Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial, Making Vinyl Letters & Contact Paper Stencils 

I understand you better than anyone else when your explaining the silhouette,I wish you would make more videos using this machine I sure enjoy watching your videos

I ordered my Cameo 3 back in January 2019 and instantly packed it away. Finally today, after 10 months, I decided to put it to use. This was hands down the best tutorial I've watched. I was so overwhelmed with trying to figure out how everything worked and reading through the downloaded tutorials provided by Silhouette made things even more frustrating and discouraging. I am so thankful that God brought me to this post. Thank you so much for sharing this tutorials and I look forward to seeing more from you.

Omg!! You Always apologize for things you don't need we appreciate wherever you want to teach us!! You're awesome teacher!! Thank you for be so kind and clear when you speak!! Live all your videos ma'am 🤗

Thanks so much Mary for the tutorial on the Cameo. Im ready to order. According to Amazon the Cameo 4 is $329.00. Still doing checking to find the lowest deal, but even at that price, Im sure it will be worth it. I have an old Cricket I am going to sell too, so will put that money towards a new Cameo. Love your pillow, and bread board. You are so inspiring.Thanks again. You make it look very easy.

Probably the best tutorial I’ve watched. You are too hard on yourself. In my humble opinion, you do an excellent job. I love your thrift store makeovers, too. You make everything look possible! You are an inspiration! Thank you!!

Hello Mary, thank you for being so calm and easy to listen to. I appreciate you making such straightforward, practical videos. I love how you explained how to use contact paper as stencils and demonstrated it. I have a new Cameo 4 and it is quite a learning curve and I'm always interested in simple, practical usages that do not overwhelm. I just subscribed.

😂 you are an amazing inspiration to me. I love how you said “ I wouldn’t want to be without either of them.” ❤️

I would love a video on your favorite fonts!! More tutorials like this please!

Haha. “Wouldn’t want to be without either of them”. Subtle dry humor. I would’ve never guessed you had it in you. Love your style and grace.

I absolutely love your videos. Your a huge inspiration to me. You motivate me. I own a Silhouette Cameo. I'm going to try the contact paper. My husband is a graphic designer and I'm blessed that he does all my stencils for me. He watched this video with me and has a tip for you when applying vinyl letter to glass that might be helpful. Get a spray bottle. Mix the following: 2 parts water 1 part rubbing alcohol And a few drops of dish washing liquid Lightly spray the glass then you will have some time to slide your decal into place. Once it's where you want it, squeegee it down while working the application fluid out. Allow to dry then remove the transfer tape. Hope this helps. Let me know if you try it and how it goes for you. Thanks again for your wonderful videos. Gail J

I purchased a cameo 3 four years ago and I never uses it…… I got it set up and just feel overwhelmed by it. No ask me about the high end sewing machines and I nail it. You have given me the inspiration to try it…..thank you.

Because of you, 😄 I just got a Cameo 4 from my family, for my 60th birthday last week. Just getting into it. Software is not easy for a Dummy 😆 Relying on YT for tutorialsand there's lots out there. So thank you for this, Mary!!

I just got a Cameo 4 for Christmas 🎄 im so excited, thank you for bringing us amazing videos. If you can make more of this videos I truly appreciate it.

I loved this!!! It was not too long at all!!! Now I know I can create some of the same things for my home with a Cameo. Machines intimidate me, but this tutorial was a huge confidence builder. Thank you so much!! 🥰

Thank you for doing this video. My sister gifted me a Cameo and I no clue to how to use this. I have watched a lot of videos and yours is the only one I can understand and learn from. Thank you!

Mary, your tutorial was right on point. I’ve wanted to try the Cameo but just didn’t feel confident. Maybe now I can. I’ve watched most of your videos now and I’ve never been disappointed. I learn a lot from them. Thanks

Thank you for doing this video in real time Mary, I loved it, learned a lot & took several notes. I love your style & I’ve made several things for my home using some of your tips. I wanted to let you know that I’ve learned to re-sticky my mat using spray adhesive. There are several RU-vid videos with instructions. I had used my mat to cut faux leather earrings & it leaves a lot of fuzz behind. Using the spray adhesive kept me from having to buy another one.

I stumbled upon your videos in the last few weeks (thanks to Covid19). Your manner at which you discuss all topics makes me believe that I, too, can do any of these projects. Thank you for being a blessed distraction during this time. I'm learning to appreciate home a lot more and enjoying the simpler things.

It is nothing but a God send that I found your channel!! If I am crocheting or having down time I watch your videos.. some more than once.. or twice.. lol.. for inspiration!! I am a crafter/artist and you are such inspiration!! I love your ideas and its like brainstorming with a great friend!!! THANK YOU MARY!!!!!

i have debated buying a silhouette for years, you sealed the deal for me! now to decide when. Thank You for taking the time to make the video.

Thank you for this tutorial. My daughter is getting married in the Fall and I was looking at this product to make items for the wedding. Your tutorial makes me know I might be able to do it. You showed me the software and how you use it. This was one of my big concerns. I do better with visual learning. You did a great job. I look forward to watching your other videos. Thank you again!!

Hi Mary! You are such a breath of fresh air! I’ve been diligently watching your videos and wanted to let you know that you are true joy to watch. As today is my 12th wedding anniversary, my sweet husband purchased the cameo 3 for me and I cannot wait for delivery Tuesday. This video was so informative, thank you. We currently live in San Diego but are moving next summer to southern Indiana (Spencer county) and i hope to get to meet you one day! ~ Holly

This is the best tutorial I’ve seen on the Silhouette Cameo. I just purchased the Cameo 4 and I’ve not found a video on the new software. You make it easy because you explain everything well and talk slow.

Thanks Mary. This has been my go to video for the Cameo 3. I just got up the nerve to open mine and learn how to use it. Watching you do the initial design was important. Good information on how to type in the text, highlight and change fonts and size the letters. Also, the stencil information, using the contact paper was excellent.. On your last Q&A people were saying how they couldn't find and Cameo 3. I couldn't either until one day in February, I was shopping at Walmart in the clearance section and low and behold, there it was. $249.00. I grabbed it and walked around the store showing it off. They don't even sell them there. I felt lucky. I'm sure someone had purchased it online and returned it there. I did see one listed on Amazon a couple of days ago for $799. And that was for the Cameo 3. I have a clock that I want to put letters on. Similar to your project. It's been painted for 6 months or more. I just need to learn how to curve the text. Fun times ahead. As a side, when my husband is home we love to watch your videos together. Thanks for your sweet spirit. Carol Martin

I just purchased the Silhouette Cameo 3 today and can't wait to try it out! all of your projects and videos have inspired me!! Thank you for sharing your creativity!

A little trick I learned from painting that you could definitely use is when you use contact paper to stencil, apply first a light coat of mod podge. It keeps the paint from bleeding under the stencil. I absolutely love your channel and am truly inspired with every video. Thank you so much for all that you have done. I cant wait to see what you do in the future. God bless!

Thank you! For going step by step and fully explaining it. I can’t tell how many videos I’ve tried watching and your has been the best. I feel better about trying to tackle my Cameo

Hi Mary, I don't have this machine and not interested in getting one, but have always wondered how they work and your tutorial was very informative. I can see why you like it so much. It is pretty amazing! Thanks again!!!

Thank you! As a new silhouette owner this is one of the best videos I have seen! Very easy to follow. You inspire me!

Oh my gosh your video was so informative. I have had mine 5 years and never used it was afraid too. Have watched many videos thinking I would like to try and your is the one that I can say I truly got the most out of thanks so much and I wish you would do more videos.

I am so amazed how wonderful person you are. Not just very skillful and creative to what you are doing but you definitely have a clean heart. You do not have any problem to share your experience and knowledge with others. May GOD continue to bless your hands.

Good job, please don’t beat yourself up, just sharing your method is worthy of praise. Thanks.

Hi Mary! I didn't realize you had a RU-vid channel but I'm so glad I found it! I have really been enjoying your videos a lot! I just wanted to say that you are 100% right about the Oracal vinyl being the best! I did vinyl lettering for about 10 years for a company who used it on the outside items they manufactured & never had any problems with it...I still see some of my work around to this day and none have ever came off to my knowledge. Oracal is a great product! Thanks for all your hard work on these videos!...Sherri

i just bought a used silhouette and am struggling to learn the software. i did upgrade to be able to use svgs. However, YOU have been such a big help in explaining how to get started! thank you so much, Mary! As i know youve been told a million times, but I want to echo those sentiments; YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!! I watch you and am in such awe of your energy and creativity. You make me believe i can do those things, too. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. We are blessed to have you to watch and learn from. I enjoy ALL you put out on youtube for me to watch.

Wow you make this look so darn easy!! Thank You so much for breaking this down into simple learning. I get my new Silhouette 3bundle this coming Monday, and now I am confident that I will be able to do my first project with ease thanks to you!!!!

I have just started following you. I really wanted to know how these machines worked and your tutorial was perfect. Thank you

Thanks love your video on the cameo, your videos and your projects keep them coming 😊 You are Very inspiring, I have been hooked since first video I saw💙 awesome ideas

One of the best tutorials I have seen on this machine. Thanks heaps

I just discovered you the other day and was astounded at your work. Due to lockdown, I have had more time to do a mini watching season and have managed to work my way through quite a few. I have been looking at these machines myself recently and wondered how easy it would be to use. Thank you so much for making a tutorial that anyone who is not technical can even understand. I love this machine even more and will definitely be investing in one. thanks again.

I have watched several videos and yours is the only one that didn't stress me out! I can't wait to get started on all the project's

Thank for you tutorial. I purchased the cameo 3 and am not normally crafty. Your instructions showed me how simple and that I can use this.

Mary, I just found your channel and I have been binge watching! You are so talented and I love your style! I’ll continue watching for sure!💗

This is the simplest vinyl transfer and stencil video I have seen yet. I am new to the Silhouette, and you covered all the important points very clearly. I was really struggling with using my own lettering designs until I saw your video. It is not too long at all! It was perfect for the material covered. Thank you!

Mary, You are a great teacher! Don’t be so hard on yourself. We appreciate all you do!

Your calm, peaceful enthusiasm inspires us all!

I have watched this five times each time I learn something I missed and I now have a stencil! Great information

this was AWESOME... I just bought my cameo 3 and I was a bit intimidated by it...but this was the Perfect start for me...appreciate you taking the time to explain & then show step by step a couple of examples

Thank you for this tutorial. It is by far one of the most informative videos that I have watched. Looking forward to finding more.

Thank you for giving me the confidence that I’ve had hidden away to get in to my silhouette cameo. I’ve had it for a while but didn’t want to be wasteful or ruin anything. THANK YOU

I have been using Silhouette for over 10 years and I learned something new from your video, thank you so much!!

Thank you soooo much for sharing with us! You are so sweet and generous and I appreciate your being so genuine! I've been wanting to do some stuff for years, but just keep getting side tracked by life, but you have inspired me! Thank you so much again! God Bless!

Love watching your video, it was great!! You explained everything so clearly and I understood it really well. I am looking at getting a machine like this to do small decals as an addition to my business that I currently have which I use the bigger Roland Cutter machines to do really large lettering for banners. I want to do small decals to put onto smaller things like glass bottles etc and labelling for essential oils. Your video is fantastic ... !!

I just purchased mine and have had it for a week, I have watched so many tutorials and felt lost most of the time, Your tutorial is so well done with very clear information, I learned so much! Thank you!!!

I enjoyed your video !!! I have always struggled with making letter for my signs and this video has inspired me to save to get a Cameo . Thank you for taking the time to help others by going over a product that you use and love. I am also thankful that you let us know the vinyl you like to use. It was ALL very helpful !!!

I so appreciate your Cameo tutorials. I just got mine and I'm lost. I appreciate that you teach step by step instructions. I can follow along with you. Would love more videos on Cameo 4.

I received a Silhouette Cameo 3 as a Christmas present. I am just getting myself acquainted with the machine and the software now. This video is so very helpful! I enjoyed that it was on the longer side instead of being short and sweet. I definitely learn best by watching and a more hands on approach. I agree, this is one of the best videos I've watched! Thank you!

I’m so excited- my hubby just ordered me the silhouette cameo 3!! I’ll definitely be watching your video tutorial again to make sure I know what I’m doing. It’s a bit overwhelming to me at first. But You do a great job breaking it down easily for us. I love the stuff you make on your channel ! You are an inspiration :)

I had been using freezer wrap paper making squares with a ruler & then drawing off what I copy on to graph paper! I know crazy but it worked for me. Now I have a Cameo I can't figure out how to use. I just found it has a drawer under where you open the lid!!! I LOVE THIS VIDEO...I learn some things from it!!!

I got the Silhouette portrait for Christmas and I'm so intimidated to use it, lol. Will watch this and feel sure you will be the best person to show us how to use the Silhouette machine. Thank you! I really enjoy your channel so much. UPDATE: Finally watched the video and feel sure I can tackle this now even though I do have the smaller portrait model. I have seen other tutorials here on youtube but yours is definitely the best and easiest to understand. Thank you so much!

Hi Mary! I have just recently found your channel and LOVE IT SO MUCH!! You do such an amazing job with each one! I appreciate your teaching. I love your beautiful home, your gardens including all your outdoor friends, your filming style, and your tutorials on how to do your beautiful creations! From the very first video, I told my husband where you must be from and from watching your videos, I was right! We have visited your beautiful area for many, many years. I just wanted to take the time to tell you thank you for all you do! I get so excited whenever I see you posted a new video. You always do a great job! Thank you for this tutorial so much! I have been interested in the silhouette for a long time! Wishing you a beautiful day! Enjoy listening to those beautiful birds you have! Cindy

Watched this 09/10/19 and would like to say thank you. Your video was a tremendous amount of help to me in deciding if I want a Silhouette Cameo 3. I do believe I'll be purchasing one in the near future. The way you demonstrated was wonderful. So happy I ran across this. Thank you!

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I was gifted a Cameo 2 years ago and have hardly used it because I just didn't know where or how to start, and couldn't seem to find any help online. This helps me get started and I'm excited to try my own project.

I have the latest Cricut. Watching your in depth video has given me some insight and courage to start trying vinyl stencils and sign making. Thank you for taking the time to share everything you do. ❤

Thank you so much, my intimidation has kept me from purchasing one of these machines, best tutorial I have seen as of date, makes me think I may be able to do this.😊

You shared exactly what I needed. My Cameo arrived today and I’ll set it up tomorrow. Thanks.

Great job on the tutorial. I have no excuses not to use my machine. All thanks to you!!😄

Thank you so much for this video,. I now have a better understanding of what these types of gadgets machines do, I understand what each item is used for, such as vinyl and transfer paper, eccetera. I’m sure it does a million other things and your video was simple enough and it served as a great introduction to the Cameo. Loved how the cutting board and the pillow case turned out. You always do such Beautiful work 👍❤️

This tutorial was the best one I have found for me personally. I have had a cameo for a few years and have been wanting to use vinyl and with your video I feel confident that I will be able to do it 💕 Thank you!!

I wish I could meet you in person, you are so inspiring and delightful, and funny 😄😅😂you love your cameo, maybe the way some men love their trucks and cars nothing wrong with that, it gives you pleasure and you teach us so much!!!!! Maybe one day I will own one too !!!!

I am brand NEW to Cameo 3. Give yourself WAY more credit.....this was phenominal and I love how thorough you are and calm and easy to accomplish! Loved it! Bookmarked this video and subscribed (of course!). Thank you!

All I can say is I am so, so happy I found your videos! I love trash to treasure AND I purchased a Cameo a few months back to help with my mobile painting parties (making stencils) but have been a bit intimidated to try it. Your tutorial was perfect! I am binge watching all of your videos as you are an inspiration! Wishing you JOY in this new year! Thank you for all you do!

Sweet Mary, this was SO helpful! I’ve been watching you and wondering if I could do something like what you show. You make it look so easy. Thank you.

Mary you are amazing and to the point . It was so easy to follow your tutorial on your cameo. Best ever

I think when women do things like this, working at home and being a home maker, it is so much fun, you make being a home maker so much fun and inspiring!!!!!!! We are women of intelligence and interests, and not just a cook a cleaner and a mother!!!!! We can have loads of fun if we just tap into our creativity. You take care of so much in your home and have so many wonderful abilities. Proverbs 31-31 you are wonderful !!!!!

The best tutorial for the Silhouette Cameo 3! I just bought my Cameo and simultaneously while watching this video, I did my first Project. Thank You!

Thank you thank you so much for teaching me how to make my first cut with my Silhouette 3 . Oh my Lord the software scared me...lol. Owning 3 Cricut one a Cricut Maker very friendly user software. But i love the images and 3D images of the silhouette, i Had to LEARN TO USE IT! Your video brought joy to my crafting world with the cameo thanks thanks for going at a good pace so i could catch on and Learn. Your AN AWESOME TEACHER!!!

You are so articulate. Please give yourself credit I now feel confident buying a cameo

I am about to purchase my Cameo after watching your videos. I used to sew a lot but kept my machine in the cabinet so I'm also taking it out as well.

Hey Mary, contact paper is a great idea. There's so much more you can do with your silhouette cameo.

Happy Thursday :) Have A Great & Blessed Weekend :) p.s. It is truly a blessing to watch Your videos without the ads :)

This would be my Christmas gift , will ask my kids and husband.

I'm a little late to the party. Thank you so much for this video. I was almost ripping my hair out trying to figure out how to make the stencil for a sign. No other video was as helpful as yours

THANK YOU! !I bought my machine three months ago and just now getting it out of the box. You were such a great help to me

I just got my Cameo 3 and was terrified of it. I've been scouring RU-vid in search of help and your video is the best beginner tutorial that I've seen!! Thank you so much!!

Awesome. Most simple yet effecient explaining! Thanks. Now off to try my first project.

This video is exactly what I needed. Thanks Vicki

The reviews on Amazon are very poor for this machine. Yet you never seem to have any issues. Love your projects and humble spirit Mary!

I’m hoping to get one of these for Christmas tonight. Can’t wait to use it. Your instructions were very well thought out.

Oh my gosh I am so happy I decided to look at your videos from the past. I received a cameo 4 for Christmas and have been afraid to take it out of the box. Your videos make sense to me and I think if I find the time in the next couple of days I will be taking it out of the box and getting it set up! Thank you for these videos! Happy New Year to you and your family! I love all of your videos!

I am very grateful for your tutorial i definitely want to do this. You are too hard on yourself you are a wonderful tutor.

Mary, you are an inspiration!! I have been on the fence about buying a Silhouette Cameo. The thought really frightens me. After seeing your video, I feel more capable about using it. Thank you for all your help. Linda from New Orleans

This was wonderful information. You do so many great things that you got me interested in getting the cameo, but I was hesitant about the learning curve (and frustration). You answered so many of my questions I think I will dive in and give it a try. Thank you for making this video.

I’m so glad I found you Mary. I have been thinking about buying a cutting machine for such a long time. I have been watching many videos with the Silhouettes, but seeing this video, you have made my mind up and I went out and finally bought the Cameo 3. I paid $359 AUD along with the tool set and the cover total $400 AUD, going to use for cutting my stamped images out firstly but next month I will be buying the Vinyl and thanks for the tip about the contact paper.

Wow! Amazing tutorial, I’m a newbie with silhouette...thanks to you , I am now ready to try small projects..👍❤️

I only stumbled upon your channel tonight, so glad I did ! I have had my Cameo nearly a year and never used it yet ! Thank you sooooo much ! Now I think I can. I have watched a lot of tutorials on RU-vid and paid for a lot of online courses but this is much easier learning in my opinion. I like the way you show your work as you go. Judging from other reviews and peeking at some of your other videos there is a lot more you do that interests me. Looking forward to watching and learning !

This was so amazingly helpful!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!! Best video for how to do exactly what I am wanting to try!

For people that are new to Cameo, the more detailed the better. Your video was the perfect length and you're much too hard on yourself. I loved everything you made and appreciated the time you took to explain the techniques shown.

I'm so sooooo happy that you posted this!!! 😄 I has requested this information in another one of your posts😊 I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help and time with this matter...

Thank you so much! Your videos are so very helpful. I refer to them often and recommend them to my friends and family !

I have wanted one of these for years, yes years, but felt intimidated by the learning curve. Thank you for this video! I thoroughly enjoyed learning. You are a wonderful teacher. I am ordering one now.