I'm in the process of reorganizing my bedroom and desk area for the new year, so the kitchen counter/peninsula in my little college apartment has become my alternate workspace for all of my crafty things! Right now, I'm working on creating a 2015 Vision Board for my bedroom (I'll post the final product later once it's all completed)! I started the project last night, and I'm really excited about it! It's the first time I've used both my Silhouette CAMEO® and my Xyron 9" Creative Station™ Home, and let me tell you, these products are game-changers! I've had my Creative Station™ for about 2 months now, but I just got my Silhouette CAMEO® for Christmas and I'm already in love!
First Impression: Silhouette CAMEO®
I haven't had this machine long enough to give a full review. I haven't even had it long enough to use all of the features! Instead, I thought I'd offer my first impression of the machine: initial user mistakes, why I picked the older version, and future projects I'll use it for!
I got a little ambitious with my first cut on the machine. It was Christmas Day, I was at my grandparents' house, and I didn't have my craft paper at my disposal. So I grabbed some printer paper, stuck it to the mat, and put it in the machine. Like I said, I got a little ambitious and went for a super scripted "Merry Christmas". Well, I didn't adjust the speed of the blade, and it cut so fast that half of the cuts ripped the paper right off the mat. LESSON LEARNED: For more intricate cuts, set the blade to cut at a slower speed and use thicker paper if possible!
When given the machine on Christmas, I was given the option of exchanging it for the newer edition. Many times, it's better to get the newest edition of a product. But in doing some research, I found that many CAMEO owners had some difficulty with the new machine, specifically with the touch screen. I chose to keep my machine because it already does everything I need it to do, and there's bound to be an even better version down the road with a better-functioning touch screen. Of course, I don't know everything the new machines offers, but for me, it wasn't worth the extra money!
I'm really excited about this machine, and can't wait to use it for all sorts of projects! Right now, I'm working on a banner and some other pieces for my 2015 Vision Board. There are endless possibilities with my Silhouette CAMEO®, and I can't wait to see what fun things I can come up with!
I got a little ambitious with my first cut on the machine. It was Christmas Day, I was at my grandparents' house, and I didn't have my craft paper at my disposal. So I grabbed some printer paper, stuck it to the mat, and put it in the machine. Like I said, I got a little ambitious and went for a super scripted "Merry Christmas". Well, I didn't adjust the speed of the blade, and it cut so fast that half of the cuts ripped the paper right off the mat. LESSON LEARNED: For more intricate cuts, set the blade to cut at a slower speed and use thicker paper if possible!
When given the machine on Christmas, I was given the option of exchanging it for the newer edition. Many times, it's better to get the newest edition of a product. But in doing some research, I found that many CAMEO owners had some difficulty with the new machine, specifically with the touch screen. I chose to keep my machine because it already does everything I need it to do, and there's bound to be an even better version down the road with a better-functioning touch screen. Of course, I don't know everything the new machines offers, but for me, it wasn't worth the extra money!
I'm really excited about this machine, and can't wait to use it for all sorts of projects! Right now, I'm working on a banner and some other pieces for my 2015 Vision Board. There are endless possibilities with my Silhouette CAMEO®, and I can't wait to see what fun things I can come up with!
All About the Adhesives: Xyron 9" Creative Station™
I was really excited when I got this machine for my birthday a couple months ago! I had found out about it through the Instagram Planner Community this summer and immediately added it to my must-haves list! I have a confession to make though...I'm a huge fan of spray adhesive, and so far I haven't used it for anything I couldn't have just used spray adhesive on! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my Creative Station, and I'm sure in the future, there will be a project that will be made much easier because of it. For right now though, it seems just as easy to use one of my other adhesive options...especially since it costs upwards of $20 to refill the cartridges!
How do you use your Silhouette CAMEO and Xyron Creative Station? Comment below and let me know!
How do you use your Silhouette CAMEO and Xyron Creative Station? Comment below and let me know!