Rock Reverse Out Nametags at Your Next Meeting Using Silhouette Portrait

If you're looking for a good way to mix up your next meeting, consider making custom cut out nametags with your Silhouette Portrait and a few bucks worth of peel off nametags. They can be decorated or personalized making the "every one sign in and get a nametag" part of your meeting fun for everyone. This instructable will walk you through it step by step.

For this instructable you'll need the following supplies:

A pack (or more) of printable name tags (available at your local office supply store).

A few sheets of regular printer paper.

A pencil (optional).

A Silhouette Portrait paper cutting machine.

Step 1: Prep Your Silhouette Portrait and Install Silhouette Studio

If you haven't already, install the Silhouette Studio software and connect it to your computer using the provided USB cable. Be sure that you can connect to your Silhouette Portrait and power on according to the instructions. Adjust your blade according to the manufacturers instructions. For this instructable I had the blade set to about a #2. Individual results may vary, so be prepared to adjust to a clean cut.

Step 2: Prepare Your Nametags in the Silhouette Studio Software

You may find it helpful to measure the size of the stickers on your nametag sheets. I used Avery stickers #25395 which are readily available at your local office supply store. For the example I also removed one sticker to provide greater contrast in the pictures and make it easier to see.

Start by creating eight text boxes (or more or less depending on the template you're using) and aligning them as you wish them to appear on your stickers. You'll need to use a "stencil" font for the nametags to work. I used the font "Stencil STD".

Step 3: Print a Test Page

Before you begin cutting your expensive nametags, you should use a piece of regular paper to cut out a test of your names. This will allow you to get things lined up just right before you waste a bunch of sticky nametag sheets. Send your design to the Silhoutte Portrait to begin a test cut. Once cut out, punch out the letters and align the test page with a sheet of the nametags. Use a pencil to lightly mark where the names will appear on the nametags to ensure that the placement is correct. Adjust your placements if needed.

Step 4: Cut Out Your Nametags & Stick Them On

Once you have your design lined up load up a sheet of nametags by placing them on the adhesive backing sheet as directed. Select "Send to Silhouette" to begin cutting your nametags.

Once complete you're ready to use your nametags. Do not remove the nametags from the backing until you're ready to stick them on. Consider letting your meeting guests add additional decoration using colored pens or other decor before removing them from the backing.

When you're ready to apply them, simply pull them off the backing (super slowly or you'll rip them), then apply to your clothing; ideally right on top of some cool color or pattern that will show through your nametag.

Enjoy :)