The Silhouette is a personal digital cutting tool for all types of crafters. According to the Silhouette website, "It connects to your computer just like a printer, but instead of printing designs it cuts them with a small blade." Unlike other die-cut machines that require you to buy themed cartridges, the Silhouette allows you to cut almost any font from your computer and a wide variety of clip art options. You can purchase single images from the Silhouette online store, or draw your own designs for a completely custom look. The process for designing and cutting is easy, and what you see on your computer screen is what you get when you press "Cut."
Instructions
1. Open the Silhouette Studio on your computer. The software is included with the machine, or you can download it from the Silhouette website (see Resources). Connect your computer to the Silhouette machine using a USB cable, and turn on the Silhouette machine.
2. Click "My Library" on the toolbar on the left of the Silhouette Studio work screen. All of your clip art options are stored in the library.
3. Double-click on the clip art image that you want to cut. The image will appear on the work screen.
4. Adjust the clip art to the size and shape that you need for your project. Make the whole image larger or smaller using the resizing handles on the corners of the image's bounding box. You can make the image wider or thinner by using the handles on the sides of the bounding box.
5. Click "Page Options" in the top left corner of the screen to adjust the paper size according to the paper you're using. Make sure that the clip art image is contained completely in the cutting area, bounded by a red box on the screen.
6. Click "Change Settings" to choose the type of material you're using, e.g., heavy card stock, lightweight paper, fabric, etc.
7. Place the material on the Silhouette cutting mat. Use the arrows on the Silhouette, and scroll to "Load w/Carrier." Push the cutting mat against the rollers until it catches, and then press the "Enter" button on the machine. The mat will automatically load in the machine.
8. Click "Send to Silhouette" at the bottom of the cut setting panel on the work screen. Choose the "Cut Page" link in the pop-up menu. The Silhouette will automatically cut the clip art image.
