A Dozen Inspiring Silhouette Projects

Back in November I won a pretty spectacular giveaway from Jen at Craft-o-Maniac. What did I win you ask? A brand-new Silhouette Portrait!! How flipping awesome is that? You might be wondering why it took me so long to mention it, but that's simple: it didn't arrive until yesterday. 

Now that it's here, I'm just dying to use it (once I finally figure out how to work it, that is). The moment that Jen told me I won, I got all giddy and went on a crazy quest to find the Holy Grail of Silhouette crafting. 

These are my absolute favorites! Take a look:

-- PAPER -- 

The most obvious use for the Silhouette is to cut paper. Ornate scrapbook pages. Easy die-cut labels. Decorative cards. Pennant banners. It might be cliche, but the possibilities really are endless when you craft with paper. 

Paper Quilt Boxes via A Little Hut

How incredibly gorgeous are these?! You can purchase the cutting file from A Little Hut or use a pattern that you've found yourself. They are supposed to be lids to boxes but look how great they are on the wall! Now that is cheap and fabulous art. 

Sans Serif Typography Wall via PepperSprouts

Yeah, yeah. I realize this one is made out of wood and definitely not with a Silhouette but it would be just as breathtaking in paper. Need it!

Die Cut Reading Lamp via Chica and Jo

Now that is one creative use for paper! I think a lamp like this would look beyond precious in a little girls' bedroom but Jo created a really clever cityscape lampshade that would look fantastic in an office. You could make cute silhouettes like spiders or bats for Halloween or a Happy Holidays greeting for Christmas, too. Think outside the box :) 

-- VINYL -- 

So many wonderful bloggers have utilized the Silhouette's cutting capability on vinyl. It's durable, removable, and makes for easy and precise cuts. You can use the cut pieces or the negative space that is left behind which makes it like two project pieces in one.

Window Cling via Blue Cricket Design

Maybe I'm just partial for what this says but I feel like I need this at our front door and rather than waste money on plain ole ordinary fonts/sizes, create your own for your favorite saying.

Moroccan Style Frosted Glass Doors via Cocalores

Or maybe you're the classic type and want something a whole lot more stylish like what Anja at Cocalores whipped together! How beautiful are those doors and guess what? She cut each of those little pieces out by hand. I don't have that kind of patience but with a Silhouette, you could do it in a fraction of the time.

Chalkboard Effect Stencil via Silhouette America Blog

The most popular use of vinyl is definitely as a stencil. This tutorial takes it one step further and helps you create some stylish chalkboard art even if your penmanship is somewhat lacking. 

Vinyl Screen Printing via Lil Blue Boo

Not only can you use the vinyl as a stencil but for a super easy screen printing technique as well! You could create a screen pretty easily with an embroidery hoop and old silk-blend pantyhose. 

Decals for Kitchen Appliances via The House of Smiths

I've loved my KitchenAid since the moment I laid eyes on it. The only thing that would make me love it more are some sassy vinyl decals like these. Count me in!

-- FABRIC -- 

I had no idea that the Silhouette could cut fabric too; how awesome is that?! Fabric lovers rejoice!

Reverse Applique Pillow via Sew Mama Sew

This pillow wasn't made with a special cutting apparatus, but with the help of a cutter, you could do as intricate of a pattern as you wish.

Fabric Wall Art via QuicKutz

I love subway art (nowadays, who doesn't?). I'm dreaming about making one out of coordinating fabric scraps for my craft room with words like: fabric, measure, cut, stitch, thread, bias, needle, seam allowance, spool, bobbin, fat quarter, etc.

Hot Air Balloon Mobile via Craftiness is Not Optional

You can make a mobile just as beautiful with absolutely no cutting by hand! Just find, or create, a cutting file that works for the pattern you want and craft up a stunning mobile for baby (just like they did over on the Silhouette America Blog).

-- SKETCH -- 

Yep, this baby can do that, too! Simply sketch out any file that you would have cut instead. Yes, your printer can do that too but with the convenience of not being limited by the size or shape of paper you can print on any scrap!

Sketched Envelopes via Parker Haus Roles

I always decorate card envelopes but never have mine ever looked this good! The possibilities are endless. 

Do you have any other projects you'd recommend? I'd love for you to share!

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I'm linking to:

DIY Showoff | S3 | Classy Clutter | A Little Tipsy | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | Somewhat Simple | My Simple Home Life | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things