21 Silhouette Tutorials, Projects, and Tricks You Can't Miss! (January Recap)

One more month is in the books...January's been a hugely successful month for Silhouette School. We celebrated our 1st blog birthday, hit 2 millions readers on the blog and passed the 30,000 mark on the Facebook page. Not to mention the more than 20 tutorials, tips and tricks that were shared! In case you missed any of the lessons in January, here's a recap!

• Silhouette Project Idea: Turn Kids' Notes & Drawing into Home Decor.
• Silhouette School's Messy Office...Reveal
• Silhouette Studio Edit Points: Everything Beginners Need to Know (and More!)
• Silhouette Studio Diagonal Stray Cut FIX (V3 Troubleshooting) 
• Silhouette Paper Flowers Wreath Tutorial

• 14 Valentine's Day Gifts and Crafts (Made with Silhouette)
• Silhouette Paper & Card Tutorial: Cutting the Best Fold Line
• How to Cut Out a Word from a Design in Silhouette Studio
• Silhouette Studio Word Art Tutorial (Shape Text: Heart)
• Silhouette School's 1st Birthday Celebration and Giveaway
• Trick to Cleanly Cutting Construction Paper with Silhouette
• How to Use Downloaded Vector Graphics in Silhouette
• How to Cut a Silhouette Knockout Design (on HTV, Vinyl or paper)
• Silhouette Magnets Tutorial & Review
• Silhouette Sketch Pen Lines and How to Prevent The...
• Silhouette Knockout Technique Tutorial (Part 1: Designing)
• Embossing with Silhouette (Tutorial)
• Why Purchased Silhouette Designs Aren't In Your Library
• 11 Reasons Your Silhouette Is Not Cutting (or Not Cutting Completely)
• Silhouette Vinyl Types and Transfer Paper vs Transfer Tape

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine! 

Thanks for coming to class today at Silhouette School.  If you like what you see, I'd love for you to pin it!

Silhouette Project Idea: Turn Kids' Notes & Drawings Into Keepsakes

A few months back my daughter brought home this note from school and I immediately teared up.  My little first grader with her precious handwriting
just can't put her love into words because she loves her mommy and daddy 'soooooo o bad.' OMG....I die.   And so I've been thinking and thinking and thinking about what I could do with this precious note so I could enjoy it's innocence and sentiment every.single.day.

Last week it finally hit me and when it did the idea of turning part of that love note into a throw pillow would not leave me alone until I pulled it off.  It literally consumed my thoughts.  Did you ever have a nagging project like that?

The great thing about this one was it took me less than 20 minutes from start to finish. The longest part of the entire project was my Silhouette actually cutting the design.

If you have a sweet little note like this or your child's drawing or maybe the first time they wrote their name, you can turn it into a pillow or a shirt or some other kind of keepsake pretty easily.

Start by either scanning or taking a photo of the original image and then uploading it onto your computer.

Silhouette School's Messy Office...Reveal

As a blogger, behind the scenes posts are one of those things that make you feel vulnerable. You're opening up your home..your life...your craft room...your mess to pretty much anyone that has an Internet connection. 

As a blogger you also form relationships with other bloggers to bounce ideas off of and help support each other with technical bloggy questions and such.  So I have this tight little group of blogging friends....some of us are moms, some of use are not. All of us are home owners and all of us like to show what nice little neat homes we have that serve as a sort of showroom for our crafts, creations, and DIYs on our blogs. (Bhahahahhaha)

Except it's not all like that. And so the idea of sharing what our homes really look like...beyond the lens of a camera focused on some perfectly staged recipes, DIY or project was born.  And I'm not just saying that because my house looks like what you're about to see...seven of my blogger friends are opening up their REAL homes and lives too to show you the day-to-day happenings, and the less-than-magazine-worthy-pictures. We're busy ... far, far from perfect, and wear many hats (just like most moms). So, grab your coffee, wine, or other beverage of choice, and join us for our 'Real Life' home tours (and feel good about your own home at the same time).

I'll start with my home since so many times I hear "How do you do it all? You have two little kids, a husband, a successful blog, a growing social media following, an Etsy store, and a local customization business. " Truth is - I also have an assistant, a book keeper, a house cleaner, five to six hours a day when my kids are in school or napping, and an amazing husband who often grocery shops on the weekend....oh and pile of laundry that has been moved from the bed to the chair and back again, a sink full of dirty dishes and an embarrassingly over-full trash can.  And, perhaps most importantly, a few tricks up my sleeve.

Silhouette Studio Edit Points: Everything Beginners Need to Know (and More!)

As promised, today I have a rather in-depth tutorial on how to use, manipulate and design with edit points in Silhouette Studio.  By the time you get to the bottom of this post you're gonna be an expert edit pointer!

But first perhaps your wondering what is an edit point in Silhouette Studio and why do I care about them.  Edit points are those little gray or white or sometimes red circles you get all over design if you accidentally double click the shape or text.   In the most basic form think of a line. The line has two edit points...one at one end, one at the other. That's it...edit points are basically the building blocks of designs and between them are the lines...either straight or curved.  So put four edit points together and you have a square or rectangle...one at each corner; or a circle when the lines between each of the points is curved instead of flat.  Put a whole bunch of edit points together and you create a design.  But by adjusting the edit points and learning how to manipulate them you can actually create your own designs or modify those you already own as I touched on here.

Let's start by checking out an example of how edit points can really help you in a real life project. I'm not a designer and I am guessing most of you wouldn't consider yourself designers either, but that doesn't mean we can't totally use edit points to make our creations designer-worthy.

Silhouette Studio Diagonal Stray Cut FIX (V3 Troubleshooting Tutorial)

Usually I'm about a week or two ahead with a bunch of tutorials in the queue just waiting to go live on the blog. Today, however, I bumped everything at the last minute, because I think this tutorial on how to fix a rather big problem in Silhouette Studio is pretty important and rather timely. 

The issue is a diagonal stray cut line that cuts across the design as the blade returns from the last cut point to its "home base".  This has been a nagging problem for many Silhouette users - specifically those who updated to Silhouette Studio (v3.3.437) over the last month or so. 

When I asked the Silhouette School Facebook followers how many of you had experienced this issue while cutting...many hands were raised! 

Silhouette Paper Flowers Wreath Tutorial

Ya know what they say about the wheel, right?  There's no need to re-invent it - well the same could by said for this Silhouette paper flowers wreath.  I was planning a similar paper flowers tutorial when I came across this stunner

14 Valentine's Day Gifts and Crafts (Made with Silhouette)

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you're in need of some inspiration for some DIY gifts, classmate valentines, or Valentine's crafts - all made with your Silhouette - you've come to the right spot.  Click the name of each idea to be linked to either a tutorial or more info.

Silhouette Paper & Card Tutorial: Cutting the Best Fold Line

I hear you...you want more paper crafting tutorials on Silhouette School. And so today I've brought in our Silhouette School regular contributors and paper experts, mom and daughter duo Becky and Glenna, from My Paper Craze. 

Hi there!  It's Becky and Glenna from My Paper Craze substituting today to bring you another fabulous tutorial!  As a follow-up to our first tutorial (Embossing with the Silhouette), we wanted to address the very important issue of Comparing Fold Lines: What's the Difference?

So one of the most popular questions I've received about using the embossing tool for the Silhouette is if you can use the method to emboss fold lines. Unfortunately, the answer is no, because the Silhouette is not able to emboss deep enough lines into cardstock to successfully work in that capacity.  HOWEVER, today we bring you THREE additional fold line methods that will solve this problem for you!

How to Cut Out a Word from a Design in Silhouette Studio

I don't even know what else to call this...so I'm calling it cutting a word out of a shape in Silhouette Studio. I posted a picture of a quick and easily baby onesie I made for a friend (so don't yell at me for already posting St. Patty's day crafts...it's her fault) and you all went crazy...so I thought I'd share a really easy tutorial on how to make one yourself. This is seriously like a 5 minute project...so you got this!

Silhouette Studio Word Art Tutorial (Shape Text: Heart)

Last week I shared a quick monogram heart Valentine's Day shirt (you can find the red raglan shirts here) I made, with my Silhouette (duh), for my daughter. I got a few requests for a tutorial so I thought I'd share with you how I designed it in Silhouette Studio. Some people call this type of design word art others call it shape text.  Whatever you call it, the process works for three letter monograms and full words.

Open up Silhouette Studio.

Go to your library and find a heart. You must have a heart somewhere, right? I f you don't have a heart go find one in a google search and trace it in Studio.  Or purchase one from the Silhouette Design Store.

Using the text tool, type out your word or monogram.   I'm going to work with the word LOVE.

Silhouette School's 1st Birthday Celebration and Giveaway!

Happy Birthday to Silhouette School! It's hard to believe that just a year ago today Silhouette School launched..and every week day since we've shared a new Silhouette tip, trick or tutorial.  Thirty thousand of you follow along on Facebook, almost than 14,000 of you follow and share our pins, 2500+ check out the shenanigans that go on behind the scenes on our Instagram and almost two million readers have visited the blog!  To say I'm humbled and thankful and blessed is an understatement.  Keeping a blog is hard work...and a lot of work...but you all make it so worth it!  Which is why...

I have big plans for this little blog in 2015 including the release (finally) of the long-awaited ebook. Thanks for your patience!  I'm also contemplating offering virtual hangouts where readers can ask questions and get answers to their burning Silhouette questions.   Lots of logistics there....as you can imagine. And of course the daily tutorials, many of them based on your questions and suggestions, will keep on coming.

Trick to Cleanly Cutting Construction Paper with Silhouette

So you've attempted to cut construction paper with your Silhouette and lemmeguess it basically looks like an infant gnawed up the edge of the paper and someone sprinkled construction paper dust all over your mat? Yeah, not pretty.  I don't cut a lot of construction paper for this reason, but sometimes my 6 year old asks for some basics shapes for her crafts and I don't want to use my "good" paper. Ahem....just bein' real.

I also use construction paper - specifically black - when going for the 'chalkboard' look. I was recently making a card in which I wanted to get the chalkboard look by using the white Silhouette Sketch pen on black construction paper.  (You can read my review of the white and metallic Silhouette sketch pens here.)  I didn't however like the idea of putting the construction paper directly on my currently-perfectly-sticky cutting mat.  The fibers in the construction paper tend to stick to the mat and the blade sometimes causes the paper to tear more than cut.

Soo...I had a moment of pure genius (IMHO).

How to Use Downloaded Vector Graphics in Silhouette Studio

Last week I shared an awesome deal from Mighty Deals that included something like 500 vector graphics (available for commercial use) which can be used with Silhouette Studio.

The 98% off deal is actually still going on so you can grab it..and I'm sure after I show you how easy it is to use all those designs in Silhouette Studio you'll see why I was so excited about this.  Here is just a small sample of the graphics in the set.

This set of vector graphics is actually great to use with Silhouette Studio because many of the designs are (in layman's terms) silhouette-style...making them super easy to trace!   AND the graphics can also be used in products that are sold...by YOU! 

To get started, first go to Mighty Deals and grab this deal.  Just put it in your cart, check out, and then you'll get the link to download.

Now there are SO many images in this pack that you are given about five or six download files.   What I like to do is download them all onto my computer initially and then move them (eventually) onto an external hard drive. More on that in a minute.

How to Cut a Silhouette Knockout Design (on HTV, Vinyl, and Paper)

Last week I shared the secret to designing with the Silhouette Knockout Technique and I promised a follow up on cutting this type of design.  If you haven't read the first part of this tutorial, I would highly suggest it so you know what the heck it is I'm talking about because we're going right to cutting here.

There are a few different ways you can go about cutting a knockout design and much of your approach will depend on the material you're cutting on and where you plan to apply the design. Below I've broken the tutorial down depending on if you're cutting on HTV, vinyl or paper.

Just a warning this post is photo-heavy so it may take a few extra seconds to load. 

Silhouette Magnets Tutorial & Review

A few weeks ago I asked Silhouette School Facebook fans what they wanted to see on the blog in 2015 and lots and lots and lots of you said a Silhouette Magnets Tutorial.  I like to give the people what they want so today I have a magnet tutorial and review for you!

If you've read some of my reviews on the blog in the past you know I like to be completely honest. Some items I like, some items I don't. Some items I buy to test, some items are sent to me.  Whatever it is and however I get it I like to be honest.   So let's just be straight up - I bought the Silhouette Adhesive Magnet paper.  Shelled out like $7 buck and got 'em on my go-to: Amazon.

First let's talk about the magnet tutorial and then I'll give you my opinion on if I think you should really spend your money on the magnet sheets.

There are a few different ways you can work with the adhesive magnet paper and I tested many a methods.  I'm gonna tell you the good, the bad, and bubbly ugly.

Silhouette Sketch Pen Lines and How to Prevent Them

Ya know what's the worst when using Silhouette Sketch Pens? When you get to the end of your beautiful sketch only for the pen to drag a big ol' line straight back to the starting position.

When you're using Silhouette brand Sketch pens they have a ridge on them that ensures they go into the holder the perfect distance.  But the stray line issue can happen when you're using a regular pen, pencil or marker to sketch with one of the pen holders adapters - either the Amy Chomas Sketch Pen holder, the Silhouette Pen Holders, or the DIY version I shared here.

The drag lines occur when the pen is too far down into the holder. It's actually easy to prevent - you just have to make sure your pen is at the exact right distance from the paper.

Embossing with Silhouette (Tutorial)

Hi there! It's Becky and Glenna from My Paper Craze substituting today to bring you another fabulous tutorial! As our very first regular contributor post for Silhouette School, we thought we'd do an extra special tutorial: Embossing with the Silhouette!

If you know a little of our background, we started as paper crafters before we were introduced to the wonderful world of the Silhouette. One of our favorite textures was embossing patterns into various media for an added {POP}. All my Big Shot users know what I'm talking about! When I was introduced to Silhouette Sketch Pens, an idea started forming in the back of my mind... can I emboss with my Silhouette? The answer is............... YES!

Why Purchased Silhouette Designs Aren't In Your Library

A few weeks ago I added a Silhouette CAMEO to my collection of craft supplies essentials. I've been plugging along on my Portrait for almost a year now and having no issues, but when I spotted an awesome deal on the Cameo I decided it was finally time to upgrade.

Fast forward a few weeks and I realized NONE of the designs I had purchased or downloaded from the Silhouette Design Store, since adding the CAMEO, were showing up in my Silhouette library.

Silhouette Vinyl Types and Transfer Paper vs Transfer Tape

So...it's come to my attention that we need to talk about vinyl...all types of vinyl.  I do have a whole section on the blog about vinyl...but I've had some questions recently about what the best time of vinyl is for this or that project. 

 

And honestly it depends on a few different factors including how the vinyl will be used, where it will be used, and even your personal preferences. 

22 Silhouette Tutorials, Tips and Tricks (December Wrap Up)

Well Happy New Year!! I can't believe we're in Silhouette School's birthday month! Are you ready to celebrate in January because Silhouette School is turning ONE!!

But before we move forward, let's take a look back at all the awesomeness that went down in December! In case you were busy with shopping or baking or wrapping or gift making here are 20 awesome Silhouette tutorials you don't want to miss!

• 10 Most Popular Silhouette Tutorials in 2014
• Secret to Revealing Grid Box Numbers in Silhouette Studio
• Silhouette White Sticker Paper Alternative (On the Cheap)
• Silhouette Beginners and Newbies: Start Here with My Best Advice
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Free Printable or Cut File)
• How to Italicize Fonts in Silhouette Studio that Don't have an Italics Option
• Silhouette Studio Tutorial: How to Nest on Scrap Vinyl (or other Material) Pieces
• How to Turn a Silhouette Store Design into a Print and Cut
• Blogger of the Year Nomination (And because I love you...this)
• Opening SVGs in Silhouette Studio for Free (without Designer Edition)
• Silhouette Weeding Lines Tutorial: 7 Steps for Beginners
• Silhouette Studio Troubleshooting: How to Turn Off the Crosshairs
• 12 Free Silhouette Designs: Silhouette Store Launches 12 Days of Christmas
• White and Metallic Silhouette Sketch Pen Review
• Glitter Ornaments: A DIY Silhouette Tutorial
• Layering Vinyl: Two Tone Offset Vinyl Decal or Designs
• Faux Chalkboard Christmas Card (with Silhouette Sketch Pens)
• Elf on the Shelf Clothes Silhouette Tutorial & Patterns
• Craft Show Tips for Beginners: Part 4 - Takeaways
• How to Back Up, Save, and Export Your Silhouette Studio Library
• How to (Perfectly) Decorate Charger Plates with Silhouette
• Photo Transparency Christmas Ornament Silhouette Tutorial

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine! 

Thanks for coming to class today at Silhouette School.  If you like what you see, I'd love for you to pin it!