How to make a sea turtle suncatcher using wood and HTV vinyl.
Open the file in Creative Space software. The RED layers will be cut and consist of a front, back, and middle. The GREEN layer will be cut from HTV vinyl, you will need to cut 2 pieces. Note the vinyl cutting file is slightly smaller than the middle section. You will see why when the suncatcher is assembled.
Cut the back, front, and middle section of the suncatcher (RED layers) from 3mm basswood.
DO NOT CUT VINYL WITH THE LASER, IT IS TOXIC.
Change the mode to “Blade” and place the HTV facedown on the sticky matt, cut 2 circles from the GREEN layer.
Since HTV is made for fabric I tested a small piece of it on scrap wood to see if it would work. Using a small heat press on medium heat I placed parchment paper over the vinyl and pressed it with medium pressure for 15 seconds. These were the settings recommended by the manufacturer of the vinyl and it worked out well for me. I recommend you run a test for the vinyl you are using.
I chose to make the vinyl circles slightly smaller than the centerpiece so that I could use that extra space to apply wood glue.
Apply glue to the back side of the sea turtle cut outs and apply them to the front and back of the centerpiece.
Add a piece of leather cord and assorted wood beads to the top and bottom. I added rhinestones to one side to see how the light would reflect and it was beautiful. You can paint the turtle pieces or leave natural. Lots of creative ways to make this project.
This is a suncatcher, but I wouldn't recommend it to be in direct sun for long periods of time. Best used in shaded areas or window that get glimpses of the sun, that way you'll get the full effect of the light.
Enjoy.