So...you bought a Silhouette.

You’ve taken it out of the box and loaded Silhouette Studio software. You already know that you hook the Silhouette up to your computer (PC or Mac) just like a printer and using Silhouette Studio software you can cut custom lettering using fonts already installed on your computer. You also know that you can download and cut custom designs, too. 

But, do you know how to use the Silhouette, the Studio software and the Print and Cut feature?

Ever find a shape or design that’s almost what you wanted, but somehow it’s not quite right?

Did you know that Silhouette has a line of fabric inks and stencil material that you can cut?

Want to know how to use the Silhouette to design etched glass projects?

There are so many creative possibilities using your Silhouette!

At Simple Pleasures we offer classes to help you learn to make the most of your Silhouette. There are several classes coming up on this schedule that will help educate and walk you through techniques and projects.

We have two knowledgable Silhouette instructors at Simple Pleasures: Becky and Marianne.  (You can read their instructor bios on the instructor page.) You probably have met them while shopping at the store! They both have classes on the current schedule to choose from.

Some of Becky’s upcoming classes include:

September 23 (Friday) @ 5:30pm - Silhouette, Beyond the Basics, What Does THIS Button Do?

In this class you will learn how to utilize the Print and Cut feature and take home a reference booklet to use with Silhouette Studio. Becky will walk you through the steps to modify and personalize your designs and create custom designs using the trace feature, too.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to create unique designs for that special occasion? 

In need of an adorable Advent Calendar? Sign up for Becky’s class:

November 5 (Saturday) @ 10am - How Many Days to Christmas? Silhouette Advent Gingerbread House (Silhouette is NOT required for this class!)

How adorable is that house with all of the peekaboo windows?!

Would you like to get an early start on your gift stash? Marianne has a couple of upcoming classes you’ll love:

November 5 (Saturday) @ 10am - Silhouette Fun Altered Projects

Want to try the Silhouette fabric inks? Play with canvas and try glass etching? In this class you’ll be able to do all that and more!

What would a Marianne project be without bling? *wink*  Just imagine...making your own stenciled tees, bags, canvas art... 

November 12 (Saturday) @10am - Silhouette Advent Box Workshop

Make an amazing 3D advent calendar using a special downloadable design set from Silhouette. Register for this class and when we receive the shipment of kits, you will receive your project box kit - a 3D home decor piece that will house all of your boxes created with your Silhouette. You’ll customize your advent calendar with your choice of papers and embellishments. I could see this set being changed out for every holiday!

Be sure to register for these classes soon - you don’t want to miss out! Stop by the store to see the samples in person and get class details or download the schedule from the website.

And, coming soon, the Silhouette Cameo ... with the capability of using 12inch wide papers!!  Suggested retail pricing is $299 for this machine. We are offering introductory pricing on pre-orders of the Cameo for those of you who want it. Pre-order pricing is $269.99. Give us a call if you want to reserve one at this price! Availability is projected to be in October sometime. We'll let you know when it arrives.

Beautiful, detailed cards, iris folding, Spellbinder dies and Sizzix embossing folders…
do you know this instructor?

Here are a few more hints: she’s a stamper and has been known to use Just Rite stamps and many others to make wonderful all occasion and holiday cards.

It’s Linda Knight! (You can read Linda’s Simple Pleasures bio under the “Our Instructors” link, under Classes.)

Linda has a classic style and usually has one or two oriental themed classes on the schedule, along with an iris folding class or two.

Linda’s upcoming class, Embossed Folder Fun is this Friday evening:

Embossed Folder Fun is a great class, if you would like to learn more about using embossing folders and Spellbinder dies to create cards. More than just using the folders for backgrounds, Linda will guide you as you create 4 cards. Don’t forget your adhesives and detail scissors!

If Iris Folding is what you want to learn, you don’t want to miss Linda’s Christmas Iris Folding Cards. Shimmering papers, a little bling and lots of color. You’ll learn the technique and complete 3 cards in class.

Here are the dates of some of Linda’s upcoming classes:

Sept 16 (Fri) @ 5:30pm  -  Embossed Folder Fun

Oct  08 (Sat) @ 10:00am -  Christmas Iris Folding

Oct 10 (Mon) @ 10:00am – Fun & Fast Techniques Fall Cards

There’s more…so be sure to stop by Simple Pleasures to see Linda's samples and pick up the current schedule. You can also download the schedule from our website.

Call or stop by the store to treat yourself to a class with Linda!

We're putting the finishing touches on our new class schedule, so we thought we would give you a bit of a  Sneak Preview!

Meet Teresa, one of our new instructors.               
Teresa is "new" to teaching at Simple Pleasures, but certainly NOT new to creativity, especially with altered projects! Read more about Teresa and all the SP teachers in the "Our Instructors" section of the website.Shown here is a peak from her upcoming Creative Color Wash class, Friday, August 26 at 5:30pm.

Here are peaks at Teresa's Tim Holtz Configurations Class and Altered Frame Project classes coming up, too.

We hope to see you at our Open House this Friday nite from 5 - 7pm. We'll have the new class schedule and many of the teachers will be on hand with samples of their new classes!

Did you know that Iris Folding is a technique that originated in Holland? Yeah, me neither! What I do know is that Linda's Christmas Iris Folding class is Saturday, July 2 and begins at 10:00am.

A little bit of foil paper, a little bit of bling and glitz and you've got yourself some gorgeous creations!

Learn how fun and easy it is to make these 3 Iris Folded cards. Why not get a head start on those Christmas cards, too?!

Take a break from your summer and enjoy a class at Simple Pleasures. Stop by and view " The Wall" of samples and pick up a schedule. There's always something in the works...hope to see you soon!

Has your mojo taken an unexpected vacation? Need some creative play time and encouragement? Join Angi for this installment of her Distress Workshop Series: Girly Grunge, Friday, June 17 at 5:30pm.

In this techniques class, you will add to your ‘tech deck’ another set of fun ideas that you’ll be able to use over and over again. You’ll get to choose your own colors and style to finish off or add to your projects. Vintage, Victorian, Funky…make it your’s!

Big Shot, Sizzix dies and embossing folders, fabric, Grungepaper and lots of fun products to create your own customized embellishments.

Don’t forget – this is a “No White Zone” class! Bring an apron/cover-up and if you have them a craft mat and heat gun. You’ll play with Distress Inks, shimmer mists, and Crackle Accents to name a few… (Alcohol inks will be used also. If you don’t want stained fingers bring gloves!)

Come play!