Using the Silhouette Cameo 4
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is an electronic cutting and drawing machine that can be used to create custom cards, vinyl decals, t-shirts, signs, and more. The Silhouette Cameo 4 works with hundreds of materials including paper, vinyl, stencils, fabric, and more.
Project Ideas
There are many ways to use the Silhouette Cameo. It can be used with paper to make custom cards, scrapbooking décor, paper cut outs for poster boards, and more. Some samples of projects made with adhesive vinyl include art and signs for the wall, decals for water bottles, and labels for cabinets. Iron-on vinyl (or heat transfer vinyl) is specifically for decorating fabrics like making custom t-shirts or bags. A popular use for stencil vinyl is painting custom wood pallet signs. For more project ideas or tutorials, visit Pinterest, Silhouette 101, Michael’s, or Joann.
What equipment and tools does the Creative Studio have?
- Silhouette Cameo 4
- Cut Mats sized 12"x12" and 12"x24"
- Light Tack, Standard Tack, and Strong Tack
- Autoblade
- Ratchet Blade with Cameo 4 adaptor
- Fabric Blade with Cameo 4 adaptor
- Laptops with Silhouette Studio (Addison cardholders only)
- Cricut EasyPress for iron-on projects
- Click here for more information about the Cricut EasyPress
What materials should I bring?
The equipment and tools are available to use for free. Patrons are responsible for creating their designs and bringing their own materials for projects. Materials must not be wider than 12 inches, longer than 10’, or thicker than 3 millimeters. Materials will vary depending on your project but some examples include:
- Paper (cardstock, copy, glitter)
- Adhesive vinyl for decorating hard surfaces
- Removable Vinyl recommended for projects like wall decals
- Permanent Vinyl recommended for projects like decorating cups
- Recommended brands: Silhouette, Cricut, Oracal
- *Cricut Smart Vinyl not compatible
- Iron-on vinyl (or heat transfer vinyl) for decorating fabrics
- Recommended brands: Siser EasyWeed, Silhouette, Cricut
- *Cricut Smart HTV not compatible
- Stencil Vinyl for painting items
- Recommended brands: Oracal, Silhouette, Cricut
- Silhouette drawing pens
- *Must be Silhouette brand to fit in machine
Not sure what materials you need for your project? Contact the Creative Services Coordinator.
How to use the Silhouette Cameo 4
- 1. Install Silhouette Studio Basic Edition for free on your computer. Laptops with Silhouette Studio are available to Addison Public Library cardholders.
-
• Designs can be saved to USB devices. To save to the Silhouette Cloud, create a free Silhouette account.
-
• The Creative Studio does not provide a Silhouette account.
- 2. Use Silhouette Studio to create your design. Silhouette Studio has a variety of tools available, like a Text Tool and Line Tool. Silhouette Studio Basic Edition can import JPG/JPEG, PNG, BMP, and DXF files. Save your design to a USB device.
-
• Some designs and fonts in Design Space are pay-to-use.
-
• The Creative Studio does not have Silhouette Studio Designer Edition, which imports SVG files.
- 3. Place your material on the Silhouette cut mats. The Creative Studio has 12”x12” and 12”x24” cut mats that are Light Tack, Standard Tack, and Strong Tack. Cut mats are for projects shorter than 24”. Projects that are 2-10 ft. do not need a cut mat.
- 4. Connect the laptop to the Silhouette Cameo 4. Click the “Send” button and begin the cut. Check the right blade and tools are in the machine. You may need to swap out tools for your project.
- 5. Once your design is finished cutting, unload the cut mat. Remove the material from the cut mat.
Resources and Tips
-
Schedule an appointment with the Creative Services Coordinator
-
Click Here to visit Silhouette 101 for beginner’s guides, videos, projects, and more.
-
Watch How To videos on the Silhouette Inc. YouTube Channel
-
Register for a Creative Studio Class
-
Watch our How To video to Create a Wood Sign
-
Click Here to find projects, tutorials, and classes on JoAnn
-
Click Here to find projects, tutorials, and classes on Michael’s
-
Not certain what blade to use? View the Accessories Guide chart for help
-
Click Here for the Materials Guide with a list of approved materials
-
Addison Public Library does not endorse nor profit form these links. These are suggestions of where you can purchase items or find resources, but are by no means an exhaustive list.