Finding ways to highlight simple childhood joys is my favorite thing to do. This year my preschooler learned how to write her name and she is very proud of herself. I want to hold on to these super sweet moments and remember her special accomplishment with every holiday season. Using my Cricut cutting machine, I created a handwritten ornament in my little girls own handwriting.

The process to convert a handwritten name into a Cricut cut file was much easier than I expected and I want to share with you the five easy steps to create an ornament with handwriting, drawing or even a footprint!

Skip down to the bottom to see the steps using a smart phone only.

 

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SUPPLIES

• Cricut Cutting Machine (any model)
• Cricut Mat to cut vinyl
• Vinyl (any vinyl of your choice)
• Scanner
• Ornament (I used Plastic Chalkboard Disc Ornament)

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1: For best results when creating the handwritten name or drawing, use a black marker (like a sharpie) on white paper.

 

STEP 2: Scan the image. If necessary crop down the image to the writing/drawing you want to put on the ornament.

 

STEP 3: We need to remove the background of the image to leave only the writing. The easiest and quickest way to remove the background is by using a free tool called remove.bg Upload your image and select remove background. Download your new image without the background.

 

STEP 4: Next, open Cricut design space and upload your image with the background removed. For select image type, select simple. For select and erase, click continue.

 

 

STEP 5: For the Save As, be sure to save as Cut image.

 

Now you have your handwritten image ready to apply!

Tip: When creating a footprint image, generously apply black paint on the child’s foot to achieve the best solid shapes.