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.
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.
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!
Mandy Ford
August 23, 2010 at 1:54 pmWhat a fun gadget! I can just imagine all of the projects I could do with it. :)
megan
August 23, 2010 at 1:55 pmWAY better than the stick figures! super cute.
Marie
August 23, 2010 at 1:57 pmI would love to win this!
Megan S.
August 23, 2010 at 1:57 pmOooh, such a fun giveaway! I would need to improve my Illustrator skills if I won!
jo
August 23, 2010 at 1:57 pmi’m seeing these all over blogland and dying to try one!
erica
August 23, 2010 at 1:57 pmOh, man! I have so been wanting to try one of these! I would definitely use this to get an early start on my Christmas cards. Oh, I love the silhouette of Eleanor :)
colleen
August 23, 2010 at 1:57 pmOooh, I would love to have one of these!
Megan
August 23, 2010 at 1:57 pmYour designs are adorable and so much better than stick figures!
Roxanne
August 23, 2010 at 1:57 pmI can think of a hundred things to do with this right now!
Holly Marie Gibbs
August 23, 2010 at 1:58 pmI LOVE your car decal inversely as much as I dislike those stick figure ones.
Hmm, I wasn’t a math major, and that possibly doesn’t make sense. What I mean to say is that I love yours, A LOT. And dislike the stick figure ones, A LOT. I’d also love to win the giveaway :)
MeghanK
August 23, 2010 at 1:58 pmI have so many ideas for projects, but first would be a silhouette of my son to hang on top of some funky fabric to put in my office!
Catherine
August 23, 2010 at 1:58 pmOh I think this would be incredibly fun! And my daughter’s first birthday is just a few months away; this would be perfect!
Jennifer L
August 23, 2010 at 1:59 pmWhat a great giveaway! I prefer your family car decal and I love the silhouette of Eleanor against the patterned paper.
HannahB
August 23, 2010 at 1:59 pmwould {love} to win!
cristina
August 23, 2010 at 1:59 pmI love your version of the stick figures and I can think of a million things I would like to make out of vinyl!
Holly H
August 23, 2010 at 1:59 pmLooks like a great little machine! I’d love to use it to make vinyl decorations for my son’s walls.
Erika
August 23, 2010 at 1:59 pmI would give it to my mom (and just make her let me borrow it from time to time) :) I know she could put it to good use for scrapbooking!
Sarah
August 23, 2010 at 1:59 pmI would love to have one of these and would use it to make patterns for iron on decals!
Amanda Wright
August 23, 2010 at 2:00 pmOooo so cool! If I had one I’d definitely use it to expand my stationery line.
Jamie O
August 23, 2010 at 2:00 pmI am asking for one of these for Christmas. But if I get one sooner thats fine with me :)
Meg
August 23, 2010 at 2:00 pmI’ve wanted one of these FOREVER! can’t wait to see if I’ve won :D
Thanks for putting this together for us all!
Jamie Elizabeth
August 23, 2010 at 2:00 pmMy husband would greatly appreciate me winning this giveaway- I think he’s tired of me suggesting he should buy me one for Christmas. Or for Thanksgiving. Or for Friday.
Kate
August 23, 2010 at 2:01 pmWhat an awesome tool, I’m imagining some adorable holiday-crafts you could do with one!
Courtney
August 23, 2010 at 2:01 pmOh, my gosh. My husband and I are expecting our first little one next Spring, and I could see myself using one of these constantly to make goodies for the nursery, baby announcements…
Jenny K.
August 23, 2010 at 2:02 pmI love your family silhouette – a fresh take on those silly stick families.
I’ve been trying to save up for one of these, but would love to win one!
Holly Shaver
August 23, 2010 at 2:02 pmI love your projects! We are expecting our first baby in March, so if I won, I would make lots of stuff for the nursery, and yes, I would rock a family car decal like yours!!
Maddy @ the Inspired Bride
August 23, 2010 at 2:02 pmMy friend has one, and loves it. I’d love to get my hands on one!
Melissa
August 23, 2010 at 2:02 pmI love Eleanor’s silhouette against the patterned paper — precious!
melissa
August 23, 2010 at 2:02 pmLove it! Endless Ideas!!!!
Nichole
August 23, 2010 at 2:03 pmWAY BETTER THAN SICK FIGURES! Everytime my husband and I are driving I point out at the crazy stick figures around town (once we saw one that had 10! dogs in place of children, no lie). I would love to be the envy of my small town by having a much cooler silhouette.
Erin
August 23, 2010 at 2:03 pmI read about this on Melissa’s blog, too, and have wanted one since then as well. I think this would be brilliant, and there are so many applications you can use it for!
I live in Canada, but I have a US address from http://myus2.myus.com/. Can I still win?
Janet
August 23, 2010 at 2:03 pmSuper cool! I would absolutely love to try it out!
PaperDollyGirl
August 23, 2010 at 2:03 pmWhat a sweet take on the car decals!
Emily
August 23, 2010 at 2:03 pmI would love to have one of these machines! I would go crazy cutting vinyl labels for all of my kitchen cannisters, make some cute decals for my walls, make cut outs for card making…it would be an unending and super-fun list. And I love the silhouette you made of Eleanor!
Valerie
August 23, 2010 at 2:04 pmWhat a great machine! I would love to make gifts with this, so unique!!
Lemon
August 23, 2010 at 2:04 pmYour decal is way better than the stick figure ones you get in the store :)
maggie waldron
August 23, 2010 at 2:04 pmi would love to win this and make my own silhouette and awesome typography decorations/packaging design :) i’m also expecting the 2nd baby so i want to make family of four silhouette for my car!
Dianna
August 23, 2010 at 2:04 pmI’m planning a wedding and would LOVE to use this for our wedding stationary! And maybe to also use for sweet baby silhouettes in the near future. :)
Shannon
August 23, 2010 at 2:04 pmOoh! I love your family silhouette! Too fun!
Betsy
August 23, 2010 at 2:04 pmLove this!
Rebecca
August 23, 2010 at 2:04 pmYour take is way better.
This could be really fun!
Lauren
August 23, 2010 at 2:05 pmWhat fun things I could create with the Silhouette! Endless possibilities :)
Beth
August 23, 2010 at 2:05 pmI have always wanted one of these! I’m so impressed with the silhouette — super cute. :)
Annie
August 23, 2010 at 2:06 pmI was thinking this could be used to make some super cute stationery. I don’t think I’ll be making any car decals though, as it might look a little odd to have just me and my fiance on our car.
crystal shephard
August 23, 2010 at 2:06 pmah i’ve been wanting one of those as well!
your sticker is so much better than those stick figures, hate ’em.
Laura L.
August 23, 2010 at 2:06 pmI would love that! I’m imagining all the possibilities now…
Kathy A.
August 23, 2010 at 2:06 pmNOW I’M GETTING EXCITED. All the posibilities. Can you imagine all of the “people” I could have along my hallways or in my windows. Oh…and what about Halloween. Eeee. Okay, I’m calming down. FINGERS CROSSED! : )
betsy
August 23, 2010 at 2:07 pmi think this would be great for some upcoming wedding planning :)
melissa
August 23, 2010 at 2:07 pmI see endless possibilities!
alecia
August 23, 2010 at 2:07 pmwould LOVE this.
Dora
August 23, 2010 at 2:07 pmOh that’s so cute & very inspiring. Makes me want to go and create some awesome decals :D
Shaina
August 23, 2010 at 2:07 pmI would love a silhouette! This would take some of my DIY to the next level and I love that it hooks up to the computer!
Lindsay
August 23, 2010 at 2:07 pmI would totally use it to make custom vinyl wall decals for my apartment. And my car. And my kitchen cabinets. And my cat (well, maybe not, but you get the picture!)
Jennifer - PrettynPreppy
August 23, 2010 at 2:08 pmWhat an awesome giveaway! We could definitely use one of these for the shop.
Sarah
August 23, 2010 at 2:08 pmHow cute is this! Love your family car decal… so much cuter than those stick figures!
brieanne
August 23, 2010 at 2:08 pmi would absolutely love one of these! :::fingers crossed::: this has so much craft potential!
Alicia A
August 23, 2010 at 2:08 pmI have wanted one of these for awhile now! Crossing my fingers for a win!
katyrenee
August 23, 2010 at 2:09 pmVery cool and cute!! How do you do outlines in Adobe Illustrator?? I love it–probably would make some cheesey silhouettes of my kitties. Also work on some gifts for Christmas!
melissa
August 23, 2010 at 2:09 pmI love the endless possibilities with this!
Brooke
August 23, 2010 at 2:09 pmVery cute!
Joelle
August 23, 2010 at 2:09 pmOh every time I see a giveaway my creative juices start flowing and I cross my fingers, toes and eyes hoping I’ll win one! I absolutely love your vinyl car sticker — what a brilliant idea!
Mindy
August 23, 2010 at 2:10 pmAwesome! I would love to win this!
Leah@Storybook Ranch
August 23, 2010 at 2:10 pmI do NOT love the stick figures :) If I had this machine, I would make all sorts of cute, personalized things (mirrors, hook boards, etc) for my nieces & nephews, and my sons too of course! I’d also make SOMETHING for my sliding glass door so the birdies don’t fly into in anymore. :(
Sars
August 23, 2010 at 2:10 pmSo fun! I would love to win one!
Kate A
August 23, 2010 at 2:10 pmAwesome giveaway! I’ve been dreaming of having one of these. First, I would use it for decorations for my daughter’s upcoming first birthday!
Emily
August 23, 2010 at 2:11 pmOh so fun! I would love to make fun things with this, and I love your take on the family sticker. Really fabulous!
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home
August 23, 2010 at 2:11 pmThat’s a seriously awesome giveaway! Yes please!! :)
Holly
August 23, 2010 at 2:11 pmI love your family silhouette! The stick figures are ho-hum, but yours is so personal and beautiful.
So many fabulous ways to use this!
The Silhouette would be great for making positives for photo emulsion silk screens, cutting them out by hand is imprecise and exhausting.
I’d also love to do some vinyl cuts for my front windows: pumpkins, autumn leaves, or snowflakes as the seasons change.
jill a
August 23, 2010 at 2:11 pmAwesome! I’d go crazy adding silhouettes to my sewing projects, including a picnic blanket I’m working on as a wedding present for some friends.
Elizabeth
August 23, 2010 at 2:11 pmI have a little one on the way and would love to create some vinyl graphics to decorate her room!
Rach
August 23, 2010 at 2:11 pmYou know what’s so funny… I had a preschool teacher who made silhouettes of me and both of my brothers (this was 35+ years ago) and she did it by aiming a flashlight at us and making us sit still while she traced the shadow! Would love to do the same (albeit a bit easier) for my own kids.
larissa
August 23, 2010 at 2:11 pmI’ve actually just started to teach myself illustrator! I’d love to be able to take my new designs to the next level with something like this! I can envision lots of homemade cards in the future. cheers!
Amanda
August 23, 2010 at 2:12 pmWhat a great gadget! I, too, would make fun family silhouettes for things like our annual Christmas card. Last year, I traced my husband and I walking our dog. So simple and family LOVED it! I would love to make it a tradition to show how our family grows over the years. Maybe even string up different cutouts along the fireplace mantle or something! Now the ideas are flowing! Thanks, Nicole!
Barb
August 23, 2010 at 2:12 pmWow… what a great craft project!
Michelle
August 23, 2010 at 2:12 pmLoving the car windshield decal. Great giveaway!
Lindsay
August 23, 2010 at 2:12 pmI would love one of these! So many projects!
Katie McGarvey
August 23, 2010 at 2:12 pmI so want one … so I can make silhouettes of my big lab (who is like my child) and my niece, of course :-)
Emily
August 23, 2010 at 2:12 pmWhat an awesome prize! I saw a few demos of the Silhouette at my local Paper Source and really had to restrain myself from dropping 300 shouldn’t-be-spent dollars immediately!
Katie
August 23, 2010 at 2:13 pmLove your car decals! Would love to try this product out!
Jaded
August 23, 2010 at 2:13 pmI’ve always loved your blog and now you’re giving away a digital cutter? Oh my! *crosses fingers*
Cara
August 23, 2010 at 2:13 pmHow fun! I would love to win one.
Mindy
August 23, 2010 at 2:13 pmI am dying over how cute your car silhouette is! I would love to win and cover my house and car in silhouettes!
Mandy
August 23, 2010 at 2:14 pmWhat an exciting surprise it would be to win this! I can already think of quite a few fun things to do with it…and so much faster than an Xacto knife!
Shanee
August 23, 2010 at 2:14 pmOh sign me up!
Carrie S.
August 23, 2010 at 2:14 pmI love it! I think it would be fun to make biological ones — animals or trees or flowers. I love the idea of endless possibilities.
meg
August 23, 2010 at 2:14 pmI hadn’t heard about this lovely machine but I want to win it! I have a baby on the way and a basset hound that need silhouettes!
bink and boo
August 23, 2010 at 2:14 pmOh the possibilities are endless!
Jess
August 23, 2010 at 2:14 pmSo SO cute! I love the silhouette framed against the patterned paper…so classic but also feminine.
I have been wanting one of these machines for a while…where were they when I was making my wedding invitations by hand!? I would love to use it for Christmas decorating and card making.
Kirsty
August 23, 2010 at 2:14 pmI’m sorry, but those car windshield decals are effing tacky. Someone needs to explain their appeal to me other than bragging that you have a car full of kids and animals.
Laurie
August 23, 2010 at 2:15 pmI’ll bet this would be awesome for making friskets for etching glass! I’d etch the big mirror by my front door. *drool*
Allison
August 23, 2010 at 2:15 pmOooo this could be a super fun and creative toy…
Andrea D.
August 23, 2010 at 2:15 pmLooooooooove this! :)
Oly
August 23, 2010 at 2:15 pmI would love, love to win!! The first thing I would do is make silhouettes of my 2 girls, after that the possibilities are endless!!!
Samae
August 23, 2010 at 2:15 pmWhat a fun idea! I think I want one of these now! Thanks, Nicole!!
Sarah T
August 23, 2010 at 2:16 pmwow I love what you put on your car!
Christy
August 23, 2010 at 2:16 pmI can think of tons of projects to complete with this machine…so exciting!
natalie
August 23, 2010 at 2:16 pmawesome giveaway!
Michelle
August 23, 2010 at 2:16 pmHow fun! I love your car decal…way better than those stick ones :) Looks like the possibilities are endless!!
sarah
August 23, 2010 at 2:16 pmcount me in.
thanks!
Jill
August 23, 2010 at 2:16 pmI would make a silhouette of my kitty. Your car decal is cute!