Glow in the Dark HTV Review & Tutorial (5 Minute Silhouette Project Idea)

So I might have a new obsession in the way of Glow in the Dark HTV.....there I said it! I'm obsessed and you will be too when you see how easy, awesome and fast this project comes together.  First off you know how I roll...I tell it like it is. So if I'm not a fan of some product or accessory or tool, I still put it on the blog and I tell you 'ehhhh not a fan...save your pennies for something else'.   I think you all would agree honest reviews are the most helpful. So consider this a review, tutorial and project idea all rolled into one.   

A few months back Siser NA sent me a huge variety pack of heat transfer vinyl to try and test. I finally got around to checking the Easyweed Glow in the Draw heat transfer vinyl.  It looks like plain white so just make sure you keep the little label on it and with any scraps.

Create your design like you normally would in Silhouette Studio. I decided to make a custom glow in the dark pillow case for my 4 year old - because how cool is a glow in the dark pillow case?  I got the 2 pack of blank white pillowcases here...'cause I know you'll ask.  I started by making a mockup in Silhouette Studio of the actual pillow case - this is simple as measuring the case and then using the Draw a Rectangle tool in Studio to draw out a box the exact same size.

Then I typed out his name and adjusted it to fit. I wanted most of the HTV to be toward the edges of the case because I don't want him waking up with glow in the dark cheeks after a night sleeping on this thing. I don't really think that would happen...but I like to error on the side of safe than sorry.

I picked a constellation to go along with the 'glow in the dark' theme.  Of course you can pick any constellation (or design) you want, but I went with Camelopardalis constellation.  According to Google Camelopardalis means 'giraffe' in Greek and my son's favorite animal is the giraffe...(like he's been sleeping with this thing since my daughter gave it to him in the hospital the day he was born).

Anyway... I simply did a google image search for the Camelopardalis. I dragged and dropped the jpeg it into Silhouette Studio an traced it. If you need a refresher on tracing jpeg check out this 101 tutorial.
I then sized the design to fit on the pillow case as well according to my mockup pillow case.

The final step before cutting is to mirror both the name and the constellation since I'm cutting on HTV.  Also, you can delete the big rectangle representing your pillow case.

Place the Easyweed Glow in the Dark HTV on your cutting mat - I used a 12x24" mat to cut this 12x20" piece.   Make sure you put the shiny side down just like any other htv.  I used the default HTV cut settings in Silhouette studio and it cut and weeded perfectly.

I then placed the designs on the pillow cover and used my heat press to adhere them. I had to press them separately because of how large the designs were. They didn't both fit on the 15" plate. If you have an iron you can use that too!

Peel off the carrier sheet and you're all set! 

Tip: You definitely get a better and brighter glow if you put the Glow in the Dark HTV in the light for a few minutes before turning off the lights!  (PS It's hard to photograph...)

I mean really, how cool is this?!   And I'm not even exaggerating when I tell you this took me all of 5 minutes!

Now...I have to admit..if you don't 'charge' the glow in the dark htv by keeping it in the sunlight or under a light bulb it's not going to glow like this - and even if you do 'charge' it the glow stays for a limited time..maybe 20 or 30 minutes.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

Thanks for coming to class today at Silhouette School.  If you like what you see, I'd love for you to pin it!

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