Silhouette machines are a marvel. You can design any shape, program it into the machine, have it precision-cut from paper, fabric, adhesive or heat-transfer vinyl, and put it on nearly any surface. I’ve seen Silhouette designs put onto pillows, canvasses, and other textiles, but that’s only the beginning. The adhesive vinyl can be used on hard indoor/outdoor surfaces like windows, walls, maybe even making signature family logo drinking glasses for yourself! And one of the best places online to get all your Silhouette supplies is Swing Design at SwingDesign.com, where you can score machines, vinyl, paper, and even classes on how to get the most out of your Silhouette.
If you’re familiar with the old fashioned die cutting machines, a Silhouette machine does a similar function. But instead of having to buy a new die for each shape or letter you want to cut out, the Silhouette hooks up to your computer, and your computer gives it the cutting pattern. It’s something like going from a typewriter or an typesetting printing press to a color laser printer. It’s possible to design your own items to cut, or you can order Silhouette designs to download – many of the starter kits on Swing Design come either with designs included, or a gift card to the Silhouette store so you can pick out your own designs. If you do a quick coupon code search, you may even find free designs or upgrades, or a discount on one of the starter packages.
So, what can you make with a Silhouette? <Deep breath.> Scrapbooks, greeting cards, gift tags, fabric appliques, t-shirt iron-on transfers, personalized glassware or mugs, etched glass designs, window signage, indoor wall images or mottos, and even temporary tattoos! All of this is possible because the Silhouette can use a variety of media, and if you choose you can replace the cutting blade with a specialized pen to allow Silhouette to sketch your design! Essentially, if there’s anything you wanted to personalize or customize, the Silhouette machines can help you do it. This is fantastic if you have a team fundraiser and need to come up with a bunch of themed items to sell, or if you have a small business and want to offer personalized items for sale or as giveaways.