This machine is AMAZING!!!!! VERY easy to learn/use-I showed my 11-yr old son how to use it in less than 5 minutes! It easily connected to my home PC and has a built in library with maybe 20 or so designs, an intuitive (but powerful) built in design studio. PLUS this machine can recognize any font already installed on your PC and use most basic graphic formats as designs (as in .jpg, .png. and others). It also comes with a $10 gift card to their online store-might not seem like much, but most designs are only .99 cents, plus they give away a free design each week!!
My first project: FAIL! I'd tried to simply type my son's name in the hope of making a little sign for his room (using normal scrapbooking paper). The paper curled and ripped, the mat was WAY too sticky. Second, just as bad (having buyer's remorse for sure). By the third, piece of cake, a very intricate 3d mini lantern, pillow boxes and a mini-stationary set came out PERFECTLY, every minuscule detail PERFECT!! Unfortunately, I'd already cut my mat to shreds-clean through in some areas.
1) Although the instructions very clearly show you how to create a design, load the media, set the blade, and cut, it was only once I started "futzing" with the media thickness setting AND using the "test cut" (it will cut a little triangle in the upper far corner of your selected media to see if it cuts properly-duh?) going from cutting through my mat to not cutting at all in areas that I understood how to compensate for the different media instead of thinking I was stuck only choosing between "printer paper", "cardstock", "heavy cardstock" (hint: I shredded my mat using the "cardstock" setting, which is what the paper is labelled as, instead of choosing that setting, but lowering the media thickness-once I figured out how to adjust this, do a test cut-it was a breeze-just too bad it wasn't BEFORE I'd shredded the mat!!).
2) **Evidently EVERY mat is 'too sticky' the first use/requires some 'breaking in' (not just this brand). I've read many tips about sticking a t-shirt to the surface at first to let the fibers reduce some of the "stickiness" before using paper, (particularly THIN, regular scrapbooking paper as I had for my first few projects). OR, use a MUCH thicker cardstock for the first few projects.
3) USES YOUR OWN INSTALLED FONTS/GRAPHICS!! Plus, you can purchase individual designs at their online store which literally has something like 38,000+ designs-very searchable, and they give away a free design every week. I've seen some of the $50+ cartridges for Cricut, and while there may be 4 or 5 fonts/designs I'd actually REALLY want and use ($4 or $5 worth?) the other $45 could easily be used buying more paper and consumables. This machine allows for that. Plus, it seems to be an "open source" type of library system where individuals can constantly create and upload new designs of their own.
What I particularly liked about this is the "3D projects". I downloaded a fairly intricate 4-sided mini-lantern design. With the included "studio", which came out perfectly and was very easy to put together. I can easily break apart this design (keeping the foundation shape/perforations and cuts) and continue to customize it however I chose!!
4) Has "print & cut" functionality. You can create a design with a printed pattern. Send it to your normal printer, which will add in registration marks to the design, so that you can properly place and cut out the design on the Silhouette! To me, that kind of removes the whole concept of additional "sketch pen" functionality....??
5). One HUGE shocker was that the replacement mat for this is almost double what the Cricut is!? I think the idea was to gain revenue, BUT, I see this FAR surpassing Cricut and other brands both for the versatility AND being more cost effective to own-gaining money on uploaded/contributed designs of their library. The replacement mat (I almost immediately needed) is like $9 for one, and they're VERY "flimsy" compared to the Cricut, of which you can buy two new mini-mats for around $11. With some research, I've discovered that you can use the slightly larger (1/2" overall) Cricut mat, you simply need to apply tape over the outer 1/4" adhesive on each edge so that the Silhouette's rollers don't get sticky (place it over the top of your Silhouette mat with the green protective sheet in place for proper application). You also need to adjust for a slightly thicker media, since the mats are thicker (thus less likely for "cut-through"). I've also seen many "mat refurbishing kits" that consist of adhesive remover (nail polish remover/acetone) and spray cans of repositionable adhesive. You mask off the non-sticky area of your 'naked' mat so that the adhesive only gets applied to the right area.
6) I didn't purchase the additional tool kit. Have used an old credit card as a squeegee, have tweezers, pins, etc. and have been able to utilize other objects. I'm a bit disappointed the tool kit (or even a cheap version) isn't included since it would definitely help, particularly when trying to create projects using normal printer and scrapbooking paper due to the amount of curl.
Overall, I am constantly seeing new possibilities for developing another new "hobby/craft" and this machine makes it so much easier and more affordable!!
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From the brand
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Silhouette America is a leading brand in the crafting and DIY industry, dedicated to empowering artists and enthusiasts alike. Our cutting-edge technology, top-quality products, and vibrant community foster boundless creative possibilities. Craft with confidence as our line of Cameo, Plus, Pro, and Portrait vinyl cutters and accessories help bring your project to life! Also, Check out our Curio embossing machine or Alta+ 3D printer!
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Customer Review: It’s worth the money!!
krystal Kinney
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Customer Review: Smaller and better than Cricut for stickers
Rose Smith
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Silhouette Portrait 2
Merchant Video
Reviews with images
Very intuitive to use and hard to learn at the beginning
Between the mat instructions, the silhouette studio program and the complete lack of reference point as to were you put your paper. Prepare yourself to look a lot of paper while you get use to it.Seems like a machine for someone that already had a cutter before and not for newbies. However if you persevere (please do test with copy paper before trying the higher quality stuff) you will find a capable little machine.PS: Remember to calibrate the machine first .
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
I still love my portrait 3! It makes crafting so much easier because 98% of my projects don't need a mat, and mats are one of my least favorite things about the cricut. When I want to make something, I just need to load the material into the machine without having to worry if my mat is sticky enough/too sticky.
The reason for the updated review though is because I discovered that you can sketch WITHOUT a mat as well, which is amazing! I've been making the cutest cards and color them in by hand for an added touch. The only downside to the portrait 3 is that the rollers don't move, so your material has to be 8.5" wide to be mattless. So I plan to upgrade to the new cameo 5 because the rollers allow smaller projects that can be cut mattless.
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Matless cutting of vinyl and PAPER! I'm surprised more people don't rave about this feature. Using mats with my cricut (first expression, then maker) has always been my least favorite aspects. Matless cutting with the portrait is a game changer. It saves me time, sanity, and money on mats. I cut rolled flowers without a mat and liked how they came out. It sometimes required a little trimming to smooth the lines out but I much prefer that to- putting paper on a mat, making sure the paper is properly pressed on the mat, and taking the paper off the mat without curling or ripping the paper.
I waited for the new cricut machines to be announced before buying the portrait because I was hoping cricut would allow mattless paper cutting. Sadly cricut remains highly proprietary and from my research mats are required for most materials except vinyl with the cricut maker 3. So glad I decided to get the portrait. It's cute, has a small footprint, and has the functions I need.
Mattless cutting and sketching for the win. Love it more than my cricut maker!
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
***Updated Review***Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
I still love my portrait 3! It makes crafting so much easier because 98% of my projects don't need a mat, and mats are one of my least favorite things about the cricut. When I want to make something, I just need to load the material into the machine without having to worry if my mat is sticky enough/too sticky.
The reason for the updated review though is because I discovered that you can sketch WITHOUT a mat as well, which is amazing! I've been making the cutest cards and color them in by hand for an added touch. The only downside to the portrait 3 is that the rollers don't move, so your material has to be 8.5" wide to be mattless. So I plan to upgrade to the new cameo 5 because the rollers allow smaller projects that can be cut mattless.
=======
Matless cutting of vinyl and PAPER! I'm surprised more people don't rave about this feature. Using mats with my cricut (first expression, then maker) has always been my least favorite aspects. Matless cutting with the portrait is a game changer. It saves me time, sanity, and money on mats. I cut rolled flowers without a mat and liked how they came out. It sometimes required a little trimming to smooth the lines out but I much prefer that to- putting paper on a mat, making sure the paper is properly pressed on the mat, and taking the paper off the mat without curling or ripping the paper.
I waited for the new cricut machines to be announced before buying the portrait because I was hoping cricut would allow mattless paper cutting. Sadly cricut remains highly proprietary and from my research mats are required for most materials except vinyl with the cricut maker 3. So glad I decided to get the portrait. It's cute, has a small footprint, and has the functions I need.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Faviola I.
Me llegó 2 días antes de la entrega,con su empaque original.
Reviewed in Mexico on November 25, 2023
Andreas Cruanas
Platzsparend, ausdauernd, leicht in der Anwendung
Reviewed in Germany on January 16, 2017
CupIsHalfEmpty
The Silhouette has proven to be a really handy tool for our household
Reviewed in Canada on November 15, 2015