We’ve been receiving lots of questions about monograms lately. It seems they’re a hot trend that’s here to stay. Today I thought I’d address some of the questions and give you a few resources to help you make beautiful monograms.
Inspiration Studio Pro
Because the Inspiration Studio Pro software has been around longer, we have more tutorials available to help you learn. For a basic monogram overview and a tutorial on using the distortion tool, check out the Making Monograms video. For more customized monogram looks we have the How to Make Round Monograms video and the Split Letter Monogram video.
To create your own unique monogram designs with images and text use the WYSIWYG feature in the Pro software. The WYSIWYG feature allows you to layer custom images and shapes with text, then press one button and watch the software create cutting paths for your desired look. You can learn more about WYSIWYG in the What You See Is What You Get series of videos found in the Building on the Basics Video section.
InVue
Many of you are using the InVue software. Klo taught a class on making Split Monograms in the InVue software on March 8, 2015. If you want to create shaped monograms, you can do so in the InVue software using the subtract weld feature. The Creating Silhouette Overlays video is a good tutorial on using subtract weld to achieve layered silhouettes that cut out in one piece. Although the video is created in the Pro software, it’s a good intro to the concept of Subtract Weld and the process is the same.
I’ll give you a simplified version of the process to get you started.
To begin, create a shape for your outside border. I’m using a circle. Create a second inline of the shape and fill it with white. This creates the illusion of a thin black circle as in image 1. Add a letter to the inside of the circle making sure that the letter is touching that inside inline circle on all edges as in image 2. Next select the inside inline circle and the letter and do a subtract weld as in image 3. The resulting image will have the letter welded to the inside circle with the outside circle surrounding it. By switching to wireframe as in image 4 you can see that it will cut out in one piece.
So are you ready to try making your own monograms now? Monograms are such a fun way to dress up a plain item into something special to give as a gift.
If you like the monogram look, but want the work done for you, we’ve got you covered. There are several monogram collections in the Craft Room Library and in the Pazzles Online Store: Chevron Monogram, Split Letter Monogram, and our Floral Monogram Collection.
~Michelle
Thanks Michelle! I love monograms and am about to design one for our command centre. 🙂