DIY Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas

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Now that September is here, I’m in full fall mode, at least mentally.  This Texas weather isn’t helping me embrace fall like I’d like to but I’m ready to pull out all the fall decor, plan Thanksgiving, and embrace pumpkin everything!  Canadian Thanksgiving is right around the corner and American Thanksgiving isn’t far behind which means it’s never too early to think about Thanksgiving tablescape ideas!  This year, I’m using my Cricut Maker and the newest maker tools to create some super simple but unique accessories for our Thanksgiving table!

Cricut QuickSwap Maker Tools

Two years ago, when Cricut released the Cricut Maker with the adaptive tool system, they promised to come out with more tools and more materials so the Maker could grow right along with the creators that use it. 

Cricut has stuck by their promise and released four new tools that deliver on the Maker versatility promise and are part of the expanding Adaptive Toolset: the Basic Perforation Blade, the Fine Debossing Tip, the Wavy Blade, and the Engraving Tip.

These tools allow creators to use more techniques, like debossing and engraving, with more materials, like metals, to further expand the Maker’s capabilities. 

Each of the tools are part of the Maker’s QuickSwap Toolset so creators can quickly and easily move between tools while completing projects.

These tools can all be used with the Cricut Maker because of the adaptive tool system, a system that brings together three major technologies that give the Maker professional class cutting versatility and performance.

The adaptive tool system delivers ten times or more cutting force than the Explore line, uses a sophisticated steering system to actively control the direction of the blade at all times, and detects whether you’re using the right blade before you start cutting {and prompts you if you’re not}.

I put three of these new tools to work, along with materials like metallic leather and aluminum sheets, to create a simple Thanksgiving tablescape with a few handmade touches {the best way to personalize a holiday table}.

I absolutely love experimenting with different mediums {I’ve used my Cricut machines to make wreaths out of soda cans and wood, applied heat transfer to a wood pallet, and used the Cricut hand tools to make plastic yarn} so I couldn’t wait to start experimenting with the new tools and, as I was creating, more and more ideas came to mind for future projects! 

I love that the Cricut Maker and the available tools help take projects to the next level.  Projects that once required professional tools are now within arm’s reach at home!

Let me show you some fun ways to use these new tools to create a fall tablescape!

Engraving Tip

I often add flowers, candles, or produce to my Thanksgiving table to create a natural centerpiece and I decided to use the Engraving Tip to embellish aluminum sheets to create a simple and subtle addition to the natural decor.

When using the aluminum sheets, which come in various sizes, be sure to remove the protective film from both sides before you engrave.

Start by creating your design in Cricut Design Space.  Create a square the same size as the aluminum sheet then create the text or design to fit within the space.  When you send the project to the machine, you’ll remove the square before cutting.

When preparing to send the design to the Cricut Maker, use the strong grip mat and use painter’s tape to tape down all the sides of the aluminum sheet.  This will prevent shifting during the engraving.

Be sure to place the aluminum sheet right up against the corner markings on the mat.

After selecting Make It, you’ll want to center the text then move the square off the mat so that shape doesn’t cut. 

To do this, select the square, click on the three dots in the top left corner, select move to another mat, slide the square to the mat you want, and arrange the text in the center. 

Once the text or image is properly placed, select the square, click the three dots again, and click on hide selected.  This may seem confusing as you read it but once you try it, it should make sense.

The text or image will engrave onto the aluminum sheet and you can create a fun menu or a give thanks sign to add to the Thanksgiving table.

Because engraving can be difficult to see, I rubbed it with brown wax to give it a bit more contrast and make the engraving stand out.  Simply dab a bit of wax on a paper towel or cloth, rub it into the engraving, then wipe it off.  You can achieve a similar look with a marker or sharpie as well.

This give thanks sign is a great way to add a grateful sentiment to a Thanksgiving centerpiece or mantel.  Prop it up with some seasonal flowers or tuck it into a cornucopia or a basket of fruit.

Wavy Blade

The Wavy Blade is such a fun new addition for the Maker.  By simply selecting Wave as the linetype in the top tool bar, you can add a decorative and whimsical edge to any project.  The specially sculpted stainless steel blade can cut iron on, cardstock, paper, fabric, vinyl, and more.

I used the Wavy Blade to make leather napkin rings and added a debossed leaf image to the center of each.

To make napkin rings, add a rectangle image to Cricut Design Space, add an image to the center, select Wave as the Linetype for the outside, and cut.

Once cut, add a dab of hot glue or your other favorite glue to seal the rings together, and slip over a cloth napkin.  It takes just minutes to make an entire set and they can be customized with monograms, words, or other images for a customized tablescape.

Fine Debossing Tip

The Fine Debossing Tip has a rolling debossing ball that creates crisp, detailed debossed designs.  Unlike a folder which locks you into a specific design, the Debossing Tool lets you customize, personalize, and design with incredible intricacy.  It creates a gorgeous effect on foil cardstock, coated paper, shimmer and glitter paper, basswood, and more.

I used the Fine Debossing Tip to make the leaf on the leather napkin rings but I also used it to mark names on metallic leather leaf place cards … and I made the same place cards with the Engraving Tip so you can see the difference in how the two look on leather.  One is much more subtle than the other.

You can see that the Debossing Tip has a small ball on the end while the Engraving Tip is pointed and it’s easy to see how the two will create very different finishes.

To use the Debossing Tip, create the text or image, select it, then click Deboss in the Linetype menu.

When sent to the Maker, the above text was debossed into the leather, creating a subtle imprint.  If you want something a bit more prominent, the Engraving Tool digs right into the leather …

… for an entirely different look.

I love the texture of these metallic leather place cards but you could also create a similar look using the Debossing Tip with metallic cardstock or shimmer paper.

Basic Perforation Blade

I didn’t use the final new tool in this tablescape but I’ll be featuring the Basic Perforation Blade in a fun seasonal project soon.

The Perforation Blade creates finely perforated lines and is the easiest way to create the perfect tear quickly and effortlessly.  The blade creates evenly spaced perforation lines that allow for tearing without folding beforehand {which makes it especially great for shapes with curves!}. 

It’s the perfect tool for tear-out journals, raffle tickets, or any project that requires a neat tear.

I’m so excited about these new tools and the possibilities for creating the unexpected.  Which tool are you most excited about and what do you plan to use it for?