Beautifully Etched Acrylic Clipboard Created with Silhouette Curio 2

Looking to personalize your office supplies or make a custom gift? In this post, I’m excited to share a recent project I created using the Silhouette Curio 2 and the Power Engraver: a beautifully etched acrylic clipboard featuring a design by Sarah Hurley. This project showcases the versatility of the Curio 2, turning a simple clipboard into a stylish, functional piece. Create your own etched masterpiece, perfect for home, office, or as a unique gift. Read on to discover how to elevate your DIY etching projects with the Silhouette Curio 2!

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

When I get an idea in my head, there are times, it just will not leave until I do something. That is how this project came to be. The first one I did, I etched on the backside of the clipboard.

It looks great in person, but I had to hold up a sheet of black cardstock behind it in order to get it to show up on a photo. This one was a bit tricky because the hardware on the clipboard is not removable, so I had to rig up some supports underneath the clipboard to make it a completely flat surface. It was definitely a trial and I am so happy with how it turned out, but I knew I wanted to try again.

Test #2 actually was a failure. I switched to etching on the top of the clipboard to see how it would work and I could hear that something was not right while it was etching. Eventually, it just stopped etching entirely. I thought I’d take the Power Engraver out to clean it. Don’t do that during an etch! When the power tool was removed, it did not start up again when I put it back in while the machine was paused.

It is NOT a waste though! The one thing I’ve learned through the years in all the testing and troubleshooting that I do is that things WILL go wrong. Get extra blanks because something is going to happen. And if it doesn’t, well, you have extra blanks to use. Not a waste! A learning experience and opportunity.

I could not figure out what the issue was, so I swapped out the Silhouette Power Engraver for a new one and marked the old one with issues. I’ll troubleshoot that another day.

Test #3 was a success! The Silhouette Power Engrave tool has a smooth finish so even though this etch is on the top of the clipboard, it is not rough to the touch.

I used a lint roller to clean up the acrylic dust that the Silhouette Power Engraver creates before I removed anything. Be careful with any debris and keep your machine clean for best results. Do not inhale the acrylic dust or get it in your eyes.

Supplies Used for Etched Acrylic Clipboard with the Silhouette Curio 2

• Silhouette Curio 2 – Crafter Cuts, Amazon
• Silhouette Debris Tray – Crafter Cuts, Amazon
• Silhouette Power Engraver – Crafter Cuts, Amazon
• Bundle: Silhouette Curio 2, Debris Tray, Power Engraver, and more – check it out HERE
• Silhouette Cutting mat – Crafter Cuts, Amazon
• Acrylic Clipboard
• She Believed She Could So She Did by Sarah Hurley – Design #329817
• Washi tape or low tack tape
• Painter’s Tape
• Lint Roller

Silhouette Curio 2 Resources

Tips for Etching

• Get extra blanks
• Secure the blank well – any movement and it will be a dud as the etching is permanent
• Not all acrylic is good acrylic – some will just smoosh versus etch – testing is the only way to know what will work
• Start small – I prefer a 3″ round or a coaster when practicing and testing – cheaper to test and mess up with
• Do not remove the tool from the machine, even if it is paused.
• Be careful with any debris and keep your machine clean for best results. Do not inhale the acrylic dust or get it in your eyes.

Silhouette Curio 2 Classes

Want to get started with the Silhouette Curio 2 faster? I have step-by-step classes available on Teachable from out-of-the-box projects to setting up for successful etching on acrylic.

Check out all the Silhouette Classes on my Teachable site HERE.

Find more Silhouette Curio 2 information on the website HERE.

And more videos on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.
Silhouette Curio 2 playlist HERE.

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Enjoy !

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