Customized Carved Tree Artwork with Cricut Maker

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut.
The opinions and text are all mine.

Is there anything quite as sweet as a tree carved with initials of two lovebirds? Granted, I wouldn’t actively condone defacing a living tree to express your love so this Customized Carved Tree Artwork that I made with my Cricut Maker will have to do! I thought this would make a perfect wedding gift that can be updated with the vinyl birds if the couple decides to have kids. Or make it for a baby shower with the birds already attached. Either way, they’re sure to love this sweet gesture of timeless love and no trees get hurt in the process!

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Customized Carved Tree Artwork

Supplies:

• Cricut Maker
• Cricut Premium Fine-Point Blade
• Cricut Scoring Wheel
• Adhesive Backed Wood Sheet
• Cricut Cardstock
• Cricut Brayer
• Premium Vinyl™ True Brushed Sampler
• Paper Mache Shadow Box
• Design Space File
• Double-Sided Tape
• Paint

The Magic is in the Details

Before we actually begin, I wanted to talk to you about cutting wood with your Cricut Maker. I absolutely love that when paired with the Knife Blade, a Cricut Maker can cut through really thick materials like balsa wood or chipboard buuuut….(there’s always a “but,” right?) You have to make sure that the design you cut out isn’t too intricate. It’s amazing if you’re cutting out big shapes but the tiny leaves and branches of this Carved Tree Artwork are way too thin. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got a solution for you!

Access Creativity!

When you open up the project in Design Space you’ll notice that it’s made with images and fonts from Cricut Access. You’ll be able to customize the initials because of the shared font. By the way, if you haven’t already, I highly suggest you sign up for the huge library of goodies from Cricut Access! The monthly cost of Cricut Access would actually be less than the cost of the items needed for this one project. Such a great deal for so much awesomeness!

For this project we’re going to be using a thin adhesive backed wood sheet placed on top of a thick sheet of cardstock and then cut with the “Adhesive Backed Birch” setting on your Cricut Maker. The cardstock backing will give the piece more stability and allow you to fold back the edges without the wood cracking. Make sure to check if the design has been cut out completely before removing from the machine. If it doesn’t separate easily, run it through again (and maybe again!) until you have a clean cut.

Go super slow when you’re removing the piece from the mat. I found it easier and more effective to hold the wood cut out flat and then roll the mat away slowly. Don’t worry too much if some of the cardstock rips off of the backing. Just trim away excess so that it doesn’t show from the front.

Take a few moments to notice how perfect the Cricut Maker worked on this complicated design! Ok, place the wood cutout off to the side for the time being.

Since I used a paper mache shadow box, I had to add a few coats of paint to get the desired look. You may or may not need to complete this step depending on the frame you’re using.

Once the frame is completely dry, add some double-sided tape to the side strips to adhere the piece in place. You may decide to place the tape on the back side of the image if you like the wood showing around the edges. It’s all up to your personal preference!

Fold the edges down and press in place inside of frame. The file I created on Design Space includes scoring around the edges for easy folding but this can also be done with a ruler and craft knife if you don’t have the Scoring Blade. (Highly recommend getting one, I’ve got a fun project planned next week with it!)

Wedded Bliss

If you’re planning on gifting this Customized Carved Tree Artwork as a wedding gift to a couple without kids, you’re good to go! Who wouldn’t love to see their initials on a beautiful modern art piece?

Baby Makes Three

If, however, the marrying couple has kids or you’re planning on giving this at a baby shower, then you’re going to want to add the sweet little bird detail with some Cricut Vinyl. I went with vinyl that has a brushed metal look and I’m absolutely in love with it!

Usually when you cut vinyl, you leave the paper backing so that it’s easy to peel the design away. I decided to cut all the way through the vinyl and backing so that the birds would be a little more sturdy when “sitting” on the tree.

How sweet does it look to have three children represented by three birds in a tree grown from love!

I hope you enjoy making this Customized Carved Tree Artwork as much as I did! In fact, I loved it so much that it’s now hanging in our living room. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them!

Want to see more fun Cricut projects?