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!
Ashlee Williams
August 26, 2010 at 10:30 amThis is a wonderful giveaway! I have been wanting one for months now. I have an entire “idea” notebook devoted only to crafts I would tackle once I get one. My husband would probably appreciate it more than I would because he wouldn’t have to buy one for my birthday :) It would be much appreciated and well-used!
Ashlee
Sandy McAllister
August 26, 2010 at 10:31 amI’d love to win. I’ve been wanting to do wall word.
Pam
August 26, 2010 at 10:31 amI would really love to have one of these cutting machines. My cricut sits more than not and the silhoutte looks to be so much more user-friendly. I’d love to be the winner, once.
Pam
August 26, 2010 at 10:32 amThat would be – silhouette.
Cindy
August 26, 2010 at 10:32 amI’d love to win this so that I could get to labelling all the kids’ stuff.
Melinda
August 26, 2010 at 10:35 amI want one of these so bad!! But I can’t afford one. It would be nice to win it. I would do everything with it. Love the vinyl, heat transfer, and crafting. Yes, he possibilities are endless. Please pick me!!!
melindamfisher@aol.com
Jane Covert
August 26, 2010 at 10:35 amThe possibilities are endless—can’t wait to try it out when I win this one!!!! Please!!!!
Callie
August 26, 2010 at 10:38 amWell, why do I want a silhouette. Easy, what can’t you do with it! I am a stay at home mom with craft projects coming out my ears. My life would be so much easier with one of these great machines and I would be lying if I didn’t admit it looks like fun.
connie
August 26, 2010 at 10:39 amooh, the possiblities are endless!!! I would love to make those cute onesises for my baby
Amanda
August 26, 2010 at 10:39 amI would love to win a silhouette. I really want to do some vinyl projects, glass etching and heat transfers. Plus I just saw that they now have tattoo paper! Awesome!
Becca
August 26, 2010 at 10:40 amAfter seeing your family silhouette on your car, I would love one of these to make decals for my boys car windows.
Janice
August 26, 2010 at 10:41 amI desperately want to win this!! I have so many projects I want to do with it!! So excited!!!!!!
michelle
August 26, 2010 at 10:42 amWould love one of these!!! have so many ideas running trough my head.
Katie
August 26, 2010 at 10:42 amVery Fun! Just what I need- more project inspiration :)
May
August 26, 2010 at 10:45 amWould love to have one of these! seems they are so handy with projects especially now that I have my baby boy!
Betty
August 26, 2010 at 10:45 amOh How I would love to win this and share with my girlsfriends and maybe even start a home business.
Valerie
August 26, 2010 at 10:46 amI love these so much!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Susan
August 26, 2010 at 10:46 amI would love to win this!! What an amzing machine!
Michelle
August 26, 2010 at 10:47 amI (heart) the heat transfer possiblities and I’ve really got my eye on that glass etching!!
Yvette
August 26, 2010 at 10:48 amOh I hope I win!!! I want to use it for my daughter’s cupcake themed party right away!!!
Nicole
August 26, 2010 at 10:49 amoooh… the possibilities of this machine :D. I am drooling just thinking of all the things that “need” personalizing!!!!
laurie
August 26, 2010 at 10:51 amI would love to win one of these!
Jennifer Hansen
August 26, 2010 at 10:52 amI would love to win an SD silhouette! I would make my own lettering, vinyl would be plastered everywhere and all my glass items would be etched.
Kimberly
August 26, 2010 at 10:53 amI love this machine and that there are no cartridges to buy!
Kristi P.
August 26, 2010 at 10:54 amI would try everything that this machine could do!! I could actually decorate my house with creativity!
Jessie
August 26, 2010 at 10:54 amWould love to own one of these. Oh the things I could do… :o)
Tina
August 26, 2010 at 10:56 amI am dying to get my hands on this machine. It looks amazing!
Chelsea Strong
August 26, 2010 at 10:57 amThis machine is the best! I have seen some really wonderful ideas for teacher appreciation gifts that I would love to make. I am PTA President at my kids school and there are so many great ideas to make the teachers feel appreciated. Thank you for considering me. :)
Melissa Land
August 26, 2010 at 10:57 amI need a silhouette!!! It will make my crafting so much easier! I would love to do some vinyl work.
Stacey
August 26, 2010 at 11:01 amI’d love to win a Silhouette. And I love your updated version of stick people – definately more classy. Wish I knew how to create this using a program like that.
Amelia Harris
August 26, 2010 at 11:01 amI would so love to have one! This would be great to help out with all the Christmas gifts! :) Hope I win! :D
Mallory
August 26, 2010 at 11:02 amI’ve been wanting to try some subway art. This would be perfect for that!
Kathi Johnson
August 26, 2010 at 11:03 amI love this cutter. I have been wanting one forever. I think all of the time of projects to create! Here’s hoping! :)
Tami Higbee
August 26, 2010 at 11:03 amI wouls LOVE LOVE LOVE one of these! I can think of so many things that I would use if for!
Sarah JP
August 26, 2010 at 11:04 amPick me, pick me! Fingers crossed on this amazing giveaway.
Karen
August 26, 2010 at 11:07 amI would love to use the Silhouette to make Subway Art for my walls!
Annie
August 26, 2010 at 11:10 amPICK ME! I would use it for vinyl and glass etching!!
Jennifer
August 26, 2010 at 11:10 amLOVE the family sticker!!!!
Melanie
August 26, 2010 at 11:13 amI have been dying to have one of these and would love to win it! ;)
Cecilia
August 26, 2010 at 11:14 amI would love this so I can make a silhouette of my dog and cats!
Melinda Wilson
August 26, 2010 at 11:14 amWow! What an awesome giveaway!!!
Shannon Callaghan
August 26, 2010 at 11:15 amI’m so in love with the Silhouette machine! Since I’ve had my daughter – and also given up Stamping and Scrapbooking – this could be my creative outlet! The first thing I would do is make vinyl decor! I love the laundry room idea and would love to have our family’s “moto” in our front hallway. Think of all the possibilities! :)
Amy
August 26, 2010 at 11:16 amI have wanted one for so long. Thanks for the opportunity!I love your family silhouette. SO cute!
Christi
August 26, 2010 at 11:17 amI soooo want to win this..I have so many things I want to use it for. Thanks for the chance to win!!!
Jessica @ {Black.White.Yellow.}
August 26, 2010 at 11:17 amSign me up friend!
CraftFam
August 26, 2010 at 11:19 amI really need this for my Etsy business, it would save me a LOT of time!! I’m crossing my fingers! I have wanted this forever!
Tamara
August 26, 2010 at 11:19 amI would love to win this machine! I have so many projects I would love to do!
Bridget
August 26, 2010 at 11:20 amWhat an amazing give away! Thanks for the opportunity to make this mamma feel like she is crafty. This will definitely make one winner VERY happy!
Mandy
August 26, 2010 at 11:22 amI want one of these SO BAD!!!!! I have so many great ideas swimming around in my head for when I get one!
Leanna
August 26, 2010 at 11:24 amLove the silhouettes you made! Would love to win this and make cute little outfits and things for my little man!
Stacy Kristine
August 26, 2010 at 11:28 amWow… PHENOMENAL giveaway! Winning one of these would make my entire year! So much to do with it!
Shawna
August 26, 2010 at 11:30 amI am dying to win on of these!! I have a few vinyl’s on my walls that I completely overpaid for and want to make some of my own!
As for your family on your car…I actually prefer the stick figures. Not because they are cutesy, and not because the others like you did aren’t nice…but because I am a total privacy freak and think the more realistic ones give just a little bit too much info on your family specifics. Nobody could pick me out of a crowd based on a stick figure. But that’s just me. :)
Rachel S.
August 26, 2010 at 11:33 amI would SO love to win one of these!
evienlizzie(@)gmail(.)com
Heather McCurley
August 26, 2010 at 11:35 amI would love to win…thanks for the chance!
Tashena
August 26, 2010 at 11:35 amWhat an awesome opportunity!!!
Great site you have, as well!
Julie A.
August 26, 2010 at 11:36 amI would LOVE to win!
Stacy Ash
August 26, 2010 at 11:36 amSOOOO Creative! I would love to win one!
Laura
August 26, 2010 at 11:38 amI would LOVE to make some wall art for my house… I want to put a message to my husband up.
Emily H
August 26, 2010 at 11:38 amI was just telling my husband yesterday that I wanted a silhouette. This would be a great opportunity. Thanks.
Jodi
August 26, 2010 at 11:38 amI so want a Silhouette machine! I want to do the heat transfer tee shirts. I have my own designs :-)
Bonny
August 26, 2010 at 11:39 amI am in love with this machine, and your giveaway is great- thank you!
Arya
August 26, 2010 at 11:39 amI have been saving up for one of these awesome machines! I would be just tickled pink if I could get one earlier – that would mean I could start on so many projects sooner.
Jennifer T.
August 26, 2010 at 11:40 amI would love to win. Really like your family cut-out :)
kathy
August 26, 2010 at 11:40 amThis is a fabulous machine and I would love to win it. It’s almost time to start fall and seasonal projects and decorations. This would be awesome for all the crafty fun!
Stephanie
August 26, 2010 at 11:40 amOh my heavens I would so love to win this one! The possibilities are endless. We are moving into our FIRST home in 3 weeks and I have been thinking about decor and ways to make the house OUR HOME! With the silhouette machine I could do so many projects that would be unique to our home. Oh I would so appreciate winning!
Wendy
August 26, 2010 at 11:43 amI would love to win this machine. Would love to try the heat transfer.
Lynn
August 26, 2010 at 11:46 amI have been wanting one of these sooooooo badly!
The possibilities for making gifts for my family are
endless. I won’t have much money for Christmas this year so I think I could make many unique gifts that come straight from my heart.
Heidi
August 26, 2010 at 11:46 amI would love to win!! I have a birthday party in a couple months and oh all the things I could do…..:)
Kari Holland
August 26, 2010 at 11:50 amWould LOOOVE to do the family cutouts. I can think of so many cute ideas to use the silhouette cutting machine it’s nuts!
Kathy
August 26, 2010 at 11:50 amJust found out that you can make temporary tatoos with the Silhouette! The possibilities for these seem to be limited to just your imagination. I’d love to win one. Thanks!
Becky W
August 26, 2010 at 11:50 amI love the car window decals…I see them all over and with school starting next week will be needing one soon! :)
Pam
August 26, 2010 at 11:51 amI would love to win and make vinyl words for my office.
Kelli Broadbent
August 26, 2010 at 11:52 amOh my goodness!!!!!!!!! I love this giveaway!!! Thank you!!! P.S. LOVE the heat transfers….
Cindy H.
August 26, 2010 at 11:57 amThis machine is amazing. This is a sweet giveaway! I would love one of these!
Making it Lovely | Transforming the so-so. » Blog Archive » Nom Nom Nom Nom Brownies
August 26, 2010 at 12:00 pm[…] decided to try out my idea of using the Silhouette SD to make a stencil for decorating brownies. It sounded so cute, and hey, […]
sarah
August 26, 2010 at 12:01 pmOh, the things I could craft! My mouth is watering over the vinyl I would love to put on everything that doesn’t move! And those heat transfers…are you kidding?! Love me some Silhouette!
Jenn
August 26, 2010 at 12:01 pmOh! Pick Me! Pick Me!
Tricia H
August 26, 2010 at 12:04 pmHeat transfer, vinyl, glass etching…where do I start and when do I stop?!
Stacie
August 26, 2010 at 12:04 pmI would love to win a Silhouette!!!! I’ve been bugging my husband for months about one. SO hope that I win!!! Thanks for the chance!!!!
Stacee Cook
August 26, 2010 at 12:04 pmI want one! So fun!
Ginny
August 26, 2010 at 12:04 pmLove what you made!!!
Cynthia
August 26, 2010 at 12:05 pmOh I would love a Silhouette!!! Pick me!
Kelly Warbington
August 26, 2010 at 12:06 pmAwe.some. I see those family stickers everywhere. Love how yours is more personal. Really great idea!
Jenn
August 26, 2010 at 12:06 pmHow fun! I would love to play with a silhouette machine!
Jules
August 26, 2010 at 12:07 pmToday I’m buying supplies to make a pencil bag. Since the world as already counter-rotating, I might as well enter a contest for craft supplies, too. :)
Sabrina
August 26, 2010 at 12:07 pmI’d love to win one! So many possibilities…
Alison
August 26, 2010 at 12:07 pmThanks for the giveaway. I would love this!
Audrey
August 26, 2010 at 12:07 pmwhat a fun little tool!
Joelle
August 26, 2010 at 12:08 pmI am in love with your recent designs! I would love to try some of my own!
Christine
August 26, 2010 at 12:09 pmThese look like so much fun!!! Would love to win one… Oh, think of all of the delightful projects.
Stephanie
August 26, 2010 at 12:09 pmThis machine would be amazing for all the decorating projects I’m working on in my house. Would so love to win! :)
Paul
August 26, 2010 at 12:10 pmI’d love one to make a stencil for my wedding invitations!
Franki
August 26, 2010 at 12:11 pmOhh!!! How lovely!! I’m a newbie to your blog…have just spent some time looking around…and have added you to my Google Reader! Don’t want to mess out!
Would LOVE to win a Silhouette! LOVE LOVE LOVE!! =)
Denise T
August 26, 2010 at 12:11 pmLove this machine! Would love to win!
Amanda
August 26, 2010 at 12:12 pmI just got into papercutting as a hobby and this would be a great addition.
Karen
August 26, 2010 at 12:12 pmI’ve been trying to win one of these all summer! Hope this is my lucky try! – Karen
Brenda Picanco
August 26, 2010 at 12:13 pmI want a Silhouette so bad. I have been coveting this machine for a really long time now and have lots of ideas up in my head that I would use it for.
Cameron
August 26, 2010 at 12:13 pmWhat a great giveaway! I’d love a silhouette… so many projects!
Karen
August 26, 2010 at 12:15 pmSo cute! I’d use them to make new silhouettes for our home. I have some generic ones we used as part of our wedding, but I want the real deal!
Courtney
August 26, 2010 at 12:15 pmI love your car decal! It’s super classy. I’d love to make something like that :)