![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQks5WQKkRI/AAAAAAAADI4/5_wTi42uAkg/s400/Three+bar+filigree.jpg)
Many of my designs require the use of the Expression but I try to make variations that can be cut with a baby bug (the original Cricut)whenever I can. A reader asked me if it was possible to adapt the Five Bar Filigree design I did in September for the baby bug. I changed the proportions of the bars to come up with this revised design.
Here is a LINK to the entry for the five bar design I posted in September (a photo of this version is below).
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQksyuEVM2I/AAAAAAAADIo/gy8H50rgGBQ/s400/Filigree+mesh+horizontal.jpg)
The file is set up to cut the design once on a baby bug mat on page one and you can cut two on a 12 x 12 mat by using page two (you can just flip the mat and cut a second design). The reason for the two files is that the "uncuttable" area of the 6 x 12 and the 12 x 12 mats is slightly different. I wanted to maximize the cut for each size of mat.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQksIGFn_DI/AAAAAAAADHg/MumLUDTSTJQ/s400/first+cut+-+trimming+needed.jpg)
The first time I cut the design on the 12 x 12 mat the very end of the section did not cut, as you can see in the photo above (I was able to do some hand trimming to save the cut).
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQpvT7SeJ-I/AAAAAAAADNQ/jHxO7TvYs24/s200/close+view+of+cut+showing+trim+needed.jpg)
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQpvTULqwlI/AAAAAAAADNA/AxqJPiV4DJ8/s200/close+view+of+cuts+showing+area+where+completion+needed.jpg)
You will need to do a very small bit of hand trimming to finish the outer bars of the design as you can see in the photos above and below
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQksWB9JnzI/AAAAAAAADHw/BZNTEqmMQi0/s400/close+view+of+trim.jpg)
Below you can see the slight difference in the width of the outer bars on the design. You could trim these to make the design edges perfectly consistent.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQksV2fIbcI/AAAAAAAADHo/BYyPApCb2XI/s400/comparison+of+three+bar+filigree+versions.jpg)
I have learned that with my machine I need to put the paper slightly lower than the top line to get an even frame (you should do a test cut with"ugly" paper to see how your machine and your loading technique affect the cut and adjust the paper placement accordingly).
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQksHvylVbI/AAAAAAAADHQ/YvWFUQqbfZI/s400/slight+offset+at+top+of+mat.jpg)
You will also need to trim the "bumps" which were in the uncuttable area of the mat on the 12 x 12 design. This is very simple to do.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQksHNZSNXI/AAAAAAAADHI/aF9zRd8HB7I/s400/Three+Bar+filigree+before+trimming.jpg)
You may remember from the original post that this design will yield some usable offcuts - you can see the shapes in the photo below.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_utx2TOgJeHM/SQksymf0GbI/AAAAAAAADIw/qoYT0ziD6XQ/s400/Filigree+mesh+offcuts+-+waves+and+swirls.jpg)
This design still reminds me of the elaborate iron gates you might see at a park or estate. I will eventually get around to cutting it in black and placing it over a landscape photo ...
Three Bar Filigree
This is a beautiful design. I love filigrees. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Us baby bug users need some cool things too. You have a great talent!! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!
ReplyDeleteNice! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteanother beautiful design. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful design. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful design work. Thank you for being willing to share what you have done!
ReplyDelete