Giveaway: Silhouette digital cutting tool | How About Orange

October 01, 2010

Giveaway: Silhouette digital cutting tool

I've never been terribly excited about owning a digital cutter, thinking my trusty fingers and low tech X-acto knife can handle most jobs. But recently I received a Silhouette digital cutter to test and review. I'm afraid my poor old X-acto knives are going to feel neglected, because this thing is great. And you can win your own! Read on.

The Silhouette is a cute little number that's smaller than a printer, with a power cord and a USB cable that connects to your Mac or PC. After some confusion, I finally realized the accompanying instruction book is for old Windows software that doesn't look anything like the new Mac Silhouette Studio software I downloaded. Once I ignored the instruction book and referred to the Users Manual in the Help section of the new software, I was off and running. It's actually really easy to use, despite my first impression.

Now that I've got the hang of it, I'm super excited. The machine comes with 50 free shapes to cut, or you can choose from hundreds of other options available for 99 cents: boxes, cupcake wrappers, doilies, and more. Shapes are scalable and easy to modify. Or create your own shapes with the software, which works like a pared-down version of Adobe Illustrator. Or actually create your shapes in Illustrator and send them to the Silhouette. It will cut text-weight paper, card stock, adhesive vinyl, magnet or tattoo paper, and heat transfer material.

My first project was a little box. I pushed a button and the entire template was cut out in less than 30 seconds while I stood by and drank coffee. And of course it's perfect.

Then I forced it to cut something tiny and delicate from self-adhesive vinyl, just to see if it would explode. Also perfect. Dang. I'm not doing that with my X-acto knife.

For lots of project ideas, see here. As I try other things, I'll let you know how it goes.

The Giveaway: October 1 –11, 2010 (Now closed)
Want to win your own cutter? One lucky commenter will win a Silhouette machine (a $299.99 value) with everything you'll need to make it go: Software for Windows XP/Vista or Mac, a power cable, USB cable, 2 cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media), one cutting blade, and a $10 gift card to the Silhouette online store.

To enter the random drawing:
Leave a comment on this post by Monday, October 11 at midnight CDT. Open to US residents only; sorry! The company doesn't ship internationally. Silhouette winners from other giveaways are not eligible. Be sure to include a link or other way to contact you. The winner will be contacted and announced in this post on October 12.

Update: Giveaway is now closed. Commenter 1469, Kel O., was randomly selected and has been given the good news!

4543 comments:

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Alisha said...

Umm... yes, please!

Colleen said...

I'm sure I could come up with all kinds of fun projects for this!

Keosha said...

Would LOVE LOVE LOVE a Silhouette!

Katy said...

I love it! I'm looking forward to seeing what else you do with that magical machine. :)

Caroline said...

oooh i need this because i SUCK at using my x-acto.

keight dukes said...

duh-rooool! would love it!

Jessica said...

Oh how awesome! I could go crafty-crazy with that thing! Thanks for the opportunity! jessica at jessicatorresphotography.com

Helen said...

would love to win this.

Erin said...

How fantastic! I've seen a few of these machines being given away on various blogs, and desperately want to win one!

Girafette said...

OMG ! I'm living in France, and I'm ready to pay shipping you know !! Can I play, pleeaasseeeee ?? :)

Mrs. Jones says said...

oooh, that is cool! I would LOVE one of those! my website is www.rrphotosite.com. Thanks for the cool give away!

Melissa: said...

Oh I think I could go crazy with that thing. What fun! That delicate, little vinyl flower is what did if for me. My hopeful mind is now reeling possiblities...


P.S. I love your blog!

Pixi Rae said...

I would love one!!!
(pixirae at gmail dot com)

Jenn said...

I would so totally LOVE one of these babies! I keep seeing them and all of the different things you can make with them and I want one!
Thanks for the chance to win!

The Dutch Girl said...

I am a little envious you get to play around with one. But also very greatful for hosting this opportunity for me to win one. Thanks!

lindsaykr said...

WOW, great prize!! I would love to give my X-acto a rest. I have what we call the "design bump" developing on my finger and it would love a vacation.

Kate A said...

After hearing about these over and over, I'm dying to have one myself!

kate-ahn@hotmail.com

J, K, L, and D said...

What an awesome giveaway! I, for one, am horrible at cutting things, so this would be an absolute god-send. My non-crafty creations thank you!

katieharrison13(at)gmail(dot)com

MonicaC said...

This is really awesome! I'll probably buy one, but I'd really rather WIN one!!

Unknown said...

I've been coveting these for a while now. I would love one, but they've been out of my budget. Fingers crossed! jen at jentuke dot com for contact info.

lindsey k said...

Holy Moly!! This thing looks pretty amazing!!

Mikki Hayes said...

I would LOVE to win this amazing prize!

Lola said...

Wow, it's really awesome!

Sharon said...

Oh...I'd love to be able to make all kinds of paper and vinyl crafts.

littlebrownjen said...

Should I win such magnificence, it would be my new obsession... This looks awesome!

Krysstyllanthrox said...

I would love to win a Silhouette!

mary said...

Your adhesive vinyl cutting is fantastic! Okay, maybe I need (want) one of these things....
mary.maul@gmail.com

Anita said...

i think I forgot my email!
anitawmchow@gmail.com!

ps... want and need!! lol! thank you again for the opp!

Unknown said...

Owning this machine would be like living in the future.

jhuggins at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

wow! very cool.

Unknown said...

Looks like fun! Love your blog.
RW

whitney said...

I would love to win this!! I have really been wanting one lately!

harugirlie said...

wow! this is an awesome tool!= for any crafter!

Dana said...

I've been dying for one of these!! What an AWESOME giveaway!

danabnsn at gmail dot com

MarvelousMrsP said...

I saw this on another blog, and I'm dying to try it out (or own one). :)

Jen @ Letsmakeitours said...

Oooh I would love one of these! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

kaley said...

ahhhh, i would LOVE to win this!!!!!

www.poagfamily.blogspot.com
kaleysalene@gmail.com

Carrie said...

That thing looks SO COOL!

Christy said...

I have been coveting one of these for so long!!! I NEVER win anything. OH PLEASE let this be my turn!!!

Unknown said...

This would be a great gift for my mom, who has a preschool in her home!

Julie said...

It looks awesome! Thanks for hosting this giveaway :)

Amy R said...

I would love a Silhouette. . . the design possibilities are endless with it. Congrats on getting yours and have fun with it~

sincerefaith said...

Love this machine...it would be a dangerous hobby of cuteness.

Joanna

Sincerefaith at gmail

Jenny K said...

It seems every blog is giving one away! I would love to get my hands on one. I have so many projects lined up already!

jhull@m.marywood.edu

Randi said...

Would LOVE to win!
chrishel00@gmail.com

Sue said...

That would be some kind a great surprise to win!

Unknown said...

darn, i'm one of your Canadian readers so I can't enter your giveaway :(

you make a good case for the Silhouette btw. i'm naturally skeptical about any machine that boasts it can cut as well as me and my exacto. but you've made some GORGEOUS things there... i don't know...

Omtomyheart said...

I'm excited about the silhouette!! I love your blog! Short and sweet and packed with delicious information! Thank you Orange!

e dot said...

what killer DIY projects you could do with this thing!!! edotwalter @ gmail.com

Amelia Chesley said...

hm... is there much of a chance of me winning this?

and... do i really need one?

i don't know... but it would be really fun.

sara said...

I'd never heard of this machine before, but that looks amazing!

jenni said...

Wow, what a great little machine. Those little boxes would be awesome for just about any gift (I see stocking stuffers). Congrats to whoever wins!

* said...

my creative gears are churning! what a fun toy!

Anonymous said...

Yes! This is so cool! Would love to win.

ChunkyPineapple said...

Cool! I want to learn how to make those cupcake wrappers!

matt & sarah said...

I NEED this tool!!! So many projects coming to mind...

Emily said...

Yes please! Love that box and your blog.
emmillee(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

What an amazing giveaway! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Jen Snow said...

I would LOVE to win this!! So many project ideas swirling in my head! Thanks for sharing this great new product :)

Heidi said...

Another wow! What can't you do with this fun - and thanks to your review - simply machine. I would love to win one :)

Dawn said...

I already have a cricut (which I painted orange!), but I would love one of these!!


Dawnk76@gmail.com

Billy said...

I would love to win a Silhouette. Thank you.

Lyndsay said...

Are you kidding?! I would LOVE to win one of these machines. It's on my wish list and man oh man do I want one. The timing couldn't be better either--right before Christmas. Pick me, please!

Lauren said...

OOooOOooOO! I'd love to win! :D
email me at lauren.walker@gatech.edu!

CJ Kennedy said...

What a nifty tool!

Shortty said...

ooh i could combine my two loves of crafts and baking and make pretty cupcake doilies for all my treats!

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo! I want! THANKS!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

I didn't think I needed one of these until your rave review and excellent examples. Now I'm envisioning all sorts of cut out things.

matt & sarah said...

I NEED this tool. so many projects coming to mind...

Zina said...

Yes. Please. Thank you!

Jamie said...

Fun giveaway! I kept thinking I wouldn't want one, but then I saw cupcake wraps and I was sold.

Liz said...

This is awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!

Jo said...

awesome giveaway!

hmac said...

This is wonderful! So many potential projects! :)

Jordan said...

i would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have one of these!!!!

Mel O'Drama said...

man i REALLY want one of these! and silhouette is genius for giving so many away on all these blogs. . .it definitely makes me want to buy one!

Lauren said...

OOooOOooOOoo! I'd love to win! :D
email me at lauren.walker@gatech.edu!

Denise said...

I would love to win this machine! So many projects to do!

Drew Hatton said...

I'm excited for cupcake wrappers!

Heidi V said...

I want to win one of these so badly!! The silhouette sounds so amazing!!

Unknown said...

I have wanted one of these for a LONG time! The vinyl cutting is what I really want to try.

Rachel said...

What a great giveaway. Sign me up! :-)

Kate in the Shade said...

this looks really cool!

msafiri.kATgmail.com

Jen said...

Eeek! This is so stinkin awesome! I have such shaky hands for cutting all things delicate.

jenniferlstout@gmail.com

lupismore said...

OK i know you said US residents only but i live in the border and have a US address and i just NEED this

please please let me play...!!!

Deanna Gibbons said...

Oh Wow! This would so make my life as a Scout Leader a LOT less complicated!

lupismore said...

OK i know you said US residents only but i live in the border and have a US address and i just NEED this

please please let me play...!!!

Weazie said...

Dying for one of these!

nikkiricks said...

i would love it!

Emily said...

Looks like fun!

Ashley said...

I would LOVE one of these!

ashb2005@gmail.com

danielle said...

i would LOVE to have one of these! i can see thousands of uses!

Unknown said...

Fun!
alhitchner@hotmail.com

Mary said...

Wow, what a cool machine!! Please, please!

Petit Design Co. said...

I own and love my silhouette. if i win here I will be giving it to my awesome SIL who lives across the country but that doesn't stop us from crafting together

Jenna Lou said...

These look like SO much fun. It is something I would probably never buy for myself, but if I won it I could find so MANY uses!

http://jennalou.typepad.com

Sara DMS said...

Oh, the fun, non-frustrating things I could do with this!

Alison said...

Oh my god I want that cutter SO BADLY!

Alyssa Bennett Smith said...

OH GOODNESS. That is incredible. My mind is spinning with possibilities ;) No more X-acto wounds!

Alyssa Smith
adorkablecrafts@gmail.com
www.adorkablecrafts.blogspot.com

emerzim said...

So much crafty possibility!!

Brittany said...

Oh, this cutter looks awesome! Would be a GREAT gift to myself!! :)

brittanywjohnson{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this machine! So many projects to do!

rcd said...

wow - I am so not handy with an exacto - this could be my salvation!

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I would love to spend some time coming up with creative projects for this! So awesome!

Gina HM said...

Oooh, shiny! That would kick my crafting and design work up a notch. Thanks for the opportunity to win one!

Kris @ everywhereorange.com said...

That looks like a blast!!! the self adhesive vinyl gave me the chills, there are so many things i want to do!!!

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this machine! So many fun projects to do!

Sarah said...

that looks really neat!

Amy said...

pick me! pick me!

Sarah said...

I would love to win this! Thanks for offering this giveaway.

laydeibugg said...

I would love a Silhouette!

Thank you!

Kim said...

Me-me!

Olivia Craig said...

That looks like so much fun! Endless possibilities!

Becki said...

Wow, what a cool product. I had no idea anything like this existed!

Clara said...

That cutter looks like SO MUCH FUN. Would LOVE one, but with a baby on the way, not going to spend the money on it. It would be super cool to win one! cet1902@gmail.com

Kristen said...

What a cool little machine! I totally want one! cnetsirk@gmail.com

ps- I ADORE your blog.

bluegreen said...

my brain has already come up with some great projects to use the silhouette!!

Cassie said...

You mean no more sliced fingers??? Yes please.

moorecc311(at)gmail(dot)com

L said...

That is so awesome! Please pick me! :)

Jennifer said...

Oh man, I need this like fish need water!

brandi mincey said...

So fun! Pick me! Pick me! :)

katarzyna said...

I've been wanting one of these for a few weeks now!

emily said...

I've been a subscriber to your awesome blog. Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful product! em428@hotmail.com

Mollie said...

I've been drooling over this since seeing it make the blog rounds. Oh, how I NEED one!

Debbie said...

Oh, man, that's way nice, especially for those of us with hurty hands when it comes to cutting out wee things.

hepzi said...

:( why do i have to live in the uk :( would be willing to pay for the shipping if i won that tho :)

Krista said...

Please Please Please!

Unknown said...

What an awesome opportunity! That machine looks rad. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Seriously, amazing! I need something else to distract me from grad school.

Michelle Miller said...

I think this product is amazing. Would love to win. Thanks for the oppurtunity. micad.82@gmail.com

Vee said...

I would to get my hands on one of those babies! Good luck everyone!

cheapblueguitar said...

Loverly!

Missy said...

i would love to win one of these!

Megan said...

What an awesome giveaway -- thank you!

gina said...

Every store I go to is always out of the #10 blade refills anyways...this machine would make my x-acto obsolete!

ginamclaughlin(at)gmail(dot)com

Kate said...

I can't believe that I never knew how badly I needed this!

Unknown said...

This would provide so much crafting fun for me and my two little boys!

DMeredith said...

Isn't technology wonderful? I'm always amazed what will be invented next. I'd love to win a Silhouette! dmeredith23 AT gmail.com

Lindsey R. said...

I have been wanting to try one of the out!

audreypawdrey said...

This would be so much fun to use!

campblsoupgrl said...

*Sigh*

Oh the endless possibilities with something like this....

That's my middle name said...

this looks so cool - my daughter and I are planning her wedding right now - we could do so many amazing things with this unit!

Kristi said...

I want one of these so badly! I love their blog - so many great ideas!

JulieHRR said...

Well, I just might fall down dead in disbelief, if I ever won something like this, but, here's hopin'. :)

Lindsay @ Hello Hue said...

Oh boy, I can think of so many things to make with this! I'd loove to win one!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh. Went from "Digital cutter? What's that?" to "Holy cow I need one!" in about four seconds flat. Awesome giveaway!

natalie said...

i've been eyeing a silhouette machine for a while now! my mother in law just got one and loves it and is tempting me more and more with all the fun stuff she's making! i'd especially love one more now just to make some cute stuff for the nursery!

cd said...

sign me up!

Kathy said...

oh my gosh this is so cool.

qnrogue at gmail dot com

(having problems commenting, not sure why, sorry for any duplicates)

Vivianne said...

I need it because... I'm reparing my wedding and want to do a lot of DIY! Decorations, invitations, menu : I would use the digital cutting tool for everything !

STEENIE said...

OOOOOooooh! it looks like such a good idea!

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

What an awesome giveaway! Love your blog too, btw. :o)

~ alli ~ said...

I can't believe you're giving this away! And all I have to do is leave a comment?!? How cool is that?! Love your blog!

Email: alli von mohr at Yahoo

Gwen Lafleur said...

This is such an amazing machine... I love the detail cuts and all of the shapes that are available!

Sarah said...

I would love to win this! Thanks for offering such a great giveaway!

elle said...

I'd love to win this! :)

Two Dollars said...

I would love to win this, especially since I'm going to run train tracks all over my sons room on his walls. It would be nice though if the winner was announced before the better promo was completed.

Thanks,
Stefanie
-2ndChanceCreations.etsy.com

strategchen said...

Awwwwsome!
Just have 1000 ideas what to make with it.
Love,love,love to win!

Sarah said...

I've been dreaming about getting one of these for years.

Carolyn said...

Ooh! How lovely! We're currently planning a wedding, and I'm already drooling over all the awesome cut-outs I could use for decoration (of stationery, boxes for favors, doily placemats, and the like).

Brielle said...

Love it!!

mp said...

i would love this!

Missy Ann said...

Wow, this looks great.

Kelly said...

Silhouette has been using bloggers to give these away like candy lately! Every review I've read has been awesome. Would *love* to try this out!

Michelle said...

I've been hearing about these a lot in blogland. I would love to win one! :)

Dr. Russ said...

I will certainly take a free machine if lady luck calls my number

BumbleBri said...

Holy poo on french toast! I would birth your children to own one of these!!! Pick. Me. Please. And Thanks!

karen b said...

What an awesome machine! How often have I tried to do crafts via x-acto only to end up ripping apart the delicate bits? (Too often.)

moon.lemming(at)gmail(dot)com

Poppy Lane said...

I love that it can cut out custom designs. My imagination is going wild.

lifeonpoppylane.blogspot.com

audreylane said...

WOW! The ideas are running through my head! What a neat tool.

Kristin said...

I'd love to win a Silhouette!

thetessaroo said...

my exacto knife skills are seriously lacking. a silhouette would be delightful!

Re said...

OH I definately need this for my DIYs for my wedding next year! Pick me!

mcoldiron said...

Pick me!

Jersey said...

*jumping up and down* ooooh... pick me, pick me!!

Unknown said...

Love the blog and love this raffle!

Suzanne Deal said...

I would love the chance to win one! There are so many wonderful things the Silhouette can do.. just for me, for friends, for my sons class. etc. Hope I win!
Suzanne

Sally said...

Cool!!! Count me in! My mind is chugging away with ideas.

Diana Hulme said...

Wow...that would be amazing! :)

kelly said...

I want one! I would love to win this!!!

Melissa said...

Wow, I would love one of these!

sprinkles & soy said...

it would be so very helpful (to my limited budget) for my d.i.y. wedding!

kelly said...

i want one! i would love to win this!!! :o)

Delia said...

This is amazingggg!!

Kelly Huggins, LCSW said...

That looks like one cool little jobber!
kellyhuggins[at]gmail dot com

Stacey said...

What an awesome piece of technology!
(stacey1027 at gmail dot com)

Libby said...

Have been {dreaming}of a silouette for EVER!!! Would love to win one :)

Libby said...

Have been {dreaming}of a silouette for EVER!!! Would love to win one :)

jennie lynn said...

this looks very exciting and full of possibilities.

Kate said...

I would love one of these!

Libby said...

Have been dreaming of one FOR EVER! Would love to win one.

kristin m. said...

silhouette? want. just sayin'. (thanks for the awesome giveaway!)
kristinmik at gmail dot com

MelissaF said...

Gosh, this is so cool. I'd love to win it!

debbie said...

me wantee!

katie said...

Thank you for having a delightful blog and giveaway - so very fun!

Jessica Purvis said...

Oh.my. goodness. This is an awesome giveaway! I make cards for all our occasions in the family and this would be a life saver!!

I googled "Craft Blogs" a couple months ago and came across yours! I've been an avid follower since!

Jessica~
zackpurvis@gmail.com

Cap Creations said...

These things look so cool! I would love to win one! Thanks for a chance!

Merideth said...

I want one of these so badly! Here's hoping!

Unknown said...

amazing! I would totally love/use this!

Emily said...

oooo! i'd love to be a proud owner of that fun thing.

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