Cut Natural Wood Veneer with Cricut: DIY Wooden Bookmarks

Updated at: 20/03/2025

Are you ready to elevate your crafting game and create truly unique, personalized gifts? This guide will show you how to harness the power of your Cricut machine to cut intricate designs from natural wood veneer, transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary keepsakes. Forget mass-produced bookmarks; imagine the satisfaction of gifting – or keeping for yourself – a beautiful, handcrafted bookmark featuring your own custom design, laser-cut into a gorgeous piece of wood. The possibilities are as limitless as your creativity, allowing you to personalize these small treasures with names, initials, quotes, or intricate patterns.

This project combines the precision of the Cricut with the warmth of natural wood, resulting in bookmarks that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. From selecting the perfect wood veneer to mastering the cutting process, we'll walk you through each step, providing helpful tips and tricks along the way. Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions to craft your own stunning DIY wooden bookmarks!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cricut Maker
  • Deep Point Blade
  • 132mm Natural Wood Veneer
  • Strong Grip Cutting Mat
  • Painter's Tape
  • Acrylic Paint (optional)
  • Wood Stain (optional)
  • Glue (optional)
  • Tassels (optional)
  • Green Card Stock (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a safety mat designed for cutting wood veneer. Standard Cricut mats are not suitable and can damage your machine.
  • Wood veneer can be brittle. Use a sharp blade, preferably a deep cut blade, and adjust the pressure settings accordingly to avoid damaging the veneer or the blade.
  • Wear a dust mask when cutting wood veneer, as it can create fine particles that are harmful if inhaled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Design

    • Download and upload bookmark templates to Cricut Design Space.
    • Ungroup the template, delete watermarks, and resize to your desired dimensions (2x7 inches in this example).
    • Add a design from the Cricut Gallery (free or paid).
    • Align and slice the design with the template to create the final bookmark shape.
    Align and slice the design with the template to create the final bookmark shape.Align and slice the design with the template to create the final bookmark shape.Align and slice the design with the template to create the final bookmark shape.Align and slice the design with the template to create the final bookmark shape.
    Prepare the Design

  2. Prepare the Cricut Machine

    • Select the design and click 'Make It'. Place the design on the center of the mat.
    • Place the wood veneer on top of the mat and secure it with painter's tape.
    • Select 'Wood Veneer' as the material in Cricut Design Space.
    • Load the Deep Point Blade.
    Load the Deep Point Blade.Load the Deep Point Blade.Load the Deep Point Blade.Load the Deep Point Blade.
    Prepare the Cricut Machine

  3. Cut the Veneer

    • Cut the veneer using the Cricut machine. Multiple passes may be required.
    Cut the veneer using the Cricut machine. Multiple passes may be required.
    Cut the Veneer

  4. Finishing Touches (Optional)

    • Stain the wooden bookmarks with wood stain, apply a thin layer and wipe off excess.
    • Decorate with acrylic paint, glue, and tassels.
    • Add a layer of cardstock to the back for an additional design element.
    Optional: Add a layer of cardstock to the back for an additional design element.Optional: Add a layer of cardstock to the back for an additional design element.Optional: Add a layer of cardstock to the back for an additional design element.
    Finishing Touches (Optional)

Read more: Crafting a Biodegradable Woodsman's Whistle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use painter's tape to secure the wood veneer to the cutting mat for a clean cut.
  • Cricut recommends moving the star wheels to the right, but the video suggests placing them on each side for more stability. Experiment to find what works best for your machine and material.
  • Apply a thin layer of stain or paint for even coverage, and wipe off any excess to prevent streaks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Dull Blades

Reason: Dull blades struggle to cut through the veneer cleanly, resulting in jagged edges and incomplete cuts.
Solution: Replace your Cricut blade with a new, sharp blade specifically designed for wood veneer.

2. Incorrect Cutting Pressure/Speed Settings

Reason: Too low pressure results in incomplete cuts, while too high pressure can damage the veneer or your machine's blade.
Solution: Adjust your Cricut's pressure and speed settings based on the thickness and type of wood veneer used, consulting the Cricut's material settings guide.

FAQs

Can I use any type of wood veneer with my Cricut?
While many types work, thinner veneers (around 1/16" or 0.16mm) are best for Cricut cutting. Thicker veneers might require multiple passes or a stronger blade, and may not cut cleanly. Always test a scrap piece first to ensure compatibility with your machine and blade.