Has Anyone Tried Making Their Own Cookie/cake Stencils?

Baking By andpotts Updated 22 Jun 2009 , 2:21pm by luv2bake6

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andpotts Posted 14 Mar 2009 , 5:06pm
post #1 of 34

My obsession with crafting started out in scrapbooking and there are alot of design ideas/principals that cross over to cake/cookie decorating.

Well I was super excited when I saw that the new Cricut Expression Cutting Machine (often used in scrapbooking) can cut through so many other materials than paper ie plastic, fabric, vinyl, a light bulb went off, I can use this to make my own culinary stencils!! Then I saw they had it up as an idea on the website.

I am so excited, just wondering if anyone has ever done this? The new machine can cut up to a 12"L x 24"W image. Andrea

http://www.getmycricut.com/

33 replies
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cookiemookie Posted 14 Mar 2009 , 7:07pm
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I've been wanting one of those babies for a long time! This alone for me would be a great reason to get one! I LOVE doing stencils.

Do you know where to get the food grade plastic(acetate)? to use in it?

I've been thinking of trying my Sizzix, and sidekick to see how good it cuts.

The possibliites would be endless!

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bobwonderbuns Posted 14 Mar 2009 , 7:24pm
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I've always wondered about the Cricut -- I'm not really familiar with it. I make my own templates a lot but I'd love to do stencils too. I have a simple stencil gun (the hot thing that cuts stencil pix) but I'd be more interested in hearing about this Cricut thing. What is it and how does it work?

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andpotts Posted 14 Mar 2009 , 8:17pm
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LOL Cookiemookie, that's exactly how I felt, I have been wanting one forever and I'm glad I waited now that the newest one does all of this extra stuff!

I ordered mine from HSN (it's craft month) and they have an awesome package deal going (plus 15% off for new customers), included 4 cartridges, tools, ink, etc, but since I will be using it for all kinds of stuff I want all of that, otherwise you can get the cutter by itself for a lot less thumbs_up.gif So once I saw it could cut plastic now I was sold! I ordered blank food grade stencil sheets from Confectionary House.

http://www.confectioneryhouse.com/product.php?productid=22&cat=0&page=1

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andpotts Posted 14 Mar 2009 , 8:33pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobwonderbuns

I've always wondered about the Cricut -- I'm not really familiar with it. I make my own templates a lot but I'd love to do stencils too. I have a simple stencil gun (the hot thing that cuts stencil pix) but I'd be more interested in hearing about this Cricut thing. What is it and how does it work?




Oh Bobwonderbuns if you have been cutting templates and stuff by hand you would love the Cricut, it's a personal die cutting machine and they work beautifully, if you have a Michale's or somewhere that carries them near by ask for a demo, it's really cool. The reason I never bought my own before was I always did 12x12 scrapbook layouts and wished it would cut that size, now the newest model does. That being said you can get the smaller models now for much less so bonus all around. If I wasn't going to use it for bigger stuff I would get the smaller version, here's how it's listed; The Cricut Create Personal Electronic Cutter combines the portability of the original Cricut® machine with the functionality of the Cricut Expression machine.

Check out the video in my earlier post it, shows it pretty well! Andrea

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sweetcakes Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 2:46am
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you can get large sheets of stencil plastic from designer stencil for $3 a sheet, its the thick stuff they use for their cake stencils.

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sweetcakes Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 2:58am
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you can get large sheets of stencil plastic from designer stencil for $3 a sheet, its the thick stuff they use for their cake stencils.

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Wendoger Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 3:13am
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I cut my own with an exacto knife. icon_wink.gif

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luv2bake6 Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 3:28pm
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Been wanting the mini one once i saw here that people use it for stencils. I'd love to see pics or get ideas of what you guys actually do with your machines. Thanks!

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Wendoger Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 3:43pm
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...so I watched the video of them making a plate, but I still dont get it. Does it only make letters?
How would you make stencils with this thing?
How could you program a pic in it of the stencil ya want?
Does it do that?

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toleshed Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 6:33pm
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I am concerned that the page where you put your credit card # is not a secure site. Usually, in the URL bar it will say https: and it doesn't. Any help with this?

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andpotts Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 6:34pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wendoger

...so I watched the video of them making a plate, but I still dont get it. Does it only make letters?
How would you make stencils with this thing?
How could you program a pic in it of the stencil ya want?
Does it do that?




Oh I just went back and watched that video and they cut it off at just the plate etching thumbsdown.gif It can seriously cut anything you can imagine, words, letters, intricate shapes/designs, people, whatever.

There are hundreds of cartridges each has tons of different designs, and there is software that lets you use any font/dingbat on your computer. So to make a stencil you use the food grade plastic in place of the paper and have it cut whatever design you would want to stencil in the size you want.

Like I said the best way to really understand it is to see an in store demo/use one. There are a lot of videos on youtube too.

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bobwonderbuns Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 6:37pm
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andpotts do you have a link to any of the youtube demos for the newest cricut?

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andpotts Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 7:18pm
post #14 of 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobwonderbuns

andpotts do you have a link to any of the youtube demos for the newest cricut?




Sure, some of them are kind of long because it's the whole sales pitch, but there are tons of instructional videos on using different features of the machines as well, which is how my friends and I really learned to use them for our scrapbooking.


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bobwonderbuns Posted 15 Mar 2009 , 8:11pm
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Thanks! I can't wait to see what this baby can do! icon_biggrin.gif

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ptanyer Posted 17 Mar 2009 , 2:34am
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I got a Cricut Expression for Christmas and the Design Studio to go with it. I wondered about stencils too! Tonight I cut my first stencil and it is absolutely perfect. You can size it to the size you need. I bought some stencil material at Hobby Lobby (small set of 3 blank stencil sheets by Plaid) for just a couple of dollars. Depending on the size of the design, you can get several designs on one sheet! Also, the stencil material I bought wasn't much thicker than cardstock and so I set the blade setting at 6 (the highest setting) and it cut like a charm.

With the different cartridges the possibilities are endless. I plan on teaching myself how to design my own designs and how to duplicate other designs I liked but wanted just a little bit different.

I'll keep you informed as to how things progress and will try to post some of the stencils I cut so you can see for yourself.

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KawaiiCakeCook Posted 17 Mar 2009 , 2:45am
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I use plastic folders, print out the design, copy it in permanent marker then cut with an exacto knife. A friend who air brushes taught me I'm getting ready to do this design. Wish me luck
LL

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ptanyer Posted 17 Mar 2009 , 2:52am
post #18 of 34

I'll have to try a plastic folder in the cricut and see how it does. I'm much better with the cricut than an exacto knife (can't slip and slice myself). That's a beautiful pattern. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

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KawaiiCakeCook Posted 17 Mar 2009 , 5:22am
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it turned out awesome, as soon as my camera charges up I'll post pics I'm totally excited!

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andpotts Posted 17 Mar 2009 , 6:23am
post #20 of 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by ptanyer

I got a Cricut Expression for Christmas and the Design Studio to go with it. I wondered about stencils too! Tonight I cut my first stencil and it is absolutely perfect.




Awesome Ptanyer! I just knew someone HAD to have made some with the Cricut!! Thank you so much for posting, I can't wait to see what you've done and I cant wait to get my Expression thumbs_up.gif I'm really thinking about buying the Storybook cartridge, with all of the beautiful scroll and intricate pattern work it looks like it would make some beautiful cookies icon_biggrin.gif Andrea

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andpotts Posted 17 Mar 2009 , 6:52am
post #21 of 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by KawaiiCakeCook

it turned out awesome, as soon as my camera charges up I'll post pics I'm totally excited!




I can't wait, what a cool design! I just love kimonos we were stationed in Japan for almost 7 years and there is so much cool stuff to be inspired by there.

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ptanyer Posted 19 Mar 2009 , 2:18am
post #22 of 34

Finally got back to CC - 2 days with no CC is no way to live!

But anyway - I used my Cricut Expression to cut a stencil and tried it out. Here is a photo of the stencil and the end result from using the stencil. Also to let you know that I didn't have to use the heavy duty cutter. I cut it with the regular cutter that came with it and set it on a 6 and it did just fine.

andpotts: I have "Storybook"and this stencil came from it. It's so cool. I also got "Tags, Bags, Boxes and More" and when I get to play around with it, I think I will be able to cut my own cupcake wrappers that websites are charging alot of money for!

Lots of fun ahead (once I finish the cake I am working on for my youngest grandson's birthday this Saturday).
LL

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KawaiiCakeCook Posted 19 Mar 2009 , 2:42pm
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Here is the finished kimono product (ps anyone else hate dying fondant red?)

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1333229.html

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ptanyer Posted 19 Mar 2009 , 5:59pm
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Cool cake! You did a great jobthumbs_up.gif

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bobwonderbuns Posted 17 Jun 2009 , 7:22pm
post #25 of 34

I'm still researching the cricut -- if you do a search on CC there's quite a few threads on it. I figure by the time I'm educated on it I'll have the $$ saved up! icon_rolleyes.gificon_lol.gif

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countrycakes Posted 17 Jun 2009 , 7:25pm
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thumbs_up.gif I have had my Cricut for over 3 years..and in between selling cards and using it for things for cake/candy/cookies ....it has paid for itself over and over! It is wonderful.....I have a ton of cartridges...and you name it, I can use it. icon_smile.gif

It is nice to use for stencils......so many different designs.

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bobwonderbuns Posted 17 Jun 2009 , 7:27pm
post #27 of 34

Okay for those of you who have a Cricut, here's my question: I often make stencils from drawings -- draw onto card stock for templates then tape the heck out of them. It works okay but there's got to be an easier way!!! Would the Cricut help in this?

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Amifsud Posted 17 Jun 2009 , 8:12pm
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Luvs2bake4 told me she used sheet protectors on the cricut to cut the stencil and it worked great. Also they are pretty inexpensive.

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luv2bake6 Posted 17 Jun 2009 , 8:52pm
post #29 of 34

Hi there Amisfud!!
Yes, the sheet protectors worked like a charm that first time but then i tried it this week and for some reason, it did not cut very well. It was pulling some letters so they tore. Not sure if i need a new blade cuz i've only really used it a couple of times. I would definately try it again once i get new cartridges.

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ptanyer Posted 17 Jun 2009 , 10:38pm
post #30 of 34

You can also buy stencil plastic at any hobby supply store. It's somewhat thick and will hold up longer. I ordered a stencil for a wedding cake I did earlier this year and in the process of cleaning the stencil, one very tiny line broke and no matter what I tried, I can't it to go back together now, so basically it's useless - $10.00 down the drain. After that I decided I was going to figure out how to make and cut my own stencils. Did a couple on the Cricut and plan to work out how to do more. When I figure it out, I will post it icon_smile.gif

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