All about Acetate!
Acetate comes in different weights, colours and patterns.
Acetate is a clear plastic material that you can use in paper crafts. I often use it to create a transparent floating effect on the back layer of my cake toppers and for shakers.
Here is a video to watch that explains all the different types of acetate, what machines you can cut them on, what blade and settings to use.
You can find some of the types of acetate I use linked on my Amazon Store Front. I often get asked about the iridescent and pink acetate I use, sadly this is only available in the U.S. its called Mylar and you can purchase from 12x12 Cardstock Shop.
Here are all the acetate tips I have for the different types of acetate and machines:
All Cricut machines (Joy, Joy Xtra, Explore and Maker ranges) can cut Cricut acetate sheets/Cricut foil acetate. Use the acetate or foil acetate setting and a standard fine point blade. Great for shakers and adding patterned details. This is harder to get hold of in the U.K as it sells out quickly on the cricut website and is mainly sold out on amazon.
Projector sheets (slightly thicker acetate at 240 Micron) is my “Go To” acetate. It can be cut on Joy/Joy Xtra using the heavy cardstock more setting. You may need to push it out of the acetate sheet but it will come loose! Projector sheets can be cut on the Explore and Maker ranges using the foil Kraft board holographic more setting with a normal fine point blade. Great for when you can to add an acetate layer on the outside of your cake topper with paper or vinyl details and you want a sturdier background. You can also use this for shakers. This is my go to acetate for versatility and also cost.
Even thicker acetate normally comes in 12x12 can only be cut on the Explore and Maker machines using the deep point blade in one cut or you will need to do at least two cuts (do not unload mat- press the 'c' or 'play' button) Great for when you have a really large cake toppers. However due to how thick it is, I would not recommend for general use. If you can make the cake topper slightly smaller so the acetate width is 8.5 inches, that way you can use projector sheets.
A little tip for shakers, if you do not want your shaker mix to stick to the your acetate, then clean it with some window cleaner and wipe with kitchen towel. You can also use a dry microfibre towel. This gets rid of the static to allow your shaker mix to move more freely. This is an optional step and sometimes I skip it, if I prefer my shaker mix to stick and not all fall down and be hidden at the bottom of the shaker.
Check out my Youtube Channel for a step by step guide of three different ways to make a simple shaker with acetate.
