For this mixed‑media project, I started with an acrylic pour painting I created 3–4 years ago, giving it plenty of time to fully cure. In IdeaStudio, I selected a cross shape from the library and added the word STORY using the Mama de NJ Studio Loklik font. I placed the word horizontally across the cross and aligned it so everything sat perfectly centered. With both the text and cross selected, I used Combine → Slice to cut the word out of the cross, creating a clean negative‑space effect.
For the word LOVE, I typed each letter individually (L, V, and E) so I could position them exactly where I wanted them vertically. For each letter, I centered it on the cross, selected both the letter and the cross, and used Combine → Slice again. I repeated this for all three letters until the full design was cut out.
After clicking Make, I placed gold holographic HTV on my mat, shiny‑side down. Because holographic vinyl can be tricky, I added a small test square in the corner and used the HTVRONT Holographic HTV setting with customized values: Force 7, Speed 4, 1 Pass. The test cut was perfect, so I cut the full cross. I used scissors to cut the cross about ⅛" from the design to save material, then weeded everything easily thanks to the close cut.
Since my canvas is a stretched frame with no backing, I slid a book under the fabric and added a folded towel on top for support. I pressed the HTV — using a Teflon sheet for protection — at 270°F for 15 seconds using my H10 heat press, working in two sections because the book wasn’t long enough to support the entire cross at once. The top and bottom edges needed extra help, so I used my mini press to secure those areas.
The result is a gold holographic “LOVE STORY” cross that shines beautifully against the acrylic pour background. I had no trouble with the paint discoloring or lifting thanks to the years long cure. And, yes, I sang “It’s a love story, baby, just say yes,” the whole time I was making this. 
