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Nov 21, 2011

Silhouette Review & Advent Calendar

As some of you may already know, I recently became the proud owner of a new Silhouette Cameo die cutting machine.  Now that I've had a little time to get acquainted with my new "toy", I thought I'd do a little review & show you a project I recently made.  


This is going to be a pretty lengthy post, so you might want to grab a cup of coffee and cozy up in a comfy chair for a few minutes.  ;)

After you read my post, you might want to head over to the Paper Crafts Connection blog where you can be entered to win your very own Silhouette Cameo!!!

First of all, I want to be upfront & tell you that before now, I've never used a Silhouette.  I've learned a lot over the past few weeks, but I am by no means an expert!  My first hands on experience with this machine was at CHA this past summer & I quickly became enthralled.  Here are some of the things that really drew me in:

1. There are no cartridges involved!
I've used machines in the past where I've had to purchase expensive cartridges just to get my hands on one or two images that I wanted to use.  I like to work on the fly & driving to a store or waiting for the post to deliver a cartridge was just not very feasible.  Plus... I get bored easily & like to use new products whenever possible.  After I used a few of the images on the cartridge, they began to collect dust.  I love that this die cutter works directly with my computer.

2.  The Silhouette library is very extensive and the images are fresh and trendy!
The online store is accessible by downloading the free Silhouette software.  Each Tuesday, a FREE shape of the week is available for download.  (You can download the software here or use the disc that comes with your new machine.)  Before my Silhouette had even arrived, I already had several images in my library because I took advantage of the free images that were available.

The Silhouette software includes several other free images that are included as part of your download.  There are images for most seasons & several basic images that I've already used many times.

New images are designed weekly, so there is always something new and fresh to check out.  Most images cost 99 cents to download, but you can also purchase a subscription and get your images at a much lower cost.

3.  The Silhouette Cameo cuts at a full 12".  
I debated on getting the original Silhouette, but decided that I would probably utilize the larger size.  I am SO glad I waited because I've found that the wide format is really handy when making 3D items & gifts.

4.  The Cameo does so much more than just regular die cuts.
I can't wait to try cutting my own vinyl wall decor!  The Silhouette can also help you make custom t-shirt designs.  (The fabric starter kit is on my Christmas list for sure!)  You can also print directly from your home computer & then load it into your Silhouette for perfectly cut designs.
  
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There a million and one things I could say about this machine, so I'm going to have to try to keep this somewhat concise & continue to post reviews and information in the future.  So... here are just a few of my thoughts now that I've had a chance to work with this machine:

The software is easy to learn and use.  I watched several YouTube videos to get the basic idea on how to use it, & that helped a lot.  (Nicole Magouirk has some excellent tutorials!)


I've heard others complain in the past about the original Silhouette being very noisy.  The new machine's noise level seems nice and low to me.  My son said it almost sounds like a video game because it makes almost a musical sound as it cuts.


There is only one blade in the new machine.  It is SO easy to use.  You just tell your Silhouette software what product you will be cutting (ie: thick cardstock, medium patterned paper, transparency sheets, vinyl, etc.) and it will automatically adjust itself to the right speed and pressure.  It will also tell you what depth your blade needs to be set.  To change your depth, you just remove the blade and twist using an attached tool.  It's very, VERY easy.  I've never had a problem with my cuts.  Even very fine & intricate designs have come out perfectly!

I also love using other downloaded files with my Silhouette.  Two Peas has several die cut digital kits that are really fun to use.  (I'm linking a few examples below. GSD & .studio files work well.)  You can just tell your Silhouette software to import your files & they are added to your Silhouette library.
OK... so for those of you who have been patient, I have a project to share with you using Silhouette's Limited Edition Advent Calendar.  I've always wanted to have something like this for part of our family's Christmas tradition!  




The advent calendar is $39.99 & comes with a 15" wooden shadowbox & download card.  Once you download the card onto your Silhouette software, you have access to 42 unique files to fill your calendar!  Each file is perfectly sized to fill your shadowbox with unique boxes and drawers - no adjustments are needed!


Here are some close-ups of some of the different boxes & drawers that I made.  (Click on pictures to enlarge.)  This is a great project for new Silhouette users!  The program makes it so easy to use.




















I hope you've enjoyed learning a little more about the Silhouette Cameo!  I really love this new die cutting machine & can't wait to share more!

Advent Calendar Supplies: (click on pictures for links)

51 comments :

  1. Oh my, this is so awesome. I love the advent calendar project is just fantastic. Thanks for all the info on the Silhouette. I put it on my wish list.

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  2. This is quite an impressive undertaking for learning this new machine. Looks to me like you hit a home run. What a beautiful Advent Calendar you've created. Thanks for the critic of the new Silhouette machine too.

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  3. glad you are loving your machine! i have the older one and even though i don't use it often i'm glad to own one. can't wait to see what you come up with! :)

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  4. Your advent calendar is awesome. I have the original Silhouette and I love, love it but would so like to have the Cameo.

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  5. Your Advent Calendar is awesome! Thank you for all the info on the Silhouette machine. I don't have any cutting machines yet, and this is very intriguing.

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  6. Awesome Julie.. I love the papers you choose for your advent calendar. I would so love to have one of these and will be checking out PC to enter.. It is amazing how much I learned from you today.. makes me want one now. thanks.. hugs xx

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  7. Thanks Julie...I am headed there now... I really love your advent calendar..it is just too fun..

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  8. Looks like a great machine. I love that advent calendar!

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  9. Looks like a great machine. I love your advent calendar!

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  10. Thanks for the product review! Really informative and helpful, and I love your take on the advent calendar!

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  11. Gorgeous!! Thanks for the info too - I may be adding this to my Christmas list!!

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  12. wonderful project! I love the paper & trim choices you made.

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  13. That is amazing. Thanks for posting, now I'm drooling! The little box patterns could be so useful for other things too. Awesome!

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  14. Beautiful! What a wonderful idea for the Holidays. We have never done an advent calendar before and this one is so pretty.

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  15. Oh my goodness! I think I really need one of these!!!!

    Great review, thanks!

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  16. What a fabulous project. I love how it can be customized for your own family. And thanks for the review of the Cameo.

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  17. Thanks for your review! Nice to know a bit more about it, and I like that it doesn't take cartridges. I would love to do one of those advent calendars. They look like such fun!

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  18. Beautiful project! I am about to buy a Cameo myself! I'm upgrading from a Silhouette SD.

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  19. Thanks for your info on being a new silhouette user, as I will be if Santa really loves me this year :)
    Your advent calendar is wonderful.

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  20. Thanks so much for all of this wonderful info on the Silhouette. People talk about using them on their blogs, but this is the first time I've heard how to use it. This project is fabulous, and I love your paper choices that really make this one shine even more. I also love the treat cone you mad on another post.

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  21. Thank you for all the info on this machine. Now I know how much it can do!

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  22. Julie your advent calendar is awesome. I think that you did a fantastic job. And thanks for telling us about the cameo.

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  23. This is absolutely amazing!! What a marvelous project. Thank you for sharing it, as well as your views on the new Silhouette! :). Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  24. What an AMAZING project!!! Thanks for the review and info on this machine - I have been curious for a while about it!

    housesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
    www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com

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  25. This is truly beautiful. I have my Advent Calendar and I'm waiting for my Silhouette which has been shipped. Can't wait to get started on this project. Like you, I already downloaded many new files, have been learning all I can about Silhouette Design Studio.

    Thanks so much for sharing your ideas.

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  26. Such a gorgeous project, Julie~ Thank you for sharing all the info with us. ;)

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  27. The advent calendar project is so artistic and eye-catching!

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  28. Love your advent calendar! I'm also new to Silhouette, although I asked for a Cameo for my birthday (in late Sept., and I've been patiently waiting for them to be widely available!) thanks for the detailed review!

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  29. Oh my word! I am so glad that I signed onto Facebook today and saw the Papercrafts post! I have the Silhouette Cameo on my Christmas list and I am now convinced that it is THE perfect machine for me after reading your review. Your Advent Calendar is FABULOUS!! Thank you so very much for sharing this information. Your blog is just adorable! Think I'm gonna snoop around and see what else you've been up to!

    Have a blessed day!

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  30. This is absolutely beautiful!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!

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  31. this is one very fine machine and one GORGEOUS advent calendar!!

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  32. Oh, I want a SIlhouette Cameo. You make it sound fabulous and user friendly ~ just perfect for me! Love your advent calendar ~ awesome creation!

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  33. You made some beautiful little boxes to put in the advent calendar. I have been wondering about the sillhouette and if it worked. I am glad to know it can create so many neat and interesting things. Hugs, Francine

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  34. This is a fabulous advent calendar! Love how each box is a different bit of whimsy. :)

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  35. What a fabulous advent calendar you've created! Each box is a little treasure.

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  36. Love the advent calendar. The CAMEO sounds terrific. It sounds easy to use, and the best thing...no cartridges to buy!!
    Thank you for your review.

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  37. Love the design of this with all the little boxes to open! It looks festive but still classy at the same time!

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  38. OH it's such a fun project! Love all the little boxes!

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  39. Love the advent calendar. love all the little containers, colors, and embellies. Thank you for sharing.

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  40. great review!! Thanks for sharing with all of us!

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  41. great job!! I especially love how you snuck in some mustaches ;)

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  42. Thanks for the feedback, I've been looking at this machine and I'm very interested. I have the "other" machine with the cartridges and even tho I love it, I have to agree with you about the carts, waiting and buying way to many for just a few images. Thanks for sharing!
    ((Hugs)) Theresa

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  43. I love that you never have tried a Silhouette before doing this project! It looks like you are a PRO!!! I am nervous about trying it too--but I love everything everyone makes with it! I love the library of SVG files and sentiments/etc. Your Advent calendar is SOOOOOO fab! LOVE the papers and design! YOU ROCK!

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  44. How fabulous...what an amazing project! Love it and love this silhouette too!!

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  45. This is fantastic! So lovely, Julie.

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  46. One of the ladies on CropChocolate.com mentioned her hubs is going to get her a cutting machine and she was looking for input to help her decide what to get. I referred her here (and mentioned the give away).

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  47. Gee, I think I need to add this to my wishlist. Thanks for all the great info. And your advent calendar is AMAZING!

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  48. Thanks for sharing your experience. I don't anyone personally who has one and was wanting to here someone's opinion!

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