In this lesson we are going to learn about each of the icons in the software. An icon is a little picture that, when you click on it, enables a tool or opens a panel on the right side of the software. Don't worry about trying to remember them all. … [Read more...]
Software Basics (version 4) — Lesson 1: Opening the Software and Setting Preferences
Mastering the Silhouette Studio software is essential to success with your Silhouette machine. In the Software Basics series, we will learn the software step by step. I suggest you go through each lesson in order if possible to gain a thorough … [Read more...]
Why I never weld cursive text (& why you shouldn’t either)
Did that title surprise you? It sounds insane, right? I mean, we hear all the time from other users that if we don't weld text the letters won't all be connected and you'll get little tiny pieces at the overlaps. It's true that you need to do … [Read more...]
Panels in Version 4: Figuring them out and setting your preferences
One of the biggest changes in version 4 of the Silhouette Studio software is the introduction of floating panels instead of windows on the right side of the software. It may sound like just a change in terms, but it’s actually much more. What are … [Read more...]
Software Basics (version 3) — Lesson 7: Right Click Menus
A right click, or context, menu is a one that pops up when you perform a right click in a software or on a website. All software programs and internet browsers have right click menus. What is in those menus varies, but you have a set of limited … [Read more...]
Vinyl scraps + plastic = custom inserts for a lightbox
I’m SO obsessed with all the cute ways to display sayings in my home! I have a lightbox, felt letterboard and magnet board scattered in different rooms. One thing I know about myself is that I don’t like to limit myself to just 1 or 2 of something. … [Read more...]
Software Basics (version 3) — Lesson 6: Drop Down Menus
You'll notice some words in the upper left corner of the software, directly above the upper left icon bar. These help you access drop down menus. Clicking on the word will open a menu below the word and in the menu you can choose various actions. … [Read more...]
Software Basics (version 3) — Lesson 5: The mouse and cursors
It's time to learn how to get around in the software. Think of the next few lessons like Driver's Ed: you've done some of the classroom work and now you're ready to get in the car and figure out how to adjust the mirrors, put it in gear, etc. We've … [Read more...]
Using sketch designs to create watercolor masterpieces
I shared in a previous post how you can use vinyl as a stencil for watercolors. If you haven't read that, check it out here. Today I'm going to show you a different way to use your Silhouette to create beautiful watercolor paintings by using a … [Read more...]
Using vinyl as a watercolor stencil
I LOVE the look of watercolor paintings -- the way the colors blend, the casual feel. I've always wanted to take a watercolor class but it hasn't happened so far. Every now and then I bust out the paints and play around. The hardest part for me is … [Read more...]
Software Basics (version 3) — Lesson 4: Choosing how your drawing area looks with Grid Settings
Now that you've set up your page and chosen your mat, it's time to choose how your drawing area looks. In this lesson I'm going to show you all the options in the Grid window. The Grid: What is it? If you like to see lines on your screen to help … [Read more...]
Software Basics (version 3) — Lesson 3: Setting up a new project and selecting page settings
In this lesson, I'm going to show you the process for starting a new project. We're going to go over page sizes and mat selection in page settings. You may not need every bit of information on this page right away, but I like to be thorough and give … [Read more...]
Software Basics (version 3) — Lesson 2: The icons
In this lesson we are going to learn about each of the icons in the software. An icon is a little picture that, when you click on it, enables a tool or opens a panel on the right side of the software. Don't worry about trying to remember them all. … [Read more...]
Yes, you CAN put a shape on a path in Silhouette Studio!
The ability to put text on a path – to have words wrap around a shape -- has been available in the Silhouette Studio software for a long time. But being able to put a shape on a path of another shape has been an elusive dream. This is a feature … [Read more...]
Wedding invitation envelopes with Silhouette sketch pens
They say that you should hand write the envelopes for wedding invitations. Well, my handwriting is pretty bad so I couldn’t see that happening for my daughter’s wedding. Enter my Cameo machine! I got the look of handwritten (or better) without … [Read more...]