Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Technique Tuesday - Learn to Love your Xyron

Happy New Year! and who can believe it is time for Technique Tuesday already? This month I am going to share with you how to use one of my favorite tools - the Xyron machine. I bet there are some of you who have one and *gasp* haven't even used it! I am giving you the stinkeye right now because I expect you to march right down to your craftroom and get it out - you won't be sorry! You don't need one of their bigger machines - an X or a 250 will do - that is all I have - although I have to say - I fream of the day that Xyron 500 will come home with me!

So I began my Xyron exploration with the following supplies:


  • Martha Stewart Glitter and Flocking
  • Glitter Tray
  • Paint Brush (stolen from child)
  • Acrylic (recycled from cartridge clamshells)
  • Xyron 250



I cut four snowflakes at 2 inches from the Sesame Street Seasons cart out of the acrylic which I decided to use because I didn't want any paper colors to interfere with my various glitter colors.However I think you will see there was an unintended but very welcome result with how my snowflakes turned out!

 I ran them all through the Xyron and then I lay the sheet (flake side down) on my mat and use my spatula to burnish the back of the tape. You can also then flip it over and use something like a bone folder to outline the shape to reduce "glue boogers" - which I have never found to be too great an issue.

I placed a flake in my tray and dumped a bunch of flock over it. 

Then you can lift the cut out and shake off the excess. I hope you can tell from the picture here that this is when I realized the acrylic was a fabulous choice because you can see the flocking but it still gave the illusion of being translucent and snowflake-y.

I realize these next set of pictures didn't come out terrific but trust me they look better in person! 
White Flocking

Fine Glitter

Tinsel Glitter

Microbead Glitter

And here they all are in a row for your comparison:

And the beauty of the Xyron? No drying time! Because I certainly don't have the patience to wait for things to dry. Not to mention it is so easy you can do this all with a two year old on your lap. Want to know how I know??

I hope this has inspired you to get your Xyrons out (or maybe even enabled you to get the coupons out and go get one) and since it is Technique Tuesday that means we have blog candy!

I have a Designer's Calendar cartridge to give away to one follower who leaves a comment on this post. Why this cartridge? It has tons of extras for every holiday and one of my absolute favorite fonts. What better way to start off your year? You have until next Tuesday, January 10th. Happy Crafting!
---Allison
Posted by AllisonF (Goody Bag Diva) at 12:00 AM
Labels: ,

18 comments:

  1. Sherrie K.January 3, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    Wow, I will definitly have to give this a try-love the effects! Thanks so much for the idea and for a chance at your great giveaway. I don't have this cartridge. Thanks again!
    Sherrie K
    http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. angie ashukJanuary 3, 2012 at 10:19 AM

    I just have a tiny itty bitty one that I won from the Xyron FB page. I just got it, so I didn't know how to use it. Now I'll have to get a big one, because I love to glitter everything. Thanks for the chance:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. moknowsallJanuary 3, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    I have seen this technique but have never used it. I like how you gave 4 different uses. I need to go try this... now---where is my glitter?

    Maureen

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJanuary 3, 2012 at 4:11 PM

    I use my xyron for when lots of stuff! Even when I first learned to flock! Thanks for the blog though, cause I did learn a few tips!

    ReplyDelete
  5. ♥MizSusan♥January 3, 2012 at 7:50 PM

    I have an X, 5" and 9", all of which I'd kind of forgotten about using for a quite a while. Thank you for the inspiring reminder. I've always kept my cartridge clam shells, so this will be a super use for some of them too...

    ReplyDelete
  6. MariaJanuary 3, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Thanks for the tips. I use it for glitter and flocking but never thought to use it for the micro beads. Gonna have to try that now.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    Very cute! I love all the glittery snowflakes :)

    dmcarlisle09atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  8. CathleenJanuary 3, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    Thanks for the information. I have used my zyron 2x and I have had it a while. Now I have something to look forward to.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Melody Lane InspiredJanuary 3, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    I am so excited, you are right I have one and have not used it yet. I will try it tomorrow. Thanks for the chance to win the cart I don't have that one.

    ReplyDelete
  10. loving3boys1girlJanuary 3, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    Oh wow! Love how your snowflakes turned out! I only have an X and it needs a new refill cartridge. Love that there is no drying time so I'm definitely going to have to try this!

    ~Tracy
    blue.tacs at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. BethJanuary 4, 2012 at 12:54 AM

    thanks for showing this. I think seeing this convinced me to get an xyron. I love the one with the micro beads and flock. I never would of thought to use the mirco beats. Thanks for sharing this. and thanks for the chance to win a great cartridge. I don't have this one yet, but it looks like such a great one.

    Beth
    Baby.cowgirl88 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. debiJanuary 4, 2012 at 5:22 AM

    just found your blog and love it....thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  13. SharonJanuary 5, 2012 at 6:45 PM

    Great ideas and the snowflakes turned out great! Thanks for sharing - and would LOVE to win the cartridge - didn't realize it had a font to it...ding dong that I am!!!

    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  14. MulticrafterAmyJanuary 5, 2012 at 7:26 PM

    Thanks for sharing! I have not used mine for those type glitter yet. Will have to try it out. Great cartridge choice. I don't have that one!
    Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mom of 2 MonstersJanuary 5, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    What a fabulous idea. I have the 2.5 and NEVER used it. I do use my X though. Love the idea of cutting acrylic adnd letting your glitter shine through.

    ReplyDelete
  16. PennyJanuary 6, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    I use my X but need a bigger size Xyron. Now that I have seen these, I think I will use a coupon and get a larger one. TFS and an opportunity to win a great cartridge.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2012 at 5:58 PM

    Love how the snowflakes turned out! Happy New Year everyone!
    Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  18. CarolynGJanuary 8, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    Just found your blog and LOVE it. I LOVE this Xyron tutorial. Thanks so much! I am one of those people who have a xyron and haven't used it yet. I will definitely be trying it with the glitter and hearts (for Valentine's Day). Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!! I am now a follower!!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)