HOW TO MAKE YOUR STUDIO TOKANO LAYERED DESIGN

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

This guide explains how to assemble a Studio Tokano layered design. It does not teach you how to operate your cutting machine.

You are expected to know how to:

• Download and unzip a ZIP file

• Import a compatible SVG, DXF or other cutting file

• Resize a complete design without changing its proportions

• Select suitable settings for your blade, mat, laser and cardstock

• Operate your machine safely

I cannot provide individual instructions or cutting settings for every Cricut, Silhouette, Brother, Glowforge, xTool or other machine on the market. Machine-specific tutorials are widely available through the manufacturer and on YouTube.

WHAT YOU NEED

• A compatible cutting machine

• Cardstock

• Spray adhesive, if needed

• An optional shadow box frame

Foam spacers and backlighting are not required.

1. DOWNLOAD AND UNZIP THE FILES

Download the ZIP folder and extract its contents before opening or importing the files.

The download contains several file formats so you can choose the one best suited to your software and cutting machine. Do not try to upload the unopened ZIP file directly.

2. CHOOSE YOUR SIZE

For most designs, resize the complete design to approximately 11.5 × 11.5 inches — about 292 × 292 mm.

This fits safely within a standard 12 × 12 inch sheet of cardstock and leaves enough space around the edges to help prevent size or cutting-margin errors in your machine software.

Always select and resize all layers together, with the proportions locked. This ensures that every layer remains exactly aligned.

Scaling a design smaller also reduces every fine detail and narrow connection. These can become more fragile or difficult to cut, so reducing the recommended size is done at your own risk.

3. CHOOSE YOUR CARDSTOCK COLOURS

Follow the supplied Studio Tokano colour guide to recreate the palette shown in the product images, or choose an entirely different combination.

The recommended colours are optional. You can replace individual shades or use any cardstock brand you prefer.

4. CUT THE LAYERS

Cut each layer from a separate sheet of cardstock.

Choose the correct material and cutting settings for your own machine. Settings vary depending on the machine, blade condition, mat, cardstock and even the age of your equipment, so specific settings are not included.

If you are uncertain, make a small test cut before cutting the complete layer.

Handle delicate details carefully when removing the cardstock from the cutting mat. Most Studio Tokano designs are made from fully connected layers and contain no loose pieces.

5. CHECK THE LAYER ORDER

Before applying adhesive, place all the layers on top of each other in the order shown in the supplied reference image.

Check that the outer edges align and that the complete image looks correct before fixing anything permanently.

6. GLUE AND STACK

Spray adhesive usually gives the cleanest result. It creates a thin, even layer of glue and is less likely to warp the cardstock or squeeze through delicate cut areas.

Apply a light, even coat to the back of each layer, following the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions. Protect your work surface and use spray adhesive in a properly ventilated area.

Carefully align the outer edges before pressing each layer into place. Continue until all the layers have been stacked in the correct order.

If your shadow box frame fits the finished stack snugly, glue may not be necessary at all. Because most designs consist of connected layers without loose parts, the frame can sometimes hold everything securely in position.

Foam spacers are not necessary. The depth comes from the different cutouts and the stacked cardstock itself. But ofcourse, some designs can pop even more with a strategically placed spacer.

If you use adhesive, allow it to dry completely before lifting or framing the finished piece.

7. FRAME YOUR DESIGN

Place the assembled design inside a shadow box frame or another frame with enough internal depth for the complete stack of cardstock.

Check the alignment one final time before closing the frame. If the fit is snug, the frame itself can help keep all the layers flat and securely together.

IF YOU NEED HELP

If a supplied file is missing, incomplete or will not open correctly, please contact Studio Tokano and mention which file format you are using.

For help importing files, choosing machine settings, replacing blades, using cutting mats or operating your machine, please consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a machine-specific tutorial.