The offset tool is your best friend when it comes to paper crafting. It adds dimension, depth, and interest to every single project that otherwise might end up flat and boring. No one wants boring.
Today, I’ll show you how to use the offset tool to create these inset holiday gift tags that put the fun in funky. 😉
Here’s the cast of characters:
- Cardstock (various colors)
- Silhouette CAMEO®
- Glue
- String
STEP ONE: SETTING UP DESIGNS
As always, I started by setting up my designs in Silhouette Studio®. It always helps me to set up everything in the design space before actually cutting. That way I can get a preview of sorts and fix anything I don’t like.
To create the offset around the trees I followed these steps:
- Group the trees together by right clicking and selecting group in the drop down menu.
- Right click again and select offset or click the offset button in the top right corner.
- Adjust the distance to 0.175 to create a small offset around the trees.
The black you see in the example below is the offset.
4. Separate the offset from the trees and center it on the tag. Create a single cut path by selecting both the tag and the tree outlines and selecting make compound path.
STEP TWO: CUTTING OUT DESIGNS
At this point, you need to separate each element of the design before cutting. The tags themselves have two layers, a solid bottom layer and the top layer that has the cut outs for the trees. I used a light contrasting color on the bottom layer so the trees would pop. These were cut out of a heavy weight card stock for stability.
Cut Settings:
- Blade setting:4
- Thickness:20
- Speed:4
- Double cut
Cut the trees and circles out of brightly colored sheets of regular card stock.
STEP THREE: EMBELLISH AND ENJOY!
I used a little bit of tacky glue to put everything together but a regular glue stick would work as well. Just be sure you glue the two parts of the tag together first and then add the trees and circle. Tie a fun string on and you are DONE!
These tags come together so fast, you’ll be able to make a whole bunch in a short time.
There are many ways to incorporate an offset into your daily crafting and designing. For example, this post shows you how to use the offset feature to make a word stand out against a busy background. Then, in this post, Brittany shows you how to use the offset tool to thicken a thin font that doesn’t have a bold option. Lastly, this post shows you how to use an internal offset to create a frame for a photo. These are just a few examples of what you can do with this handy tool.
Claire wilkinson
December 11, 2016
I love my cameo but wish I knew more about the various features. One thing I find confusing is that your card stock weight is given in lbs whereas mine is given in gms. E.g. 250gms and being a golden oldie I don’t know how to convert
Sierra Dungan
December 12, 2016
Please contact the Silhouette America Support Team at support@silhouetteamerica.com and they can help you troubleshoot your problem.
Susan
December 12, 2016
See if this helps:
http://www.paper-paper.com/weight.html
AndeaH
December 11, 2016
Well I certainly know what I’d like to get from Santa ( or hubby ) for my Christmas prezzie. Do you think I’ll get it? Yes/No…. I can tell you now the answer is no as I’ve seen what size package he’s got me and unless the silhouette comes in a 5 x 7inch box Iol. Will try not to cry as I’ve not more ideas/clues on how to tell him what I’d like. My don’t I sound selfish lol. Merry Christmas all.
Connie Wilson
December 13, 2016
Super cute tags, Kayla <3
Kayla Brasher
December 13, 2016
Thank you, Connie!!
Nicky
December 13, 2016
I use the offset tool to make fonts thicker, especially when I want to cut out a delicate curly font that doesn’t have a “bold” option – you can make it just a little thicker and more manageable
Also great for creating a cut border around stickers – cut the offset, not the sticker
Kayla Brasher
December 16, 2016
Those are great uses of the offset tool! Thank you for sharing!
Sabine
December 18, 2016
Ho Kayla
So cute! On the 1st Foto is a Sticker “be merry y’all”… is there a tutorial for the sticker too? If yes, where can i find it?
Thanks and merry christmas to you,
Sabine.
Kayla Brasher
January 1, 2017
Thank you, Sabine! I don’t have a tutorial for that particular sticker but you can find a similar one on here if you search “print and cut stickers”.
Jessica M.
December 21, 2016
This is the cutest gift tag ever! LOVE it!!
Kayla Brasher
January 1, 2017
Thank you, Jessica! 🙂