How to Engrave Leather with a Cricut Explore or Maker!
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- Get the free engraving designs at jennifermaker.com/engrave-lea...
Learn to engrave leather with Cricut machines and make adorable bookmarks in this tutorial!
A big shoutout to designer and educator Kay Hall, who pioneered this technique on her RUclips channel - check out her "Tooling Leather with Your Cricut" video at • Tooling Leather with Y...
I really love experimenting with different Cricut tools and materials. But I love sharing the results with you even more! This time, I’m excited to share how to engrave leather with Cricut machines to make custom bookmarks. I already cut genuine leather with a Cricut cutting machine already, but I wondered if we could do some sort of leather tooling or engraving with it, too. After some experimenting and help from the talented Kay Hall at cleversomeday.com, I’ve found ways to engrave leather with both the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore machines. And, my favorite method involves the foil transfer kit! I love finding new uses for tools we already have!
To teach you this cool technique, I made some engraved leather bookmarks that are both fun and functional - my favorite kind of gift! The bookmark collection is free for you to download and learn with, and it includes several designs for you to pick from:
“I love you to the moon and back” with the moon and stars,
“Eat sleep read repeat” with an open book,
a simple floral design with daisies,
and “dream believe achieve” surrounded by hearts.
I appreciate every subscriber. It's free and easy to subscribe -- just click here: bit.ly/sub2jennifer
MATERIALS LIST (contains my affiliate links):
View my Amazon shopping list with the exact items we used to make this project at a.co/9ub31ob
* Vegetable Tanned Leather 4-5oz 1.5-2.0 mm thickness - amzn.to/3MWjrFl
* Faux Suede Cord - amzn.to/3Hqb8Rc
* Leather Stain (I used Acorn Brown amzn.to/3QoVkCo and Cherry Red - amzn.to/3QC3OWX
* Wool Daubers - amzn.to/3MXccgy
* (Optional) Leather Finish - amzn.to/3tySUHt
* Safety equipment including Disposable Gloves and Eye Protection
* Standard Grip Transfer Tape - amzn.to/3O5h5Vn
* A way to engrave and cut your leather bookmarks (I used the Cricut Maker 3 but you can use the Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Series) - amzn.to/3pXZLY1
* Cricut Foil Transfer Kit - I used the Medium Tip with both machines - amzn.to/3xVgpgo
* Cricut Engraving Tool and Housing - for Makers - amzn.to/3Qj7M5O
* Cricut Deep Cut Housing and Blade - for both machine options - amzn.to/3aSQDjK
* StandardGrip Machine Mat, 12″ x 12″ - amzn.to/2SaLHOq
* TrueControl Knife and Self-Healing Mat - amzn.to/3xyf5P0
* Tools including a Scraper, Ruler, a pencil, paper towels, scissors, cotton swabs, butcher paper, damp sponge, and painter’s tape
* Design # 400 - My free SVG/PDF/DXF design files (available in my free resource library at jennifermaker.com/library )
Topics covered in this leather engraving video:
00:00 - How to Engrave Leather with Cricut
00:32 - Supplies & Tools
03:17 - Get Free Leather Engraving Designs
04:02 - (Learn How to Upload SVG Files to Cricut Design Space)
04:15 - Prepare and Personalize Leather Bookmark Designs
09:42 - Prepare Your Leather for Engraving
11:37 - Cut Your Engraved Leather Bookmarks
14:27 - Stain Your Leather Bookmarks
16:03 - Add Accent to Your Leather Bookmark
16:49 - Important Note About Working with Leather
17:42 - Closing Notes and Link to More Information
#cricut #cricutmade #designspace
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Blog: jennifermaker.com
Facebook Page: / jennifermakercrafts
Facebook Group: / cricutcraftersandmakers
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Please subscribe to my channel at / jennifermaker for more video tutorials to craft a live you love!
Credits:
Introduction: PixelBytes (my child!)
Music: Cute by Bensound (licensed, royalty and copyright free)
Videography: Jennifer Marx on a Panasonic Lumix FZ-1000 DSLR 4K camera
Design: A Jennifer Maker original! 
Хобби
Thank you Jennifer for all the information. Now to gather all the material and start making bookmarks.
Leather bookmarks this is a super cool idea! I had no idea the cricut could do this! Inspiration loaded! Thank you for this in depth but simple to follow tutorial!
You are so welcome! 😊🌻 Thanks for watching!
In the us leather is measured in oz it is not how heavy but how thick. The rest of the world uses mm. All leather starts out at 13/15oz and then is cut down to a thinner thickness. All leather varies in thickness in any given piece. The parts closest to the spine are firmer with less stretch. The parts that come from the belly area are softer and much stretchier. Only veg tan can be “tooled” which is basically what is happening here. Also once you wet leather any marks you put on will stay forever. There are charts on line that convert oz to mm. I’ve used my Cricut to cut leather key fobs out haven’t tried the engraving (tooling) yet. Also veg tan is sometimes labeled tooling leather.
Thanks for your info !!!
@@Jessicamonfordini no problem! Also look up “burnishing edges” online there are thousands of videos but you can use tap water and a smooth stick or denim to smooth the back and edges before dye and finish. It makes a much more refined item and feels better in the hand. Leather work is my hobby if you hadn’t guessed. Lol
Excellent info! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you!
Great video! Does someone may have already mentioned this, but with that leather sheen, buff over your dry finish leather with a cloth such as flannel or canvas, and it'll bring out a mellow shine, which looks really nice!
exactly what I was looking for and you explained it all so very nicely. Thank you
I love this! I can't wait to make them. I have to mail all my holiday presents, so these won't break my bank to ship, while still being thoughtful and personalized!
Yes! These are wonderful gifts and definitely cheaper to ship! Thanks for watching! 🌻😊
Thank you, your explanations of the process of Design Space is clear and easily understandable. This will differently save me time because I do lots of leather work by hand. I initially purchased my cricut machine to do Pop Up cards but now you've open a new exciting door and time saving techniques for me.
Glad it was helpful!🥰
Thank you! I was so happy when @CleverSomeday came up with this method you are showing. Kay did a lot of trial and error to come up with this method for tooling on leather with a Cricut Maker. I was disappointed another large Cricut channel did not give her credit, so I hope either you have or you will. Thanks again for your videos- they showed me overall how to use and love my Cricut maker!
You are so welcome!
Thank you! Especially for the transfer tape trip!!!
You are so welcome! 😊🌻
what a great idea... you are such an inspiration to us Cricut lovers...
Hello 👋 how are you doing today??
Love it! Those makers are beautiful.
Thank you so much! 😊🌻
Thank you so much! This was very helpful!! Beautiful designs!! ❤
So glad!
Beautiful. I love your tutorial!
Thank you! 😊
Thank you for sharing this video! Lots of very helpful information ❤❤❤
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge !😇
You are so welcome!
Fantastic job thanks for the tips!!
You are so welcome!
I have bookmarks on my Christmas list to make for friends and family. I have acrylic ones and these will make an excellent companion. Thanks for the idea and instructions.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today??
Wow, Thanks Jennifer. I can't wait to try this. my hubby has lots of leather scraps laying around, i bet i can find a piece that will work. Thanks again, you amazing!!
Hello 👋 how are you doing today??
Thank you for another wonder tutorial! I love this idea! I think I'll see what other leather projects my maker can make!
Hello 👋 how are you doing today??
Thanks Jennifer.. such a great tutorial!!
Thank you, your tutorials are amazing and very helpful!
Thank you for yet another craft I love! I forgot to order the finisher but will go do that right now! I have an explorer but I think it is time to save up for a maker!
Thank you, Jennifer, you are the best in creativity. These are very nice.
Use a lighter to burn off the loose wool fibers on the wool dobbers so they don't get left on your pieces. Also, that brand of stains do not need to be ventilated. They're non-toxic, but they will stain you skin for a couple of days, more if don't wash your has as much as I do, which is a freaking lot.
Rocky mountain leather supply has all sorts of veggie tanned leather for tooling and they have a splitting service that will get it to a specific thickness
Good to know! Thank you!
I like your video. Thanks for sharing
You are so welcome!
This is an awesome video Jennifer-Thank you. I will be giving this a whirl for Christmas gifts for Sunday school kids..thank you
Hello 👋 how are you doing today??
Wow looks beautiful!! Thank you
I always love how you show us how to videos. Could I use my engraver twice then the deep cut. I don't have the foil tool yet maybe I will get one for Christmas!
You can try it.
Hi Jennifer,
Thankyou so much for all your great videos!
I was wondering whether it’s possible to use the scoring stylus to do the “foil” part of this project?
I have a maker but am using an iPad so am unable to use the foil tool.
Thanks in advance 🥰
I haven't tried, and I don't know if it would be consistent enough. It's worth a try though!
Woooow this is cool
I'm glad you like it!
This is just amazing!
I do a lot of leather projects. I dedicate one mat to leather. I cut a piece of plain paper the same size as my leather (before cutting) and then tape it down on all 4 sides with painters masking tape. No need to buy transfer tape.
I'll also cut out a piece of faux leather to back my pieces. Looks nice. I'm experimenting with heat n bond - Iron it on before cutting - and different types of glue.
Doesn't the engrave tool actually cut the leather? I've not purchased this tool.
Another tip - run a lighter on the back side along the edges. It gets rid of the hairy stuff.
Thanks for sharing your tips! 🌻😊
Thank you so much, just starting on my cricut and I feel so lost.
Hello , thank you for this tutoria! I’m very new to this and using Cricut explore 2. I was wondering would I be able to do something similar as engraving with with same leather already pre cut using just the Cricut Engraving Tip & Cricut foil transfer?
Unfortunately not, only the Maker family is set up to engrave.
I love the bookmarks. But would you please share where you got your stand/shelf for your cricut. Thank you
Thanks! We designed it and will be releasing it soon. Thanks for watching! 😊🌻
Do you know if it is possible to do the same process with cork and since it's thiner do I have to create 4 foil layers or less? As always yours tutorials are so clear and easy to unterstand
Yes, absolutely
This is so helpful!! Thanks
Hello 👋 how are you doing today??
i like this video🙂
What a great video. Thank you for sharing.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today??
More!♡ 👍
So happy you're inspired! 😊🌻
Thanks Jennifer for another great video. So am I correct, with the Maker, I only need my foil transfer (medium) first and then my debossing tool?
You may use either the engraving tool or the Medium Foil Transfer Tool. You will also need the Deep Point blade to cut your leather.
@@JenniferMaker Excellent. I have everything I need. Will try later today.
I am enjoying it from Japan. Thank you very much for the wonderful RUclips.
Please let me know. Is it possible to make a hole of 1mm to 1.5mm in leather or synthetic leather of about 1mm thickness with the Cricut? I would like to make a seam for hand sewing.
Here is the information from Cricut. help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009557093-Cricut-Maker-Cutting-leather-with-Knife-Blade
Thank you for all the great tips, really awesome video! Is it safe to use the cricut while the leather is still damp? I have a thin rawhide I would like to cut and it would help a lot to dampen it.
I have not tried that to give you a solid answer. Try a test cut to see how it works as long as it is only slightly damp.
@@JenniferMaker Thank you so much! 🙏😊
Waiting eagerly in Wales 🏴
Me too 🏴✋️
Hi! I’m wondering if this technique (minus the stain) would work on faux leather backed with HTV. What do you think?
Faux leather is thin and cuts easy. You can always do a test cut and look for thicker faux leather.
Jennifer, I have a cricut explore 2 and I want to engrave on faux suede, what tools do I need to engrave please
You can find the supply list below the video and in the tutorial on the blog!🥰
Hi Jennifer! Can you use this same method with the cricut suede sampler kit?
no because it is not real leather. 🥰
Thank you for this video! I followed all the steps but when it did the engrave, it looks like an outline and not filled in, what am I doing wrong?
Here is the technique for filling in the lines. jennifermaker.com/how-to-make-cricut-fill-in-letters/
do you need to change different cutting blade or just used the same one?
You can use the deep cut blade on both🥰
Amazing video! Can it work with faux leather as well?
The Cricut Engraving Tip can engrave soft metals, acrylic, leather, paper, and plastic. The Cricut faux leather is thin. Perhaps if it is as thick as the leather.
What attachment tip do I use for explorer air 2 most attachment say for maker only
For the Explore you use the foil tool to do the "engraving" and the deep cut blade to cut. 🥰
In the video, the first cut i done with the deep cut blade, and then you changed to what blade for the second cut?
Here are all of the details to help. jennifermaker.com/diy-leather-journal/
With a cricut explore air, and using a Chomas engraving tool, do you use it along with the foil transfer tool? Do you run it before or after?
The engraving tool is only for the Maker family.
@JenniferMaker Chomas makes an engraving tool for the Explore that you use with foil or cut functions (I've heard foil works better) but I haven't tried it, hoping you had!
I followed your steps carefully. I didn't see when we chose the deep cut tool and for which layer? Thanks.
It's at 12:42 in the video 😊🌻
If you have a deep cut blade but not the black housing can you use with the housing that came with cricut air explorer 2
No I just bought the deep cut blade with housing
That's a good question!🤔 I know the blade is angled differently, but I don't know if the housing will affect how the blade performs.
Hello Jennifer! Can I stain the leather first before cutting and engraving?
Yes, absolutely
@@JenniferMaker Thank you!
If you don't have the engraving tool and you're working on the explore how do you achieve the shallow cuts with the deep point blade?
to clarify- you said to skip the engraving layer if you don't have that tool, but at which point should the deep point blade be making shallow cuts and which operation would we be setting for that?
I have more details on the blog. jennifermaker.com/engrave-leather-with-cricut/
Hi Jennifer!! Was there a winner for the July cricut giveaway?? I keep checking the page to see who the winner was and to enter for the August one, but saw that it hasn’t been updated. Just curious 😊
Keep an eye out on the blog, we'll be announcing soon! 😊🌻
Any idea why I can't 'edit tools' in Design space? I followed your steps and selected Kraft board but It won't allow me to change tools? Grateful for Any help...
Depending on what device you are using here is the guide from Cricut. help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009508433-Design-Space-Selecting-Operation
Hey Jennifer, I have tried to cut these with my deep point blade and my maker deep point blade keeps getting caught on the material and I get the red flashing alert on my power button. Any troubleshooting suggestions? I'm so frustrated right now.
Oh no! Make sure to check your material as that really does make a difference. I list and link all of my materials in the blog post as well. 💗
sometimes it seems like my blade is facing 90 degrees the wrong way. As if it's dragging the blade sideways instead of blade-forward
You always offer such great ideas and instruction, so thanks for this. BTW, did anyone else's smart speaker go off when Jennifer mentioned her daughter's name? LOL. My Alexa went, "Hmm, I don't know that one". 😉
Funny😄
I went to sign up and there's nothing there??? Newsletter???
Hy Jennifer, its Mpho here all the way from South Africa, i just wanted to know if you have any tutorials on engraving leather card/ coin purses💙,if so please point me to the right direction..thanks a mil
I do!! Here you go-jennifermaker.com/engrave-leather-with-cricut/ 🥰
HELP, I can’t find the foil tool as an option in design space for my Cricut maker 3. I’m working on my own project with leather.
The foil tool will only work on a computer, not the iOS aps :(
I am new to cricuting. Can I use my Air 2 to engrave on leather?
Yes you can!
Can you start with a darker leather or is the stain important to bring out the letters?
It's best to start with a lighter color leather and let the stain make the engraving dark. 😊🌻
Is it impossible lol The one I purchased is a medium dark? I don't have a store near me so I had to wait for online delivery. It's not black .. just a medium brown. Could I try it in the meantime or would it be a waste? Thanks so much!
@@JenniferMaker
Question: maybe I missed the explanation, but why do we need the foil layers as well as the engraving layers?
Yes, I went back and still didn't see the reason for the foil layers. Why do you do this???
I saw another video that gave an explanation for the use of both tools. This is a paraphrase of that explanation: an engraving tool slightly scores the leather, "clearing" the way for the foil tool. The foil tool tip has the depth, shape and smoothness needed to extend far enough into the leather. In summary, the foil tool gives dimension and the engraving tool gives you contrast. She has a comparison of what it looks like if you use the engraving tip only next to one using the engraving and foil tip together. The video is titled "Tooling Leather with Your Cricut" by CleverSomeday. She starts her explanation at 17:58 minutes, but the entire video is good. I love learning from Jennifer Maker, I think she is such an amazing teacher and shares her knowledge so generously! However, sometimes hearing some of the same information by a different person helps me understand better. I hope this helps.
please help why is ds so dammmmm slow using my laptop brand new laptop windows 11 , 3 weeks old got my cricut around the same time and im so fustrated with ds , I'm using the maker . the champagne pinkish one
I'm not sure Stephanie, that's not a common issue. Have you tried to reach out to Cricut support to see what they say? Thanks for watching! 😊🦋
These are very pretty! I have a cricut maker3 and a deep point and an engraving tool but I do not have the foil medium tip. What can I do? Just use the ones I have? Also is it possible to engrave dubbel sided? Thank you enjoyed your tut as always
The foil tool simply makes the engraving deeper. You may use what you have.
HELP!! I have tried this three times and have followed Jennifer's directions to a "tee". All three times, the foil tool is not aligning with the original engraving lines. I went back to the pattern to ensure everything was aligned properly, but still running into the same issue. When it utilizes the foil tool, it seems that it is slightly off by millimeters, but enough to ruin the pattern. What am I doing wrong?!?
I am sorry you are having issues with this. You can ask in the group to get more detailed help. facebook.com/groups/cricutcraftersandmakers/
Can I make them with basswood?
Yes, we have a tutorial on wooden bookmarks on our blog linked above. 😊🌻
Which tool i use for engrave leather strap? Pls rply?
A strap might be too thick for the Cricut Maker. 😊🌻
@@JenniferMaker for explore3?
Do you know whether we can cut Fimo leather white Cricut maker 3?
Fimo leather? Here is a list from Cricut. help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009504773-Which-materials-can-I-cut-with-my-Cricut-Explore-and-Cricut-Maker-machine-
@@JenniferMaker thank you !
So I'm trying to make these leather bookmarks and after the engraving tool is done, the power button starts flashing red and the screen gets stuck on "Remove Mat". This has happened twice. My leather is 1.25mm thick. I'll also note that I'm trying to engrave small text on the leather, rather than Jennifer's one word script. Is that what I'm doing wrong?
That may be the issue if the text is too small. If there are remnants around the blade that can cause the machine to stop cutting. jennifermaker.com/engrave-leather-with-cricut/
I am trying to make wedding party favors. I want to make wood tags for succulent plants. the tags will be round with a stick on the end that goes into the plant soil. the tag would read rooted in love with bride and grooms name and date. how could I make these signs without using a template?
That is really cool! You can easily make that in Design Space by using shapes.
Hey Jennifer 👋🏾 👋🏾 👋🏾
You can do this on cricut joy.
The joy has an engraving tool as well.
So um, I'll be getting the engraver for my joy. Thanks.
We did not test this project on the Cricut Joy; but, we would love to see your completed project.
@@JenniferMaker well bless your little heart 😉
Hello from Maine
Help please! Is this possible with only engraver, fine tip and knife blade??
Cricut Foil Transfer Kit is what to use - I used the Medium Tip with both machines. jennifermaker.com/engrave-leather-with-cricut/
@@JenniferMaker Thank you for your reply! I made them (name tags) I got it to work using your technique with aligning center and engraving 3x then cutting the leather with the knife blade under the garment leather setting. Came out nicely for what I needed. Eventually will invest in a foil tool but I can’t afford one more thing right now haha!
Is it possible to engrave my own art on leather with cricut maker?
Yes, you can do that depending on what your art is. There are converters n the internet. Check out cute cutter as one of them.
@@JenniferMaker I will do that. Thank you very much.👍🏾🙏🏽
Can you use a leather blank like a key chain? I remember you did dig tags at one point with metal, would that be similar?
Cricuts can use real leather, Cricut faux leather, unfinished leather, metallic leather, Cricut leather, tooling leather, and many other leather products. I only tried engraving on the leather I linked in this tutorial however, and I don’t feel you could engrave faux leather.
I’d like to know if you can use faux leather too
Cricuts can use real leather, Cricut faux leather, unfinished leather, metallic leather, Cricut leather, tooling leather, and many other leather products. I only tried engraving on the leather I linked in this tutorial however, and I don’t feel you could engrave faux leather.
Can we use faux leather the same way?
You won't get the same result with the stain but you can make bookmarks with faux leather. 😊
@@JenniferMaker Cool, I'll have to give it a try! Thank you! 🙂
why do you have a railing like 0.5m infront of a door?
It is my tribute to Mr Rogers.
Align top and align left would have put everything back in its original location without having to drag it all back.
Where did you get the little stand over the cricut machine?
Greg created those stands using a 3D printer. They will placed on the blog in the future.
Could I draw pictures/scenes on the leather using the same steps in this video? I have a cricut maker.
Yes! You could definitely try.
Yikes! I'm sorry now I purchased an Explore 3 for being a first time user. This is the most complicated thing I have ever encountered in my life. I'm not finding really good beginner tutorials on how to use this design space. I just wanted to emboss and cut leather as simply as possible. I didn't realize how complicated it was to use leather (or anything) on this machine. Anyone need a brand new Explore 3 machine??
Here is the place to start! We have a free series of online classes that show you how to set up and begin creating with your machine as a new Cricut owner! Here's the link to sign up: makeracademy.com/cricutkickoff
Hello from the UK, I am a bag maker and would like to add a leather/faux leather bag label. Thinking about 1" square, tips on adding my design and name would be really helpful. Have tried similar type videos using foil and engraving but not happy with outcome. Please help if you can. 🤞
I just love these! Thanks for sharing. I do have a question. Would I be able to sell these with your designs on them at a craft fair? Thanks Jennifer for all your cool projects!
Is it ok to sell your bookmarks at a craft fair.
Usually it is for personal use but when you download the files there is a read me file with the terms. For Commercial use you can email Jennifer. That is what I have read. Good Luck!
@@josetteclaessens7629 thank you!
Has anyone tried using foil on the leather? I'd love to know if that works.
Me too!
I was wondering the same thing!
Are the instructions the same if I use faux leather instead of real leather?
I would like to know too 😃
Cricuts can use real leather, Cricut faux leather, unfinished leather, metallic leather, Cricut leather, tooling leather, and many other leather products. I only tried engraving on the leather I linked in this tutorial however, and I don’t feel you could engrave faux leather.
@@JenniferMaker Thank you for responding! I bought some faux leather and an engraving tip recently so I’ll give it a try!
It didn’t work. The engraving tip didn’t slide smoothly. I tried all three pressures. I’ll have to stick with vinyl. ( Pun Intended) 😊
Hi everyone!
Hello! Thanks for joining us for the premiere!
Could you get away with JUST using the foil tool? Or do you HAVE to cut it first?
You can just foil it.
Can you use faux leather for this?
No. Veg or tooling leather only.
I'd love to know this as well.
Cricuts can use real leather, Cricut faux leather, unfinished leather, metallic leather, Cricut leather, tooling leather, and many other leather products. I only tried engraving on the leather I linked in this tutorial however, and I don’t feel you could engrave faux leather.
@@JenniferMaker thank you! I was going to use up what I have and I have a lot of faux leather with no idea what to do with it haha. But these bookmarks are beautiful. I'll have to get some veg leather
@@JenniferMaker yes only veg tan. Or bridle leather will tool or deboss. Embossing leather generally is done with very thin leather from the back it’s pressed out and filled with leather sawdust or plugs made of leather. I was just clarifying. Leathercraft has very specific term and different tannages has different uses.
Oh my goodness, nice project but way too complicated for me.
You can do it.😊
You can skip the dyes if you want and just put the finished product in the sun and let it "tan" naturally.
Does Cricut have the leather in their shop?
They do not have one this thick. The link to the leather I used is located in our blog post jennifermaker.com/engrave-leather-with-cricut/