21 Tutorials, Tips and Tricks (December 2020 Wrap Up)

Well you guys, we did it! We made it to the end of 2020!! 

And we are still crafting through it all! 

Layering Vinyl When the Vinyl's Not Actually Layered (Apple Word Art Pt 2)

I previously showed you how to design a custom apple word art with students' names in Silhouette Studio...and today I'm going to show you how to cut and layer that design.

The same process applies to any layered adhesive vinyl design, so don't worry if you don't have an apple.  If you're a beginner, don't be scared by the number of steps here - you know me: I just break everything down into simple easy to follow steps!

This is one of those cases where filling the design elements with the color vinyl you are going to cut on is not only helpful, but necessary.  In this method of layering vinyl, we're going to use layering registration marks and the Cut By Fill color. 

Downloaded Fonts Not Showing Up in Silhouette Studio: They Might Be Hidden!

The issue of downloaded fonts not showing up in Silhouette Studio is a very common problem (don't worry - you're not the only one!). That's why we've written about it before...along with several fixes: 

• Fonts Not Showing in Silhouette Studio (Windows Fix)
• 3 Reasons Fonts Aren't in Silhouette Studio Font List

Today I have yet another way to find fonts and extras if you're having trouble with fonts missing inSilhouette Studio. 

Silhouette Studio Color Chart (V4): Free Download

Want to know exactly what colors your designs will print from Silhouette Studio?  Or just want to get better colors when printing from the Silhouette software? 

This free Silhouette Studio Color Chart is all you need! 

Free Silhouette Design: Happy New Year starburst (Commercial Use Available)

Merry Christmas to all our readers near and far! For this Christmas and Freebie Friday, I have a gift for you! 

A freebie for the next holiday! A new year...and hopefully brighter one...is around the corner. 

The Secret to Layering Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) without Gaps

We've all been there when layering multiple colors of heat transfer vinyl - you get the dreaded gaps between the layers.

 
This sometimes even happens if you use the offset trick when designing.  Today I'm going to share another Silhouette CAMEO hack that will not only prevent the gaps, but also prevent the cause of the gaps: shrinkage!

How to Print and Cut with CAMEO 4 Like a Pro When You're a Newbie!

Silhouette Print and Cut is one of the most popular - but intimidating - ways to use the Silhouette cutting machines. 

It's possible to print and cut on all Silhouette machines, including the Silhouette CAMEO 4, CAMEO 4 Plus, and CAMEO 4 Pro. This beginner Silhouette print and cut tutorial will walk you through all the steps.

How to Fix HTV Mistakes using the Knife Tool in Silhouette Studio

Mistakes are bound to happen when it comes to HTV. But it doesn't mean your project is a total goner. 

You may be able to easily and quickly save your HTV project using the Knife Tool in Silhouette Studio. Follow along for this quick trick on how to fix HTV mistakes!

Best Cardstock for Silhouette CAMEO and Portrait (IMHO)

Looking for the best card stock to cut with Silhouette CAMEO or Portrait?  A good cardstock can make a project and a bad cardstock can ruin one faster than you can finish your cut. 

I've cut a lot of cardstock with all my Silhouette machines, including my Silhouette CAMEO 4, and I've not only found my favorite card stock, but also the best Silhouette cut settings to get perfect cuts not matter how small or detailed the design. 

Free Silhouette Design: Together is Our Favorite Place to Be (Commercial Use Available)

Time seems to be flying at the end of 2020 since here we are with another Freebie Friday! 

2020 has brought us closer with our families and made some of us realize that being together is our favorite place to be. 

7 Ways to Use Digital Patterns for Silhouette Projects

Not sure how to use digital patterns with Silhouette? You've come to the right spot.

There are so many different ways to use digital patterns, also called digital scrapbook paper or seamless patterns, for Silhouette project. Here are my seven of my favorite ways to use them!

How to Fix a Silhouette Studio Software Upgrade License Incompatible Error

If you are attempting to upgrade your Silhouette Studio software by entering a license key, but you're getting an "Incompatible Error", it's usually a pretty quick fix. 

The reason for the error is typically because you are attempting to enter a license key for a software upgrade out of order..here's how to fix this.

The Secret to No-Bleed Vinyl Stencils When Painting on Canvas

If freehand painting on canvas makes you just a little bit nervous, don't worry, you can still create beautiful painted canvas art worthy of home display - just use the "cheater's" method - a stencil! 

But there are few tricks to getting it just right - so follow along with this tutorial to learn how to get perfect, no-bleed paint lines with vinyl stencils on canvas!

How to Make Waterproof Stickers with Silhouette CAMEO or Portrait

When making waterproof stickers with Silhouette, it's all about the sticker paper. 

Not only do you need a strong adhesive but you need a material, that when wet, the ink won't bleed. 

Free Silhouette Design: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Commercial Use Available)

It's freebie time here again at Silhouette School! 

Not that anyone is complaining...especially around Christmas! We are throwing out all of the best designs for you! 

How to Cut Vinyl Rolls of All Sizes with CAMEO 4 Pro

The Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro can cut rolls and sheets of material between 9" and 24" wide.

In order to cut various size materials you simply need to move the roller along the roller bar. If you are using the roll feeder a quick adjustment allows the machine to accommodate 9", 12" 15", 20" and 24" size vinyl rolls. 

How to Apply Vinyl to Wood Signs With Slats

We've shown you before in a previous blog post how to design in Silhouette Studio for wood signs with slats. Well, we love bringing you new and different ways to create so that you can choose a method that works best for you. 

So, here's another way to deal with how to apply a vinyl decal onto a wood sign with slats.

Silhouette CAMEO Autoblade Won't Cut? Use this WorkAround

If you’re having trouble cutting with your Silhouette CAMEO Autoblade - there could be multiple reasons why. 

If you have exhausted all of the troubleshooting - including making sure your blade is installed correctly and there is no debris under the cap, you may just have an Autoblade that is acting faulty.  But there's a workaround that should help so you can still use your Autoblade!

Free Silhouette Design: Cookies for Santa and Good Little Kids (Commercial Use Available)

It is time for all the Christmas crafting, so since it is Freebie Friday we have the perfect one for you! 

This design is for Santa specifically...and good little kids! 

Eeek!! Ultimate Silhouette Guide for CAMEO 4 is Here!! (Early Reviews!!)

You guys I could not be more excited to finally release my 13th book...the Ultimate Silhouette Guide for CAMEO 4 (Plus and Pro!)

It's been a labor of love and I'm glad it's done..and judging from the early response, many of you are too!! And if you're wondering if I have a version for the CAMEO 3...2...1 (YES! The USG Second Edition is what you want). 

Advanced Tips for Custom Warping SVGs in Silhouette Studio

If you've upgraded the Silhouette Studio software, you may have already played around with reshaping an SVG using the Warp Panel. Maybe you've used the Warp Panel to create some cool looking Word Art or used the warp panel to make realistic mock ups.  

In this tutorial, we'll show up some fool-proof tips to using the Warp Panel so you can custom warp SVGs into any shape and exactly how you want it to look. So, no more guessing if your warped design is lined up or symmetrical - here's how to get it perfect!

How to Change the Blade Depth Setting In Silhouette Studio for a Better Cut

With the popularity of the Silhouette CAMEO AutoBlade, many users have never had to manually adjust their blade depth. 

However there are times when you need to adjust the blade depth - most often due to the recommended default cut settings are not working for your material. 

23 Can't Miss Silhouette Tips, Tricks and Tutorials (November Wrap Up)

I can't believe that December is tomorrow and here we are wrapping up another month of Silhouette School tutorials.

This month was really a great one.

Free Silhouette Design: Jack Frost Sled Company (Commercial Use Available)

That time for another freebie at Silhouette School has rolled around!! 

This time we have an adorable design that will be fun for all winter! 

ThermoFlex Puff HTV for Added Dimension (on Paper and Apparel)

Did you know you can add HTV to paper? I've shared this trick before, but now I'm going on step further with adding some dimension as well. 

This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are my own

This is easy to do with Puff heat transfer vinyl..IF you know the trick. 

How to Create a Floating Ornament Template in Silhouette Studio

If you've ever wondered how in the world you can make "floating" designs inside an ornament, then wonder no longer! 

It's actually extremely easy to create and customize your own floating designs for baubles of any size. All you need to know is how to make your own template for them. Keep reading to learn how to create your own floating ornament template for any size bauble ornament.

How to Engrave with Silhouette CAMEO 4 and Zoom Precision Etching Tool (Video)

I get asked a lot if it's possible to etch or engrave with the Silhouette CAMEO 4. 

This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are my own

There were tools that fit in the CAMEO 3 that allowed for engraving and etching, but they're harder to find for the newer model Silhouette CAMEO. 

I recently came across the the Zoom Precision 3-in-1 etching tool on Amazon. It not only includes three different size tips, but also several metal blanks to get started and ...it fits perfectly into the Silhouette CAMEO 4's tool carriage with the need for any type of adapter. 

Free Elf Quarantine Kit Design Set: Limited Time

It's almost that time again...for the elves to come back. 

And we have the perfect freebie for you this week. But you will need to act quick because it is free for a limited time.

Silhouette CAMEO 4 AutoBlade Won't Cut? 5 Things to Check!

If you're having trouble with your Silhouette CAMEO 4 Autoblade not cutting - which has been a relatively common complaint - there are a few things to check.

Go through this check list to troubleshoot common CAMEO 4 AutoBlade issues.

How to Apply Vinyl to a Wax Candle

Just when you thought you might have applied vinyl to just about every surface in your home, here's a quick and easy home decor project using permanent adhesive vinyl on wax candles! 

This is really easy to do, but there's a few simple tricks to making sure you get a good stick with the vinyl on the wax. Keep reading to find out how to do it!

9 Must Have Christmas Blanks (and Where to Get Them!)

I'm a sucker for blanks...probably because I love to customize a blank slate using my Silhouette. Of course around Christmas I have even more of an excuse to stock up on craft blanks with all the decorating and gift giving.

Today I'm sharing 9 of my favorite Christmas blanks...and where to get them! Christmas Blanks for Crafters.

Free Silhouette Design: Give Thanks for This Crazy Family (Commercial Use Available)

It's Freebie Friday you guys! Everyone's favorite time of the week. 

During this time of year, we need to stop and give thanks for things in our lives...even if it is our crazy families! 

First Cut with 24" Silhouette CAMEO Pro (Free Cut File)

If you're a Silhouette CAMEO Pro beginner and are looking a step by step tutorial to walk you through your first cut, you've come to the right place. 

In this beginner tutorial you'll learn how to set up Silhouette Studio and your Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro to make your first cut..without a cutting mat!  

Easy Way to Layer Glitter HTV Over Smooth Heat Transfer Vinyl

I love trying new combinations of materials and while layering glitter HTV over smooth HTV isn't "new"...I am excited about this new combination! 

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own

BFlex's glitter HTV line called Sandy Glitter is extra shiny and when combined with their matte HTV the results really pop - even in monotone!

Silhouette Gift Ideas! 2020 Wish List (And Why Shopping This Year is So Different)

As I've done every year for the last several on Silhouette School, I'm sharing a Silhouette Holiday Gift Giving Guide! 

Whether you're looking for craft gift ideas for yourself or want to drop a hint or two to Santa...our 2020 Silhouette Gift Guide should be helpful. 

This year holiday shopping - for Silhouette, craft, and pretty much all other items - is going to be different. The pandemic has created a massive divide between supply and demand..which is not only impacting availability, but could also impact the traditional holiday sales.  With what's expected to be even more online shopping than in previous years, significant shipping delays are also expected.  So here's my best advice...

Silhouette Studio Paper Layering Design Tips and Tricks

Here's a tutorial for all you paper crafters out there! If you've ever wanted to cut an SVG out of paper, but found it tricky to put all the paper pieces together, well here's a couple little tricks that'll make it SO much easier and help make sure you get everything all lined up! 

The trick is to create a base layer and use that to not only support the entire design, but also help you align all the pieces!

Free Silhouette Design: Black Friday Stacked Design

It's November, which means we are closer to Black Friday! And it's Friday which means it's Freebie Friday!

And if there is one thing I know for sure, everyone loves a good Black Friday shirt! 

Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro Set Up and Unboxing: Video and Tutorial (Video Unboxing)

Getting started with Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro is pretty quick and easy...and lucky for you I'm going to walk to you through from unboxing to set up! 

This Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro beginner tutorial will explain what comes in the box and how to get your machine and Silhouette Studio software. 

Where to Buy 24" Adhesive Vinyl Rolls for Silhouette CAMEO Pro

With the launch of the 24" Silhouette CAMEO Pro...now the big question is where to buy 24" adhesive vinyl rolls and other wide format materials like stencil material.

In a survey of Silhouette School readers prior to the Silhouette CAMEO Pro launch, finding wide form materials for a 20 or 24" machine was the #1 concern. No need to worry - I have details on where exactly you can find 24" rolls of Oracal 651, 24" adhesive vinyl roll bundles and even longer 24" rolls of Oracal 651 and 631. 

24" Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro Dimensions and Specs

There are always a lot of questions about the dimensions and specifications of a new Silhouette cutting machine, but none more so than the CAMEO 4 Pro. 

The size of the 24" Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro has a lot of people wondering if they have room for the machine.  If you have a question about the size, dimensions or specs of the CAMEO 4 Pro..you'll find the answer here. 

Silhouette CAMEO 4 vs CAMEO 4 Pro: What's the Same and What's Changed on the 24" CAMEO

If you're wondering what the differences are between the Silhouette CAMEO 4 and the CAMEO Pro you've come to the right spot. 

While the Silhouette CAMEO 4 vs CAMEO 4 Plus (15" Silhouette) are minimal, there are some changes to the Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro which makes the list of differences between it and the CAMEO 4 and CAMEO Plus longer. 

24" Silhouette CAMEO 4 Pro ORDER NOW! Everything You Need to Know! (& Unboxing)

The 24" Silhouette CAMEO Pro is finally here...and it's 4" larger than Silhouette America initially promised - a secret I've been keeping for what feels like an eternity now!  I'm soooo thrilled I can finally tell you that following MONTHS of delays due to the pandemic, you can now pre-ORDER the 20" Silhouette CAMEO Pro 24" CAMEO Pro or a Silhouette CAMEO Pro Bundle from Swing Design with FREE shipping. 

Unlike the change to the width, the Silhouette CAMEO Pro price has not increased above the initial $499.99 price tag which was announced in May 2019. To find out more about the largest CAMEO machine including changes from the CAMEO 4 and CAMEO Plus vs CAMEO Pro, what comes in the box, Silhouette CAMEO Pro set up, and where to find 24" vinyl rolls... read on! 

Best 24" Silhouette CAMEO Pro Bundles

Silhouette 24" CAMEO 4 Pro bundles are now available for pre-order and there are so many to pick from it can be overwhelming to know what's the best Silhouette CAMEO Pro bundle. 

 

As I did with the Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bundles and Silhouette CAMEO 4 Bundles I'm going to try to help you narrow down which bundle is best for you.

20 Can't Miss Silhouette Tutorials, Tips and Tricks (October Wrap Up)

You guys! Can you believe another month has flown by? October is officially done!

If you skipped any class in October, you missed some good lessons!

Silhouette Hack to Save Vinyl When Layering

If you're a fan of the registration mark method of layering vinyl (and I would highly suggest it) you know it can come at the cost of vinyl.

To perfectly layer vinyl, the registration marks need to be in the same position for each piece of the design. However that can lead to a lot of wasted vinyl. Today I'm sharing a Silhouette trick that will help you save vinyl when layering!

Silhouette Studio: How to Create a Shadow for Text

Step up your custom t-shirt game with this super quick and easy Silhouette Studio design trick to adding a cool shadow effect to any text design! 

 

You can use this trick in any version of Silhouette Studio and it's perfect for beginners who are looking to start adding more elements to their designs.

Best Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 Printer and Ink Bundle Comparison Chart

Earlier this year Sawgrass released two new models of their popular Sawgrass sublimation printer: the SG1000 and the SG500. These are updated models from the SG400 and SG800.

The differences from the previous model are a faster processor, better quality results, a new ink formulation, and Bluetooth printing.  However another option that Sawgrass introduced is the option for a full or starter set of ink...which has ended up causing some confusion and to be honest - frustration.  

Once you understand the difference between the inks you can then focus in on the best sublimation printer bundle based on a few other key factors. 

Free Silhouette Design: I'd Love to But My Dog Said No

Can you believe that it is time for another Freebie Friday? I feel like time is just flying by!

Where are the dog moms and dads out there? This freebie is for you! 

Trick to Layering Vinyl (Without Registration Marks)

I'm a big fan of using registration marks when layering vinyl, but sometimes you just gotta live a little and forego the registration marks in the name of saving vinyl.

Silhouette School contributor Kate from Houseful of Handmade is here today to share a little trick that will leave you with perfect layered vinyl without the registration marks!

Silhouette CAMEO 1, CAMEO 2, and Portrait 1: Tools and Machine Compatibility Series

Not sure which tools can be used in your older model Silhouette CAMEO or original Portrait 1? 

Let's get to the bottom of tool compatibility for the Silhouette CAMEO 1, CAMEO 2, and Portrait. 

Silhouette CAMEO 4 Blade: How to Use the Ratchet Blade Instead of Autoblade

Silhouette CAMEO 4 autoblades are becoming increasingly more difficult to find, but that doesn't mean you can't cut with your machine. If the CAMEO 4 Autoblade is sold out, switch over and use the Silhouette ratchet blade instead.

This manually adjustable blade can be used in any and all Silhouette cutting machines - including all Silhouette CAMEO 4 machines.

Free Silhouette Design: Made with Love

It's Freebie Friday around here...I know it's everyone's favorite time of the week! 

This week's design is so versatile, I thought that you would all love it. 

Inkjet Printable HTV for Darks: Silhouette Studio Trick to Avoid a White Edge

If you've ever used Inkjet Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl on darks you know that you can get that ugly white edge. 

No matter how precise your Silhouette print and cut is, you can still get a very sight white edge around your design...and it's even more obvious against a dark background. This trick in Silhouette Studio will help you avoid the white line every time!