Father’s Day is right around the corner, so it is time to start planning the perfect gift for dad. Check out this fun project using one of Cricut’s best-kept secrets, SnapMat! Do you know what Cricut’s SnapMat is? I believe it was released back in 2016. Keeping reading, and we will make a fun Father’s Day gift and learn all about SnapMat in the process!
Let’s first exam what SnapMat is first, and then we will make that special present for dad. Cricut describes SnapMat this way:
SnapMat helps you visualize image and text placement by capturing a photo of your material on the cutting mat. You can see the layout as a virtual mat preview. Images and text can be repositioned over the picture for ideal placement.
You might ask why I would you SnapMat?
- Preview of where your images and text will be cut or drawn.
- Use up your scrap material.
- Cut shapes or images in a specific location of a picture
- Write feature to write on pre-bought tags or cards.
You may be wondering where to find the SnapMat feature. SnapMat is not an option on the Desktop version of Design Space. SnapMat is only on the iOS app. I have the app download on both my phone and iPad. The IOS app give me the ability to create and design anytime, anywhere! I actually design projects in the IOS app while driving, of course, only when I am the passenger!
So, let’s get started with our Father’s Day project using SnapMat.
Supplies
- Pictures
- Cricut Maker or Explorer
- Standard Mat
- Canvas or Floating Picture Frame
- Acrylic Paint
- Mod Podge
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors, however, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Checkout the video below for a guided Do It Yourself for this Father’s Day gift or follow the step by step instructions below.
Step #1 Pictures
Find some great pictures of dad and the kids. Keep in mind the kids can be two legs or four legs!
Step #2 Design
You can design it on the computer, save it, and pull it up on your IOS App later if that is easier for you. I like to pick a font that is large and bulky for this project. The bigger the letters, the more picture that will show in the project. I used Paddington Regular for this project.
Step #3 Fill in Font
To allow for more of your picture to show up in the project, I like to weld shapes to fill in the letters.
Step# 4 Size the Project
Now it is time to size the project. You can use a frame for this project or a canvas. If you choose a frame, I like to use a floating frame. If you decide to use a canvas, I like to paint my canvas black with Acrylic paint.
Step #5 Use SnapMat
Now let’s use the Snap Mat feature. Remember, you need to use either your iPhone or iPad for this step. Once you have the project sized, select “Make It”. On your IOS App, you will now see the Snap Mat option as “SnapMat” in the bottom left hand corner.
Layout the pictures of Dad and the kids on one of the cutting mats. I like to use the standard mat. You might need to use two mats depending on the size of your project.
When you select the “Snapmat” option, it’s going to take a picture of the mat. The ticks to this step is to hold the phone or iPad steady so that the Snapmat feature will snap a picture.
The little purple circle need to be lined up with the center lines on the horizontal and vertical axis to initiate a picture.
Once Snapmat natures a picture you will choose “Use”. The Design Space will superimpose your design so you can move the images around over the pictures.
After you take a picture of it, all you need to do is move the image over to where your picture is and select “Continue”.
Then make sure you are connected via Bluetooth and cut the image.
Step #6 Finish Project
If you are using a floating frame, the finishing is simple. Insert the cut images into the frame and position them in place!
If you are using a canvas, I like to paint my canvas black using acrylic paint. Then I use mod podge to adhere the cut images to the canvas. Then I apply a topcoat to seal in the pictures.
I hope you like this Father’s Day gift idea using Cricut’s SnapMat feature. Really, you can’t go wrong with any gift that has pictures of dad and the kids. This is a priceless gift and great for any dad. Dad is sure to want to proudly display this great picture collage! I bet there will be lots of big-hugs, and thanks on Father’s Day.
Don’t forget to checkout our All Things Fun Stuff Crafting Shopping List! Each time we do an Inspiration Friday project we add the supplies to our shopping list!
Social Media Links
CLICK HERE If you would like to join the Facebook Group, Crafts and Inspiration hosted by Fun Stuff Crafts! In the group, I share and encourage members to share tips and projects.
