How to Turn Kid Art into SVG Files

Learn how to Turn Kid Art into SVG Files with your Cricut Machine and vinyl! This is the perfect tutorial for creating custom Back to School Supplies.

I know I say this a lot, but for reals…this is my favorite post to date. I’m sure a lot of it is because I really got my kids involved with this project, but the end result is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I made these custom notebooks and pencil boxes using vinyl and artwork by my two older kids. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how you can turn Kid Art into SVG files. Not only is it super cute, but your kids will love having something they created.

You will need a cutting machine and while I’m sure you can apply these principles to something like the Silhouette, this tutorial is catered to those with a Cricut. We will also be using the iPad with this tutorial, but no worries…you can do it without one. The iPad just helps get smoother lines. 

What you’ll need to make Custom Back to School Supplies:

• Cricut Design Space App
• Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air (read more about the Maker here)
• iPad Pro (optional, but if you have one, use it!)
• Apple Pencil
• ProCreate app or other drawing app
• Procreate Brushes from Creative Market Pack of 8 (I use the monoline brush – but this is my favorite brush set!)
• Black Marker
• Markers
• White Paper
• Vinyl
• Standard Grip Mat
• Pencil Case
• 3 Ring Binder

 

How to Turn Kid Art into SVG Files (iPad instructions)

1. First, have your child draw their design. Tell them to keep it pretty simple (just think of the weeding!)
2. Open up Procreate on your iPad, create a new canvas, then click on the wrench in the top left-hand corner, then select IMAGE.
3. Now, select TAKE A PHOTO and take a picture of your child’s artwork. Click on Use it when you’re satisfied with the image.
4. Now, go to the Layer Panel (the icon that’s just two squares), and click on the PLUS sign to add another layer.
5. Select your picture layer in the layers panel, and click the N. Now change the opacity so it’s lower (this makes it easier to see your draw lines).
6. Select the Marker brush from your imported brushes (when you purchase, it will come with instructions for installing the brush). You can also use an inking brush if you don’t want to purchase them. Tip: You can change the size of the brush by going to General in the brush settings and moving the size limits. Just make sure they’re both the same size.
7. Now trace over the drawing in a separate layer.
8. Go to the wrench icon, select SHARE, then click on PNG.
9. Now Save It to your device.

Now, if you do not have an iPad, simply use a black marker and a blank piece of paper and trace over the image so it’s a little cleaner, then take a picture of it with your phone or iPad. If you need more tips for that, check out my post on creating hand lettered Cricut projects. Scroll down for the rest of the Instructions

Using Cricut Designs Space on the iPad

1. Now that you have your image saved on your iPad, open up the Cricut Design Space app.
2. Create a project, then select UPLOAD at the bottom of the screen. Choose Select from Camera Roll and choose the PNG image you created in procreate.
3. Follow all the steps when it prompts you. Tip: You can even smooth out or despeckle your artwork if you need to. Just click the icons when they show up on the screen and the software will do the rest.
4. Save it as a cut file, then insert it onto the Canvas. You can now resize it and insert other designs if you wish to, then send it to your Cricut. 
5. Now choose your material, then load up your mat and start cutting!
6. Place your vinyl cut outs onto your school supplies. 

Feel free to involve your kids in this whole process. It is a good boredom buster while you wait for school to start! I know we’re getting pretty stir crazy over here. Doesn’t help that it’s 110 degrees outside. But I have to say I’m extremely proud of myself for having our back to school shopping done already. I waited until the day before school last year because I was at the Cricut event. It was worth it, but man, it was crazy.

Make sure you check out all these Back to School Printables and Crafts that I rounded up for you. SO many fun ideas!