FAQ

General

How do I download your designs?
To download any of my design files, simply click the “Download” button on that blog post page (just below the main image).

You will then be directed to where the file is hosted on Google Drive. From there, you can download it (click the down arrow icon in the upper right-hand corner) and save it to your computer.

I downloaded your design, but it won't let me open it.
My files will download to your computer in a zip folder. If you are unfamiliar with unzipping files, check out this helpful article.

If you are on a tablet or mobile device, you may need an app that can unzip files. If you are having any other issues, I suggest trying a different web browser (Google Chrome usually works best).

When I unzip the file, there isn't an SVG version. Where is it?
If you use a windows computer and used Microsoft Edge to download my files, you may run into this issue. The easiest solution is to use a different web browser to download the files (Google Chrome usually works best).

Otherwise, you can check out this article for more information, and step-by-step tips.

I want to use your graphics/cut files, do I need to purchase a commercial license?
If you are using my graphics/cut files as part of a project you are making for yourself or are offering for free, then no commercial license is necessary. If you would like to use my graphics as part of a logo design, my cut files to make and sell crafts, or anything you may profit from, then you do need to purchase a commercial license.

Note: Commercial licenses for cut file templates only cover “finished products” and does not allow you to sell them as digital files, or as part of a digital download.

I would like to use one of your free designs commercially, how to I obtain a license?
Contact me, and for $10 I will send you a commercial license. Please include the name of the design(s) you would like to purchase in your email (i.e. Die Cut 3D Carousel, Laurel Wreath Designs, etc.).

Please Note: Commercial licenses for my templates are sold individually, per design.

I've seen some of your cut file templates like your silhouettes for sale on Etsy. Did you give them permission to do this?
Unfortunately, I find my designs being sold as digital downloads on websites like Etsy fairly often. This is NEVER okay (also, P.S. it makes me really sad). If you see someone selling any of my designs as digital downloads, please let me know. I would really appreciate it.

I’d like to keep offering my designs for free, so PLEASE be courteous. If you have any questions about how you can/cannot use my designs, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Do you do custom design work?
I am not currently taking on new, custom projects.
Do you take suggestions for new content?
If you have a fun idea for a freebie, you can always reach out to me and let me know—I always love to hear from my readers! The best way to make sure your voice is heard, though, is by becoming a patron of Designs by Miss Mandee, and participating in my monthly polls.

 

Paper Cutting

How do you make your die cut designs?
First, I design my templates in Adobe Illustrator. Then, I use a Cricut Maker (which I love!) to do the cutting. If you’re interested in learning how to create your own design files, definitely check out my tutorials!

Interested in getting a die cut machine? Read about why I LOVE my Cricut.

How do I cut out your designs with my Cricut?
After you’ve downloaded the SVG file, simply open Cricut Design Space and go to New Project>Upload Images>Upload Image>Browse. Locate the file on your computer, and upload it to your Design Space account. You can then insert the file into your canvas and cut it out with your machine.
How do I cut out your designs with my Silhouette?
If you have the Designer edition of Silhouette Studio, then (after you’ve downloaded the SVG file) you can simply open Silhouette Studio and go to File>Open or click the folder icon. Locate the file on your computer, and upload it to your software. You can then insert the file into your canvas and cut it out with your machine.

If you are using the free version of Silhouette’s software, you will need to convert the SVG file to a simple format first (JPEG, GIF, or PNG). You can do this with an online file converter tool like ZamZar and follow the prompts they give you. Just locate and upload the SVG file, choose the file type you want to convert it to, enter your email address, and hit “convert.” The file will then be sent to you via email where you can then upload it to Silhouette Studio.

Note: This workaround is intended for 2D cut file designs with limited colors, but is not recommended for my 3D cut file projects! If you’d like to make use of my 3D designs as a Silhouette user, I strongly suggest upgrading your software.

I'm having trouble with the score lines in your designs. What am I doing wrong?
There are a few different reasons why the score lines in your file might not be working correctly. If you are a Cricut user, I’ve created this video to help you troubleshoot the issue!

Why don't your old designs include score lines?
When I first started creating 3D cut files, I didn’t include score lines in my designs. So, some of my older files (like my paper lanterns) don’t include them. I excluded score lines because they don’t work properly for Silhouette users, and even Cricut users need to take a few extra step within Cricut Design Space in order to set them up properly.

Now, though, I do typically include a version that incorporates score lines in my 3D files! If you have a cutting machine that does not support this, or don’t have access to scoring tools for your machine, I also make sure to include a file without score lines.

Maybe one day I’ll go back and add a score line version to each of my paper lantern downloads…one day. For now, if you need any instruction on assembling my paper lanterns or need to know where to make your folds, be sure to check out this video.

For tips on setting up files that include score lines in Cricut Design Space, check out this video.

What size paper do you use?
For nearly all my paper cutting projects (including my paper lantern designs) I use 8.5″x11″ card stock. So, many of my projects are sized to automatically fit a standard 8.5″x11″ sheet of paper. The brand of paper I use is called Recollections, and I usually try to either buy it on sale at Michael’s or get it on Amazon.

Read more about my favorite crafting tools and supplies.

What is the material you use to line your paper lanterns?
What setting do you use to cut out your designs?
The settings I use depend on the material I am working with. For my intricate designs I create from card stock (like my Disney paper lanterns), I use the lightest setting possible for the weight of my paper (Light Cardstock+ for the paper I use). Having a cut setting that is too deep can cause your design to tear more easily.
I'm trying to make your paper lanterns, but the design keeps tearing. What am I doing wrong?
Be sure you are using the lightest setting possible for the weight of your paper (Light Cardstock orLight Cardstock+ for the paper I use). I also suggest using a fresh blade and either a LightGrip cutting mat or a StandardGrip cutting mat that has seen some use. Other than that, you just need patience when removing the design: go nice and slow.

Still having issues? check out this video I made addressing this specific question.