Kick off your family’s North Pole traditions with a heartfelt Elf Adoption Letter you can print at home—and a matching Elf Cam SVG to add some “official surveillance” magic to your tree. Grab the free downloads below and follow the quick Cricut steps to make the ornament.
Download links
Includes: US Letter PDF (editable fields) for the adoption letter and a clean Elf Cam SVG/PNG. Personal use; for small commercial use of finished ornaments, check your license page.
What’s inside the free pack
- Elf Adoption Letter (PDF, US Letter): space to personalize child’s name, adopted elf’s name, date, and it has an “Official North Pole” signature from Santa himself.
- Elf Cam SVG: simple, two-color design.
Supplies (US-friendly)
- Clear round/plastic ornament (~3″) — Dollar Tree, Walmart, Michaels, JOANN, or Hobby Lobby
- Permanent adhesive vinyl (black/white) + transfer tape
- Rubbing alcohol + lint-free cloth (surface prep)
- Ribbon/twine for hanging
- Printer + regular or heavyweight paper for the adoption letter
- Cricut (Design Space) or any cutter that accepts SVG
Quick sizing guide for the Elf Cam
- For a 3″ ornament: set width to 2.6–2.8″
- For a 4″ ornament: set width to 3.0–3.3″
Tip: do a quick paper test cut first if unsure.
How to personalize & print the Elf Adoption Letter
- Download the PDF and open it (Adobe Reader or your browser).
- Fill the fields: Child’s name, Elf’s name, Date, and the “Official” signature line (you can sign after printing).
- Print on US Letter (8.5″ × 11″). For a keepsake feel, use 24–32 lb paper or light cardstock; choose “Actual Size.”
- Optional: Add a gold star sticker, a wax-style seal sticker, or a sprinkle of glitter for extra magic.
Elf Cam ornament — fast Cricut tutorial
- Upload the Elf Cam SVG to Cricut Design Space → Add to Canvas.
- Resize to your ornament (see sizing guide). Keep any lens ring grouped with the design.
- Make It → choose Premium Vinyl – Permanent. Load vinyl on a StandardGrip mat.
- Cut & weed the shapes (keep the tiny dots!).
- Prep the ornament with rubbing alcohol; let dry.
- Transfer the camera icon/text using transfer tape. Snip tiny relief cuts in the tape so it curves smoothly.
- Add the lens: use a vinyl circle or glue a small flat cabochon; let glue cure fully.
- Tie ribbon, hang, and you’re done!
Time: 10–15 minutes • Skill: Easy • Cost: $1–$4 per ornament
Tips & personalization ideas
- Name & year: Add a child’s name and the year under the camera (simple sans-serif around 0.35–0.45″).
- 3D lens: A tiny domed cabochon (8–12 mm) looks great—secure with clear-drying craft glue.
- Glitter version: For fillable plastic baubles, swirl a bit of PVA/Mod Podge and fine glitter inside.
- Durability: Permanent adhesive vinyl (651-style) holds up best on ornaments.
Frequently asked
Can I sell finished ornaments?
Yes—generally in small batches if your license allows, but always follow your site’s exact terms. A typical “craft license” means:
- Allowed: Making and selling a limited number of physical items (e.g., 50–200 pieces) you craft yourself.
- Not allowed: Reselling/redistributing the digital files, uploading to POD platforms (e.g., Amazon/KDP, Redbubble), sharing in Facebook groups, or adding the file to any “bundle.”
- Attribution/Credit: Some licenses request a small line of credit (e.g., “Design by Crafty-Crafter”).
- Good practice: Keep receipts/screenshots of the license, and if you personalize client names, store their approvals.
If you need a wider allowance (wholesale runs, fundraisers, school PTOs), contact us for an extended/commercial license.
Will this work without a Cricut?
Absolutely. Any cutter that accepts SVGs works:
- Silhouette: Use Designer Edition (or higher) to import SVGs directly. In Basic Edition, import the PNG and trace.
- Brother ScanNCut: Import the SVG via CanvasWorkspace; resize and cut as usual.
- No cutter? Print the PNG, adhere to cardstock, and hand-cut. You can still make a paper gift tag or a flat “Elf Cam” decoration.
Tip: If you’re printing, set 300 dpi, “Actual Size,” and use a sharp craft knife for the small inner ring.
Best paper for the letter?
Use 24–32 lb (90–120 gsm) premium white for home printers; it feels sturdy without jamming. For keepsake quality, choose 65–80 lb cover (light cardstock).
- Finish: Matte or satin prevents glare; glossy looks festive but shows fingerprints.
- Inkjet vs laser: Inkjet gives richer reds/greens; laser resists smudging.
- Print setting: “Best” or “High Quality,” Actual Size (not “Fit”), and borderless off unless your printer supports it cleanly.
- Optional: Add a gold star sticker, a faux wax seal, or edge the paper lightly with a gold paint pen for a magical touch.
What vinyl and settings should I use on ornaments?
For round acrylic/plastic ornaments, permanent adhesive vinyl (e.g., Oracal 651 or “Permanent/Outdoor” craft vinyl) is the easiest.
- Cricut settings: “Premium Vinyl – Permanent” (Fine-Point blade). If tiny text lifts, try “More” pressure or a fresh blade.
- Transfer tape: Use medium tack; if the vinyl won’t release, “de-tack” the tape once on fabric.
- Surface prep: Wipe the ornament with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and let dry. Handle edges only—oils from fingers cause lifting.
- Cure time: Let vinyl rest 24 hours before heavy handling so the adhesive sets on the curve.
What size should I make the Elf Cam design (and lens)?
A quick guide (width of the main design):
4.0″ ornament: 3.0–3.3″
For a 3D “lens,” use a flat-back cabochon around 8–12 mm. If cutting the lens as vinyl, size the inner dot between 6–9 mm so it weeds cleanly.
Pro tip: Place a scrap of transfer tape on the ornament first, mark a light center dot, then align the lens ring to that mark for perfect placement.
2.5″ ornament: 2.0–2.2″
3.0″ ornament: 2.6–2.8″
