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