introducing the Silhouette CAMEO

You all know how much I love my Silhouette cutter.  I've used it to make wall art, custom shirts for my kids and husband, hair accessories, etched glassware, and to organize my pantry.   Most of all, I love to use it for parties and gifts - decorations, labels, treat boxes, etc.

So have you heard the news?  They have just released a new version, the Silhouette CAMEO.  She's a sleek little thing...

The biggest change is the increased cutting size.  The Cameo cuts paper, cardstock, vinyl, or fabric up to 12 inches wide (verses the SD's 9 inches) and 10 feet long.  The extra 3 inch width allows you to cut significantly larger designs - you can see the difference in the cutting mats below.  I love that I no longer have to trim down 12 inch scrapbook paper before running it through the machine.

Other improvements include a quieter motor and an adjustable cutting blade.   I'm a big fan of the new blade, because I was always losing my blade caps on the SD.  Now I can change the cutting depth with a simple click.  Yay!   I also find that it is much smoother to load materials, particularly the vinyl.  All in all, it is just a new and improved version of an already awesome machine.

The nice Silhouette folks also sent me one of the new starter kits to try out.  There are starter kits for vinyl, heat transfer, fabric ink, and rhinestones, and include all the tools you need to learn and make a new project.

So far, I've kept my Cameo busy with party prep - Oscar is having a Halloween themed birthday party this weekend, and my machine is working overtime.

First, I used the Vinyl Starter Kit to decorate a beverage dispenser for the party.  It's going to look awesome filled with colorful, Halloween punch.

I also cut a little vinyl wall decal for a blank space near one of the food tables.  The party will actually be held at my friend's house, because our kids are having a joint party.  Vinyl is great for making easy, temporary decor - I didn't feel bad plastering her walls with Halloween stuff, because I know it will peel right off when the party's over.

Paper buntings cut from scrapbook paper spook-ify my otherwise plain cake stands.  I can't wait to load them up with treats! 

If you've been saving your pennies for a craft cutter, I can't say enough good things about the Silhouette Cameo.  And since I love sharing a good deal, you can get one of the new Cameos plus your choice of a free starter kit (Fabric Ink, Vinyl, Heat Transfer, or Rhinestone) for $299, using the online promo code, JILL.

This promo runs starting today, October 25, through October 31.  There are a limited number of promotion bundles for the first shipment of Cameos, and they are expected to sell out. Maybe it can be an early Christmas present for yourself? I'm sure you deserve it. :)