Silhouette Cameo Review & Promo

10/28 2011

My blog is a lot of work, but there are some really sweet perks. My home is my hobby and my business, I have been able to meet some lovely ladies through this community, it’s been great exposure that has brought along amazing opportunities AND I get to test out very cool products. Enter the Cameo, Silhouette’s newest electronic cutting tool.

I knew I wanted to make something custom, so I decided to test it out by putting my logo on a pillow to use in my office (which is a total mess again due to the open house!)

I’m going to state right off the bat that I really love this machine. I have been a Cricut owner for a few years and I always felt so restricted by all of the cartridges (not to mention how expensive they are.) I was pretty bummed that I couldn’t make anything that was truly custom.

The best thing about the Cameo is that it doesn’t require cartridges. You can plug it into your computer and either buy graphics and fonts from their online store (most are $.99) or you can upload or create your own designs in their software program. I uploaded my logo and sized it to the flocked transfer paper that came with my Heat Transfer Starter Kit.

Because the image was going to be transferred, I had to reverse it. (I knew all of this becuase the Cameo and the kit came with brief, but thorough instructional videos.)

Once the image was reversed, I plugged in the Cameo and tried to cut the graphic. Nothing happened. Hmm… I fiddled with a few things and tried a few more times. Not having any luck on my own, I called their help number.

A very helpful expert walked me through the steps to trace my graphic. With the click of the button, the image was traced and now the cutter would recognize the shape. Ah-ha!

Another great thing about the software is that you can select the type of media you’re cutting (or printing) and it will tell you the blade depth and make sure all of the other settings are where they need to be. They make it really easy to use. The Cameo then cut out the logo (it sounds almost musical while it’s cutting.) A cutting mat is not required when using the heat transfer paper.

Once the design was cut, I pealed off all of the flocking fabric that wasn’t a part of the logo. A small hook is included in the kit to make this simple.

I then followed the instructions and ironed the design onto a plain grain sack pillow. This would be so cool for a t-shirt, too.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Cameo, now is the time to do it. There is a special promotion running through October 31, 2011.

By entering the promo code “MUSTARD” you can purchase the new Cameo and your choice of a starter kit for $299. This offer is limited and Silhouette expects to sell out of these pretty fast. Here’s everything you get…

Silhouette Cameo electronic cutting tool
Silhouette Studio® software for Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac® OS X 10.5.8 and higher
51 exclusive cuttable designs
Power cable, USB cable
12″ cutting mat
Cutting blade
$10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store
Basic Instruction Guide
Your choice of starter kit (Fabric Ink, Vinyl, Heat Transfer, Rhinestone)

Just remember to enter promo code “MUSTARD” to get the promotion price and enjoy your Cameo!!

Disclosure: Silhouette provided me with a free Cameo and starter kit to test and review, but the opinions shared are my own honest views. Beyond the free Cameo and starter kit, I was not paid for writing this review and I do not receive any commission or compensation for Cameos purchased using the promo code listed in the post.

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13 Comments

Comments

ltbpt says:

10/28 2011 at 3:27 pm

Verrryy cool. Kicking myself for blowing my carefully saved "fun money" on a Roomba this week. I would have easily forsaken clean floors for chic custom monograms for my slipcovers! Sounds like a great Christmas gift from the hub!

SueAnn says:

10/28 2011 at 3:58 pm

Looks fabulous!! I still have Cricut….hmmmmm…must check this out
Hugs
SueAnn

rachaelk says:

10/28 2011 at 4:47 pm

I have a silhouette & LOVE it! That thing can do anything!

Rachael

WhyCuzICan says:

10/30 2011 at 7:47 pm

Sannnnnta!!! Hope you are listening to my hearrrrrt!

Neat looking product Miss Mustard Seed.

Smiles,
Suzanne in NW Illinois

Christine says:

10/31 2011 at 4:45 am

I tried to order this online and it says this is available in stores and not online. Am I doing something wrong? Would love to order for the promotional price.

Junker Newbie Stephanie says:

10/31 2011 at 7:22 pm

Christine, I’m having the same problem! i knew today was the last day so went online to order it and it’s saying not available online?!

Junker Newbie Stephanie says:

10/31 2011 at 7:25 pm

Just called Silhouette. They ran out of the machines so they had to remove the special

Alisande says:

11/17 2011 at 10:29 am

Thanks! I just talked my husband into this for me as an Xmas present. Not in time to get the deal, but I’m still very excited. I appreciated your walkthru. I was mostly concerned with how to do my own designs. I read that I’d be able to, but you showed me how. Thanks!!

Heleen Rossouw says:

12/28 2011 at 3:03 am

Hallo Miss Mustard seed

I received my Cameo a few days ago and with no experience of any other cutting machine I still got a lot to learn.

My main reason for going with the Cameo were also that I would like to created my own designs and that I want to cut my own logo but as I am living in South Africa it would be very expensive to phone Silhoutte, can you somewhere provide us with the steps how the cameo can recognise the cutting lines as per your logo. It would be very helpful

- duduetsang Baletloa says:
  
  01/3 2013 at 3:02 pm
  
  Good day,
  
  I live in Botswana and i am interested in buying the Cameo. There arent any stores where i purchase it here, and i am considering getting it in South Africa as i travel there often. Where can i get?
  
  kindly supply me with email, website or telephone number.
  
  Regards,
  Dudu
  
candice says:

09/19 2012 at 9:32 am

Hi

I am interested in the Cameo, Silhouette.

I bake on the side line and this looks like an awesome tool to use for my cupcake wrappers and boxes.

As you have had first hand experience on this machine does it allow you to upload an outline for a cupcake box and a wrapper and print out that?

Thanx