While looking at necklaces in the shops the other day, I couldn’t help but notice a plain silver pendant. Now it looked lovely plain, but I couldn’t get the idea of trying to engrave it out of my mind. 

Having never used my Cricut Maker for engraving before, I should probably have started with something bigger and a little more forgiving with spacing. Craft-wise I generally like to throw myself into the deep end though and this time it turned out really well!

The variety of things that Cricut Maker can do is amazing! Most of my crafts are done with cardstock, vinyl or iron-on and would be more than sufficient on the Explore Series machines. However, having the freedom of the Maker to craft almost anything that I’d like to do is really incredible! If, like many others, you’re wondering which machine is best for you, feel free to pop me an email and let’s chat!

You can find the template for this lovely Acetate Gift Box here.

Engraving with a Cricut Maker

What you need

Cricut Maker
Cricut engraving tip with Quicksnap housing
StrongGrip mat
Blank Necklace or other thin metal object
Masking tape

Recommended:
Small cardstock scrap
Cricut Pen

What to do

In Design Space select the image that you’d like to engrave and set it to engrave. (Tip: Select “draw only” in your image search to get simple line images)

Use a shape (circle) as a template for your blank necklace to size your image correctly.

Once sized, hide the template shape and then select “Make it”. On your virtual mat, place the blank/pendant at a very obvious intersection of lines for easy lining up.

(Optional: If you’d like to first test the placement, set the selected image and template shape to draw and then drag them to the exact position on the virtual mat where you’ll drag the engraving version. Using the Cricut pen let the Cricut Maker draw out the engraving image to show you where it’s placing it. When inserting your mat make sure it’s flush with the rollers and as far left as possible. That way when you insert it again for the actual engraving you can do the same.)

Remove any accessories from your blank. In my case I needed to open up the connection ring to remove the chain and allow the pendant to sit flat on the mat.

Place the blank/pendant in the exact same position on the StrongGrip mat as the virtual mat. Tape down around the edge of the blank/pendant with masking tape to secure it properly to the mat. Make sure that the tape doesn’t cover any area that will be engraved.

Insert your engraving tip as per instruction on Design Space and then watch it go!

Use a small piece of masking tape to remove any little pieces of metal scratched out during engraving.

How amazing is that? It’d make such a great one of a kind gift!