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Making pencil holder valentines on the glowforge

1/17/2020

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Here is the file link if you don't have it already.

File Link

Video Tutorial - See below for written tutorial and supply list

How to make pencil holder valentines on the glowforge

​I first made these a few years ago out of paper and thought they would look great in wood!  Here are a few easy steps to create your own!  I will add a list of the supplies I used at the end of the post!

Load design

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I've included a few versions for this file.  I have a version with a rounded edge and also each one has a file that can be engraved if you don't want to use htv or vinyl.

Cut Design

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Paint or stain pieces

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I wanted to match the colors on the pencils as closely as I could.  

I used Ultra Dye for the red and pink because I love the colors!  

For the white I used chalk paint.  Chalk paint seems to have better coverage and these only needed one coat.

You could also leave the wood natural.

Cut Vinyl Pieces - Skip this step if you engraved the arrows

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I used my cameo 4 to cut htv for my pieces. 

I like to use htv for small text because it is so much easier to weed and seems to last longer! 

​You can use any vinyl and cutting machine.

Add vinyl to arrows - Skip this step if you engraved the arrows

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I used my cricut mini press set on medium for 3-5 second on each one.

You can use sticky backed vinyl for this step as well if you would like.

Add pencils to finish valentines

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Slide the pencils into the holders and the valentines are all done!

Materials Used

(Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.)
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Glowforge

BUY
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Silhouette Cameo 4

BUY
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Cricut Mini Press

BUY
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Ultra Dye

BUY
I used Hot Pink and Infra Red.
They have small bottles also.
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Chalk Paint

BUY
Any white paint will work.
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Pencils

BUY
I bought mine at Hobby Lobby but the link is for similar pencils.
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How to outline and unite script text in adobe illustrator

1/15/2020

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One of my most frequent requests is how to weld script text when using Adobe Illustrator.  At the beginning I didn't know how easy it could be.  It's one of the easiest things to do in the program!  When I first started using Illustrator I would rasterize the text and then trace it.  Doing it that way works but it was hard to get a good crisp text.  It was extra steps and not a good outcome!  Here are the steps to get a good, clean and easy outline of your text (any text) and then unite them for laser or vinyl cutting.

Video Tutorial

Step 1 - Open a new document

I like to use a 19 x 10.75 inch artboard because that way I know that everything on the artboard will fit into the cut area of the glowforge. 
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Step 2 - Type your text

Choose the type tool from the toolbar and click anywhere on the artboard.
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Step 3 - Choose your font

I like hello wedding for a good font to use in my glowforge.
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Step 4 - Create Outlines

Click on the type menu at the top and choose create outlines.
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Step 5 - Unite

You can see in this photo that there are overlapping paths.  This means that each individual letter will cut out separately.  We need to unite the letters so that they cut all as one piece.
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You will want to have the pathfinder window open for this step.
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In the pathfinder window, choose unite.  This will make all of those overlapping paths unite as one.
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Step 6 - Check paths

I like to check my paths before I save.  This way you can see any open paths or any overlapping paths you may have missed.  You can do this by clearing the fill like in the photo below. 
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Step 7 - Save

Now you are ready to save.  Choose save as to save in any of the options.  If you need other options you can choose export instead.
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Here are the svg settings I use when saving.
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I Bought a glowforge, now what?

1/14/2020

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Did you finally hit that buy button and the anticipation and questions are driving you crazy?  I know that I was crazy nervous about lasers and what else I would need once it arrived.  Because let’s be honest when it finally reaches gets there you want to be able to play!  I’ve compiled a few things that I wish I would have known after I pushed that buy button.

What Comes with the Glowforge?

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The Glowforge comes with a few things in two boxes. 

The large box contains the Glowforge itself as well as the print head.  Note,  some models may be packed differently.  Remember to save all of your packing materials, even those little orange bits.  They are super important if you need to send the Glowforge in for any reason. 

The smaller box contains the crumb tray, vent hose and sample material.   In the some cases, depending on model, your box may contain laser safety glasses and pass through strips.

What else will I need?

Here is a list of my must have’s for any Glowforge owner!  (Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.)
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Calipers

These are to measure the true thickness of your material.
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Paper Transfer Tape

This is used to mask your material to prevent smoke and blowback from discoloring your project.  ONLY USE PAPER TAPE!
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Brayer

This use used to smooth the masking onto your material.  This help it get a good seal with less worries about lifting.
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Rotary Cutter and Mat

I use this to cut my masking to size.  
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Plastic Razor Blades

I use these for removing masking and they work great!
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Gorilla Tape

This is the best for removing masking on tough pieces!
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1 Inch Gorilla Tape

I like this for when I don't need a whole piece.
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Gorilla Super Glue

I love this glue because it sets fast and holds great!
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Weeding tool set
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Sanding Blocks

For smoothing.
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Tape Measure

Any will work, I like this retractable one.
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Zeiss Lens Wipes

For cleaning the lenses, mirrors and camera
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Disposable Mascara Wands

These work great for cleaning the fan cover and fans.

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So you want to buy a glowforge

1/13/2020

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It seems like the Glowforge Laser is everywhere these days!  We see the ads and all the amazing projects in our crafting groups.  But was is it really and what are things you can and cannot do?  

I've had my glowforge basic for about 18 months and use it daily.  Here are a few things to consider when making up your mind to hit the buy button! 

If you are in search of a code click  here to save little money here is mine! I will all receive credit from glowforge.

Which Glowforge should I choose?

Glowforge Basic - $2495

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The Glowforge Basic is a 40w Class 1 CO2 Laser.  You will need to vent the machine out of a window or buy purchasing an external filter. The Basic comes with a 6 month warranty period. 

Glowforge Plus - $3995

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The Glowforge Plus is a 40w Class 1 CO2 Laser.  You will need to vent the machine out of a window or buy purchasing an external filter. The Plus comes with a 1 year warranty period. ​ ​

Glowforge Pro - $5995

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The Glowforge Pro is a 45w Class 1 CO2 Laser.  You will need to vent the machine out of a window or buy purchasing an external filter. The Pro comes with a 2 year warranty period.   The Pro has a passthough slot allowing for much larger one piece projects than either the basic or plus. The higher power also allows for 3x the speed of the basic. 

Really the choice is yours.  They all cut/engrave the same types of material, with the pro able to cut/engrave  longer items.  I've cut larger items with the basic simply by cutting in sections.

What types of Material will the Glowforge cut/engrave

  • Plywood
  • Hard Woods
  • Leather
  • Acrylic
  • Cork
  • Fabric
  • Paper
  • Delrin (acetal)
  • Mylar
  • Rubber
  • Corian
  • Some Foods
  • Ceramic (Engrave only)
  • Coated Metal (Engrave only)
  • Glass (Engrave only)
  • Marble (Engrave only)
  • Anodized Aluminum (Engrave only)
  • Titanium (Engrave Only)
  • Some phones, tablets and laptops (engrave only)

What types of Material can the Glowforge NOT cut/engrave

  • PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)
  • Vinyl
  • Pleather
  • Artificial Leather
  • ABS
  • HDPE/Milk bottle plastic
  • Poly Styrene Foam
  • Poly Propylene Foam
  • Epoxy
  • Fiberglass
  • Coated Carbon Fiber

If you aren't certain about a material and can't find the answer in the forum there is a laser safe test you can perform.  When in doubt don't try it before testing!  Some material like Vinyl can produce toxic fumes!!!!

So Yes or No?

Once you have figured out what you want to do with a laser cutter it helps in narrowing down the three choices.  I knew that I didn't need the pass through for my projects so I went with the basic.  

My code to save a little on your purchase!

Each glowforge owner is given a referral code to help save a little money on each machine.  

Here is mine!!  

It will save you  $500 off of a pro, $250 off of a plus, or $100 off of a basic.  I will get the same credits as well!  And feel free to message me for any issues/tips!! 
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    Author

    Welcome! I hope you find some fun info within my crazy ramblings.  I love to create things and to write so this is the perfect way to combine them!  I hope you find something you love in my files, info, tutorials and more!

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Glowforge is a registered trademark of Glowforge, Inc.

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