Father’s Day is just around the corner and I bet your first thought was “Oh, crap! I have to figure out something for the kids to give my husband!” Well hopefully this will help! I created this fun print-then-cut SVG while Christie once again is showing you how to do the hands-on part of piecing this together and how to set this up in Silhouette Studio. Check out Christie's IG at @CraftyChristie’sCreations!

This craft project is perfect for the dad who likes to get out into nature, become one with the woods and water, and catch a "Whopper!"......or just likes an excuse for some solitude and alone time. :)  

For this month's free SVG and craft tutorial we are making this fun "Reel Cool Dad" card.  This is a print-then-cut SVG that you can create for the kiddos to color in afterwards. Be sure to grab this free SVG at the bottom of this post.

Here's the before pic: 

And here's the after pic:

The kids can color in the picture, sign their name at the bottom and there's even two slots to insert hooks! (Help them with this part please ;-) 

The cut file includes the outer die cut border as well as the slots. The print file includes everything in black in the first photo shown above. The second is the finished outcome.  It's such a fun item for dad that you can get the whole family involved in!  Maybe you could get an entire set of new hooks and have each child color their own card for dad?  Either way I hope this SVG will come in handy this Father's Day.

So be sure to grab the free SVG at the bottom of this post!

Prepping the Design In Silhouette

This design comes with two different parts, so it’s a bit different than most of your files. You get:

• The PNG file, the part that will be printed (for them to color in)
• The cut file (spots for bait with curly edges)

Side note: If you don’t see the dashes in the spots you will hang the bait, you may need to check your layers and find the ‘polygon’ then choose ‘bring to front’

First step is to copy the coloring design and paste it onto your cut file. You can center it in the design by selecting the design, holding shift and then clicking on the white layer followed by the ‘center’ button on the top menu bar.

Getting ready to print/cut

Check to see that all your settings are correct before printing, such as:

• Change the page set-up so media size is letter  
• Turn on registration marks (super important for the cutting machine to read it!)
• Turn on cut boarder-make sure everything you want to cut is within the red line!
• Select all and choose ‘center to page’ to make sure you have plenty of space to cut everything

Side Note: If you plan to put the card in a standard A2 envelope that holds a card that is 4.25”x5.5”, you’ll need to resize everything. First group it all together, lock the ratio aspect, then you can change the width to 4.25 and everything else will follow suit.

Got multiple kids who each want to give one to Dad? Head over to your replicate panel and print as many as you need!

All set, now send it to the printer! 

Getting ready to cut

• Place it on your cutting mat being sure that the registration marks are on the top and left sides of the page.
  

PRO TIP: Rotate your cutting mat periodically so one corner doesn’t get more beat up than the rest! Christie likes to rotate hers every other cut.

• Insert your cut mat into the machine
• Make sure your setting is correct for your blade (Christie used a ratchet blade)

Back in Silhouette Studio…

Head to the send panel, Make sure all settings are correct: material, tool, etc. See photo for reference.

Assembly

The fun part for the kids-coloring! Have them make it as colorful as they want and then grab it back to do the finishing touch.

Remember those four little dashes towards the bottom of the card? We need to pull up those cuts so we can slide the fish hooks in. Just use a small tool to pop them up and adjust the hooks where you want them. (You can even use a little tape under the heads if needed)

There you have it folks! Not too shabby if I do say so myself! Join us next month for another fun craft tutorial and even more free SVGs!

For more from Christie, check out her website, Crafty Christie’s Creations, she specializes in handmade greeting cards, and DIY paper crafts. She is an EXPERT in Silhouette Studio, which has also led her to start producing tutorials to make all this crafting a bit easier. Follow her on Instagram @craftychristiescreations for more fun craft projects and tips!

 To grab these free designs from some of my other favorite bloggers, click the links below

My Favorite People Call Me Dad – Liz on Call
This Dad Keeps It Reel - Gina C. Creates
All American Dad – Special Heart Studio
Print Then Cut Father's Day Fishing Card  - Pen + Posh
All About my daddy– Lemony Fizz
HandyMan Split Monogram Frame – Red Earth & Gum Trees
#1 Dad – Maggie Rose Design Co
Rad Dad -Persia Lou