How to create vinyl decals using the vinyl cutter.

Step 1

Find a picture on the internet that you would like to make into a single color sticker. The picture should have an easily recognizable silhouette, because we will only be able to cut out the outline. Once you have found an image, save it to the desktop.

Step 2

Open the picture up with GIMP and play with the threshold tool to convert your picture to a black and white image. Save this image.

Step 3

Open the black and white image with Inkscape Vector Illustrator. Select the image, then select the "Trace Bitmap" option. The new image is layered on top of the old image, so move the new image off to the side and delete the original image. The new image is a vector image, and can be resized as many times as you want without any loss in quality.

Step 4

Save the newly created vector image as an Autocad DXF file (.dxf)

Step 5

Open the .dxf file with the CAM software, make sure the scale is correct, and then send it to the Roland Cam Vinyl Cutter.

Making a Puzzle

Now that you have your vinyl decal, you can make a jigsaw puzzle with it. Using OpenOffice Draw, make a square that is slightly larger than your decal. Then use the freehand pencil tool to draw lines to make the jigsaw puzzle. Place the decal on the cardboard, place on the laser cutter, and cut your jigsaw puzzle!