Creating clear ghost bookmarks is a fun and creative project that combines Cricut’s Print then Cut feature with the versatility of clear sticker sheets and the durability of laminated bookmarks. Whether you’re crafting for Halloween or just love the ghostly aesthetic, I’ll walk you through the entire process, so let’s get started!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
How to Create Clear Ghost Bookmarks with Cricut
I’ve shared how to create Clear Bookmarks before without a cutting machine, so this time we’ll step it up a notch and use my Cricut Explore 3. You can also do this with any other Cricut machine that takes the Deep Point Blade.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Cricut Explore 3
- Deep Point Blade
- Clear Printable Vinyl/Sticker Sheets
- Inkjet Printer
- Laminating Pouches
- Laminating Machine
- Cricut StrongGrip Mat (Learn all about Cricut Mats HERE)
- Scissors
- Cricut Design Space
- Felt Covered Ruler or Squeegee
- Ghost Bookmark Designs
Step 1: Prepare Your Ghost Bookmark Designs
Start by selecting or creating ghost bookmark designs. You can find plenty of free or paid designs online, or you can create your own using design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva. If you’re using existing designs, make sure they’re formatted correctly for Cricut’s Print then Cut feature. I used these Designs from Creative Fabrica.
Tip: When searching for designs, use keywords like “free ghost SVG,” or “Vintage Ghost png”.
Step 2: Upload Your Designs to Cricut Design Space
Open Cricut Design Space and upload your ghost designs.
- Click on “New Project” in Cricut Design Space.
- Select “Upload” from the left-hand menu.
- Click “Upload Image” and locate your ghost design files.
- Once uploaded, select your design and click “Add to Canvas.”
Step 3: Set Up the Print then Cut Feature
Once your designs are on the canvas, it’s time to prepare them for the Print then Cut feature.
- Select your ghost design on the canvas.
- Add small offset by clicking the offset button at the top. Change the color of the offset to white.
- Grab both layers of the design and click on “Flatten” at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will turn your design into a single-layer printable image.
- Resize your bookmarks to your desired dimensions. Typically around 2 inches wide by 6 inches tall.
- Click “Make It” to move to the next step.
Step 4: Print Your Designs on Clear Sticker Sheets
After setting up the Print then Cut feature, Cricut Design Space will prompt you to print your designs. Make sure to use high-quality clear sticker sheets for a professional finish.
- Click “Send to Printer.”
- Select your printer and choose the number of copies you need.
- Use Printer Dialog to select the correct paper settings for your printer.
- Print your designs on clear sticker sheets.
I created a quick video to walk you through the rest of the process, check it out below…
Step 5: Laminating Your Printed Sticker Sheets
Laminating your printed designs before cutting will give your bookmarks added durability and a polished look. Follow the steps below:
- Preheat your laminating machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place the printed clear sticker sheet into a laminating pouch, ensuring the printed side faces the smooth side of the pouch. (see how I do it in the video above)
- Run the pouch through the laminating machine, making sure it feeds through smoothly without any wrinkles or bubbles.
- Once laminated, let it cool for a few seconds before proceeding.
Step 6: Cut Your Laminated Bookmarks with Cricut Explore 3
Now that your designs are laminated, it’s time to cut them using the Cricut Explore 3.
- Place the laminated sticker sheet onto the StrongGrip Mat.
- Load the mat into your Cricut Explore 3.
- Place the Laminated Sheet on the Mat: Place the laminated sticker sheet onto a StrongGrip cutting mat, ensuring it is firmly adhered to the mat. Load the mat into your Cricut machine.
- Select the Material and Blade: I’ve updated the tutorial to include a custom setting that worked best for me. Adjust as you see fit. To create a custom setting follow the steps below:
Select Your Cricut Machine: If prompted, select the Cricut machine you are using (e.g., Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker).
Choose Material Settings: On the material selection screen, scroll down and click on “Browse All Materials.”
A new window will pop up with a list of materials. Scroll to the bottom of this window and click on “Material Settings” (or “Add New Material” if using certain versions).
Create a New Material Setting: At the top of the Material Settings screen, you’ll see an option to “Add New Material.” Click on this button. A dialog box will appear, asking you to name your custom material. Enter “Laminate Bookmarks” as the name.
Adjust the Cut Pressure: Once you’ve named your material, adjust the cut pressure using the slider or by typing in “350” in the pressure box.
Select the Cutting Tool: In the “Blade Type” dropdown menu, select “Deep Point Blade.”
Set the Number of Cut Passes: In the same dialog box, there’s an option labeled “Multi-Cut.” Set this to “3x” to ensure the Cricut cuts through the laminate properly.
Save the Custom Setting: After you’ve adjusted all the settings (pressure, blade type, and cut passes), click the “Save” button to save your new custom material setting.
Use Your Custom Setting: Now, whenever you’re ready to cut your laminated bookmarks, you can select “Laminate Bookmarks” from the material list, and the Cricut will use the pressure, blade, and multi-cut settings you’ve configured. Save it as a favorite for easy use.
5. Install the Deep Point Blade
6. Click the button to start the cutting process.
7. Once the cutting is complete, carefully remove the bookmarks from the mat.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once your bookmarks are cut, you can add any finishing touches to make them even more special. For these ghosts, I left them plain. But for a cutesy design, consider adding embellishments.
- Punch a Hole: If you’d like to add a tassel to your bookmark, use a hole punch to create a small hole at the top.
- Add Tassels: Attach a tassel or ribbon through the hole for added flair.
Creating clear ghost bookmarks using Cricut Explore 3 is a simple and fun project that combines the best of Cricut’s Print then Cut feature with the durability of laminated designs. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or as a gift, these bookmarks are sure to impress!
Happy crafting!
1 comment
Hi
Am I able to buy a translucent ghost bookmark from you?
Thanks so much.
AM