A beginners guide to the QuicKutz Silhouette

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Don't you just love gadgets.? I am totally IMPULSIVE but have to confess again that I kept my QuicKutz Silhouette in it's box for almost a year before I had the courage to unpack it.  I was not afraid of installing it as I knew that would be easy. But what then? What do I use it for? I was afraid and so it stayed in its box....

Firstly - what is the QuicKutz Silhouette / Craft Robo?

General concensus is that they are same thing in a different package! UKS have a whole debate on which to buy.

However you can read all about them here:

http://www.graphteccorp.com/craftrobo/about.html

http://www.quickutz.com/qk2/silhouette/

 

What are .GSD files:

The craft robo and Quickutz Silhouette creates and processes files with a .gsd extension. .gsd is a file extension associated with GraphTec Vector Graphic Data .

Do NOT worry about this. It is just the same as .doc is the file extension used my MSWord and .xls is the extension used by MSExcel.

 

Installation:

Like every tool you buy, the software installs very easily. Just follow the instructions. Read the getting started guide. I forgot to install the blade so cut NOTHING first time round LOL. 

 

Getting started:

When you install the software, it will load some samples. I started with a simple heart. and opened  it.

 

 

And then just selected output settings on the 'File' menu, selected output to 'craft robo' would you believe and then just followed the instructions. You will get 3 bits to use from this simple sample!

 

 

 

 

 

What else do you need?

• I have found my little xyron quite useful when I have cut little bits.
• You will also need some glue with a lttle nozzle if you are cutting bigger fiddly bits.

What can I cut?

The Silhouette is designed to cut film materials (such as vinyl), paper and cardstock materials (up to 90 lb weight), and can cut up to a thickness of 0.3 mm. The Silhouette will cut patterned paper, most cardstock, vellum, iron-on transfer paper, magnetic paper, vinyl, and sticker paper among other materials. Individual results may vary.

NOTE: Certain materials that are more dense (such as shrink plastic, crafting foam, chipboard) or fibrous in nature (such as fabric) cannot be cut by the Silhouette, even if they fit within the thickness range noted above. You should never attempt to cut multiple layers of material at the same time.

   

Free Downloads:

You can create your ovn .gsd files but there are HEAPS of sources. Try here:

     

http://www.quickutz.com/qk2/viewItems.aspx?cc=229

http://www.thescrapbooklady.co.uk/catalog/gsddownload.php

http://www.graphtecgb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=104&Itemid=66

 

 

UKS also have lots of downloads for registered members!

 

Some advice from me:

 

• THINK before you buy think very carefully!!! This is a big EXPENSIVE investment! Also, You will have to replace blades and the cutting mat. Think about how you will use it!!!
• PRACTICE, get some cheap (lol) cardstock and cut some of the basic shapes.
• RTFM: (Read the flipping manual. )
• CHECK that you have loaded the paper properly and the right blade.
• FORGET your fear, it is only a tool...

Finally, the silly mistakes I made:

• I forgot to insert the blade!!!
• I did not load the cutting mat and paper properly (Position the cutting mat with your paper stuck on top, and turn the little handle on the left till the mat and paper is in the correct position)!!!
• I did not read the manual!!!

Hope this has helped you with another fantastic tool!

 

Love from MadDi XXX

Comments

[Karen]

Thats some great advice you are giving at the end of the post :) I have a Silhouette but haven´t really started using it - perhaps I should now! Thanks!

[Julie]

You make it sound so easy! My Silhouette comes out occasionally, but I must check out those links you have given for some additional downloads.

[Jane AKA Fluv.]

I seem to find something new and interesting each time I visit, now i have looked here a couple of times over the last few days and only just seen this. glad to see the silhouette being painted in a pretty light IYKWIM. I have one and love it. so will be checking out the links, oh and maybe just maybe after 18 months I might just read the manual LOL.