Paper Lei Instructions
Let’s start with the simple instructions for the paper lei, inspired by my experience in Hawaii. All you need to do is cut out the leaves and flowers using your cutting machine.
Once you have everything cut out, shape the flowers and leaves with your fingers to give them a natural curve.
Next, string the paper flowers and leaves onto a piece of yarn, layering them with small pieces of cut paper straws in between. This adds dimension and spacing to the lei.
That’s it! Quick, easy, and a perfect way to bring a touch of Hawaii into your craft room.
You can find my free SVG files all over my website, the free template for the Lei cut file will be under the community vault and you can sign up for the password below by signing up for my newsletter. I try to send a newsletter out every week with a new free item to instant download and expand yourself with creative projects. For download instructions for desktop or Chrome please find those here there is a 3 to 4-minute video that will walk you step-by-step on how to download and how to download for iPhone or iPad. Thank you so much for crafting with me. I'm so grateful that you're on this journey with me. Check out even more of my free flower templates here.
Materials and Tools
- Paper - I used 65 lb cardstock
- Twine, yarn, or string
- Paper straws
- Scissors
Silhouette Summit 2024 in Hawaii
I recently attended the 2024 Silhouette Summit in Hawaii, and it was an unforgettable experience! The summit took place in beautiful Waikiki, and I had the pleasure of attending with my best friend, Stephanie. We spent three days learning about all the latest updates and innovations from Silhouette America, mingling with crafters from all over the world, and soaking up the sun.
The summit was packed with exciting news, including new products, software updates, and demonstrations from the Silhouette team. It was an incredible opportunity to see what's coming next for the world of Silhouette crafting. Let me walk you through some of the highlights.
Cameo Five Elegance Collection
This is just the addition of two new patterns - Black Marble and Wood finish. Great for those craft rooms with a sleek theme.
Studio 5 and Silhouette Web
One of the most exciting announcements was the introduction of Silhouette Studio 5 and the new Silhouette Web platform. Studio 5 will bring a more user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate for both beginners and experienced users. The icons will be more visible, and there will be a step-by-step guide to help you set up your machine for cutting projects—something that will streamline the experience significantly.
Silhouette Web is an online version of Studio that you can access for free, which makes it more portable and flexible. You’ll be able to use it from any device with access to Chrome, like a Chromebook or desktop computer. However, if you're working on an iPad, you'll still need to use Silhouette Go to send your designs. For those new to the platform, this is a huge step forward, making Silhouette Studio as accessible and easy to use as Cricut Design Space.
Cameo Pro MKII
Another major highlight was the announcement of the Cameo Pro MKII. This machine is a beast! With a 24-inch cutting width, it offers more speed, more force, and an impressive auto crosscut feature that automatically cuts the material at the end of a project, which is perfect for vinyl users. The machine also has five removable rollers, allowing you to work with both large and small materials seamlessly.
One standout feature is its auto-repeat function, similar to the Cameo 5, which lets you create multiple copies of a design without reloading the mat. The Cameo Pro MKII also comes with a stand that is compatible with other machines, but the MKII can be screwed onto the stand for added stability. The price is expected to be $499.99 for the machine and $299.99 for the stand.
New Tools: Super Fine Heat Pen, Engraver Super Fine, Leather Carving Knife, XL Pen Adapter
Silhouette also announced several exciting new tools, which will expand the capabilities of your machine. The super fine heat pen is a must-have for foiling projects, offering a precise 0.5mm tip for intricate details.
If you're into engraving, the engraver super fine with its 1mm tip will allow you to add even finer details to your projects.
For those working with leather, the new leather carving knife was a showstopper. It is designed specifically for detailed carving on leather surfaces, and it fits perfectly into the Curio machine.
And if you love using pens in your projects, the XL Pen Adapter will now accommodate regular-sized Sharpies, giving you more creative flexibility when designing.
The Silhouette Cloché and Cloché Petite
Lastly, one of the most talked-about products at the summit was the adorable Silhouette Cloché and its mini counterpart, the Cloché Petite. The Cloché is a heat press that stands out due to its compact, 10-pound design and modern aesthetic, resembling a stylish suitcase. It’s perfect for crafters who want a lightweight and portable heat press option.
The Cloché comes with a 10x6 inch heat plate and offers three heat settings: low (250°F/120°C), medium (320°F/160°C), and high (400°F/200°C). It also features a built-in timer set for 45 seconds, which starts automatically once you close the lid. While it doesn’t offer customizable temperature controls or a manual timer, it’s incredibly user-friendly and ideal for quick, everyday heat transfer projects.
The Cloché Petite is even smaller, perfect for touch-ups, rhinestones, or small-scale heat transfer jobs. It fits in the back of the Cloché for easy storage and is designed to handle delicate fixes with ease. The Cloché is expected to be priced at $249.99, and while the Petite is only available as part of the Cloché package right now, it's a lovely addition to any craft room.
Final Thoughts
Attending the Silhouette Summit 2024 was an amazing opportunity to see firsthand all the incredible new products and updates coming from Silhouette America. Whether you're excited about the Silhouette Cameo Pro MKII, the new Studio 5 and Silhouette Web, or the latest tools and accessories like the super fine heat pen or the Cloché heat press, there’s so much to look forward to in the world of Silhouette crafting.
If you want to learn more about any of these new products or have questions about the summit, feel free to leave a comment! And don’t forget to check out my video for more details and some fun footage from my trip to Hawaii!