need weeding tools and scissors.

 

Vinyl - I use for my signs is called Oramask 813 . This is a stencil vinyl, made specifically for just painting. It's a cheaper pricing point since you will just be using it and throwing it away.  Here is a blog post I wrote to tell you a little more about Oramack 813. 

 

Oracal 631- Indoor vinyl, great for signs on wood, canvas, wall decals. 

 

Oracal 651 - Outdoor vinyl, great for car decals, tumblers, glasses, things that may get wet or exposed to elements.

 

HTV- Heat transfer vinyl for on clothing. 

 

Visit my vinyl 101 guide for more details! 

 

 

What kind of wood do you use for your signs?

       

I use Common board pine.  It's easy to find at your local big box home improvement store.

I have used scrap wood, mdf, pine, pallet wood. I have done a lot of trial and error but I love pine the best!

 

What kind of paint do you use?

   

I really love chalk paint. Right now I primarily use Waverly brand chalk paint which can be found at your neighborhood Walmart. It's very thick and dries fast! I also like the Folkart Chalk paint which is available on amazon here.  Best for the impatient crafter like myself.

I have used spray paint, acrylic paint, household wall paint and yes, even finger paint!

 

What do you use for stain? 

I love this wood tint from folk art in walnut! It's water-based, has a beautiful color and dries quickly! 

 

How do you seal your signs?

I like to use Annie Sloan wax to seal my signs. You can purchase it online here. 

 

Where can I buy pretty designs and fonts? 

   I get a lot of my fonts and designs from www.CraftBundles.com. Each month they feature a new bundle for just $19.00.  It always includes over 10 trendy fonts plus over 20 cut files. Here is an affiliate link to the current bundle.

March Bundle 

I also find lots of designs on the Hungry Jpeg, Creative Market, and Etsy.  

Search for "silhouette, Cricut design files"

 

How do I import SVG files into my silhouette software?

 

To open an SVG file in Silhouette Studio, you will go to File>open> double click the file you want to open. It will bring up the image. You then will need to click the little icon that looks like a blade and select cut, which will turn on the cut lines. If you do not have designer edition you will need to get a DXF version of that file to open it.   To see a full video of how to download and install your fonts and graphics you can click here.

 

What do you use to make the wood frames?

 

I use common board 1x2 for my framing. I use my Ryobi Brad Nailer to nail my frames together. It's battery operated so you will no longer require an air compressor, can I get an amen?! Here is a tutorial for how to make wood frames from start to finish. 

 

What do you paint your signs with? 

   

Right now I love to use a paint roller on my signs to get a super smooth finish. I like this brand from purdy.  I also use my chalk paint brush often too which I love love love! 

 

What other tools do I need to start?

 

I love to have several squeegees all around my office (because I often misplace them!)

I also have several exacto knives handy because I use them to cut vinyl off the roll, weed vinyl, cut small pieces off. It's one of my daily tools I always have. 

 

What do I need for lighting for my product photos or when I do facebook live? 

 

I love this lighting kit ! I use it for my product photography and I use it on my facebook live, videos and even as a light when I need to see better to weed my vinyl! They are light and easily moveable. 

 

​