Learn how to create advanced Cricut Project Ideas by using Pens to Add Art Accents. You can add pretty embellishments and art designs to your Cricut projects simple by including the pen in your project creation. This is the last lesson in my 12 part series Learning to draw and write with your Cricut. Add extra layers of color or hints of metallic shine to your projects. You don't always need Cricut designs with special drawing or writing lines, today I'll show you how.
Cricut Project Ideas – Using Pens to Add Art Accents
Art accents created with your Cricut can be a simple hint of metallic ink or a pretty little glitter line added to a Cricut project you already love. With all the fancy cuts, printed designs and vinyl, sometimes just a touch of drawing or writing can complete your project perfectly.
Many of my own Cricut designs include a drawing specific line just for the purpose of adding that extra art accent. But you don't need a special draw line to add a drawing accent. A simple converted cut line can make a great drawing accent. Or duplicating a cut line as a draw line can create pretty edge of extra color. Play with these different ideas when you are creating your projects and see what fun designs you can come up with!
For this tutorial you need the following materials:
- Cricut cutting machine – any version will work
- Cricut Design Space
- Cricut pens – your choice
- Paper – use practice paper to test out the techniques
Today we will talk about:
- Adding art lines for extra detail
- Adding drawing lines to accent cut lines
- Creating cut edge accents with pens
- Adding pen drawn text or designs for a personal touch
Adding art lines for extra detail
You can add additional designs to projects using just the pen for small accents of color or sparkle. Simple boxes or other basic shapes around art in a fun pen ink can add interest and a finished look to your projects.
Adding drawing lines to accent cut lines
Many Cricut designs include multiple paper-cut layers. Instead of cutting all the layers from paper or vinyl, consider converting the smaller/inside design to a draw line for a fun accent. In this XO card, I've used the inside line to create a drawn design with the gold glitter pen. While the card would look nice with a second cut shape, the gold accent line is a great way to create a little sparkle without a ton of cut layers.
Creating cut edge accents with pens
In addition to secondary draw lines, I like to add a second cut line that is drawn. Using the thicker pen tips, like the metallic pens, on top of a cut line can create a pretty edge accent to your projects. Simple duplicate a cut line, designate it as a draw line and make sure to use the wider tipped pens. You can try using the glitter pens or standard fine point pens to see what kind of accent you can create, however the cut might eliminate some of the drawing.
Adding pen drawn text or designs for a personal touch
Don't forget the handwritten text and drawing designs. instead of cutting our all your project elements, convert some of the pieces to drawing to see how they turn out. I like to practice with plain white paper and just test out the different pen and cut layers together to see how a project will turn out. You can make so many different looks just alternating drawing with cutting in your Cricut projects.
Make this Example project – Cricut card project using pen accents
Create this cute XO card using your Cricut machine and a selection of pens. I used the gold glitter pen to add drawing details… it's my current favorite pen. The gold is a nice shiny glitter without being overbearing. It adds a nice little bit of sparkle to the projects. I've created a Cricut Design Space canvas to help you create this project.
This project also uses the Print-then-Cut function for some of the colored papers. You can convert the project to cut basic cardstock instead of print, if you'd like.
Materials
- Cricut machine and Cricut Design Space
- XO Card Cricut project using your Cricut pens
- Printer
- Cardstock
- Cricut gold glitter pen (for practicing, feel free to use any Cricut pen)
- Glue
Instructions
- Follow the on-screen instructions to print, draw and cut the project pieces.
- Assemble as shown.
Customize for your own personal style. Change the printing colors, the cut materials and even the pen accents to create your own unique project. You can add more pen art accents or change the colors of the accents I've added.
Head on over to Cricut Design Space to make this XO Card Cricut project using your Cricut pens. If you don't have the gold pen, go ahead and use whatever Cricut pen you have to see how the project works out.
I'd love to see what YOU create!
Now put it all together. Create your own unique Cricut projects and add a personal look using your Cricut pens. Draw, write and accent your projects. Check out the whole Drawing and Writing with your Cricut series for more project inspiration. You can also check out the Cricut pen project ideas.
