User Guide: Silhouette Cameo 4

• A design prepared in Silhouette Studio
  • Silhouette Studio is available on the Makerspace laptop
  • Silhouette Studio will upload a variety of file types: JPEG, PNG, DXF, EPS
  • Silhouette Studio is not compatible with SVG files.
• All materials to create your project (See Below)
• Additional transfer tape, cardstock, or butcher paper for applicable projects (See below)
• Anywhere from 30 minutes for a small design to several hours for a larger/more detailed design. **Note that time to use the Silhouette may be reserved in up to 2 hour blocks at one time.** The Silhouette is available for use from 9:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
• The library does not sell materials, including copy paper or Silhouette pens, to use with the Silhouette Cameo.
• Plan for extra time. There is a learning curve if you are new to using the Silhouette, so leave yourself some time to practice.
• Bring extra materials. Mistakes are part of the learning process, so bring extra vinyl, paper, etc. when you are planning to cut a project.

Material must fit within the size of the work area:

• • Width: 12 inches maximum
  • Length: 10 feet (120 inches) maximum

Common materials include:

• • 20 lb. Copy Paper (white, patterned, printed, etc.) *be aware that as a thin material, it does tend to curl when peeled from the cutting mat.*
  • Cardstock (adhesive, chalkboard, glitter, etc.)
  • Vinyl (printable, adhesive, matte, glossy, stencil, etc.)
  • Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl
  • Plastic Shrink Paper
  • Temporary Tattoo Paper

Other materials that require special blades (Not Available at the Library):

• • Fabric
  • Felt
  • Leather & Faux Leather
  • Balsa wood
  • Silhouette Pens and Markers
    • Must be Silhouette brand to fit in machine

If you wish to use these materials, you will need to provide your own blade specially designed for cutting these materials. Refer to these Silhouette Tool Charts for further information.

Silhouette has a great supply of materials you can purchase for use. Find a current catalog list here, but you can also purchase non-silhouette brand materials elsewhere (see below)

Designs

• You can buy designs online from the Silhouette Design Store or other online sources like Etsy or Craftsy
• Check out the free designs from the Silhouette Design Store.
• Silhouette Studio will upload designs from a variety of file types: JPEG, PNG, DXF, EPS
  • Silhouette Studio will not upload SVG files

Materials

• You can find materials at Michaels, Jo-Ann, Amazon, Paper Source, West Suburban Office Products, Etsy, Walmart, and more

Cuba Circulating Library does not endorse nor profit from these links. These are suggestions of where you can purchase items to use in the Makerspace but are by no means an exhaustive list. 

Adhesive Vinyl Projects

Adhesive vinyl is great for decorating and customizing everyday items like wood signs, cups, picture frames, laptops, and more! This vinyl comes with a layer of adhesive so it is ready to stick on your item, both in permanent or removable options. Avoid tiny or thin lines in your design. You will need transfer tape to move your design onto the item you are decorating.

Materials you will need to complete your project:

• • • Vinyl
      • Permanent is recommended for outdoor or washable items
      • Removable is recommended for laptop or wall décor
    • Transfer tape
    • Weeding tools

Heat Transfer Vinyl Projects

Heat transfer (iron-on) vinyl is great for customizing t-shirts, bags, or other fabric items! Unlike regular vinyl, it does not have a layer of adhesive and is meant to adhere to fabric using a heat press. The end result will have a layer of vinyl on top of the fabric. Most brands (Cricut, Siser, Silhouette) of heat transfer (iron-on) vinyl have built-in heat resistant transfer tape. The heating process for each brand can vary, so read carefully.

Materials you will need to complete your project:

• Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl
• Heat Resistant Transfer Tape (only if not built-in)
• Weeding tools

The library does not provide a heat press or ironing station, so patrons must complete the heat transfer process at home.