New Silhouette Portrait Just Announced! Pre-Order yours today!

Just announced! The affordable, portable

Silhouette Portrait

Get yours in time for the holidays. Pre-order now! Orders will be shipped on a first come first serve basis. FotoBella, will be amongst the first to receive the Portrait! Anticipated ship date is the end of November.



The Silhouette Portrait™. The Portrait is a smaller, lighter version of the popular Silhouette CAMEO®. But, while it's smaller in size, the Portrait is feature-rich.

The Silhouette Portrait™ has the same motor and cutting mechanism as the CAMEO, yet the entire unit weighs only 3.5 pounds. The Portrait can cut all the same types of materials that the CAMEO can (including all Silhouette branded materials) and includes a cutting mat that will accept Letter (8.5 in x 11 in) and A4 sized sheet goods. Like the CAMEO, the portrait has an optical scanner so it can be used with a home printer to create print & cut projects. Of course, the Portrait also includes our powerful Silhouette Studio® software—allowing users to create their own designs and cut the fonts already installed on their computers.

Perhaps the most appealing feature of the new Silhouette Portrait™ is the low cost. With an MSRP of just $199.99, the Portrait will appeal to customers who want a quality electronic cutting tool at an amazing price. Both the Silhouette Portrait™ and the Silhouette CAMEO® will be offered concurrently. That way, you can choose between the extra features of the CAMEO (wider cutting surface, LCD display, SD card compatibility) or the lower price and portability of the Portrait.

The Silhouette SD can cut a variety of materials from vinyl, transfer paper, vellum, fabric, craft paper, cardstock and more. You can cut images from .25" to 120". The maximum cutting area is 8" wide x 120"; length. Visit the our Pinterest board to see sample projects. Weighing in at only 3.5 pounds the Portrait can be taken anywhere, including scrapbooking crops, shows, fairs, parties, job sites, etc.

There are no cartridges to buy ever! The Silhouette comes with Silhouette Studio software, which gives you access to thousands of digital cutting designs. Most of which are 99 cents.

The Silhouette Portrait has a registration mark reading sensor allowing you to print designs using a standard desktop printer and then contour-cut those printed designs. It's perfect for cutting out stickers, t-shirt transfer sheets, scrapbooking and card embellishments and more.

The Silhouette Portrait machine ships with the following important items:
- Silhouette Portrait machine
- Software for Windows XP/Vista/Windows7/MAC including 50 ready to cut digital designs
- Power cable, USB cable
- Media cutting mat
- Adjustable cutting blade
- $10 gift card to the Silhouette Download Store, which gives you access to thousands of die cuts, pen drawings, rhinestone templates and more! Plus use promotion code FOTOBELLA to get 10% off an annual subscription.
- 1 year warranty

For a limited time receive a 15% off coupon for Silhouette Supplies with your shipment. Make sure to check your packing slip!

FotoBella is an authorized Silhouette reseller! Silhouette as a strict Minimum Advertised Price policy. As an authorized dealer we are not allowed to reduce our price or bundle other products with the Silhouette Portrait.

Silhouette Portrait Machine Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I draw my own images with the Silhouette Portrait?

With the Silhouette Studio software you may draw your own images to cut. The software includes simple line drawing tools that will allow you to create shapes for cutting, printing or drawing within the Silhouette program. If you have another drawing tool like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, you can draw in those programs and export GSD or DXF files. The GSD and DXF files can then be imported into Silhouette Studio and used to cut.

You may draw your own images with friendly drawing tools found within the software programs.

If you wish to use Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or other major vector imaging programs with the Silhouette, you may consider upgrading the Silhouette Studio software to the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition (http://www.fotobella.com/Silhouette_Studio_Designer_Edition_license_ke_p/qk-silh-studio-de.htm). This version provides the ability to import SVG files directly which you may have created in another vector imaging program, such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw. Further information on this feature may be found at http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/faq.aspx?solutionid=939.

What file types can the Silhouette Portrait cut?

The Silhouette Studio software included with the Silhouette can cut Silhouette Digital Download files, true type fonts loaded on your computer, STUDIO files, and GSD/GST, DXF files. The software can additionally import a variety of other common image file types (such as JPG and BMP files) and then trace the image using an auto-trace function to create cut lines. Please note, however, that Silhouette does not guarantee the quality of results of images not created by them. You may also draw your own images with friendly drawing tools found within the software programs.

Will the Silhouette Portrait cut SVG files?

The software that is included with the Silhouette does not allow you to cut SVG files (although it does allow you to import and cut GSD and DXF files). That said, there is third party software that allows you to cut SVG files with your Silhouette. Both Make-the-Cut and Sure Cuts A Lot allow you to cut SVG files with your Silhouette.

The Silhouette Studio program included with the Silhouette does not cut SVG files.  However, you may upgrade to the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition (http://www.fotobella.com/Silhouette_Studio_Designer_Edition_license_ke_p/qk-silh-studio-de.htm), which will allow you to open and cut SVG files.

How can I cut thicker cardstock with the Silhouette Portrait?

The Silhouette Portrait includes a ratchet blade with 10 blade settings.  We would recommend following the recommended settings for your blade as outlined in the Silhouette Studio software to obtain optimal results.  If you wish to increase the blade exposure for thicker material types, you may opt to raise the blade’s ratchet level to a higher setting, or use the “double cut” option.  Doing this will have the Silhouette cut your image twice, thus ensuring any problem areas are given an extra pass during the cut job.  The Silhouette Portrait is able to cut a range of materials from thin films (such as vinyl) up to a thicker cardstock, such as a 90lb weight cardstock

If cutting on thicker textured cardstock, you may also opt to flip the paper over and cut on the non-textured side. Doing this may not require as much thickness force and give you a better cut when using textured papers. However, if you are cutting on the non-textured side with this method, you may wish to select your image prior to cutting and right-click to select the Mirror option. Doing a “Horizontal Mirror” will flip your image and make sure that it is usable from the textured side. If you find for any reason there are areas not giving a clean cut, you may also wish to select the "Double Cut" option. Doing this will have the Silhouette cut your image twice, thus ensuring any problem areas are given an extra pass during the cut job.

How long should a Silhouette mat typically last?

The cutting mat for the Silhouette should last for over 100 full 8 ½ x 12 sheets worth of cuts (if you were to cut the same exact job repetitiously in the exact same area). We are unable to provide an exact time-frame for how long the mat should last as this will depend on the types of materials being used. We do recommend keeping your mat well covered when not in use to prevent dust or other particles from collecting on the adhesive surface. This should help the mat retain its adhesive quality. Also, please note that select materials that are more lint-based or fibrous in nature may wear down the adhesive quality faster and degrade the mat. The mat should not need to be replaced unless papers or other materials you are looking to cut are not held firmly in place during the cutting process.

Can the Silhouette cut fabric?

You may cut select fabrics (depending on their thickness of course) with the new fabric interfacing. This product is ironed on to your fabric and then the fabric with the interfacing is placed onto a cutting mat with the interfacing side down (fabric side facing up). You would then adjust your blade depth and cut at a speed of 3 – 5 and cut at a thickness of 25 – 30. Depending on the fabric, you may want to double cut your design. One you have cut your design in the Silhouette, you would then take scissors or a craft knife to quickly trim any threads which may be connecting your cutout design to the rest of the fabric.
The new fabric interfacing is offered in two varieties: Clean Cut and Sewable. Silhouette Clean Cut Interfacing has a thicker adhesive that irons on to fabric allowing you to cleanly cut designs in your Silhouette. Silhouette Sewable Interfacing has a thinner adhesive that irons on to fabric allowing you to sew your cut-out design.

Can the Silhouette cut chipboard?

The Silhouette cannot currently cut chipboard.

Can the Silhouette Portrait cut without being connected to a computer?

The Silhouette Portrait can not cut without being connected to a computer. The Silhouette Cameo does have the capability to cut without being hooked up to a computer. You may save images in a cut file format to an SD card on your computer (requires an SD reader on your computer) and then insert the SD card into the Silhouette Cameo machine. You may then use the machine's LCD screen to scroll through the file names you have saved and cut your pre-created images. A power outlet would be required for the Silhouette Cameo, but no computer connection would be required to cut directly from the machine once you have your files saved on your SD card.

Design Team Projects using On The Go by BoBunny

This scrapbooking kit includes 20 sheets Premium 12x12 Heavy Weight Paper (2 each of 10 patterns), 2 sheets Cut-Out Cards, 1 sheet Combo Stickers, Chipboard Sheet, Rub-Ons, 1 sheet Party Time Cardstock Sticker, 1 sheets Little Dube Cardstock Sticker, Dimensional Stickers, iCandy layered chipboard stickers, iCandy Jewels, iCandy Brads, Clearly Stamp, Note Worthy Journaling Cards, Buttons, and Trinkets

Vroom, vroom! You'll enjoy creating scrapbook pages from the On the Go I Want It All! Full Collection Bundle by BoBunny. This bright and colorful transportation themed collection has so many fun uses.

The adorable patterned papers would work great with a variety of photos - from your kids playing with toy cars, the photo of your teenager beaming about their brand new driver's license and even the big kid (dad!) as he works on his project car! The airplane paper would be a fantastic way to showcase those kiddie-theme-park photos of your little pilots. There's even trains in the collection for all the budding little engineers we know!

If you'd like a chance at being on the FotoBella Design Team, click HERE for details.

Check out what our design team member, Steph has created for us using the On the Go Bundle...

Instructions for Can I Drive Please -

1. Use Vroom paper as the base layer.
2. Cut a 7" x 12" strip of Cars paper and place on top.
3. Cut a 5" x 12" strip of Squares paper.  
4. Use the reverse side and mount onto Scooter paper.
5. Adhere across the center of the layout.
6. Add 3 photos as shown
7. Using die cut sprockets from the Journal Pages, place 3 together and adhere to the upper left corner of the layout.
8. Select and adhere 2 dimensional stickers in the lower left corner, along with a rub-on.
9. Using a die cut machine of choice, cut title and adhere to the layout
10. Add a brad above the "i" in drive.

 

Win a $200 Gift Certificate to FotoBella.com

FotoBella is giving away $200 Have you been dreaming of the Silhouette Cameo, We R Memory Keepers Lucky 8 punches or the latest FotoBella I Want It All bundle? FotoBella wants to help you get the paper crafting supplies you have been dreaming of! FotoBella is conducting a survey to get to know you better! We really appreciate you taking the time to complete this survey. Your feedback will help us better understand your paper and memory crafting “personality” and what we can do at FotoBella to serve you best. The survey will be closed October 1, 2012. On October 5, one lucky winner will be selected to receive a $200 gift certificate to FotoBella.com. To win, you must complete the entire survey and include a valid email address. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be notified via email, and announced on the FotoBella website, blog, Twitter feed and Facebook page. When you complete this survey you will also receive a 15% off coupon for one order at FotoBella.com that you can use right away (some restrictions apply, see http://www.fotobella.com/coupon for details). Please take our survey to enter to win!

FotoBella Design Team Call

FotoBella is having a design team call!  FotoBella is seeking 4-6 inspirational design team members from October 15, 2012 through April 15, 2012. We are seeking enthusiastic team members who love to scrapbook/make cards and love the products that we carry at FotoBella.com. 

As a design team member, each month you will receive a free kit to create with, your kit will include premium brand products from brands like Bo Bunny, Prima Marketing, Basic Grey, Teresa Collins, etc. 

You will then submit a guest blog post that includes at least three projects (one 12x12 layout, one card, and one tag) with the materials from the kit by the 30^th of the month.  We encourage you to make as many projects as you can with the great kit you receive! For at least one of your monthly projects you will provide step by step instructions and highlight the techniques used to create your project, including photos throughout the process in Microsoft Word or HTML format. These tutorials will be provided to our monthly club members as a download.    It is even better if you create videos of your project and techniques to accompany the instructions for us to post on our YouTube channel!  You must be able to provide high quality, clear photos of your projects for use on our Blog/Website/Facebook/Newsletter. 

As a design team member, you must help promote FotoBella online and feature your projects and FotoBella kit on your facebook/blog. While on the design team you will receive a discount on all products at FotoBella.com and will be featured once a month in our newsletter and on our blog.

The ideal candidate has a distinct style, can incorporate and teach basic to advanced techniques, is a great communicator, is highly motivated, is a self-starter, works well under pressure, meets deadlines, and LOVES to create and inspire.

Applications close on October 1st at midnight pacific time. To apply send an email to [email protected] with the following:

·         a link to your blog/facebook page

·         photos of three of your designs for layouts, cards, or tags

·         step by step instructions for one of your projects including photos

·         a short bio

·         your favorite brand, and why it is your favorite

·         a list of other design teams you are on right now

·         your full name, address, phone number, and email address

We will contact design team members by phone October 3^rd and will announce the team on our facebook page and blog October 5.

Due to shipping and time constraints, this call is to US based applicant only.

The Sweetest Thing - Design Team Projects

Jeri has created some of the "sweetest things" using The Sweetest Thing - Bluebell and The Sweetest Thing - Honey - I Want It All! Bundles by My Mind's Eye.

Make sure to scroll all the way to the end to see her awesome Tea Stained Muslin Card tutorial.

The Sweetest Thing Bundle

Tea Stained Muslin Card

Find some left over, random or used cotton muslin. I had a roll left over from pattern making in college. It’s so versatile for projects like this.

Brew some tea, crumple up the strip of fabric and put in the tea. I cut a strip of fabric about 3 feet long. I used something to weigh it down. Let soak for a couple hours, or check it to see when color is how you’d like it. Then ring out and hang to dry. Keep the creases and wrinkles. do not flatten.

With some fabric scissors, cut a round, petal design.

With the Copic PerfectPrimaries Set of 6 Sketch markers, I used the light blue and the dark yellow. Using the side of the marker, just lightly rub over the flower petals. The ink should hit the wrinkle parts and be random. You can use just one color, or more, if you choose.

With a needle and thread, on the straight side of the fabric, weave in and out. This makes it easier to scrunch the fabric. Make sure to tie knots at the end of the thread.

Once you get to the end of the fabric strip, you can start scrunching the fabric tight as you’d like. It will round, and practically form the flower itself.  Roll it around so you either have 2 or 3 layers of petals for the flower.   Once you cinch it tight as you can, tie a knot in the thread. I used some Loctite in the center of the flower to make sure it all stuck. You can use hot glue or anything you’d like.

 

This is what the flower should look like once it’s set.

I used a button sticker and some chipboard details for the center of the flower. I also glued a peacock color bead from my own collection in the center.

Now, on to the card!

I found a large chipboard from my own collection that I loved. I use this as a template for the shape of the card.  Then also used it for a smaller layer in the turquoise dot paper in the image.

Cut that out. Grab the adorable stamps from the bundle, and put some flowers around the edges, as they will only be seen from under the flower. Let this dry while you work on the back of the card.

Use the large chipboard again for another layer. It just needs to be a half of the card. Glue this paper piece down on the right side, and glue the chipboard down on the left side.

I cut a piece of turquoise dot paper out, stamped it and glued it center on the right side. I added some chipboard designs from my collection, along with a button from this bundle and some other décor I had. 

This will complete the back of the card. Turn the card back around to the front. Glue the turquoise dot piece, centered. Then use loctite or hot glue to secure the muslin flower in the center of the turquoise paper.

And it’s done!