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!
Elaine
August 24, 2010 at 4:02 pmWhat a great machine!
NicoleS
August 24, 2010 at 4:06 pmI would love this! I’m imagining framed silhouettes along the staircase…
cynthia
August 24, 2010 at 4:06 pmWould love to have one!
marissa
August 24, 2010 at 4:07 pmoooh, i could do some awesome crafts with this! So many ideas running through my head :)
Madelyn
August 24, 2010 at 4:11 pmI would love to have one of these! I’m crossing my fingers.
Laura
August 24, 2010 at 4:13 pmfreezer paper stencils, cutouts for artwork, stickers for gifts. The possibilities are endless it seems. Here’s my entry. Thanks!
kashya
August 24, 2010 at 4:17 pmI’ve made silhouettes in the past but this would make my life soooooo much easier. I wouldn’t go berserk trying to reattach something that i accidentally cut off with the exacto knife.
Katie
August 24, 2010 at 4:19 pmThis is awesome!! I’ve been dying to make an art wall of a ton of silhouettes for my stairs and hallway and have been too intimidated to cut them out myself. This would make it so easy!! I could make frames as well!
Alexandrea M
August 24, 2010 at 4:23 pmOh that is really neat! I am making wine and think I would be able to make all sorts of amazing labels for it with this!
Sherry L
August 24, 2010 at 4:27 pmLove the family silhouette! I’d have to say I’d use it to capture my dogs and use their image on all kinds of goodies starting with some art for my walls (and ending with some luggage tags). Great review and contest! Thanks!
Jessi @ The Design Slice
August 24, 2010 at 4:28 pmI love your modern take on the family vinyl stick-ons. Very crafty (& handy)!
natalyn
August 24, 2010 at 4:56 pmLove your car decal! It actually looks quite sophisticated. I’ve been wanting to do some silhouette projects for my daughter’s room.
Michele W
August 24, 2010 at 5:04 pmI love the glass etching & the screen printing!
Bethany
August 24, 2010 at 5:12 pmI’d love to have one of these magical machines!
Danielle Joseph
August 24, 2010 at 5:20 pmLove this machine! I think your car decal idea would have to go on my to-do list if I win this thing!
Natalie Stone
August 24, 2010 at 5:23 pmPick me! Pick me! It would be a birthday gift to a complete stranger, namely me :)
Lindsay Széchenyi
August 24, 2010 at 5:24 pmYour car decal is the best ever!
OMG-MIL
August 24, 2010 at 5:27 pmThis looks so fun to use!
Samantha
August 24, 2010 at 5:41 pmI would cover my dorm walls with awesome decals!
JT
August 24, 2010 at 5:46 pmOoooh, the things I’m dreaming up to make with this! Really like the silhouette idea too!
Fawn
August 24, 2010 at 6:04 pmI would love to add a huge silhouette of my grandbaby in my craft room. thanks for sharing the information!
Jennifer
August 24, 2010 at 6:08 pmthis is the neatest thing my sister has ever shared with me! I would love to win one of these. I work in childrens resale, and the things I could refurbish with the silhouette is endless. Would love the opportunity!
Elizabeth
August 24, 2010 at 6:10 pmAdorable decal and an awesome machine!
Isabel Zito
August 24, 2010 at 6:25 pmI would be in heaven if I won this for I could use it to create my teaching materials so much quicker than by cutting them by hand. I would also decorate my daughter’s bedroom. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing machine.
VIcky
August 24, 2010 at 6:30 pmI’ve been eyeing this machine for quite some time! I already have a ton of projects that I would love to use it for, but didn’t know if the Mac friendly option was any good. The tutorial looks straight forward enough so I would love to use this machine for future projects!
Christie Purifoy
August 24, 2010 at 6:39 pmSuch a “lovely” giveaway!
Patty
August 24, 2010 at 6:46 pmThis looks great!
Scott
August 24, 2010 at 6:47 pmMy wife wants this!
marlene
August 24, 2010 at 6:55 pmCrossing my fingers–have to make one of those decals!
beth
August 24, 2010 at 7:20 pmWhat would I make? What WOULDN’T I make? I want to go typography crazy with that thing!
Michelle
August 24, 2010 at 7:21 pmCan we say want? Yes.
natalie
August 24, 2010 at 7:22 pmWould love to play with one of these!
Emily
August 24, 2010 at 7:26 pmI’ve been wanting to make wall stencils forever… This would work!
Kristen
August 24, 2010 at 7:31 pmI would just love to win this!! how lovely…
Andy
August 24, 2010 at 7:32 pmHope I win this for my wife…her birthday is in a week!
Jennifer Shoer
August 24, 2010 at 7:55 pmWell, I’m sure my kids won’t mind eating mac &cheese for a few days while I play with the new cool cutter.
Lori B.
August 24, 2010 at 8:03 pmWow! I hope I win!
Leah
August 24, 2010 at 8:06 pmI want one of these so bad, but the only way I can afford it right now is to win it. So here’s to wishing….
Henria O.
August 24, 2010 at 8:15 pmI’d make framed silhouettes of my daughters!
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
Jade Crockett
August 24, 2010 at 8:18 pmOoooh…WANT! The silhouettes (ps. hard to spell) you made look incredible. I’d love to create some lovelies of my own!
Alissa
August 24, 2010 at 8:19 pmLOVE the family silhouette for the car window!
Darlene
August 24, 2010 at 8:21 pmi hope i win! i’ve been wanting to make silhouettes of my two little boys for a while now. this would make it so easy — i’d have no more excuses! :)
Suzanne
August 24, 2010 at 8:26 pmOooooh. My brain is reeling–thinking of possibilities. Christmas is coming!
Jennifer Lewis
August 24, 2010 at 8:33 pmThank you so much for the chance to win!
Chris
August 24, 2010 at 8:34 pmI love your family cutout. This is pretty cool.
Kristina
August 24, 2010 at 8:43 pmOh man, I have the perfect project in mind.
Cassandra C
August 24, 2010 at 8:51 pmlove love LOVE the sihlouette sd!!! There are SO many things you can do with it and I have the perfect idea for custom onesies for a baby shower gift! So excited!
Monique
August 24, 2010 at 8:52 pmI have been wanting to try one of these out. It would make scrapbooking so much easier.
Kristen
August 24, 2010 at 8:56 pmThis thing is so cool. I can think of so many things do with it, and it would be so simple!
And your family silhouettes are super cute!
Courtney
August 24, 2010 at 8:56 pmI cannot tell you how badly I want this silhouette cutter. I am OBSESSED with silhouettes. I even have my silhouette (which I paid someone to cut) on my blog! My fingers are crossed! Thanks for the giveaway!
Erin
August 24, 2010 at 8:59 pmlove the silhouettes!! Thanks for the giveaway!
Lindsay D.
August 24, 2010 at 9:03 pmYour projects are wonderful! I would love to make a few silhouettes to decorate my daughter’s space and to give as gifts! Thank you for the opportunity!
Béa
August 24, 2010 at 9:07 pmWhaouh! it is very crowded in here!!!!
Thanks for the giveaway and signing me in!
Nicole
August 24, 2010 at 9:34 pmI would love to do the vinyl decals for my walls. I really like the silhouette you did for your car! Thanks for the contest!
Misss B.
August 24, 2010 at 9:38 pmWhy I would make silhouette’s of course! I do like your decal but then again I am one of your biggest fans and I don’t think you could make a design mishaps so I suppose my liking your project would go under a ‘given’.
Angela B.
August 24, 2010 at 9:38 pmThanks for the giveaway! I would love one of these!
Shana S.
August 24, 2010 at 9:40 pmHow adorable! My creative juices are pumping and I would love to win!
Nicole R.
August 24, 2010 at 9:44 pmOh the home decor and craft projects I could do with this!! I am already thinking of a birthday party cut-out theme…all the things I could do!
Jessica
August 24, 2010 at 10:04 pmThis would probably be great for family members. But I do like the stick figures :)
Joey
August 24, 2010 at 10:14 pmOh my goodness – I’m dreaming of all the things I could make with this.
Teresa K.
August 24, 2010 at 10:30 pmOh my! I have been wanting a Silhouette for so long! Would love to win to work on projects for our new home!
Kristen
August 24, 2010 at 10:35 pmI would love one of these! I think my first project would be to bling something up with rhinestones. What a cool thing!
Alley
August 24, 2010 at 10:38 pmWhat a neat machine! I *really* love the vinyl decal for your car. I would definitely do something like that. =o) With two precious little girls, I could think of a lot of things I could do! =o)
Julie Daigle
August 24, 2010 at 10:39 pmlove, love, love the car decal…hmm so many things I could do! Since I love anything and everything text based, I am sure I could use it to make my own artwork.
Crystal
August 24, 2010 at 10:42 pmI can think of soo many things I could do with that!!
Angela
August 24, 2010 at 11:05 pmI *love* this! Hmmm, so amazing projects come to mind.
kellyf
August 24, 2010 at 11:11 pmoh my goodness, i can’t even begin to pick a project to start with! especially with a baby girl there are so many fun things to make for her and decorate! love the family decal you made!
Katie
August 24, 2010 at 11:28 pmLooks like a lot of fun!
Stephanie Richter
August 24, 2010 at 11:29 pmI would love to win this! I have been absolutely in love with the vinyl wall decorations – would be thrilled to make my own!
EricaL
August 24, 2010 at 11:29 pmOhhhhh the fun I could have with that little darling!!!! I so LOVE what you came up with.
FabulousTerrah
August 24, 2010 at 11:52 pmI’m not sure I can contain my silhouette excitement!
EmilyH
August 24, 2010 at 11:55 pmi want. i want. i want.
catherine s.
August 25, 2010 at 12:07 amlove love love…i think this machine can do it all!
adore your projects – love the car decal – very nice!
thx for the chance to win and the great promo deal :)
Janelle A
August 25, 2010 at 12:19 amI can’t wait to see a silhouette of your new little one!!
fiona
August 25, 2010 at 12:37 amI didn’t realize I needed one of these until now!
Drew B.
August 25, 2010 at 12:57 amThis is so cool! I need this so I can finally replace my old faded car decal. :)
Sarafina
August 25, 2010 at 1:14 amOh, I love this! I adore all the silhouette art that seems to be so popular right now- I’d like to win one of these for sure!
Kimmie in Fort Worth
August 25, 2010 at 1:27 amI’ve been seeing these all over the blogosphere! I would love to have one and make all kinds of fun things with it. Thanks for the giveaway!
Nicole
August 25, 2010 at 1:42 amLOL Your family car decal is adorable! I have a long commute to work everyday, and I always find myself daydreaming about the little (or in some cases ridiculously large) family that goes with the vehicle. What a chic take on a quirky trend! I think I need one of these. I always find it inspiring to get something new and start a new project. The possibilities are endless!
stephanie
August 25, 2010 at 1:43 amcount me in as trying to win :)
Tracy Slayne
August 25, 2010 at 4:01 amThis is on my list of 10 crafty items I desire! Hope I win! Very cute silhouette!
Jenny
August 25, 2010 at 6:30 amYour family sticker for the car is adorable!! I’ve been begging for a new sewing machine for my birthday, but I’m thinking the Silhouette SD may win out.
Jamie
August 25, 2010 at 6:35 amThis is awesome!! I would love to have this for getting my etsy shop up and running!
Kevyn
August 25, 2010 at 6:54 amThat is awesome. Hope you pick me!
melissa
August 25, 2010 at 6:58 amThe possibilities are endless!!
Amee
August 25, 2010 at 7:02 amI totally heart the Silhouette SD!!
Lou
August 25, 2010 at 7:08 amI’ve been wanting one of these for all my crazy art installations!
Mrs Amy R
August 25, 2010 at 7:51 amI would first start with Owls, then move onto turtles, & finally focus on Elvis..just a view of my favorite things that would look great in silhouette form! Who knows I may discover other things along the way!
Karen de castro
August 25, 2010 at 8:12 amWhat a great giveaway!!
Amy
August 25, 2010 at 8:18 amThis is so cool! If I had one of these, I have a feeling I’d go overboard…silhouettes everywhere!
Susan
August 25, 2010 at 8:40 amI would LOVE one of these! The ideas of what I could use this for are flowing….
Meredith
August 25, 2010 at 8:41 amThanks so much for the giveaway, Nicole!
Kristen S.
August 25, 2010 at 8:53 amI would LOVE one of these!
sweetcaroline
August 25, 2010 at 9:05 amI’m sure I won’t win, but would love, love, love this. I would adore having a machine where I could design my own shapes and then have them cut out for me!
Erin
August 25, 2010 at 9:07 amI could put this to so much good use!
Teresa Novak
August 25, 2010 at 9:18 amI have wanted a Silhouette ever since I discovered them. I would LOVE to win one!
Michele
August 25, 2010 at 9:24 amI would LOVE to win the Silhouette!
I just designed my baby shower invites and would have loved to have used my real silhouette:)
Thank you!
Jill
August 25, 2010 at 9:27 amAdorable sticker for your car! I would love to have one of these!
Catherine
August 25, 2010 at 9:27 amOh, I want! I’ve really gotten into making silhouettes lately, and this would sure make the process easier!
Laura C
August 25, 2010 at 9:29 amYour silhouette of Eleanor inspired me to try to take a silhouette of my little one – though I’m currently struggling to take a good profile photo! She just won’t sit still…but the plan is to make a silhouette family tree on her wall.