Image courtesy of Cindy Pope
If you’ve ever dismissed these machines as just for papercrafts, get ready to be surprised. Artists are creating amazing projects using computer-controlled cutting devices such as those from Silhouette and Cricut.
(Not sure which cutting machine to buy? Check out our post comparing the top machines on the market.)
Metal clay
One of the most surprising tasks these easy-to-use machines can do is cut unfired metal clay. Metal clay is a material that contains tiny particles of metal, each one smaller than a grain of salt, plus water and an organic binder. The material is worked like a clay, fired in the kiln, where it sinters together and is a solid piece of metal.
When the metal clay piece is completely dry but not yet fired in the kiln, it can be cut on the Silhouette or Cricut. Artists are using these computer-controlled cutters to make custom pendants, bezels, (the metal that is wrapped around a gemstone to hold it in place), and more.
Cindy Pope is a tireless researcher on what the Silhouette can do. She shares this in her Facebook group and in classes for CraftCast. She was inspired by metal clay artist Wannaree Tanner, who was among the first metal clay artists to use the Silhouette to carve and cut metal clay.
Metal clay comes in not only silver but also copper, bronze, and even more variations.
Metal clay artist Shannon Greenlese used the new Model Maker software from Silhouette to make this 3D hollow shape:
Photo courtesy of Shannon Greenlese
Polymer clay artists are rolling their clay out to the thinnest setting on the pasta machine and then cutting out designs with electronic cutters, layering thin pieces of polymer clay together to create detail and depth.
Leather
Another surprising use for these machines is carving leather and Cindy Pope is again at the fore, combining her carved leather with carved and cut metal clay to create these bracelets.
Photo courtesy of Cindy Pope
Craft foam
Potter and all-around crafter Pauline Purdum uses an electronic cutter to create durable, deep, reusable stencils from of all things, fun foam (that craft material for kids). She uses these to make deep impressions in clay.
Photo courtesy of Pauline Purdum
She uses an after-market cutting blade upgrade, the Graphtec CB09, in her Silhouette which, according to proponents of this carbide blade, lasts longer and cuts more effectively. Comparing cuts by bloggers using the official Silhouette Deep Cutting Blade vs. the CB09 on the same material seems to show that the after-market blade is indeed more effective. (Using it does violate the warranty on the machine.)
The brand new Cricut Maker ($400.00) has a rotary blade that allows it to cut fabric and comes with hundreds of sewing patterns and projects ready for instant download. While that’s pretty exciting, it’s tempered by the fact that the machine can only cut a 12” x 12” piece of fabric at a time.
The Silhouette can also cut fabric, though, for best results, it should be ironed to interfacing first, but it can be cut out on a 12” x 24” cutting matt, allowing for larger projects.
Wood, acrylic and more
And finally, if the Silhouette or Cricut machines aren’t enough for you, the next level up is the X-Carve for $1,000.00 and up. This machine uses a computer-controlled router and it can cut and carve thick wood and acrylic, materials the Cricut and Silhouette can’t handle.
The software for the X-Carve is easy to use, though learning what router bits to use and generally operating the machine, may be a steeper learning curve than for the electronic cutting machines for crafts.
The Cricut Maker will release the knife blade soon which will allow it to cut thin balsa wood, just barely beginning to close the gap between the Cricut/Silhouette and the X-Carve.
Advancements in what the machines can do and what artists are doing with them are coming faster than ever. What amazing new innovations will be next?
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Elaine Luther is an artist, jeweler, public speaker and public artist in the Chicago area. She uses assemblage, collage and direct sculpting to get her message across. Visit her at https://www.elainelutherart.com/
The Cricut Maker also has the ability to cut on a 12″x24″ mat, though it does not include it out-of-the-box.
Thank you, J, that’s good to know!
I have been using my Silhouette cutter for about 3 years to pre-cut applique shapes for machine embroidery. It really speeds up the process for pieces with a lot of intricate pieces or if you need a lot of one particular shape for multiples of the same project. I once cut the pieces for 75 appliqued tote bags in less than a half an hour. I’m continually surprised at what else I can cut with it.
Wow, Laurie! Pieces for 75 bags in an hour, that’s impressive! I agree, I’m always finding new things to use the machine for and feeling like I’m just scratching the surface!
Can u make decals to be fired on ceramics in a min and if so, what kind of paper do u use?
The Silhouette Cameo 4 cuts fabric without backing using a rotary blade, up to 12 x 24.
Where can I find video tutorials/classes on cutting and etching the metal polymer clay using Cricut Design Space?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnqx2XbeOY77ti4H3RbQJoQ for metal clay. I haven’t found any good videos for polymer clay and the cricut
A great source for classes is Craftcast:
https://www.craftcast.com/tags/cindy-pope
and classes there with Cindy Pope.
Can the Cricut Maker cut plexiglass?
Hi Takeshia, the official answer is that yes, it can, though I did some searching just now and I can’t find any tutorials showing specifically how, or how thick. You might check YouTube and/or contact the company directly. Sorry I can’t point you to something more specific!
Hi, do you have any experience “cutting” 2.0mm (0.08in) acrylic sheets?
I’d like to know the answer to that same question.. ;))
Me too! Same question about acrylic sheets
which thickness of acrylic can I sue to engrave in the Cricut machine
I’m sorry, I don’t know the answer to that question, I have looked for it but cannot find it. You could contact the manufacturer of your machine and ask. I have found the Silhouette School Blog to be a very helpful source, in general.
Can the Cricut cut metal? My husband wanted a metal design of a logo I made for him.
No, it cannot cut metal. It can cut leather hard (dry) metal clay. Laser cutting or water jet cutting might work for his needs.
Cricut CAN does great with aluminum flashing!
Late to the party here, but wondering what thickness of flashing – I’m trying and can’t get it to work with Deep Point Blade
It can cut dog tags and such so I don’t see why not!
How do the Brother machines compare to the Cricut and Silhouttes?
I’m not sure about Brother, but there’s a terrific new post here on the CIA blog that reviews 6 of the top machines:
https://craftindustryalliance.org/which-cutting-machine-should-you-buy-a-review-of-the-top-6-most-popular-digital-cutting-machines
There is nothing on there regarding the Brother ScannCut machines. Do you know of any source that compares them with the others (ie Cricut)?
Hi Jody,
Thank you for your question. Yes, we have a post comparing the various cutting machines on the market. You can find it here: https://craftindustryalliance.org/which-cutting-machine-should-you-buy-a-review-of-the-top-6-most-popular-digital-cutting-machines/
For those looking to cut acrylic and metal (and wood!), have a look into getting a CNC machine. I’ve got a Silhouette and my husband has a CNC and between us there’s not much we can’t cut!
I’ve used my Cricut for hydro electric etching my own hydraulic press steel impression dies and rolling mill plates. Permanent Vinyl makes an awesome resist for electricity. I’ve also used it to cut out vinyl designs for acid etching my sterling and copper jewelry.