Are you a crafter who has been asking the question: what is a wood cutout? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Today we are giving you the dish on wood cutouts so you’ll be able to use them with confidence!
It’s probably safe to say that if you are reading this you love wreaths as much as I do. Wreaths are a fabulous way to dress up any day whether it’s a holiday or an ordinary Wednesday. The thing I like best about wreaths is all the fun ways that you can customize them. Here at Hot Mesh Mom, we started creating custom wood cutouts so that we could offer the amazing makers in our community ways to really make their creations stand out. Read on to learn all about what wood cutters are and how you can use them in your crafts!
What is a Wood Cutout?
Ok, first things first! Just what the heck is a wood cutout? Put simply, it is a 2D design that is cut out (hence the name!) of wood. Wood cutouts come in a range of details. They can go from really simple to very detailed. Some cutouts are just blank shapes, while others have lines etched into them. The etchings are lines that are cut into the wood but not all the way through. These lines add definition to the design and also make them easy to paint (more about that later!)
What Type of Wood is Used and How are They Made?
In some cases, the wood that is used is based on personal preference. In others, it has more to do with the project you are doing. Some popular wood types that are used include MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and birch plywood. For thicker pieces, pine is sometimes used. The way it works for us is that I create unique designs (shapes, figures, or words) that I think you will love and then Richard uses a CNC machine or a laser engraver/cutter to make them. There are also wood cutouts that can be made by hand. For this you would use a template (an image that you’ve drawn or printed) and a jigsaw, scroll saw, or band saw.
What Size are the Wood Cutouts?
When it comes to the thickness of the wood it depends on the item. Delicate pieces like earrings and such are normally ⅛” thick. For your average wreath rail and door hanger it will be ¼” thick. Items that need to be extra sturdy, like yard art, can be as thick as ½”. The cutouts that we sell to be used as wreath rails or wreath attachments come in a variety of sizes. Normally we offer them in 6”, 12”, 16”, and 20”. Sometimes we will throw in another size or two depending on the design and how it would look its best. The reason that we offer so many size options is that these cutouts can be used for so many things. We want you to be able to get the design you want in exactly the size you need!
Why Wood Cutouts are Ahhh-mazing…
One of the things that I love most about wreaths is how unique each maker’s style is. It seems that crafters are like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. Wreath supplies and themes are as varied as the people who make and purchase them. One thing that can really set a wreath apart is the attachment that is used and these cutouts offer so much variety!
That’s one thing that got Richard and I into making these cutouts. I would have an idea for an adorable wreath, but not be able to find the attachment I needed to bring the project to life. I would talk to other wreath makers and learn that they had the same problem. So I thought, “I’ve got to figure out how to make my own.” And here we are! Now if I can imagine it, I can create it.
The reason these cutouts are amazing is that they are like snowflakes too. Even if we both start with the same cutout, our results can be completely different! We can use different colors, distinct shading and details… the room for variation is endless.
We hope you liked learning what exactly is a wood cutout. If you have any questions at all about our wood cutouts, please comment and let us know! These are beautiful pieces that can add so much to all your creative designs, and we don’t want you missing out!
If you need any help with painting your own wood signs or wreath rails and decorating your custom wreath rails, be sure to check out more of our tutorials on Hot Mesh Mom Blog.
We would love to see your amazing wreath rail designs! Please share with us over at the Hot Mesh Mom Facebook.
