'F' for Freebies Crafty (& Handy)

Silhouette SD Cutting Machine (Review and Giveaway)

I mentioned wanting a Silhouette SD a few months ago after reading Melissa’s review of it, and much to my delight the company sent one to me to try out. Well I’ve been having so much fun with mine that I thought you might want one too, so I’m giving one away! Details are at the end of this post, but first let me show you a couple of things that I’ve made with it and tell you about my experience with the machine.

You know the little vinyl stick figure families that mark the back windows of minivans throughout suburbia? Yeah, this is my take on that. More modern, less cutesy.

Family Silhouette Car Decal

I used Adobe Illustrator to trace a silhouette of us, basing it on a photo from the shoot by James Julius. Of course, it’s only going to be accurate for another six months and then I’ll have to make a new one for my family of four.

I also framed Eleanor’s silhouette (the same silhouette I drew for her first birthday invitations) against a sheet of patterned paper.

Eleanor's Silhouette

So cute, right? And I could think of a million more things to make too… I especially like the idea of using it to make a stencil for decorating a pan of brownies with powdered sugar, but I think that’s just because I’ve been craving chocolate lately. ;)

My Review of the Silhouette SD

The machine itself is small, sleek, and well-designed. The interface is easy, and I had no problems following the directions to get the machine up and running. The software is not Mac friendly, but there is an Adobe Illustrator plugin for Mac users (and a helpful tutorial here). I like to make my own designs anyway, so the Illustrator compatibility is perfect for me.

I was impressed by the Silhouette SD’s accuracy and ability to cut finely detailed images. I found only two drawbacks: the machine is noisy when cutting, and the sticky cutting mats attract hair and dust particles like crazy. Certainly not deal breakers, but worth mentioning.

I’m pretty excited about all of the things I can make, so I’m really pleased with the machine. There are tons of ideas and tips on the Silhouette SD site, shop, and blog. I’m not sure how the PC software works, but if you use Adobe Illustrator like I do then you can use any font or vector image you like. Nice.

Enter to Win a Silhouette SD

If you would like to win a Silhouette SD of your own, just leave a comment on this post (one entry per person). This giveaway, open to US residents only, includes: A Silhouette Machine (a $299.99 value), software for Windows XP/Vista, power cable and USB cable, two cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media), one cutting blade, $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store. One winner will be chosen randomly on August 31.

And if you just can’t wait to see if you’ve won, I also have an awesome promo for you (good from August 23 through September 1 at midnight). If you buy a Silhouette cutting machine and enter the discount code “lovely“, you’ll get all of the above plus the following for $249.99: $50 off the Silhouette Craft Cutter, fuzzy white vinyl (valued at $7.99), light blue smooth heat transfer (valued at 14.99), yellow flocked heat transfer (valued at $14.99), and a home décor CD (valued at $50). That’s a total savings of $137.97!

You can also use the code “lovely” from September 2 through September 4 for a good discount of $50 off your machine, two cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media), one cutting blade, $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store, plus two free rolls of heat transfer (a total savings of $79.98).

Good luck! I’d love to know what you’d make with your Silhouette SD. And what did you think of my projects? Would you rock a family car decal like mine? Too close to the ubiquitous stick figures? Or do you (gasp) prefer the stick figures?

August 31: Comments (and entries) are now closed. The randomly chosen winner is Renanda (renparks). Congratulations, Renanda!

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

You Might Also Like...

  • kristen
    August 23, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    Would love love love this!! I car decal is adorable:)

  • Michelle B.
    August 23, 2010 at 8:57 pm

    The modern car decals are awesome – I would totally do that for me and my family of boys!

  • Heather
    August 23, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    I would LOVE one of these things! I’ve played with a cricut, but I think these Silhouette’s are so much cooler! :)

  • Stefany
    August 23, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    Looks like so much fun! Would love to try it out!

  • lauren
    August 23, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    i want one of these so bad….so many possibilities!!

  • rachel
    August 23, 2010 at 9:05 pm

    Count me in!!!

  • Lawanda
    August 23, 2010 at 9:05 pm

    I would love to win this machine! There are so many things I would make!

  • Jenna
    August 23, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    Love this!!

  • Emily
    August 23, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    What a cool machine! Nicole~ I love the projects you’ve done so far!!

  • Wendy
    August 23, 2010 at 9:11 pm

    I love the car decal…so much more personal and full of personality! If I win, my darling daughter will use it to make me silhouettes of my one and only grandchild.

  • Angela
    August 23, 2010 at 9:11 pm

    Love! Thanks for all of the great ideas!

  • Regan
    August 23, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    This is such a cool machine! Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Mary
    August 23, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    This looks like so much fun to use! I would love to win!

  • Suzanne Lafreniere
    August 23, 2010 at 9:17 pm

    I would love to try!

  • Dana @ House*Tweaking
    August 23, 2010 at 9:18 pm

    Wonderful ideas! I’d love to try out the machine and make a family silhouette for Christmas cards.

  • Lori Aretz
    August 23, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    Oh, please! I love it.

  • Vena
    August 23, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    Can I have one, please… just simply because we don’t have something like this (yet) in Indonesia.. :D

  • Stacey
    August 23, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    My workplace has me using cutting machines like this all day–it’d be great to have my own machine and be able to work on my own projects away from work!

  • Sarah C
    August 23, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    Oh, what fun. I would love one of these. Think of all the possibilities.

  • Allison
    August 23, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    So clever! I would love, love, love to add this to my office — scissors just dont cut it (haha!) anymore!

  • Nicole B.
    August 23, 2010 at 9:24 pm

    The custom silhouette of your cute family has to be the awesomest one ever! Love the modern take. What a cool machine!

  • Cara @ Green Heart Studios
    August 23, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    the fabulous thing about this machine is that you can hook it up to your computer, makes the possibilities endless!!

  • Stephanie
    August 23, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    Adorable.

  • Heather L
    August 23, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    What an awesome giveaway! I would definitely make a family car decal like yours … much better than the stick figures :)

  • sarah
    August 23, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    no idea what I would make, but it would be fun to create with!

  • Holly Lacour
    August 23, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    What a cute machine!

  • JAIME
    August 23, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Gosh, I have LOVED seeing all their recent giveaways because it seems like such a wonderful product. Now, if only I could win one of them! :D

  • Erin R.
    August 23, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    I love the car decal idea. So fun. I would love one of these.

  • chelsea
    August 23, 2010 at 9:33 pm

    This would be great – what a fun idea!

  • laura
    August 23, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    Fun!

  • Danz
    August 23, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    Wow, I would love one of those!! Fingers crossed!!

  • beth
    August 23, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    I would make a silouette of each of my pets!

  • Stephanie
    August 23, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    I’d love to own one! The first silhouette I’d make would be of my dog. I’d hang it in my bathroom!!

  • Katie
    August 23, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    fingers crossed!!!

  • Joann
    August 23, 2010 at 9:39 pm

    Great ideas!!! I just love the vinyl stick family you made of yourself and your family. I’m in the middle of making a silhouette of my son so I can frame and put up.

  • Ginny
    August 23, 2010 at 9:41 pm

    Yes please!

  • Champagne Maker
    August 23, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    I WANT THIS!!! I’d put quotes on the walls and mirrors too! It would become my standard party favor!!

  • Nan M.
    August 23, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    Thanks for the review and the giveaway! Very neat machine!

  • Devin Day
    August 23, 2010 at 9:44 pm

    Love the family silhouette for the back window!!!! Could see lots and lots of uses for this cool machine :)

  • Melissa
    August 23, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    I love the Silhouette machine and it’s ability to cut such beautiful and intricate designs. I would love to use it on my wedding scrapbook!

  • Christine
    August 23, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    This would be great for scrapbooking!

  • hanna
    August 23, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    so cool! hope I win.

  • Leah
    August 23, 2010 at 9:57 pm

    Wow, thanks for the review – seems like the perfect crafty, decor essential to add to my collection!

  • auschick
    August 23, 2010 at 10:05 pm

    Ooh i’ve been looking high and low for a cheap custom cutting machine – this sounds like it might fit the bill.

  • Gillian
    August 23, 2010 at 10:05 pm

    Oh! making tee shirts with silhouettes for a birthday party would be SO great with this!!! please pick me !!!

  • Emily
    August 23, 2010 at 10:08 pm

    exciting giveaway. i hope i am the lucky winner.

  • Michelle
    August 23, 2010 at 10:08 pm

    I would make train decals for my son’s room. 8-)

    Thank you for the opportunity!

  • heartarz
    August 23, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    I would love to win a Silhouette SD.
    Thank you!

  • Katie
    August 23, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    sheesh. this is a awesome giveaway. thanks so much for hosting it!

  • Emma L
    August 23, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    Oh wow, if I were to win the Silhouette, I would make a bunch of portraits of all my friends and family – perfect for the long, narrow, boring hallway in my apartment!

  • Crystal Keyzer
    August 23, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    my home would be full of decals with this! I would also use it as custom decals for gift boxes…

  • Jennifer
    August 23, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    I would love to put down my x-acto knife!

  • Lauren
    August 23, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    i. want. it.

  • Jennifer
    August 23, 2010 at 10:28 pm

    Ooh, such a luxury. I’d make family portraits — love the car decal (and brownie idea, but maybe that’s because I’m craving chocolate too).

  • janine
    August 23, 2010 at 10:30 pm

    this sounds awesome. and the sticker you made is ADORABLE

  • Lexie
    August 23, 2010 at 10:32 pm

    Ooohhh I would love to win one of these!! With a little girl of my own arriving in just three months, my mind is constantly working on ideas for meaningful and sentimental crafts. This machine would be so much fun!

  • lis
    August 23, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    WOW! What fun. CROSSING MY FINGERS

  • Tess
    August 23, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    too cool!!! I’m sure I’d be making cutouts of our family too- including our pups!

  • Raquel
    August 23, 2010 at 10:34 pm

    Love it when bloggers give away stuff! This one rocks!.

  • cristina
    August 23, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    !”£$ç°ç§U((%&$%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SGRUNTTTTTT!!!
    I’M IN ITALY !!!

  • julie
    August 23, 2010 at 10:36 pm

    love it! endless possibilities! i think i’d start with silhouettes of the men in my life — my dog and cat!

  • Alexandra R.
    August 23, 2010 at 10:37 pm

    Eeee, totally want one of these now! Love your modern take on the family decal. Would it be weird if I did one of my husband and me with our bunny? Lol.

  • lori
    August 23, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    How cool! So inspired by Eleanor’s Silhouette themed bday party.

  • jill
    August 23, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    I hate those stick figures! The silhouettes look so much cuter.

  • megan marie
    August 23, 2010 at 10:59 pm

    adorable! I would totally use this to make profile cutouts of all of my preschool students… and my cats.

  • Louisa
    August 23, 2010 at 11:01 pm

    So cute! So many ideas!

  • Sara Spencer
    August 23, 2010 at 11:02 pm

    I would love to win this machine and try it out for myself. Making vinyl decals for my walls would be so fun to try. Love the sticker you made for the car too!

  • Rebecca Rendon
    August 23, 2010 at 11:04 pm

    If I won this giveaway, I would use the Silhouette to cut out illustrations from my handmade paste papers to make children’s books.Thanks for the great ideas.

  • Ruthie
    August 23, 2010 at 11:05 pm

    Amazing! I would love to win one of these!!

  • Rebecca
    August 23, 2010 at 11:06 pm

    Oh, I would have fun with this!

  • Stef
    August 23, 2010 at 11:09 pm

    I love the family silhouette! Definitely better than the stick figures!

  • kelly
    August 23, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    id love to have a silhouette! my fingers would like a break from the scissors.

  • Ellen
    August 23, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    These machines look so neat! I hope I win…

    Glad to hear you can still use it with a Mac. The car decal is SO chic. :)

  • Tara
    August 23, 2010 at 11:14 pm

    I like your take on the car decal. So much cuter and personal than the usual stick figures.

  • Julie
    August 23, 2010 at 11:23 pm

    I have been researching these machine for a while and I am dying to try one! It definitely is a crafters dream! I want to find some way to make gifts easier and I think the silhouette would be perfect for making cards and etching etc! Oh yes, and the vinyl lettering for your walls..so awesome :]

  • Lindsey
    August 23, 2010 at 11:30 pm

    I’m in love! What a great machine. *crossing my fingers!*

  • Brenda
    August 23, 2010 at 11:30 pm

    It looks like a great tool. I am married without kids. I like your sticker for your car. The stick figures are… played out. Thanks for being original. :)
    Somehow it would seem narcissistic to have me and my hubby on my Jeep. ;)

  • Renee Nordholm
    August 23, 2010 at 11:32 pm

    Thank you for the opportunity!!

  • Nicole Marie
    August 23, 2010 at 11:34 pm

    I want this so bad!!! Also I’m turning 29 tomorrow and you’ve totally inspired me to make a 30 before 30 list.

  • Ariane
    August 23, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    Wow! This would be great to win! Thanks for the chance!

  • Melissa
    August 23, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    Cute stuff! I love your take on the car decal!

  • Jacqueline
    August 23, 2010 at 11:40 pm

    I’d love to win a Silhouette! I’ve been wanting a family decal but, I don’t like the stick figures or family flip flops (gasp!) If I won, I’d make profile decals of all of us. It’s so much more chic. Also, I like that you can make stencils. What a great way to save money. No more buying stencils at Michaels. Hope I win! =)

  • Andrea
    August 23, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    Ooooh…I would LOVE one of my very own!

  • Tiffany
    August 23, 2010 at 11:43 pm

    I’ve been coveting the Silhouette for weeks! I hope I win!

  • Roxann
    August 23, 2010 at 11:47 pm

    This is the coolest thing.

  • Amy
    August 23, 2010 at 11:47 pm

    Oh my gosh! This would be awesome to win! I just learned a little about how to use it at Paper Source today! It’s amazing!

  • Katie
    August 23, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    This is so cool. I love the family silhouette you did for your car, I have been looking for those little stickers every where and this is just a good inspiration!

  • Crystal
    August 23, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    Your family silhouettes are amazing! What a great idea! Goodbye cheesy stick figures!

  • Nelle
    August 24, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Wow wee! What a great opportunity. Well done Nicole and thanks!

  • Melinda
    August 24, 2010 at 12:06 am

    What a fun toy. I can think of many things to make!!!

  • Leila
    August 24, 2010 at 12:10 am

    This would be a great 30th birthday gift! :)

  • annie miguel
    August 24, 2010 at 12:20 am

    wow so much fun i need one

  • Kristen
    August 24, 2010 at 12:28 am

    To think I spent hours painstakingly cutting and recutting silhouettes by hand when this was on the market!

  • miss alexandra
    August 24, 2010 at 12:35 am

    i work at a cupcake bakery, and this machine would add so many possibilities as far as decorating possibilities!

    the silhouette decal is a great idea!

  • Kate
    August 24, 2010 at 12:42 am

    Love the decal you made. I think it would be great fun to make a cookbook of family recipes with silhouettes illustrating all the dishes.

  • Brenda
    August 24, 2010 at 12:47 am

    This would be the most awesome thing ever to win!!! So many projects I would use this for! Decorating, gifts etc….

  • JenM
    August 24, 2010 at 12:52 am

    What an awesome little machine. Love love the Eleanor’s silhouette and am planning on using your invitation idea for my little Linnea’s birthday.

  • Erin B.
    August 24, 2010 at 1:07 am

    My sister has been obsessed with her Cricut for years, but I was just never sold… this Silhouette is SO MUCH COOLER! I am sold! I need one of these! :)

  • sara
    August 24, 2010 at 1:19 am

    i’m the original queen of silhouettes- love, love, love this! your family decal is much cooler than the sticks- by far. I’m just wondering when these fun machines will be made for Macs as well!? regardless, enter me, please!

  • Diane
    August 24, 2010 at 1:24 am

    I have had this bookmarked ever since I read about it on ISLY. So much potential for rad holiday decorating here!

  • 1 5 6 7 8 9 21