Anyone else love origami and paper models as a kid?  Or……maybe still as an adult?  *raises hand*

I love it — did when I was younger, and I still do.  And when Brother released a new USB Stick full of various paper folding projects — including a robot — you know I jumped all over that!  Today I want to show you how fun and simple it is to create these little projects — such a great activity to do with kids as well!  Harlow loved helping me, and we have some ideas for some of the other patterns as well that I can’t wait to show you down the road.

I also want to share how to resize these patterns from 1 mat to 2 mats — in this case, from 1, 12″x12″ mat to 2, 12″x24″ mats.  Let’s jump right into it – 

RESIZING YOUR PATTERNS IN CANVAS

When you open the .FCM file, the pattern pieces will be arranged on the standard 12″x12″ mat.  The first thing we will do is change the Area Size to the 12″x24″.  Use your select tool (the arrow) to select and group each of the individual pieces together.  

Determine the rotation–if any–needed to fit and resize.  

At this point, group all pieces of the pattern together.  Holding the shift key, grab a corner of the selection to resize keeping the aspect ratio the same.  The next step is most critical when you are resizing from 1 mat to 2. 

In ScanNCutCanvas, you can save a project when the pattern exceeds the mat area, but you cannot download it.  

So the process is simple, but easily done wrong:

1. Name the project for the first mat. (Example: Robot Piece 1)
2. Move the next piece into place (not necessary, but it helps me stay organized with multiple pieces!) and change the project title name. (Example: Robot Piece 2).  At this point, Save as Another Project. 
3. Continue this process for each piece that needs its own mat — or collection of pieces to be on one mat.  I like to go back to My Projects page to be sure I’ve saved each piece correctly.  
4. Open each file and delete the unneeded piece or pieces.  Save: Overwrite This Project and download. 

Now the fun part: letting the ScanNCut do its thing to cut out the pattern and then putting it together!

COMPLETE PATTERN

First, you will transfer your .FCM file via a USB Stick to your ScanNCut Machine.  My favorite cut settings for cardstock:

• Speed: 1-3
• Pressure: 0-1
• Length: 3-5

After cutting out the pieces and removing the negative pieces of the pattern, remember a baby wipe (non-alcohol and unscented) is a great way to lengthen the life of your mats!  Wipe up the debris left behind, allow it to try and you are good to go. 

The trick to completing these patterns is to visualize the direction of the folds via the image of the completed pattern.  And guess what: if you fold it the wrong way, the perforated lines are forgiving and you’ll know for the next time you put the pattern together!

What supplies do you need?  A little bit of patience and a glue stick.  

(I like to keep the bottom of the robot unglued — you can add a weight or a few washers inside to help it stand a bit more securely that way!)

just have fun!  Harlow and I had a blast making a “baby robot” too!

This collection of patterns (CAUSB4) is available at your local Brother dealer.  

xo

I am a paid spokesperson for the Brother ScanNCut Machine.  My love for robots and the ScanNCut are all my own. 

PATTERNS. TUTORIALS.

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