Reusing Your Silhouette Mat and More Money Saving Tips

Reusing Your Silhouette Mat and More Money Saving Tips

Today I'm working on a big cutting project with my Silhouette Cameo and I am going to need to use all of my cutting mats. As you may recall from my first money saving tips blog post, rather than buying new mats (on Amazon, cheaper than the Silhouette site), I reuse them! Here's a step-by-step picture tutorial to help save you time and money!

All you need to get started is your old Silhouette mat(s), a squeegee, masking tape and Krylon Easy-Tack Repositionable Adhesive Spray. The can is about $8 at the craft store (usually more online), but I always use a 40-50% off coupon, which most craft stores have available on their app and/or send out in weekly emails. I can spray approximately 20-25 mats per can.

Prepare Your Mats

You want to start out by scraping off any little bits and pieces or paper that are stuck to the mat. I use this squeegee my husband picked up from a sign supply shop that has a roller on one side which I like to use to press fancy papers down to the mat without scratching them.

If you find yourself having difficulty removing paper bits, you might want to reconsider the type of paper you are using with your Silhouette. Cheap, thin paper does tend to stick to the mat, rip, and overall works poorly for most projects. Your paper should be 60 lb minimum, in my humble opinion.

Apply Masking Tape to the Mat Border

When the mats are free of debris, apply the masking tape to the outside of the mat, making sure to cover all of the area outside of the 12 inch square. I use 1.5 inch wide tape and it works perfectly, covering the outside area while having enough extra tape to stick it on my spray board.

Hang Your Mats Outside

Carefully hang all of your mats outside on an old piece of wood or a big cardboard box. I say carefully because the tape can start sticking to the mat or the tape on other mats and the whole thing can turn into a disaster in seconds. Just kidding, relax. If they stick together just pull them apart. Remember, it's repositionable adhesive and temporary tape.

Spray Your Mats

Read the directions on the Krylon Easy-Tack. In short, shake the can for 2 minutes and then spray the mats from about 8-10 inches away for about 20 seconds per mat, making sure to cover it completely.

Air Dry

I let mine dry for at least 30 minutes before use. Since they are pretty sticky, rather than stack them up I stick them to the wall above my work station. When people come over they always ask what they are, it makes for great conversation.

See how great these old mats still work?

This whole process took me a total of maybe 10 minutes. I'd say I can cut about 40 sheets of paper per application of Easy-Tack. But of course, I use my old trick of repositioning papers on the mat, and turning the mat upside around to maximize use.

Thanks for stopping by. I'd love to hear about what you are doing to save money and time using your Silhouette.

Happy cutting!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. I never recommend anything I don't love! I used Amazon Prime to buy most of my Silhouette supplies.

Giveaway and Review: Hobbies from the Heart

Two of my all time favorite Giveaways were from Hobbies from the Heart.

Here's a link to the first, and the second.

It's how I met my very first Etsy friend, Mari!

Of course, she wants to do another giveaway!

And this time it's a choose-your-own-adventure Gift Certificate for $20.

 

You can buy like 1 million things from Hobbies from the Heart for $20, I'm not kidding. Okay maybe a little less than 1 million. But seriously.

So, I love Q&A because people are awesome, especially Mari!

Q: What have you been up to since your last feature?

A: Hi Melanie. It is so nice to be back. Well, since the last feature back in June of 2012, many things changed. That summer I finished my Master’s degree in [Experimental Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience] and moved across the nation to beautiful-but-freezing Wisconsin. Now I’m spending quality time with my sweet daughter and loving husband, working as a Spanish Medical Interpreter, while concurrently selling my handmade goodies via Etsy, local stores, and local craft fairs. 

Q: Any new products headed our way?

A: Since we last “spoke”, I’ve been making simple everyday wear jewelry, which I sell via consignment at some local stores here in Wisconsin and in craft fairs. I am also planning to make some of the cards I sell into stationary sets. (I currently sell these cards at local stores and craft fairs).

Q: Any advice for new Etsians?

A: My advice to people starting out in Etsy is: Love what you do, and never give up. Etsy is getting so big, and you cannot really compete with some stores, but if you stay true to yourself, your love and passion will show, people will notice you and will come back to you.

Q: Have you bought or lusted after any fabulous Etsy finds lately?

A: Oh Yes! I have bought more than I should, and I will just mention a few of my favorites. I bought a total of 3 beautiful knitted headbands from Pointelle Design, which are great to protect my ears from this freezing weather, while still showing my pixie cut. My daughter owns 4 beautifully made scarfs from The Wild Purple. I just love these, and sometimes I “borrow” them from my sweet girl. I just got a beautiful burp cloth and bandana bib set from DeeksandMe. These are for my first nephew, who still needs a few more months of “baking.” And of course, I cannot get enough hand-carved stamps from my dear and talented Etsy friend Cassandra from Cassa Stamps. These stamps stamp so sharp and are so well made that you won't be able to resist buying more than one. 

Thanks Mari, you are amazing and I've already favorited several new items!

#enabler #justkiddingnotkidding

To keep up with Mari & Hobbies from the Heart follow her on Facebook.

Find here on Instagram @hobbiesfromtheheart

Here's a link to her Etsy Shop.

Sign up for emails with updates & promotions here.

AND

If you'd like to enter to win the $20 gift certificate to Hobbies from the Heart, simply visit Hobbies from the Heart on Etsy and tell us which item is your favorite in the comment below!
Please leave your email address or a way to contact you.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Be sure to follow me by email for future giveaways & product reviews, and visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for more chances to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen on Friday, March 20, 2015 at noon PST.

Must be 18 years of age and a US/Canada resident to win.

Winner will be chosen with random.org and have 3 days to respond to this post or email.

Don't Forget Me Santa

Yes, I really really really do want a Silhouette Cameo!

Please Santa, Please, with cherries on top :)