When we test craft machines we not only examine what a product can do, but also the value it represents. We like to review them in the context of how they may be used, the cost, as well as the tech they offer.

Silhouette has a great software called Mint Studio, which comes alongside this nifty little machine. Small in size, and easy to use, the Silhouette Mint is unlike traditional stamping machines. In use, we are are able to create their own designs and even import images and photos to make bespoke stamp designs, in a variety of colours. A nice option is to use any font from you computer to turn into slogans and clever designs, which again shows easy of use is paramount. Although everything points to the Silhouette Mint stamps as perfect for projects, there’s a disadvantage when it comes to utilizing the stamp.You can create multi-colored stamps by using the inking bottle to insert ink in specific areas of your stamp for a creative touch. Mixing ink colors is possible as well, but I didn’t find it to work too well. 6. 50 Free Designs The stamping process of this device and program set includes 4 steps: designing your design, printing or “minting” your stamp, inking it, and stamping it on your creations. I’m one of those buyers. And I claim that it’s an amazing device that turns designs available in the Design Store into stamps as well. You will get 50 free designs. If you prefer a bold and clear impression, you will have to utilize a bit of strength and push hard onto the paper. If you want a soft or paster effect, press lightly. If your PC’s operating system doesn’t meet the minimal requirements, it won’t install. If you already own the software from a previous Silhouette, update it to the latest version.

Mint is a specialized unit for making stamps with the assistance of thermal printing abilities that provide 3D designs. The system is customizable and powerful.Silhouette Mint is a powerful and innovative way of creating personalized stamps in the comfort of your home. This great stamping system features a “thermal printing” ability.

Then, you mount the freshly made stamp on a stamp platform (included in your kit but you can also buy others separately). The Silhouette Cameo range is the best all-round machine for crafters and designers. The advantage of the Cameo 4 is it comes in three sizes, and three prices, which means you can get the same range of materials to cut and uses but in a more affordable size. The largest Cameo 4 comes in at 24-inches, which makes it an industrial scale machine. The smallest is 12-inches, and the medium, our recommendation, is 15-inches. Which is better, Cricut or Silhouette? You can also switch the font size and style, apply forms and decorative edges, draw freehand, switch the size of your design or curve your text. The designing options seem endless.When first booting up your machine, just plug in the USB cable and power cord. Then, on the computer, open up Mint Studio (the software your Mint comes with). You can choose fonts and shapes right from the program. What I like most about the Silhouette Mint, is that you can also upload pre-made designs into the system. Step 2: “Minting” Your Stamp I discovered you can tamp even more than 50 times. This saved me a lot of time unlike standard stamps since they require ink reapplied to perform constantly.

The Silhouette Alta is a definite must-have for those looking to dabble in bringing their designs to life, but not wanting to invest in a full scale 3D printer. We like the compact size (it has a10-inch round and stands at about 19 inches in height) and it's very easy to use.The base model of Silhouette Cameo 4 is 12-inches, and comes in two more models, the Silhouette Cameo 4 Plus at 15-inches and the Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro at a large 24-inches. Only the base model comes in colours other than white. Stamp Material: Since the stamp material is being directly cut, shapes with too fine of detail, or disconnected bits (text) will not work with the stamp material. Solid shapes that can be removed from your cutting mat in once piece are recommended. Unlike the Mint, no additional texture or pattern can be added using the stamp material. Stamp Material: The stamp material on the other hand can be sent through your Silhouette Portrait® or CAMEO.