Jun 21
2011

Silhouette review and GIVEAWAY!

by Funky Junk Donna


The below post is a review, as well as a giveaway event that is now over.
I hope you find the review helpful!

 Congrats Rachelle!

You’ve been watching me make my vintage styled signs. If you wish you had a gadget to help you achieve the same pro like output, you don’t have to wait any longer. You have a chance at winning and purchasing one for a great deal this week!

Step right up and let me show you around the wonderful world of the…

  Silhouette!


What is it?

 

 The Silhouette is a digital cutting tool.  It connects to your computer just like a printer, but instead of printing designs it cuts them with a small blade. With the machine connected to your computer, you have access to all your fonts plus all kinds of designs from the Silhouette Online Store. This allows you to create your own custom designs.

What can it make?

What intrigued me most was the fact that this little machine is a major multi-tasker.  While my own pro sign making equipment can only make decals, this can create:

  • Scrapbook pages
  • Cards
  • Custom apparel
  • Vinyl décor
  • Etched glass
  • Sketch designs
  • Temporary tattoos
  • Paper crafts

How does it work?

 

Whatever you draw on your computer screen transfers to the cutting machine. The results are quick and VERY professional.

Is it easy to use?

 Yes, it’s easy, but it’s a little involved.

As someone that uses drawing programs all the time, I know how innovative cutting software can be. Even me knowing what I’m doing had me wowing and having to read about all the possibilities this little machine is packed with.

There is a learning curve on how the software works. But it’s just like anything else. Read, play and learn it. It isn’t hard. It just requires a bit of your time and experimentation. The manual is very well written and instructional DVD is exceptional and easy to understand so that is a massive bonus.

The unit is both PC and Mac compatible. And it was a breeze to install and hook up on my mac. Massive bonus! I’m so not a geek. I actually got all giddy when I got it to run first try…

 Contents

It came with:

cutting blade and special caps
all the cords necessary (USB hookup)
dvd software
dvd instructions
two special cutting mats
and a ‘monthly special’ bonus material of some type if you purchase during a promo event

This unit is compact! It’s smaller than a printer so it can easily sit beside a computer without issue.

And I just love that it was ready to to plug and play. No extra wires were needed for purchase. LOVE that.

How it works

Let’s do a paper sample. I’d have done a tattoo sample (this month’s promo) but the stock is stuck in our current mail strike. Ah well. Anyway…


The DVD got watched, the unit got plugged in and the software got loaded. The paper was put into the machine and the drawing began.

And yes, it was straight forward enough for my 12 yr old son to figure out. 🙂


This is called a paper carrier. You peel back this liner and place your chosen material (in this case card stock) on the clear part which is sticky. This is what keeps your own chosen paper in place while you feed it through the machine.

 This is what the software looks like on a 27″ monitor. You type in what you desire and play around. 

ie: I broke up the letters in Funky Junk so I could bounce each one.

But let’s start a little simpler.

 I typed out cody. When you click on the red outline of the text, the size is revealed.

Resizing is easy. You click on a corner, then pull out.

 

The screen now reveals your new size. You will cut the exact size of your drawing.

This is the cutting result. Your paper is stuck to that sticky liner keeping everything in place. Perfectly clean cuts!

And cutting paper is only a start. There’s all kinds of other things the machine cuts as well, including vinyl! No worries… I’ll be showing you what I make as I try things out.

My summary

Wow. I still have lots to learn. So much so that I didn’t get anything cool made with the unit yet. I’m only half way through the dvd!

The software program itself is pretty amazing and can do many MANY of the same steps my own sign software costing hundreds of dollars does. This machine is a really good price for what it does! The software alone is worth the dollar amount IMO.

Pros

– the manual is well written and easy to use

– the instructional dvd is a must to view and is quite thorough, although lengthly

– the unit is compact enough to have next to your computer without issue

– seamless operation to the online store within the software… that’s cool.

– the Silhouette is also available in Canada. You can check availability HERE.

Cons

 – you will need to spend some time playing. Not all the possibilities are documented which I think would be impossible anyway

– I’m thinking size restriction may be a tricky factor if you like working on BIG projects but I’m not that far yet. I’ll update this as I learn how to do more.

– online videos would be cool, but I suppose that’s what the dvd is for. 🙂

– no monthly sales promotion for Canada

Monthly specials

Each month, Silhouette puts on specials allowing you to get the machine at a huge discount. (US only) They also generally include some kind of materials to play with as well. This month was temporary tattoos. 🙂 

This month’s special

1 Silhouette SD

2 Packages Temporary Tattoo Paper

for $199 

(US only)

  

That’s a $120 savings! Plus…

25% off all other products 

in the Silhouette shop (excluding gift cards and download codes) 

The promo will run June 21-29.  

Use code FUNKY JUNK to get the deal.


Giveaway!

Silhouette is generously offering you a  

Silhouette SD cutting machine kit 
and 2 sheets of tattoo paper!


US AND Canada this round! Thanks Silhouette!

How to enter

 Tell me in comments why you’d like to win a Silhouette and you’re in!

  “Like” Silhouette on Facebook and comment to enter again!

Blog, tweet or facebook about the giveaway and comment to enter again!

The giveaway will run June 21 – 27 midnight Pacific.

The winner will be drawn by random.org and will be announced on the 28th.

Didn’t win? You still have an extra day to purchase one at that hot deal!

The winner must have an email activated in their blog profile. 

If you don’t have a blog, please include your email with your comment.


Learn how to activate your email HERE

Good luck friends!

Silhouette gave me this machine so I could try it out. All my opinions are truthful and my own. I took it on in hopes of finding an affordable pro solution for the DIY crowd.


This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all that have entered!

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  1. Wendy at 1:27 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would LOVE to own one of these! I’m a very crafty person and would SO enjoy a new toy to play with! I also have a son who will be a Sr next year, and I need to work on his album for his graduation party next spring. I’m sure a Silhouette would be a big help with that.

    Reply
  11. BarbaraS at 2:38 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to win a Silhouette so I can make cards, cute Tshirts for the grandson, and fun projects for the house, like fun pillows, etching glasses and subway art.

    Reply
  12. Anonymous at 2:59 AM on June 21, 2011

    Wow. thank you for the opportunity to win! I would love a Silhouette because there is so much you can do with it. The decorating possibilites are endless and it would be wonderful to make personal gifts for the family and friends.

    Moriyah Shalom
    shalom@eretzyah.com

    Reply
  18. nicoleqmullen at 3:25 AM on June 21, 2011

    I have coveted one of these machines since I first came across them online, every month I am trying to put aside a small amount (small after paying mortgage, bills etc!) with the dream of being able to buy a Silhouette in a few years!! 😀

    Reply
  22. Jennifer at 3:54 AM on June 21, 2011

    Im sure ill never win cuz this will get a bazillion entries but i.have to enter anyway because i want a silhoutte so badly! I would use it for a million things but at the top of my list would be scrapbooking my wedding, card making, and glass etching.

    Reply
  27. SuzRas at 5:07 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to win the Silhouette. I’m passionate about upcycling and can see many opportunities to use this product in a multitude of projects. suerasberry at hotmail.com

    Reply
  30. Virginia at 5:09 AM on June 21, 2011

    I have been seeing projects made on the silhouette for some time now in the blog world. I would LOVE to have one of my own. I sew and do many crafts that would utilize this machine plus my two daughters do scrapbooking. I will keep my fingers crossed that you choose me. Would make a great 53rd b-day gift for me on the 23rd of June. ;-))) Thank you for sharing. Virginia

    Reply
  34. Yarngineer at 5:28 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would like to win so that my friend and I who upcycle furniture and goodwill finds will be able to do alot more. I would love to make signs, and some tshirts for my family as well. And what little kids could resist the tattoos? 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

    Reply
  35. Anonymous at 5:40 AM on June 21, 2011

    I liked Silhouette on Facebook. Please enter me in the contest. Thanks!
    mc_collector(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  36. Anonymous at 5:42 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to win the Silhouette! I like to do all types of crafts and this would make the projects easier and more professional looking!
    mc_collector(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  37. Marian at 5:44 AM on June 21, 2011

    A silhouette would provide endless ideas and possibilities! What a wonderful machine, please count me in and thank you for the chance.

    Reply
  40. Annette at 5:50 AM on June 21, 2011

    I love seeing your great signs, and would love to try my hand at it with a Silhouette of my own. Ohhh, that would be so fun!!!!!!!

    Reply
  43. Georgia at 6:03 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to win the Silhoutte! I am not a blogger, I am just beginning to dabble in crafting, but I have computer skills and a grandson, both fun essentials to creating fun items! Funky Junk already has my email; staying in touch is so important, like now!

    Reply
  44. Brenda Watts at 6:07 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to have this machine, living on a small island we do not have access to a shop where they will do small projects for a reasonable fee..this is awesome !!

    Reply
  50. Emily Morrow at 6:42 AM on June 21, 2011

    I LOVE the idea of this product. I would use it mostly for cards, paper crafts, and home decor. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  55. Little Brick Ranch at 6:46 AM on June 21, 2011

    Great Giveaway!! Thanks for hosting…

    I have been wanting one of these for the longest time but each month my reasons change! I am currently wanting to scroll something across the mirror over our buffet like “eat” or ” wine” or something else I haven’t figured out yet! Feel free to throw in some other ides! 🙂

    Reply
  66. Sue at 6:57 AM on June 21, 2011

    Oh this is so cool. I can so see so many projects that I could do for my family, home, sunday school class and for friends. Would love to win this. Thanks for posting

    Reply
  72. Lisa at 7:03 AM on June 21, 2011

    I have been following a few bloggers that own one of these & the possible uses seem endless. Only limited by the depth of your creativity or pocket book!!!

    Reply
  75. Steph Jacobson at 7:09 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would use it for making signs and freezer paper stencils for t-shirts. I have a Cricut, but I wish I had waited and purchased a Silhouette. The Silhouette seems more versatile than the Cricut.

    Reply
  93. simone at 7:29 AM on June 21, 2011

    Hey Donna, what a great giveaway. This machine can do so much and I have been drooling over it for a while now. It will take my free hand drawing attempts from so so to oh la la. Imagine the possibilities!

    Reply
  95. Anonymous at 7:30 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to win one of these so I could experiment with stencils and have so been wanting to try the jeweled applique’s and this would be a lot of fun just to play with. Pat
    Patfancy@aol.com

    Reply
  99. Anne at 7:37 AM on June 21, 2011

    What an awesome little machine! The possibilities for its uses are endless. I’d especially love to design my own cards featuring my artwork, the cost for having them printed is astronomical! Thank you for this fabulous giveaway.

    Reply
  100. Lori R. at 7:39 AM on June 21, 2011

    Oh, the stuff I could make to decorate the fence along my pool. I could also help both my daughter and son decorate their classrooms as both are special ed teachers.

    Reply
  102. afaulknr at 7:42 AM on June 21, 2011

    Love your blog Donna – here in rainy NS we need something to do with our time. Attempting some of those funky junk signs would be an awesome way to do that. Thanks for your blog and the giveaway.

    Reply
  103. Empty Nest Full Life at 7:44 AM on June 21, 2011

    I have been wanting to make some signs, in particular signs for my recent kitchen remodel, so that would be at the top of my list, along with some gifts. The list would be long. Thanks for sharing. Jackie

    Reply
  104. Cash Is Chaos at 7:47 AM on June 21, 2011

    Wow, I would love to win a silhouette. I have been checking them out for a while now, as I am thinking that there are a million things I could make and do with it, especially the cake and cookie decos I am currently doing by hand. Thanks for the spectacular giveaway.

    robinleanne80 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  105. laxsupermom at 7:47 AM on June 21, 2011

    I’d love to have a Silhouette machine! I have so many projects that I could tackle with it. Between fabric transfers, tattoos for SB, and fantastic vinyl labels, I’d be busy, busy, busy. Thanks for hosting this terrific giveaway!

    Reply
  110. Kim @ seven thirty three at 7:52 AM on June 21, 2011

    Why WOULDN’T you want this great machine!!! I have another craft cutter, but it doesn’t hold a flame to this puppy! I love that it can print and cut and that it works with fabric. I could go on an on and on! Crossing my fingers that I win.

    Reply
  111. gina at 7:55 AM on June 21, 2011

    Would love to try making some signs like yours if I was to win the Silhouette. Looks like a lot of fun and know I would “play” for hours with it.

    Reply
  115. Anonymous at 8:05 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to win this machine! I love the concept of hooking it up to your computer. You could make all kinds of neat things. Thanks for the chance to win.
    Karla Schroeder
    kjs@sit-co.net

    Reply
  124. Smart Mommy at 8:23 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love one because it being computer based means that the possibilities are endless. I have so many things that I could make with this. The other machines limit your cutting to what they have available, but with the silhouette, you make what you want to cut.

    Reply
  125. SuzyMcQ at 8:23 AM on June 21, 2011

    Hmm. Could use this for a hundred things but first I would love to do a stencil for a design to put on a pillow cover, and then would do some signs and then some stationery and some flower pot embellishment, etc!

    Reply
  134. Sammi@stormyhen.com at 8:32 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to have a Silhouette!….love ALL the things it can do….home, clothing…even body with those temp. tatoos. And how great that it connects to the computer instead of having to buy a cartridge for everything! Unfortunately, the ONLY way I’m getting one is if I’m lucky enough to be the winner….Man has banned me from buying any new toys for now. 🙁

    Reply
  135. Su at 8:34 AM on June 21, 2011

    oh how I would love to win one of these machines and download the cute birdies and cut them out of vinyl and put them on the baseboards, door frames, and window sills of my home. . they would make me smile every time I walked by. Thanks for such a generous giveaway.

    Reply
  136. crafty hearts warm home at 8:35 AM on June 21, 2011

    It would make my school year if I won the Silhouette!! I am a third grade teacher and always thinking of unique ways to make my classroom exciting and help my students be creative. I know I could use the Silhouette for tons of personalized crafts for my students! Thank you! Love your blog!

    Reply
  137. 8thgypsy at 8:36 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love a Silhouette. I am an avid crafter and spend a lot of time cutting out titles by hand from fonts on my computer. I can’t tell you how time consuming that is and how my poor hand aches after a particularly lone session of hand-cutting titles for a class. Winning could save a poor old lady’s wrist. Have mercy – lol.

    Reply
  151. Anonymous at 8:52 AM on June 21, 2011

    Hi, I started following your blog a few weeks ago, I love your creativity, I’m new to bloging. I would love to try this machine, I usually do my own designs and cut them by hand, very time consuming, this would be a great tool
    Thanks
    Ilean_1@yahoo.com

    Reply
  155. Heidi V at 8:56 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win a Silhouette machine. I would make tattoos, vinyl quotes for my house, etched glass, t-shirts, and gifts for everyone I know!!
    hlvognetz at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  159. craftyglutton at 9:01 AM on June 21, 2011

    I have a chair cover and some curtains desperately in need of a custom logo and the Silhouette would be VERY helpful in creating the complicated design I’m looking to use…

    Reply
  160. Corey at 9:04 AM on June 21, 2011

    I’d love to have to Silhouette so I can expand my crafting! I’d love to make shirts for my girls and make some unique Christmas gifts for my family.

    Reply
  161. Renee at 9:04 AM on June 21, 2011

    I have been looking at all the things you can do with these and I would LOVE to have one! Numbering things, and making signs, just makes me tingle all over thinking about it.

    Reply
  168. Tamra at 9:09 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to start my own Etsy shop, and having a Silhouette would allow me to create such a wider variety of things! It’s been on my “want” list for too long! 🙂

    Reply
  171. Stirlingdesigns at 9:11 AM on June 21, 2011

    I have been reading your Blog for the last year – I have sent a link to your blog to just about everyone I know as well.

    I really love all the great signs you make and how you make junk into a thing of beauty and function.

    So if I had the Silhouette I would make some of those beautiful signs to hang in my own house – and frames for pictures – word art for my walls – t-shirts – journal spots for my art journal – ack the possibilities are endless.

    email me at

    stirlingdesings at gmail dot com

    thank you for the chance to win this!!!

    Reply
  174. she dreams big! at 9:23 AM on June 21, 2011

    I’ve got projects just sitting here waiting for something to make them easier to finish. I think you found the answer in the Silhouette! Ideas are now filling my head! Count me in please!

    Reply
  175. Proper Prim at 9:25 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would love to get my hands on one of these machines… I am borrowing a cricut machine from a friend and I love the fact that it opens up so many possibilites for creating. Now I want one for myself… I keep avoiding my friend so I don’t have to give hers back…lol. So to save a friendship I think it is time to obtain my own.

    Reply
  176. Nannette at 9:25 AM on June 21, 2011

    Oh my goodness, I have been drooling over the many blogger projects using the Silhouette, I don’t know where to begin telling you. I think the first thing would be to use it for stencils on my drop cloth pillows, NO limit to what I can put on them!! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Nannette
    wcbntb@gmail.com

    Reply
  178. Country Mouse at 9:27 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would REALLY love to win this! I am a stay at home mom and make and sale crafts for extra money. I have been wanting to make some scripture signs so this would be perfect! Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂
    Audrey G.

    Reply
  181. jess at 9:28 AM on June 21, 2011

    I’ve heard about the Silhouette, but it’s been out of my budget. I’d LOVE to have one and get busy making tons of projects 🙂 Please count me in!

    Reply
  184. DogsMom at 9:32 AM on June 21, 2011

    There are so many things I would be doing if I had a silhouette. I would make shirts for special events when we do fundraising for animal rescue. I would make signs and get my farm stand operating. I would be able to more easily make things for an online shop and generate some much needed income. I would be popular with the family at gift giving holidays.

    wis mom works (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  186. danarene at 9:34 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would really like to try a Silhouette. I have over 1000 fonts on my computer and if I could access them….wow! This would be so much fun to play around with. Fingers crossed!

    Reply
  192. L.Butler at 9:40 AM on June 21, 2011

    I would put an incredible machine like the Silhoutte to good use! I am very interested in checking out the potential to make stencils.

    Sincerely,
    L.Butler

    Reply
  197. NanaDiana at 9:45 AM on June 21, 2011

    I rarely sign up for giveaways..but this one has certainly caught my eye. I would love to play with this-I am soooo bad at lettering by hand that I have given up…and I am awful when it comes to cutting my own stencils. Winning this would be like a God gift!;>) Thanks for the opportunity to win! xo Diana….oh..and now I am thinking of all the things it could be used for with kid projects…OH MY!!!

    Reply
  199. Von at 9:46 AM on June 21, 2011

    What a wonderful giveaway! I have made some signs before, but would love to have an easier way to do it. As a mother of three, I can’t justify the cost of a silhouette just for myself, but free would just great (heehee). Oh, what fun I could create…..

    curtvonda(at)comcast(dot)net

    Reply