UPDATED: We are giving you the chance to win your very own Silhouette Machine. Go to the bottom of this post to see how you can win
I’ve been wanting a digital die cutting machine for awhile now so when the folks at Silhouette asked if I’d like to try one out obviously I jumped at the chance! and even better we get one to giveaway to 1 lucky Craftgossip.com reader.
What’s a Silhouette you might ask? Well the simple answer is it’s an electronic machine that hooks up to your computer and cuts out shapes, but it’s really so much more………..
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Setting it up: When my machine came I couldn’t wait to try it out but first I had to finish dinner and eat with my hubby, I tell you I couldn’t finish eating fast enough 🙂 Let me admit I’m not the most computer savvy person, I get by but I’m no expert, good thing I’m married to an IT guy, huh? But setting up the Silhouette was really simple, the software was easy to download (I just followed the prompts), plugged it into my laptop, plugged it into the wall, went through the steps in the software for setting up a cut, the instruction booklet took me through all the steps and pretty soon I was ready to start cutting. I was also surprised at how light weight it is, easy to carry from room to room or take to classes or crops. It even uses an SD card so you don’t need to take your computer with you!
There are very handy tutorials on the Silhouette website to help with any problems or questions. I found myself using it a couple of times at first and was glad to see all my answers were easy to find. Click here for their tutorials.
What it can do: The Silhouette can cut not only papers like card stock (even heavyweight like Bazzill) but pattern paper and vellum. In addition to paper it can cut vinyl (which comes in lots of great colors) so you can make your own cool wall art or home decor projects that are so hot right now! It can cut heat transfer material, also in lots of different colors which comes in smooth or flocked, for custom clothes and fabrics, how cool is that!? You tell the machine the thickness of what you’re cutting (this takes a little trial and error but I quickly got the hang of it) and there are three blade depths to choose from, changing the blade adjustment cap is quick and easy to do. Another neat feature are the sketch pens you can buy, you can replace the cutting blade with a colored sketch pen and instead of cutting out your image the Silhouette will draw it! And one of the coolest features has to be the print and cut feature, you can print images out on your computer and then use the Silhouette to cut them out. You can even use your own images or fonts to cut or print and cut, you really have complete control and freedom with this machine!
My favorite thing about the Silhouette is there is no need to go out and buy cartridges which might have lots of images you’ll never use, the software comes with a bunch of free images but when you’re ready for more you simply go to the online store and buy what you want and it’s instantly downloaded into your software! You can buy new images for only .99 cents each or they also offer subscriptions so you can save even more. Click here to visit the online store to see just a fraction of the thousands of images to choose from plus tools, vinyl and heat transfer material.
Another thing I like are the mats that come with the machine, they are already sticky, no need to spray adhesive on them. It comes with two to choose from depending on what you are cutting
My first project (shown below): If you know me you know I LOVE Alice in Wonderland so I was thrilled to see all the wonderful Alice images (I bought them all!) and so I decided to make a fun accordion fold card with all the cute images I cut with my Silhouette using card stocks and pattern paper. It was easy to customise my images and use only what I wanted, for instance Alice comes with a lollipop but I chose not to use it. It did take me awhile to learn that I could cut just the pieces that I wanted at a time, instead of having to cut all the pieces out each time from the same color, duh! Is there anything this machine can’t do? I adore how my card came out!
I want to sincerely thank the people at Silhouette for my new machine, I’m really enjoying it and can’t wait to make lots more great things with it. Be sure to watch for more project ideas from me using the Silhouette.
If your looking for ideas, inspiration and freebies don’t miss the Silhouette blog and also check out their Flickr group.
WIN WIN WIN
For your chance to win A Silhouette Machine (a $299.99 value)
And it includes…
- Silhouette machine
- Software for Windows XP/Vista
- Power cable, USB cable
- 2 Cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media)
- One cutting blade
- $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store
How to win: Simply leave a comment on this post
For extra chances (the more comments you leave, the more chances you have):
1. Tweet about this giveaway and make sure you come back and give us the link to your tweet via a comment. One extra point if you also decide to follow us – Make sure you mention that in your comment and if you already follow us, then let us know.
2. Share it on your Facebook wall and leave a comment here telling us you have done so (and link to it if possible).
3. Leave a comment on our Facebook wall and leave a comment here telling us so. Like our Facebook page and tell us.
4. Subscribe to our newsletter and leave a comment telling us you have done so. If you are already a subscriber, leave a comment saying so.
5. Link to CraftGossip. Leave a comment telling us where you have created the link to CraftGossip.
Competition Closes August 7th.
Competition Open to US winners only. Winner randomly drawn from all the comments and contacted via e-mail.
-Heather
(image by Heather Holbrook)
1) AWESOME PROMO (running from August 1st through August 9th at midnight)
Buy a machine and receive the following when you use promo code: GOSSIP
– $50 off the Silhouette Craft Cutter
– 2 rolls of vinyl (Valued at $15.98)
– 1 roll of transfer tape (Valued at $7.99)
– Scraper (Valued at $6.99)
– Home Décor CD (Valued at $50)
– $10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store
– Cutting Blade
– 2 Cutting Mats
All for $249.99
A Savings of $130.96
Just think of how much you’ll save on gift giving this year!
2) GOOD PROMO (running from August 9th through August 14th at midnight)
Buy a machine and receive the following:
$50 off (receive for $249.99)
2 rolls of Heat transfer ($29.89 value)
$10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store
Cutting Blade
2 Cutting Mats
All for $249.99
A savings of $79.98
follow this link to find out who won…………….Congrats!!
Carolann says
These silhouettes would also make GREAT designs on Sun Print paper and Sun Print fabric!
Carolann says
I really enjoy my subsription to this site! It takes me to great blogs and projects! I love recycled crafts and the new Home and Garden section!
becki says
Subscribed to your newsletter – thanks!
janelle S. says
I would love to win one of these. It would change my crafting world.
Tawni DeWitt says
Oh please, oh please let me win! I so NNNNEEEEEEEEEEDDDDD one of these!
Fran says
I would love to win this! It can be used for soo many different things!
Jessica says
I just subscribed to your newsletter!
Thanks for the opportunity to win the Silhouette! WOW!
Anna says
Looks like a great machine, would be fun to win it and use it in my classroom!
I tweeted and I am following you.
http://twitter.com/picotboo/status/20487773159
Joanne Gregory says
Looks like a cool gadget!
Corinna says
Your Alice card is absolutely ADORABLE!
Lisa O. says
I would love to have one of these!!
Lisa O. says
I subscribe to the newsletter
Louis says
enter me please, thank you for the giveaway
Louis says
following you on twitter at rosidentevil
Louis says
shared
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000492008701&v=wall&story_fbid=145409955485404&ref=mf
Louis says
I like CraftGossip.com on FaceBook (Louis Here) 🙂 + wall post
Louis says
here is my tweet
http://twitter.com/rosidentevil/status/20490056556
Melinda says
Wow I would go crazy with this!! I would love to make some vinyl for all around my house. My walls are pretty bare and need something fabulous. I would also use the heat transfer on some cute pillows I’m making, and shirts for all my girls. And of course I would do lots more if I won.
What an awesome giveaway!
Valeen N says
It’s love at first sight with the Silhouette! I didn’t know it existed and now I don’t know how I’m going to live without it! What an amazing giveaway and an amazing machine!
Julie says
Would love to do some glass etching with this handsome machine!
Corinna says
I tweeted and I follow you on twitter too!
http://twitter.com/sumsmom
Kristi says
Oh, the things I could do with the Silhouette!!! I would go from dreaming to actually DOING! First I’d make beautiful invitations to the baby shower I’m co-hosting–I’ve got the ideas, but not the ability. With the Silhouette, they would ROCK! Thanks for the offer! Kristi
Jo Blye says
Wow! What a great machine! My mind can’t stop coming up with ideas. The ideas are endless and what I could do in my school office! What a great giveaway…..and I hope I win!
Mary Ann Koonce says
I would love to use the Silhouette SD to create iron transfers for baby
and toddler clothing. I also want to make a vinyl border to put under my
kitchen cabinets. There is so much you can do with this machine. I sure
hope that I win! I am having trouble posting a comment – I hope that this goes through.
Mary Ann
Sherry Simmons says
A life free of pricey cartridges?? Sounds like the best machine ever! My girls and I would have so much fun with this machine! Thanks for posting this give a way!
Corinna says
Of course I already subscribe to you via e-mail. Your site rocks! 🙂
Corinna
Michelle says
I have way to many ideas that this machine would be fantastic for. What a great giveaway!!!!!!
Jordee Lohrey says
Love this giveaway. ? Jordee
Jordee Lohrey says
Just mentioned you on facebook and linked to your site there.
Jordee Lohrey says
Became a fan on facebook and wrote on your wall!
Jordee Lohrey says
Just subscribed via email to your newsletter
Corinna says
I like you on Facebook!
Magan weber says
I would help make my 2nd daughter’s “hand me down” clothes feel new to her with added details and embellishments!! She would love to feel like they were jazzed up for her!!
Magan Weber says
I just subscribed to your newsletter!
Terry says
I have just started visiting your website and there are so many ideas! I am just starting to craft again and the Silhouette sounds so easy to use.
Claire says
I’d loooove one of these!
Michelle says
This is an awesome tool for scrapbooking and card making. My daughter wants it for vinyl writing on her bedroom walls. Thanks for the chance.
Michelle
banana pancakes
stampncreate.blogspot.com
Shelley says
“liked” you on Facebook and left a comment.
Shelley says
subscribed to your newsletter
Shelley says
I cant decide between all the cool things that you can do with this machine which one I would do first…glass etching….lettering…just cant decide.
Vanesa says
What a great giveaway!!
Some many great things that can be made with it.
Kate Clayton says
I would simply vinyl my whole house!!! We’re adopting a baby girl from Taiwan and are leaving next week to get her! This would certainly spruce up my house when I get back!!!
Sara says
What a fantastic opportunity! I’d love to have one and learn this product! Fun things to do!
Vanesa says
I just subscribed to your newsletter
Vanesa says
I’m a facebook fan
rebecca says
I would use it to cut vinyl for crafts.
Jessica says
I can’t wait to try one of these out, they look amazing.
Leah says
I would so love this!!! Wow, what a great giveaway! I have just signed up for the newsletter!!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Leah
Erin says
What an awesome giveaway! I love this thing, hope I win.
Jenn Martin says
Hello!
I retweeted and follow you on Twitter (http://twitter.com/jenrah77).
I also like you on Facebook. 🙂
Thanks for this awesome, AWESOME, giveaway!!!