I {Heart} My Cameo!

Raise your hand if you have a Silhouette Cameo?! I LOVE mine!  I actually have BOTH a Silhouette and a Cameo (the bigger version!).

The Silhouette CAMEO® is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac® with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing it uses a small blade to cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric and more up to 12" wide and 10 feet long. The machine also boasts a quiet motor and the ability to register and cut printed materials. 

I am a crafter at heart, and when I have the time, I love to get my hands sticky!

I knew I wanted to make a name sign for my classroom, so I loaded up the kids and took off for Michaels.  It’s a good thing that I have very patient kids who love to shop (especially in Michaels!) because it took me a while to find inspiration.

I picked up a wooden plaque, some paint, and some ribbon.  I had plenty of mod podge, brushes, and paper at home.  And vinyl…

I have had some vinyl on my shelves for over a year now, and have been a little afraid to give it a go. 

I browsed through the Silhouette Store and found a great chevron background. {Did you know that you don’t have to buy ANY cartridges for the Silhouette?}  The download store is HUGE – and most downloads are only 99 cents! I have been able to find everything I need over the past year – spiders, ice cream cones, lollipops, busses, cars… the list is ENDLESS!!

Here is what else is cool – you can you ANY font that you already have on your computer!

I painted my wooden plaque white (a couple of coats), and set to work on Silhouette Studio.  I used my Chevron Background and the ruler tool to mark out the size I needed.

I inserted my blue vinyl, and the Silhouette did it’s magic!  (Note: You could also use the negative part of the design for a stencil!)

I used Silhouette Transfer Paper to transfer the chevron design to my painted plaque.  Could you imagine moving over each one of those chevron stripes by itself? Ugh.

 

I had a nice frame already in my library so I used that for my background and formatted the lettering.  Cut and stuck on my lettering again! Easy peasy! (I did separate the frame and letters when I cut it since I wanted to use 2 different colors of vinyl).

I made some sweet ribbon flowers, and I have a beautiful classroom sign! I LOVE it soooo much!!

So, do you want a Silhouette Cameo now???!!  Is it your lucky day?? You could WIN one!!! Head on over to Blog Hoppin’ to see all the other projects that the Blog Hoppin’ authors have created and link up with your own Cameo craft!

Psst….one more secret….did you know that Silhouette has an educator’s discount?!

Click the link below to find out more!

Stay tuned, I’ve got more Cameo projects to share with you over the coming weeks!