Omg this machine is the coolest thing ever! The possibilities with this machine are endless.... it can cut basically anything you want! Paper, cardstock, heat transfer paper, vinyl.... amazing! I did a bit of shopping around on Google and found www.craftonline.com.au to be the cheapest.... $379 with FREE delivery... can't complain about that :) Best of all, it arrived SUPER QUICK... as in; I ordered it on the monday and I received it on the wednesday.... how's that for service... thanks CRAFT ONLINE
http://www.craftonline.com.au/shopping/c-silhoette-machine-cameo.asp
The machine comes with it's own software where you can design things yourself from scratch or you can visit Shilhouette's online store and download pre-designed templates for just 99 cents, bargain! Best of all, to get you started they include a $10 download card with the machine.. woohoo!!
I must admit this machine does take a little bit of getting used to. When I first started using it, it was super frustrating. I had trouble with the paper not holding on the cutting mat, the blade not cutting right through the paper and basically just shredding the paper and putting slices through the cutting mat; not cool :( I googled to find if others were having similar problems to realise that I wasn't alone. Having the machine do that to you when you're a beginner doesn't exactly instill much confidence .... but alas, I continued.
Anyway, after ALOT (and I mean A LOT) of trial and error, and a heap of paper and
card- stock wastage too might I add LOL, I'm starting to master it. Hardest thing I reckon is getting ya head around the blade settings. Takes just a bit of practice LOL
With all that said, I set myself two challenges:
Project 1:
Create a cupcake birthday card for one of my son's school friends
The birthday girl is having a design-a-cupcake party so I thought this cupcake card would be perfect to match the theme.
I used 'American Crafts' brand card stock which I purchased from Spotlight
Chocolate (brown), Coconut (white), Vanilla (cream)
Project 2:
Create an easter pop up card for my son's school teachers (ill post a photo soon)
I must say I am pretty impressed with my efforts. Not bragging or anything but yeah I think for a learner they turned out pretty good. What do you think?
I read a lot of reviews online before purchasing this machine and I think it's safe to say that after now having finished my first two projects, I totally get how people get addicted to these machines LOL It has become my new best friend... I can see that this relationship is gonna last a long time! hahaha
So my advice to you, if you are thinking about getting one of these machines JUST DO IT, it will be the best money you ever spend... that is of course just my personal opinion. You don't have to listen to me hehe
Next mission..... making a start on designing my sons birthday party invitations. This year he's asked for a Lego themed party so watch this space for inspiration. I have ALOT of ideas in my head but question is...... can I use the Shilouette software to replicate them design LOL .... let's wait and see!
