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“Happy Fall Y’all” Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's my honest review of the new Cameo 3 machine--what I love and what could be improved upon--along with a step by step tutorial of my first project I tackled utilizing a unique watercolor technique.

It felt like Christmas in September when the NEW *Silhouette Cameo 3 machine arrived on my doorstep.  The happiest of happy mail.  Photographic evidence:

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's my happy over happy mail face! My Cameo is my favorite crafting tool of all time...so this was like Christmas in September!

You see, my Cameo has been my right-hand-gal on more craft projects than I can count (check ’em all out HERE in my Silhouette gallery).  I’ve not come across a better tool for creating professional-quality, custom gifts and decor.  So, you can bet I was eager to get my crafting hands on the new model that just released this summer!

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's my happy over happy mail face! My Cameo is my favorite crafting tool of all time...so this was like Christmas in September!

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's my happy over happy mail face! My Cameo is my favorite crafting tool of all time...so this was like Christmas in September!

Last week, I unboxed my new machine, powered her up, and even managed to knock out a project creating some fun fall decor for our buffet “fantel” (fake mantel) while Juniper napped.  It’s a “Happy Fall, Y’all!” sign featuring one of my favorite art forms of late…watercolors!  And I’d love to walk you through the step by step for how I created this lil’ work of art, as well as highlighting some of the fun new features of the Cameo 3.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's my honest review of the new Cameo 3 machine--what I love and what could be improved upon--along with a step by step tutorial of my first project I tackled utilizing a unique watercolor technique.

And stick with me to the end because not only will you be inspired by the 13 other fall projects my Silhouette Challenge friends have to share with you today in our blog hop, buuuuut, we have a giveaway we’re hosting for our beloved readers.  And I’d be tickled pink if a Thinking Closet reader won the loot!

Tutorial

Step 1.  Power on your Cameo 3 and install the new designs to your software.

First, I made sure I had the newest version of Silhouette Studio software on my computer by going to HELP on the top menu, then selecting, “Check for Updates….”  I connected my Cameo 3 to my laptop using the USB cable, and as soon as I powered up the machine, I received this pop-up message, inviting me to install new designs to my library:

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - First step: power up the Cameo 3 machine and download the new images to your library.

I went ahead and hit OKAY and 100 digital designs were added to my library.  Yay!  I also noticed that from then on, my software included a few new features particular to the Cameo 3.  For instance, I now have access to the “automatic blade” in the cut settings window.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - First step: power up the Cameo 3 machine and download the new images to your library. You'll also have access to new features in Silhouette Studio software.

I already had access to the dual-carriage features since plugging in my Curio machine, but that’s another feature the the Cameo 3 has that older models don’t.

The new Cameo 3 has a nifty touchscreen that even makes little click noises when you make selections (fancy!).  I set the language on my machine and perused some of the menu options, snapping pictures along the way in the awesomest of lighting {sarcasm}.  Here’s a glimpse:

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a glimpse at the touchscreen walk-through upon initial set-up.

Once the set-up was complete, I was ready to begin creating my project!

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a glimpse at the touchscreen after initial set-up.

Step 2: Create your digital design in Silhouette Studio.

I knew I wanted to create a mini-sign that read “Happy Fall, Y’all” to display on a little wooden easel.  So, I created a 5″ x 5″ square in my Silhouette Studio software, and went to town with the Brusher font (using Manhattan Darling for the letter “f” in fall) and some leaves I brought over from PicMonkey and traced.

TIP #1: Use Wordmark.it as a quick n’ easy tool for exploring how certain words look based on the fonts loaded on your computer.  It’s the bomb dot com.

TIP #2: Outline and fill your text with color to gain a more accurate picture of your final design.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's the digital design I created in my Silhouette Studio software.

Step 3: Paint your watercolor backdrop.

Watercolor has been my jam lately.  And I thought the text and leaves would look most beautiful cut out of watercolor paper…or at least appearing as though they were cut out of watercolor paper.

So, I gathered my favorite watercolor pad of paper and my Sakura Watercolors Field Sketch Set, brushes, and of course, a bowl of water.  I laid some parchment paper down over my tabletop to protect it, and taped the sheet of paper to the parchment using washi tape.  That way, my surface suffered minimal warping.

Now, the key to achieving a really blended look was to use a lot of water.  Here were the steps I took to watercolor an autumnal backdrop:

1 – Lay down a coat of water on the paper first.

2 – Paint a layer of bright yellow of various intensities across the page.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - How to create a unique watercolor effect to Silhouette-cut lettering and shapes.

3 – Incorporate splashes of orange into the mix–almost a camo-effect–being generous with water as you go.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - How to create a unique watercolor effect to Silhouette-cut lettering and shapes.

4 – Incorporate some intense red hues.  Less is more here.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - How to create a unique watercolor effect to Silhouette-cut lettering and shapes.

5 – Incorporate some splashes of brown.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - How to create a unique watercolor effect to Silhouette-cut lettering and shapes.

6.  Go back in with your vibrant yellow and a very wet brush and do some blending so the colors bleed together.

Voila!

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - How to create a unique watercolor effect to Silhouette-cut lettering and shapes.

You really can’t mess this up.  It’s supposed to be a mess of color after all!  In fact, this project could be a great parent-child collaboration.  Have the child paint the watercolor backdrop…and you tackle the Silhouette!

Step 4: Cut your cardstock overlay.

So, in order to achieve the appearance of watercolor text and leaves, I used my machine to create an overlay with the text and leaves cut out as negative space.  And my material of choice?  Adhesive-backed cardstock, which is just as awesome as it sounds: cardstock with an adhesive backing.

Adhesive Backed Cardstock via thinkingcloset.com

I actually was eager to try the AutoBlade that came with my Cameo 3.  Basically, you select your material and the AutoBlade will self-adjust through a number of clicks on the left-hand side of the machine.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a glimpse at the AutoBlade and new locking mechanism for the blades on the new Cameo 3 machine!

However a test cut at the recommended blade depth of 4 did not cleanly cut through the adhesive-backed cardstock.  So, I opted for using my good old faithful ratchet blade and upped the blade setting to a 5 for a nice clean cut.  I haven’t given up on the AutoBlade, though!  Especially since I learned you can still make manual adjustments using the AutoBlade, as well as adjusting the default settings for the materials you work with.  And it seemed as though everyone on Amazon raved about its cutting accuracy with their projects…so perhaps my experience was an anomaly.

Tip #3: Always, always, always run a test cut before starting using the TEST CUT button to ensure you have the proper blade setting.  You’ll save yourself from ruined material that way.

Tip #4: If you use the AutoBlade, know that it only works in the red tool 1 slot.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a glimpse at the AutoBlade and new locking mechanism for the blades on the new Cameo 3 machine!
I spy an adorable photo-bomber!

Sidenote: I was pleased to see a new blade locking mechanism on the Cameo 3.  The little blue lever on my original Cameo is broken (though still functional).  Instead of twisting a lever, you actually now push and pull to lock and unlock the blade housing.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a glimpse at the AutoBlade and new locking mechanism for the blades on the new Cameo 3 machine!

After filling out my cut settings, running test cuts, and adjusting my ratchet blade, I sent the job to the machine by selecting the button on the bottom of the screen, SEND TO SILHOUETTE.  Then, I sat back and watched my whirring wonder do what she was made to do.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Job complete!

Step 5.  Apply the cardstock overlay to the watercolor paper.

Now, this is when the magic happened!  I peeled up the cardstock overlay…

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - After peeling up my adhesive backed cardstock, I applied it to my watercolor background for a vibrant, autumnal finished piece!

…and applied it to a particularly vibrant section of my watercolor background.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - After peeling up my adhesive backed cardstock, I applied it to my watercolor background for a vibrant, autumnal finished piece!

Then, I used a pair of scissors to cut the watercolor paper down to size.

After making a mini-sign with a black overlay, I created one with a white overlay for contrast.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - After peeling up my adhesive backed cardstock, I applied it to my watercolor background for a vibrant, autumnal finished piece! Here are the black and white renditions for two unique, different looks.

I love the drama of the black…

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - After peeling up my adhesive backed cardstock, I applied it to my watercolor background for a vibrant, autumnal finished piece! Here are the black and white renditions for two unique, different looks.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - After peeling up my adhesive backed cardstock, I applied it to my watercolor background for a vibrant, autumnal finished piece! Here are the black and white renditions for two unique, different looks.

…but the modern fresh feel of the white.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - After peeling up my adhesive backed cardstock, I applied it to my watercolor background for a vibrant, autumnal finished piece! Here are the black and white renditions for two unique, different looks.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - After peeling up my adhesive backed cardstock, I applied it to my watercolor background for a vibrant, autumnal finished piece! Here are the black and white renditions for two unique, different looks.

And with both, I love the watercolor effect in those rich, fall colors…

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's my finished mini-sign on display on our fall "fantel." If that doesn't put you in the mood for autumn, I don't know what will!

…as well as the three-dimensional quality to the artwork, especially when viewed up close.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's my finished mini-sign on display on our fall "fantel." If that doesn't put you in the mood for autumn, I don't know what will!

I incorporated the little easel and artwork into our fall “fantel” display, and now it finally feels complete!

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's my finished mini-sign on display on our fall "fantel." If that doesn't put you in the mood for autumn, I don't know what will!

The Final Verdict on the Cameo 3

Just in case you’re curious, here’s what comes in the box with the Cameo 3:

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's what came in the box!

  • 1 AutoBlade
  • 12″ cutting mat
  • crosscutter for trimming vinyl
  • 100 free digital designs
  • 1-month Design Store subscription
  • Bluetooth adapter (installed)
  • power cable
  • USB cable

And after my first “go” at a project using the machine, here are my initial impressions:

LOVES:

  • More storage space.  I can keep my hook tool, scraper, sketch pens, etc. right there inside the machine!
  • Easy to follow touch screen (with tutorials to boot).
  • Clear media guides for lining up your mat and media.
  • Easy to adjust rollers.
  • Sleek, modern look.
  • Simpler loading.  No more “load media” or “load mat” debacle.  Just one option!
  • New push and pull locking blade mechanism.
"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a look at some of my favorite new features!
Easy to adjust rollers.
"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a look at some of my favorite new features!
More storage space!

THE JURY IS STILL OUT:

  • Dual-carriage system: this allows you to cut and draw in one step without having to swap out tools.  While it’ll be very useful for card-makers and those who use two tools at once, this isn’t as useful for most of the projects I do.  Still, great to have the option.  To see the dual-carriage system in action, visit my Curio tutorial.
  • 2mm cutting height, so you can use a deep-cut blade for thicker materials like craft foam.  I simply see myself sticking with material that my old-school Cameo could cut (.8mm cutting height).
  • Bluetooth potential that allows for wireless cutting: this is awesome in theory!  However, I’m awaiting the new software release in order to try this feature out.
"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a glimpse at the AutoBlade and new locking mechanism for the blades on the new Cameo 3 machine!
Dual-carriage system.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:

  • Because the new software has yet to be released, the current software proved glitchy with my Cameo 3.  Test cuts were all cutting atop each other, and I had trouble saving my document at first.  My hope is that the new software will be released soon and correct these issues.
  • AutoBlade.  After trying it out, I think I prefer manual control.  Still, this may be a helpful feature for beginners who are overwhelmed with the manual blade adjustments.

All in all, I think this is an incredible update to an already incredible machine, especially if you’re leaping from the original Cameo to the Cameo 3 as I have.  I think beginners will find the new model significantly less intimidating than the original.

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a look at some of my favorite new features!

And anything that minimizes the intimidation factor where crafting is concerned is a winner in my book.  Case closed.  (Literally.)

"Happy Fall, Y'all!" Watercolor Art: A Silhouette Cameo 3 Tutorial - Here's a look at some of my favorite new features!

Similar Techniques

If you’re keen on the look of my “Happy Fall, Y’all” Watercolor Art and are interested in other projects that are like it, check these out:

Christmas Gift Tags with Washi Tape! {Free cut file included.} Via thinkingcloset.com
Washi Tape Christmas Tags
Baby Nursery Watercolor Wall Art | An Embossing & Debossing Tutorial for the new Silhouette Curio Machine! This detailed photo tutorial will turn your intimidation into motivation...and answer questions you didn't even know you had. It's your one stop shop to exploring the emboss / deboss function on your new Curio machine!
Nursery Watercolor Art | Curio Tutorial

Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?

My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!

14 Fall Projects for Your Silhouette | 14 creative home decor, t-shirt, and back to school projects that you can whip out using your Silhouette machine plus these killer tutorials. Plenty of inspiration to last you all fall long!

DIY Grateful Shirt Perfect For Thanksgiving DIY Back to School Sign & Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Stenciled Fall Leaf Throw Pillow "Happy Fall Y'all" Watercolor Art: Cameo 3 Tutorial Cutest Pumpkin In The Patch Onesies Conquering my Fears How to Build and Paint a Wood Sign Reversible Fall Block {tutorial} + Fall Blog Hop & Giveaway Spooktacular Monogram Onesie for Baby's First Halloween + GIVEAWAY! Double Sided Fall and Christmas Pillow Tutorial Pumpkin Pillow Covers Make Fun Canvas Pencil Cases Silhouette Fall Challenge: Fall Planter Box w/ Vinyl Pumpkins "Happy Fall Y'all" Cotton Wreath

1. Small Stuff Counts // 2. My Favorite Finds // 3. Two Purple Couches // 4. The Thinking Closet // 5. Practically Functional // 6. GiveMeAPaintbrush // 7. Creative Ramblings // 8. Ginger Snap Crafts // 9. Where The Smiles Have Been // 10. Sisters, What! // 11. Create & Babble // 12. HaberdasheryFun // 13. Curly Crafty Mom // 14. unOriginal Mom

Amazon Giveaway

Fall Giveaway hosted by the Silhouette Challenge | $140 Amazon.com Gift Card | Internationals welcome! Sept 12th - 19th, 2016

And because we not only want to inspire you creatively, but help provide you with the tools to make that happen, my Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are hosting a giveaway for a $140 Amazon gift card for one lucky winner.  You can put that prize toward a Silhouette machine, supplies, or whatever your crafting heart desires.

The best part?  This giveaway is open to international readers, as well.  Whoo hoo!

To enter: just complete the entries in the Rafflecopter widget below or at this link.  Because of my many blog friends who helped make this giveaway possible, you have 17 potential entries, which means a lot of winning power.  So, hurry up and enter!

{This giveaway runs from today through Monday, September 19th at 11:59p eastern and is open to anyone 18 years of age or older.  International entrants welcome.  You can read the rest of the terms and conditions in the widget below.}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Full Disclosure: I received a free Cameo 3 from Silhouette America to facilitate this review; however, you can bet your bottom dollar that all opinions are 100% my own!  I truly love this machine.  This post also contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for helping to support this site!

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31 Comments

  1. Wow, there are a lot of great features of Silhouette CAMEO machine that I didn’t know about before. But I’d like to ask between Silhouette Cameo 3 vs Cricut Explore AIR 2 which one is the best? Any recommendations please.

    1. I’ve never tried out a Cricut before so I can’t speak to which is better…I’d probably check out reviews on YouTube by those who have used both machines to gather more opinions. But all in all, I can say the Cameo 3 is a pretty powerful machine! My favorite crafting tool of all time, for sure.

  2. I’m having LOADS of fun this weekend learning how to use my brand new Silhouette Cameo!!!! re-visiting all your tutorials and projects so I can now put all that inspriation to good use 🙂 Thank you, Sweetheart!

    1. Aw, you are too sweet. I can’t imagine it having gone to a more appreciative winner! You also have inspiration for DAYS…so that doesn’t hurt!

  3. I also has that Sakura watercolor set! Now I know what to do next with my brush and palette now. Thank you Lauren for such an amazing idea.

  4. Lauren, what an inspiring project, full of color! Made me want to jump right in and make one too, but alas I don’t have the right colors at the moment. Something to put on my to do list for sure!

  5. Lauren, those are beautiful fall art!! Thanks for the review on Cameo 3. I am still using Cameo 1 and just got Curio. So thinking why should I get this new one? Looks like the Cameo 3 is similar to Curio. Thinking and looking for more ideas… 😉

    1. Sorry for the delay in my reply…I think you’re probably able to do everything you need with the Curio and Cameo 1…but of course when yours breaks (if it ever does – – these machines are so well made), you can upgrade then!

  6. Thanks for this great & hopeful opportunity Lauren & I loved all the new sites/resources I got when I entered the contest! I really enjoy your emails & posts; especially love hearing about your family!

  7. I so wish I had been there when the Cameo 3 arrived…next time around I’d love to see you make a project You made it so clear I think I could do it myself, but I also learn best when watching someone else first. I agree the colors are great and it’s such an awesome autumnal decor.

    I can definitely see some mommy-daughter crafts in your and J’s future as soon as she’s a little bit older. Loved seeing her in that one photo…watching her crafty mom! Can’t wait to hear who wins that generous Amazon gift card!

    1. Aw, it would be fun to have you here for a Silhouette crafting sesh! I love to watch others when learning, too. Hmm…perhaps the apple doesn’t fall far?

      Yes, I’m excited to enjoy some crafting days with Junie just as you did with Lisbeth and me growing up. The gift goes on!

  8. Wow!!!! It would of been easier for u to do a video!!! That must of took you forever to do with a baby….LOL!!!! Thank u for the post!!!!

  9. oh, my, Girl! I sooo need one of these machines! We have 3 more grandbabies on the way and I have some serious Grandma-Crafting to do.
    As always, you’ve inspired me – we are working on getting that Autumn Feel around our new home so this post is just in time.

  10. You know I absolutely love the abstract watercolor you painted for this! It’s so neat watching the layers of colors swirl and blend together 🙂 I need to get my hands on some of this adhesive-backed card stock, too!

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