10.28.2013

Moose and Tree • Silhouette Tutorial

Hello everyone! I have been missing from the Silhouette world for two months because we went on a road trip! My husband and I have just returned from 8 weeks of seeing America, and it is a beautiful country. My Silhouette did not travel with us so all projects have been on hold. And my computer died 1 week into the trip so blogging became too challenging! I am home again, although still processing mail, bills, etc. Here is a project from last year before I was publishing my files. I saved it until now because it really is a fall/winter subject and not a summer one!

Our trip was beyond wonderful but it is good to be home. For those of you waiting for more Ledge Village files stay tuned. I haven't forgotten you!

Project Description:
One of the early projects I designed and created using my Silhouette was this moose and fir tree grouping. I created it as a thank you gift because we were staying in a friend's mountain home for a winter holiday. Here is the original, on the mantel of this lovely home.


I redesigned the files after I had learned a little more about the silhouette and this time photographed the assembly process for the blog. I learned the trees needed to be simplified to reduce cutting problems.


Moose and Fir Trees Tutorial:

Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software. It can be cut on both Cameo and Portrait Silhouette machines.

Supplies Needed:

  • Template from Silhouette On-Line Store here.
  • Glue dots 3/16"
  • Spray Glue
  • Silhouette Cameo or Portrait
  • Card Stock

Steps for completing the Moose project:

1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store here.



2. Prepare and cut the file.
  • You need to decide on the card stock and colors you want to use. I especially liked the simplicity of all white but did use brown for the moose for display purposes on the online store.
  • The pieces needs to be copied and pasted into a new separate file depending on your paper size and the cutting machine you are using. All will fit onto 8.5 x 11" card stock.
  • Trees can be combined to make the best use of your card stock. If gluing your trees together you will need to cut 4 of each size.  If sewing the center seam on a sewing machine, you will only need 2 but remove the center fold line from the cut. More on this in the directions below.
  • Paper choices: The moose is a happier critter if cut from a heavier card stock. I used 110 lb. index stock.
  • The trees are a detailed cut and will require a sharp blade and good mat, but also a smoother paper. Complex cuts like these cause problems with papers that are too fibrous. You might want to experiment on some samples before cutting.
  • Cut your pieces from the card stock you choose.


3. Assemble the moose.
  • Note each cut file has dotted cut lines. These are fold lines. 
  • Fold the moose in half along the fold lines on its back. The connector tab on the back first forms a hump...

  • But then double fold it down in between its sides like this:
  • A glue dot placed in the nose between the halves will hold it in place.
  • The file does not include a slit for inserting the antler rack on the head although it does have one on the antler rack.  This is to allow you more flexibility in assembly.  You can change the character of the moose by altering the angle of the antlers just a little bit.  If you want to make an arrangement with multiple moose, then change the sizes of the moose and the angle of the antlers  just a little and they will look different.
  • Use scissors to cut a slot in the top of the head about 1/4" down and slide the antlers into place.


  • You can curl and bend the card stock of the antlers and the body of the moose to give it more personality.

4. Assemble the trees:


The trees can be assembled in one of two ways depending on the equipment you have.  

Using a sewing machine:
  • I like to sew them up the center seam using a sewing machine because then I only need to cut two trees.  The trees take a long time to cut and I have created many of them for various scenes. I like to save time.
  • Remove the center fold line from the cut pattern by clicking on it, going up to the OBJECT menu in the Silhouette Software and ungrouping it. Then click on the center line and delete.
  • Cut two tree files of the same size and stitch up through the center to join them.
  • Fold it open and you have a tree.



Using Spray Glue:
  • The alternative method of creating 3-D firs trees is to cut 4 trees of the same size. (Note only three are shown in the photo - but yes, you need 4!)
  • Fold them on the center  dotted fold line.



  • Assemble them in the following arrangement. This is the view from the bottom. The four trees form an X when viewed from the bottom. Spray glue the backs, one at a time and then quickly place them together.


  • This technique creates a more robust tree.
5. Make a smaller tree.
  • Repeat the steps above with a smaller tree file to complete the arrangement.



And then find a beautiful location to show it.




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© 2013 Marji Roy, Ashbee Design