Tips and Tricks for the Beginner Silhouette User

If you are looking to purchase a craft cutting machine that allows you not only to cut paper, vinyl, heavy cardstock, and fabric BUT also allows you to have complete freedom over creating your own images by using their designer software than you really need to look into either the Silhouette  Cameo or Portrait machines.

Its been about 3 months since I got my Silhouette Cameo and I still LOVE it as much if not more than I did when I got it. I swear if that machine could sew you would need no other machine in your craft room. The Cameo and Portrait are so multi-functional in terms of cutting there is in my eyes nothing else that can compare. I have used die cutting machines and watched my friends use other brands of paper cutters, however nothing compares in terms of versatility.

I have made so much with it in just a short few months. I have to admit though my favorite thing to make with it are the 3D Shadow Box Cards. I probably use it the most for cutting out stencils and vinyl wall art. I have recently tried cutting fabric with it and can't wait to start using it more for my quilting. You can make some killer appliques using this machine.



I have learned a few things over the past couple months that I think any new Silhouette user would benefit to know

1. When inserting your blade ALWAYS make sure the line with the blade lines up perfectly strait out in front of you. If you lock it in and the line is off to the side it will not cut properly.

2. When using a new mat if you have to use thin paper you really need to use your spatula to pull up all the paper. Use caution so you don't rip your paper. Some thin paper likes to stick and separate on the adhesive mat.

3.Always make sure that when you are inserting your mat into the machine that it is lined up with the rollers. Its always a good idea to lightly wiggle the mat to make sure that its securely under the rollers. If it is not when you go wiggle the mat it will move. If the mat is not secure under the rollers when the cutting starts your mat will start to slide around and you can risk the blade cutting through the mat.

4. After your mat has lost some of its stickiness it is very important to use a roller and roll your paper to secure it to the mat. This will prevent your paper from not adhering to the mat and start sliding around. This can cause the blade to not cut your paper properly, risking cutting your mat, or worse ruining your blade.

5. After using fiberous materials its best to pull out the blade from the machine and blow into the blade hole to get the dust and particles out of there. That build up can effect the way it cuts. Same thing with the vinyl when cutting small pieces of vinyl sometime it can stick to the blade as it passes by. Its always a good thing to keep your blade area particle free.






I hope that these tips can help you when you are working with your cutting machines.

Happy Crafting,

More cutting with vinyl

As much fun as I had over the Halloween season using my Silhouette,I have to admit that starting to work on Christmas stuff has been even more fun. I know it may sound silly but I don't know how I survived all this time without my Silhouette Cameo. I have also been getting ready for a craft show coming up this weekend. I wanted to share some of the fun things that I did this week using vinyl cutouts

 I honestly never imagined that I could do all the things that I do on my Cameo. It is simply the most user friendly electronic cutting machine that I believe is on the market. If you are a designer or even if you are not a designer I highly suggest getting the designer deluxe package. Having that package allows you to  create, alter, basically draw up anything you can think of and cut it out.


Recently I have started working with vinyl and it's very easy to work with on the Silhouette. I have used it on walls, windows, wood, and best of all I love to use it as a stencil for other projects like glass etching

These past couple weeks I have been involved in a couple craft fairs and I was even able to make some of my tags using the Silhouette.

Here are just a few other things that I have made recently 

 Look for more Silhouette project ideas to come in 2013.

Happy Crafting,
Stephanie

Cutting Vinyl

A few months back my husband purchased me the Silhouette Cameo. I have to say I am in love with this machine. There is so much that you can do with it. I wanted to share some of my sample pieces that  I have done using vinyl.

I Love working with my Silhouette and starting in 2013, I will be sharing more Silhouette crafting ideas.

If you own a Silhouette we would love to hear what you think of yours.


You can also follow Silhouette's blog.









Happy Crafting,
Stephanie

Mama's got a new TOY!!!!

OMG I could not be more in LOVE!!!!! My Husband spoiled me this last week and bought me the Silhouette Cameo! I have been begging for a die cutting machine for he past couple years. We just could not wrap our minds around the cost of the cartridges for the cricket and even the die cuts for the cuttle bug can get pricey. Not only that but really how often are you really going to cut that image out.

As some of you might know the Silhouette allows you to create your own images and cut then out using there software and the designers deluxe upgrade. This is well worth the money. I am just amazed at how many awesome things you can do with this thing. I highly suggest that if you are in the market for a paper die cut machine that you look into the Silhouette. They have some great deals on amazon where you can get a bundle package. Sometimes you can be lucky and get an even bigger discount if its one of amazons dented box sales. I always look for those.

Anyway I wanted to share some of my very first designs. I created these using some of my brushes in photoshop and then put everything together.



















I can't wait to see where my imagination will take me.

Happy Crafting
Stephanie