Author: silhouettesecretsplus

EllyMae, the driving force behind Silhouette Secrets+/Swift Creek Customs, has been teaching Silhouette users worldwide since 2016 through blog tutorials, in-person events, and online classes on her Teachable site. Recognized as a top troubleshooter in the industry, EllyMae, a Maker & Creator, seamlessly blends software and technology in her crafting, showcasing expertise in cutting machines, sublimation, and various industry products.
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Crafting Creativity: 1 Bunny File, 5 Creative Projects with Studio Ilustrado

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

What can you do with one cut file? A lot. Each month I work with a featured designer in the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter who provides a file for subscribers, and I share new projects each week during the month with that file. I typically start with the original file, add my own touches to it and then I create additional projects to show the versatility that one file can have. The Carrot Balloon Bunny Card by Studio Ilustrado is a perfect example. In this blog post I’m sharing 5 different design ideas that can be made with a Carrot Balloon Bunny Card design.

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

A cute paper craft scene featuring a gray bunny in a hot air balloon shaped like a carrot, surrounded by colorful flowers and pastel eggs on a checkered tablecloth.

Crafting Creativity with Studio Ilustrado

One file, endless possibilities.

Collage of spring-themed crafts featuring bunny and carrot designs, including greeting cards, decorative items, and crafting tools.

Project #1 – Bunny Carrot Balloon Card

I started out creating the design as originally intended by making the card and adding my own special touches with inking, paper shaping, and foam tape.

A colorful paper craft depicting a bunny in a hot air balloon shaped like a carrot, with a basket and flowers in a grassy landscape.

I had the Silhouette Curio 2 out from testing with the Silhouette Leather Carving Knife, so it was the machine I used to cut this card. Almost all the pieces were cut out using scraps from my stash. I love being able to use my scraps!

Look at these tiny details!

A hand holding a gray paper cutout of a smiling bunny with long ears.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure if it would cut well with the electrostatic mat on the Curio 2, but it did! Especially using a scrap piece of cardstock with the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat.

Sometimes we all just need a little bit of help and taping down the cardstock scraps on the Electrostatic Mat can be that help. It just added a little bit more security to hold my scraps in place and get a successful cut with the Electrostatic Mat. I love this new technology that Silhouette has. While it does not work with all materials, it has saved me hours of time cutting cardstock.

Close-up of a cutting machine with two tool holders, one equipped with a blade and the other empty, and a piece of gray material on the cutting mat.

While I used the Silhouette Curio 2 to cut the projects, any Silhouette machine could be used to create these projects.

Watch a bit of the behind-the-scenes on creating this project in this video – Creative Projects with Studio Ilustrado Designs – Bunny Carrot Balloon Card HERE

A colorful, three-dimensional craft display featuring a bunny in a basket, surrounded by green grass and flowers, with a large carrot above.

Supplies Used:

Project #2 – Peek-a-boo Bunny Box

A yellow gift box shaped like a carton with a bunny illustration on the front, placed on a crafting table alongside a roll of adhesive tape, a tape dispenser, and a crafting tool.

The bunny made the perfect peeking addition to this gable box card. Don’t let the name of a design fool you either. The title of the box is called Christmas Gable Box by Studio Ilustrado, but it can be used for so much more!

Now here is one of my “secrets” – while the Silhouette machines can cut acetate for the window of this box card, I can cut it faster and with less headache.

Digital design software interface showing a cut template with instructions to cut a shape from cardstock.

I cut the window shape from a piece of cardstock using the Silhouette machine and then used it as a template to make a few quick snips with scissors and I was on my way to assembly. It doesn’t have to be perfect since it will be hidden inside the box. And I saved myself time, headache, and didn’t dull my blade.

Crafting workspace with a yellow paper cutout featuring bunny designs, scissors, and various crafting supplies including glue and other tools.

However, if cutting multiples or a different design than a rectangle, it may be beneficial to set up the machine to cut acetate when needed. It’s great to have options.

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Spring Round Wood Sign

I used my laser to cut this out of wood, but you could also use other materials such as cardstock too! Even though I have a laser machine, I started with a 12 inch wood round blank, which you could use as your backing board too.

A decorative wall hanging featuring a cartoon bunny in a hot air balloon shaped like a carrot, with the words 'Hoppy Spring' at the bottom, set against a blue background.

I used the SVG file, opened it in Silhouette and made a few modifications to the file to be able to create the layers for cutting on wood. Since the wood has more thickness to it than a material such as cardstock, I had to add a layer behind the bunny and cut multiples to make it sit flush with the sign and balloon basket. The knife tool in Silhouette helped me to cut the bunny’s little feet off so it would sit flush on the balloon for this design. That sounds so bad when I type it out, but if you have designed in Silhouette, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

A workspace with various craft supplies including a blue sign that says 'SPRING', a cute wooden bunny cutout, and several Uni Posca markers in different colors.

I used a combination of Posca Paint Markers and Deco Arts Paint for finishing out the sign.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – Seasonal Door Corner Design

As I was designing and cutting the first sign, another idea popped into my head too! Have you seen the door corner designs?

A decorative wall hanger featuring a cute gray bunny with pink ears peeking over a white picture frame. The word 'SPRING' is spelled out in yellow letters beside the frame.

I drew out a skinny rectangle, made a copy and rotated it 90 degrees. Aligned the right edges and welded it together to make the corner. Then sized the bunny and welded the bunny background to the rectangles to sit on top. Next, I added letters down the right side. Before welding the letters, I made a copy so I could cut them out and layer on top for color and dimension.

Before you go to cut the design, make sure it’s all flush. I forgot to cut the bunny’s feet with the knife tool, but I didn’t realize it until after he was all cut out, so he sits a little bit higher on the top of the door. In this case, it wasn’t worth recutting the design simply because you can’t really tell on our door frame.

I love these little door corner designs, even if we only have a few door frames that I can add them to in our house because the previous owner used the wrong trim to frame out the doors or the frame is too close to the wall. It is a fun way to add a bit of decoration without putting another hole in the wall.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #5 – Creative Cards

I used the knife tool again, but not to cut off any bunny feet. Instead I cut the carrot off the design and used it to create a couple corny cards.

Four handmade cards featuring carrot designs and playful phrases, displayed on a crafting mat with various crafting tools in the background.

I used a Silhouette Black Glitter sketch pen and a font called BFC Rustic Cherry Farmhouse to sketch out the sentiment. I love the look of this glitter black pen, but it’s very difficult to photograph and show how it really looks.

A craft workspace featuring a Silhouette cutting machine, with a blank page laid out displaying fun carrot-themed quotes and phrases, alongside two markers.

I used the Silhouette Curio 2 to sketch this design using the electrostatic mat because that was the machine on my desk this week, but sketching can be done with any Silhouette machine model.

Two handmade cards on a crafting desk. The left card features a carrot with the text 'I CARROT FOR YOU'. The right card depicts a potted plant with the text 'BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED'.

The clay pot was drawn in Silhouette Studio using basic shapes and adjusting the bottom edit points on a rectangle too!

Unlock your creativity by learning more about Silhouette. You never know where it will take you! Even making cards with carrots.

Four greeting cards featuring playful carrot designs and puns. The cards read: 'YOU'RE ONE IN A BUNCH', 'BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED', 'THANKS A BUNCH!', and 'I CARROT FOR YOU', showcasing colorful carrot illustrations.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Featured Designer – Studio Ilustrado

Find designs by Studio Ilustrado at:

Follow along with Studio Ilustrado on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.

A great big thank you to Studio Ilustrado for contributing the free file for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter for the month of February! If you missed grabbing the free design in February, grab it HERE and start creating!

This year I started offering a free file each month for Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter subscribers. I love designing in the Silhouette Studio software and have shared some of my creations as well as look forward to collaborating with more artists in the future too!

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Did this spark some new creative ideas for you? It’s always inspiring to see how a single design can be used in completely different projects! I had so much fun reimagining this one design across five unique creations and showing just how versatile a single file can be. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, tips, and creative project ideas, be sure to browse the Crafting Creativity section on the Silhouette Secrets+ website — click HERE to explore!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Collage of five craft projects featuring bunnies, plants, and colorful decorations, with a central text overlay reading '5 projects 5 1 file'.

Enjoy !

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Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae
**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Silhouette Cameo5α (Alpha) Unboxing

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

The Silhouette Cameo5α (Alpha) model is the latest machine released by Silhouette America. It was announced at the Silhouette Summit 2025 in Japan in September 2025 and was released shortly after the Summit.

A boxed Silhouette Cameo 5 cutting machine, labeled with dimensions and brand, placed on a concrete surface.

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

I was not able to attend the Silhouette Summit in Japan, but did order the Silhouette Cameo5α as soon as it was available on the Silhouette America website. At the time of the release, only the white Silhouette Cameo5α models were available and there was no timeline on the other colors being released, so I grabbed it. However, if I would have had choices, I would have selected the Bianco Carrara pattern. When this pattern was first released, I was not impressed, until I had one in my hands and it is my new favorite pattern.

I released 2 unboxing videos on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel sharing a quick setup as well as an in-depth look at the new machine model. So far the in-depth unboxing and setup has been the most popular.

A person demonstrating the unboxing and setup of a Silhouette Cameo 5 cutting machine, surrounded by various craft supplies and a laptop on a desk.

Watch the Full Unboxing & Setup of the Silhouette Cameo5α video HERE

A woman wearing a hoodie stands in front of a desk with crafting supplies and a Silhouette Cameo 5 machine, with text overlay reading 'Quick Unboxing + Setup' and the Silhouette logo.

Watch the Quick Unboxing & Setup of the Silhouette Cameo5α HERE

I did not get a blog post out at the time of releasing the unboxing, but sometimes a delay can also be a good thing as I’ve had some time to work with the Silhouette Cameo5α and really test it out. This means that I can add more information and real world experience to the blog post.

Here is one of the first projects I cut out after unboxing the Silhouette Cameo5α.

Crafting materials laid out on a wooden table, including cutouts of a skeleton, coffin, and various decorative pieces, with a Silhouette cutting machine in the background.

This project had many intricate cuts from the wood layers to the small skeleton hands. At this size, the cardstock makes a huge difference too! The first one I cut, the cardstock paper layers were separating and I had to switch to a higher quality smooth cardstock for these details.

Three white paper cutouts of hands placed on a brown surface, with a crafting tool nearby.

Here is a close up look at this finished project of the 3-D Skeleton Coffin with all of the details.

A decorative wooden chest with chains and a padlock, featuring skull and bony hands, set against the backdrop of a cutting machine.

This was just one piece to my Halloween busted canvas project, but it was a great test to really see what the Silhouette Cameo5α was capable of.

A decorative coffin with a skeleton figure inside, resting next to a white cutting machine on a wooden surface.

But, of course, I couldn’t stop there! The coffin was only the first piece of my Halloween busted canvas project.

A Halloween-themed decoration featuring a skeleton seated in a spooky graveyard setting, surrounded by a decorative wreath made of black netting, yellow and black patterned ribbons, and faux bones, with a miniature coffin and tombstone that reads 'R.I.P.'

I continued to cut out pieces for the 3-D Tombstone and put the Silhouette Cameo5α to the test. Within a short amount of time from unboxing the machine, I had a lot of cut hours into testing it out.

Watch the video – 3D Tombstone & Skeleton Halloween Art | Creative Process with Silhouette HERE.

A 3D Halloween-themed display featuring a skull behind wooden planks with chains and a padlock on one side, and a gravestone marked 'R.I.P.' on the other side, surrounded by paint supplies.

How Is This Model Different?

The Silhouette Cameo5α is an updated model of the original Cameo 5. The original Silhouette Cameo 5 model is no longer manufactured.

The Silhouette Cameo5α features a new roller design and I do like how it is much more visible to see the rollers and if ever there is a need, easier to clean them as well. It also has a pinch pressure button locking mechanism on the right roller that is so much nicer than the original model design.

Close-up view of the interior of a Silhouette cutting machine, showcasing the rollers and blade holders on a wooden surface.

It also has an additional 0.3 mm clearance on the roller bar for the Silhouette Cameo5α. At the Silhouette Summit, they mentioned this in reference to use with the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat. With the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat, there is a protective sheet that goes on top of the mat before you place your materials on it to be cut. This protective sheet adds height to what is rolling through the machine. I have not had any issues with this, however, they must have received some feedback from users who were using multiple layers of materials, such as stickers with a laminate on top of it which is thicker than your average cardstock. So the clearance was increased a tad bit.

Keep in mind that when you are talking about clearance, the material also has to “clear” the bottom of the tool that is being used. So even if it clears the bottom of the roller bar, thicker materials also have to allow the blade or tool to clear it as well. And even if a material can clear both the roller bar and tool tip, that does not guarantee that it is a cuttable material with the Silhouette. There are many factors that go into whether a material is going to cut well with a Silhouette.

Close-up image of a cutting machine with a white exterior, displaying the interior components and cutting blade holder system.

With the Silhouette Cameo5α, you do have to use a Silhouette software version of 5.0.402 in order for the machine to be recognized. As I type this up, there are still many bugs and issues with version 5 and I am not recommending version 5 for all users. But, if you are a Silhouette Cameo5α owner, you do have to use version 5 and there is no way around that. I recommend using version 5.0.402 at this time and not the current version (5.0.414) as we have seen some issues with the current version. We have seen some issues of machines being bricked or recognized as a regular Cameo 5 and not a Silhouette Cameo5α. If you encounter any of those issues, please contact Silhouette Support and be as detailed as possible in your request for assistance. Including photos and video can help them help you faster as well.

The Silhouette Cameo5α also uses the 4 point registration marks for print and cut projects. This was first released with the Silhouette Cameo Pro MK II model and now is available with the Silhouette Cameo5α model. Silhouette states that this is supposed to improve accuracy of the print and cut results. However, I have not seen any significant improvements in my testing. The biggest issues we see with print and cut are still due to setup and user errors.

Screenshot of a design project in Silhouette Studio, featuring two card designs with floral and butterfly elements, along with text 'wishes' and 'for you'. The page setup settings are displayed on the right.

I shared a little more on using the 4 point registration marks and testing it with the same design on both the older style marks and the newer style marks in this video – Layered Card Design with Brilliant Living Digital Kit – a Step-by-Step Silhouette Tutorial.

Image shows two layered greeting cards featuring floral designs and butterflies, with crafting materials like tape and scissors in the background. The text above indicates a step-by-step tutorial using a digital kit.

This 4 point registration mark system is only available if the Silhouette software has recognized a Silhouette Cameo5α or a Silhouette Cameo Pro MK II has been connected.

What Do I Use?

I use both the Silhouette Cameo 5 original model and the Silhouette Cameo5α. It really just depends on what I am doing and what the project might be.

Anytime I get a new machine, I like to put it through the paces to see what works and what doesn’t. This means testing both the machine and the Silhouette Studio software.

Here are some print and cut projects I did while testing it.

A crafting workspace featuring a cutting machine, colorful papers, printed floral designs, and various crafting tools arranged on a wooden table.

I do love that I can create meaningful cards and gifts for friends and family, no matter what the circumstances are.

A greeting card featuring a floral design with the text: 'May you find comfort in sweet memories, strength in those you love & hope in each new day,' placed next to a crafting machine on a wooden table.

Check out more projects I cut using the Silhouette Cameo5α in this blog post – 5 Card Designs from One Template with Quietfire Designs.

A collage featuring five unique card designs made with one template, showcasing themes like winter, birthdays, flowers, Halloween, and a friendly ghost.

I really do wish cutting machines came with a cut hours timer. Within the first few weeks of owning the machine, I racked up a lot of cut hours.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A woman wearing a black shirt with the word 'create' is standing at a table, pointing towards a Silhouette Cameo 5 cutting machine. The background features various craft supplies and organizational tools.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Custom Etching Martini Glasses with Silhouette

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Glass etching is a great way to make unique projects and combine that with a Silhouette cutting machine and you have endless possibilities of customization. In this blog post I’m sharing a look at custom etched martini glasses I made while creating the March 2026 exclusive video tutorial for the Creative Community.

Two etched glass cups on a dark surface. The left cup reads 'Espresso yourself!' and features coffee bean illustrations. The right cup says 'Drink happy thoughts!' in a playful font.

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

Steps to Etched Glass Projects

  1. Create a stencil for etching.
  2. Clean glass blank with alcohol and allow to dry.
  3. Apply stencil.
  4. Mask off edge of stencil to prevent bleeding
  5. Apply Etchall Etching Creme and allow to sit for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove any excess Etching Creme and place back in the bottle.
  7. Wipe off remaining excess with a paper towel and safely discard paper towel.
  8. Run water in the sink and rinse off decal thoroughly.
  9. Remove masking tape and adhesive vinyl under running water.
  10. Rinse blank thoroughly.
  11. Dry and Enjoy!

Glass Etching Supplies

Custom Glass Etched Martini Glasses

I started with created the stencil design in the Silhouette software using the Conical Warp Panel.

I shared an in-depth look at the Conical Warp Panel and step-by-step instructions for several projects, including these stencils in the March 2026 Creative Community exclusive video tutorial. For more details on the Creative Community, check it out HERE.

Design software interface displaying a black etched design that reads 'Drink Happy Thoughts' for a stubby martini glass.

I wanted the design visible when drinking from the glass, so I flipped the design in the software prior to cutting the stencil.

A digital design software interface displaying a black and white graphic that reads 'Drink Coffee, Stay Thoughtful.' The design is upside down on the screen, with additional tools and options visible in the software.

Then sent the design to cut from Oracal 651 adhesive vinyl. Scraps are great for making stencils and I have a whole drawer full of adhesive vinyl scraps.

A black Silhouette cutting machine positioned on a wooden surface, with a light blue cutting mat partially inserted into the machine.

After weeding the design, I applied transfer tape and applied the adhesive vinyl as smooth as possible to the cleaned martini glass.

A clear glass with a black label featuring the phrase 'Drink Responsibly' displayed on a wooden surface, alongside a vinyl sheet and cutting machine in the background.

Here is a look at the stencil and how it will read after the design is etched.

A person holding a glass with the phrase 'Drink happy thoughts' in front of a silhouette cutting machine on a wooden surface.

Then, I created and cut a few more designs.

A silhouette cutting machine is in the background, with two freshly cut vinyl designs placed on a blue cutting mat. One design reads 'sip sip hooray' and the other 'don't ask just pour'.

If I am etching one glass, might as well etch a few more at the same time.

Four uniquely designed glassware pieces with black bases featuring decorative text, placed on a wooden surface next to a cutting machine.

Adding painters’ tape to the edges of the stencil can prevent any bleeding. Etching is permanent and it never fails that if the etching creme touches a spot you don’t want etched for even just a second, it will etch it. One of those craft project oopsies.

Four etched wine glasses with names and designs covered in blue painter's tape, a bottle of etching cream, and a cutting machine in the background.

Apply the Etchall etching creme and let it sit for 20 minutes.

A workspace featuring four glass containers with etching cream applied and blue tape around their rims, a jar of etching cream, and a pair of white gloves on a table.

Carefully scrape off any excess Etchall etching creme and put it back in the bottle. It can be reused over and over again. Make sure not to scrape too hard to dislodge any small bits of the stencil or etching creme can get in areas that you don’t want to be etched.

A setup for glass etching featuring three glassware pieces taped with blue painter's tape and etched designs. A bottle of etching cream is displayed alongside the glasses, with a small cap and a wooden stick for application on a dark surface.

I also like to take a paper towel and carefully remove any other excess etching creme and then discard the paper towel. Then I run water in the sink and begin rinsing and removing the painter’s tape and adhesive vinyl.
Rinse the glass thoroughly and dry.

Enjoy your custom etched martini glasses.

A bottle of etchall etching cream next to a clear glass bowl etched with the phrase 'Drink happy thoughts'.
Drink Happy Thoughts Etched Martini Glass

A bottle of Etchall etching creme next to a clear glass bowl etched with the phrase 'Espresso yourself!' and coffee bean illustrations.
Espresso Yourself Etched Martini Glass

Two etched glassware pieces on a dark background. One glass features the phrase 'DON'T ASK just pour,' and the other displays 'sip sip HOORAY.'
Don’t Ask Just Pour & Sip Sip Hooray! Etched Martini Glass

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A bottle of etching cream next to a custom etched martini glass with the phrase 'Drink Happy Thoughts' on it.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

shop classes
Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae
**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Silhouette Tutorial: Layered Card Design with Brilliant Digital Kit

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

New video out on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel!!
In this video I share step-by-step how I created a layered card design in the Silhouette Studio software using a digital kit by Nitwit Collections.

A colorful greeting card featuring a purple butterfly, a red tulip, and the text 'brightest wishes for you' on a floral background, positioned in front of a cutting machine.

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

This is the first Crafting Creativity project for the month of March that I shared with newsletter subscribers.

Watch this new video tutorial HERE.

A crafting setup showcasing two layered cards adorned with floral and butterfly designs, alongside crafting materials including tape and scissors. The text on the image promotes a step-by-step guide to designing layered cards with a digital kit.

I love the bright colors Knick Knack kit by Nitwit Collections. This kit is exclusive to newsletter subscribers for the month of March and then will be available in their shop for purchase later.

Image showcasing a collection of card designs featuring floral elements, butterflies, and decorative layers. The layout includes a bright and colorful card cluster with the text 'brightest wishes for you', accompanied by matching envelopes and various themed graphics.

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Two decorative greeting cards featuring the text 'brightest wishes for you,' adorned with purple butterflies, red roses, and colorful floral patterns.

This Brilliant Living Knick Knack kit coordinates with the Brilliant Living Collection that can be found on the Nitwit Collections shop.

A colorful collage featuring various decorative elements and phrases related to celebration, joy, and friendship from the NitWit Collections' Brilliant Living Collection.

View this tutorial on creating a layered card in Silhouette Studio on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Two layered greeting cards featuring floral designs and butterflies, with the text 'brightest wishes for you.' A Silhouette cutting machine is visible in the background.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

shop classes
Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae
**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Bella Con 2026 – Registration Open!!!

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

I am so excited to announce that I am an instructor again at this year’s Bella Con event hosted by Bella Crafts Publishing! This is a LIVE virtual crafting event bringing creative instructors together for four full days of inspiration and hands-on learning. And… I get to be on-site with the other instructors this year in Texas to share my classes too! Bella Con is happening March 25-28, 2026.

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

This is a wonderful event full of inspiring and talented creators. Not only are there awesome classes, but each instructor also shares their tips, tricks, and wisdom throughout the entire event and that adds so much to the value.

Promotional image for Bella CON 2026, featuring a collage of instructors for the event, alongside event details including dates, registration information, and highlights of activities.

BellaCon 2026 features 24+ LIVE workshops, creative tips and techniques, giveaways, and interactive sessions you can enjoy from the comfort of home. Every registered attendee receives access to all of the workshops, not just a single class.

One of the highlights of the event is the LIVE Pajama Party, where many of the instructors will be together in one location, coming to you live with mini workshops, prizes, surprises, and a chance to win giveaways from our generous sponsors.

If you love crafting, learning new ideas, and connecting with creative people, I would love for you to join us.

There are 2 options to join us:

  • ​SWAG option – this features a SWAG bag full of goodies from the sponsors plus access to all of the classes virtually shipped directly to you
    Don’t delay if you think you might want SWAG as it is limited to the first 125 and does tend to sell out quickly.
    ​Estimated retail value of SWAG bag is $200
  • ​No SWAG

Class supply lists will be available, and some classes will also have the option to purchase kits too!

I will be teaching 2 classes live from Texas, and they can be done with or without a cutting machine. These classes are designed to be customized and add your own creative flair to them. I’ll share my ideas and you can see where it takes you.

A collection of craft supplies including glue, paint, brushes, and popsicle sticks, arranged on a surface with a photo of cherry blossoms in the background.
Rewriting the Story – Class Supplies Photo

Rewriting the Story…Creative Home Decor with Repurposed Books: Give old books a fresh new purpose in this creative home decor class. You’ll learn the basic steps for transforming repurposed books into a unique decorative piece, then take those ideas and make the project your own. A variety of craft supplies can be used, encouraging creative exploration and personal expression. This class will also share a cut file, background photo, and supply list, along with ideas for variations so every project is one of a kind.

For this class, I did a couple test rounds and love how they turned out! This is one of those projects that you can let your imagination run wild with and customize however you want. You never know what embellishment might speak to you in your craft stash to add this project.

Colorful decorative book spine with a galaxy theme featuring vibrant purple and blue hues, accented with stars and a forest silhouette at the bottom. It is adorned with decorative charms and beads.
Northern Lights Themed Book Decor

My first project with this is a Northern Lights themed design. Growing up in Montana I am drawn to the Northern Lights.

Close-up of a hand holding a bead organizer with a colorful assortment of beads and charms, set on a crafting workspace with various tools and materials.
Custom Beaded Embellishment

I made a custom pendant piece using a beading technique I learned from Julianna the creator behind the Jewel Loom. The funny part is, I bought Julianna’s eBook when researching writing my own eBook and then I fell in love with the designs taught and that sent me down the rabbit hole of beading. Find the Jewel Loom Inspirations book HERE at Bella Craft Publishing under eBooks – just be careful, it can spark a whole new world of crafting energy!

Instead of making a full bracelet this time, I made it smaller and customized it with a custom pendant using the same image that is on the book decor. Find more on creating custom pendants HERE.

A creative workspace featuring various craft supplies including glue, Mod Podge, and paints, alongside a decorated miniature fairy garden with flowers, a garden gnome, and stylized figurines.
Fairy Themed Book Decor

The second one I made is a Fairy Garden theme. Ever since I made my first fairy garden in 2014 when we lived in California – back before they were even a “thing” – I’ve wanted to create another and when the fairy garden supplies all but jumped off the end cap into my cart at the Dollar Tree – the project design fell into place.

I used drywall spackle to create a “tree” texture as the base and then started embellishing from there.

I love how these both turned out and have them displayed in my home. This is a project you can turn into your own and make it personalized however you would like.

I will be teaching a spring themed design for this class at Bella Con 2026. I’m so excited to see how it turns out.

The second class I’ll be sharing is another one that is completely customizable too! Give your project a personality of it’s own and you might not know what that is until it’s almost finished.

A wooden bowl filled with green and blue beads, accompanied by a paintbrush, a can of acrylic paint, and several crafting tools including wire, scissors, and unpainted terracotta pots.
Grow Your Style Class Supplies Photo

Grow Your Style…A Little Pot of Personality: Create a charming mini clay pot full of character in this playful and creative class. Using multi color green beads, you’ll design a unique style and finish your pot by adding a face and choosing its personality. Cute, quirky, sassy, or sweet, no two projects will look the same. This easy and relaxed project is perfect for all skill levels and can be completed with or without a cutting machine.

I’ll also be co-teaching a class with the amazing, talented artist Julie McGuffee and sharing a quick project for Artesprix too!

This event is filled with so much creative inspiration and talented artists! I am honored to be a part of it.

Bella Con 2026 Registration details
HERE

And those are only the classes I am teaching. There is so much more! Look at all those faces above.

Bella Con 2026 Class Sneak Peek

Here are a couple sneak peeks at the other instructors and their projects too! Find the full list HERE

Eilleen Hull is a maker, teacher, influencer, and creative community builder with a passion for helping others discover the joy of making. She licenses her art with leading craft manufacturers, including an 18-year partnership with Sizzix that resulted in hundreds of innovative die designs.

A smiling woman with brown hair and earrings, next to an image of a colorful banner with flowers and a fence design for the 'Stitched with Love' workshop.

Julianna (aka Jewels) – the one who got me addicted to beading.
Julianna is an award-winning innovator, product developer, bestselling Amazon author, and creative entrepreneur with over 25 years in the craft industry. She became a household name through thousands of appearances on shows such as Aleene’s Creative Living, The Carol Duvall Show, and HSN, inspiring millions to create.

A promotional image for 'Earring Palooza' featuring instructor Julianna Avelar and a display of colorful earrings made from beads and jewelry components.

Amanda is one of the founders of Pear Blossom Press, a company known for innovative products designed especially for paper crafters.

Image of Amanda Stevens, a presenter for workshops at Pear Blossom Press.

Julie McGuffee has been professionally involved in the arts and crafts industry since 1988. She hosted a scrapbooking television show for 15 years and has appeared as a guest and guest host on numerous craft shows over the past 30+ years, including popular shopping channels. As an all-around crafter and designer, Julie has authored over 150 “how-to” craft books covering a wide variety of techniques, from decorative painting to silk ribbon embroidery.

A headshot of Julie McGuffee, a woman with light hair, smiling.

I wish I could list them all, but that might get a bit long. You can check out the full list of instructors and classes directly at Bella Con HERE. Then come back and click the link below to register.

Bella Con 2026 Registration details
HERE

I hope you’ll join us and soak up all the creative inspiration shared by these amazing instructors and artists. Bella Con is one of my favorite events of the year.

Thanks so much for using my links when you register for the event. This helps to cover the costs of developing the classes and travel expenses too!

I cannot wait to share more from the “Instructor Zone” in March!

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

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**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Silhouette IPT (Intelligent Path Technology) – What Is It?

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Silhouette IPT is short for Intelligent Path Technology and was first announced to us at the 2023 Silhouette Summit when the Silhouette Cameo 5, Curio 2, and Portrait 4 models were announced.

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

In this blog post, I am sharing some of the details of the IPT setup and how it works. Read more details below and then watch the video tutorial with even more tips on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

The Silhouette IPT is a patented cutting technology that changes the cut order of a design to “help” it stay in position and complete the cut. Depending on the design you have on the file, when it’s turned on, it will complete the cut of the design in segments versus a continuous cut around the entire design. The photo below shows the standard method of cutting on the left side, that would be from 1 starting point and cut around in one continuous cut back to the starting point on a heart. On the right side, the white dots are points of reference in how the design would be cut in segments, starting on the top right, then moving to the top left and then moving to complete the bottom on each side. This method is designed to “hold” the design in place and not have shifting as it’s being cut.

A graphic showing two versions of a heart shape: on the left, a hand is guiding a dotted outline of a heart, while the right shows a clearer representation with marked points.

This new technology was created to help delicate materials such as vellum be more successful when cutting out designs and to cut through multiple layers of materials at once, such as several sheets of vellum stacked on top of the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat.

Here is the video we were shown at Silhouette Summit 2023 to explain the process.

This is a setting you have to set up and turn on in order for it to use the IPT cutting method and is not an automatic setting. It is compatible with the Silhouette Cameo 5, Curio 2, and Portrait 4 models.

Silhouette IPT settings can be found under the advanced settings on a preset setting, or you can turn it on for a custom cut setting. On the Send tab in Silhouette Studio, select the MORE button and you will see a box next to “Intelligent Path Technology”.

Here is a look at Silhouette Studio version 5

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio Business Edition interface showing material settings and tool holder options with a red arrow pointing towards checkboxes for line segment overcut, track enhancing, and intelligent path technology.
Screenshot Silhouette Studio v5.0.402

And a look at the Advanced Settings in Silhouette Studio version 4

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software displaying a design workspace with heart and flower shapes, along with material settings on the right panel.
Screenshot Silhouette Studio v4.5.815

If IPT is selected on a preset material setting, you will need to Save As to create a new material in order for it to be activated on the cut setting. If you simply check the box and X out of the preset material, it will not activate the IPT setting.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software showing design interface with heart and flower shapes, and material settings for various types of vinyl and vellum.
Screenshot Silhouette Studio v4.5.815

How Silhouette IPT (Intelligent Path Technology) Works

Let’s take a real world look at the IPT cut setting and the order that it takes. Keep in mind that the Silhouette software will change this order for every design, and you do not know what the order will be unless you watch and record the machine behavior.

I’ll be using the Silhouette Curio 2 for this demonstration, but it works the same for the Silhouette Portrait 4 and the Silhouette Curio 2. I am using Silhouette Vellum sheets for this test along with a brand new Silhouette Autoblade.

I used the same shape from the video by Silhouette from 2023. I drew the heart using the Flexishapes tool on the left side in Silhouette.

An interface of Silhouette Studio software displaying two heart shapes on the design canvas, alongside cutting settings for Carriage 1 and Carriage 2.

This was completed as a continuous cut, the blade never lifted.

Then I turned the cut lines off for the first heart and turned the cut lines on for the 2nd heart, which is an exact copy of the first one.

My first attempt at this IPT cut, I used the Vellum preset, checked the box, but then X’d out and found out that it did not activate the IPT setting. A new custom setting is required by clicking on Save As after checking the box.

So I made a 3rd copy of the heart and I clicked on the MORE button and checked the box next to Intelligent Path Technology and chose Save As. Then clicked the X in the top right and chose the new material of Vellum (1) as my setting. I then clicked on the MORE button to double check that IPT setting did save with the new material.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software displaying a design workspace with three heart shapes outlined in red. The software tool settings on the right show options for cutting vellum.

The IPT function did work and it cut the heart in 10 different line segments. However, the cut order was a bit different than the video by Silhouette from 2023 and I noticed it started the first cut in the bottom left area of the design. I am using Silhouette Studio version 4.5.815 for this demonstration. The order in which it cuts may vary by software version, which may be why the order is different than what the video shows from 2023.

Here is a diagram of the cut order using IPT with this heart shape

A heart shape template outlined on a piece of paper, with numbered markers around the edge for reference.

This heart with this specific material cut fine both ways. But, that won’t always be the case.

On a more complex design, such as this flower shape drawn with the Flexishapes and the control point adjusted to make a sharper petal, IPT did make a difference in the cut. Instead of tearing, smooshing, or ruining the corners on the interior of the petals, it was a clean sharp point and the design cut well.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software showing design tool interface with three heart shapes and a flower shape, and cutting settings for vellum material.

For this flower shape that is approximately 4.3″ tall and 4.2″ wide, it did 51 segmented cuts. I am not going to study the video to diagram all that out, however, it was pretty neat to watch. And it was a success, with no smooshed corners or tears. I did have to “pop” out the flower carefully, but for some designs that extra little bit of care is worth it!

Close-up of a cutting machine mat featuring various cut shapes, including hearts and a flower, with the cutting machine in the background.

Here is a close up look at the interior cuts on the flower shape. Look at those crisp, cut edges! No tearing or smooshing using the IPT feature in Silhouette.

Close-up view of a flower design cut from vellum using Silhouette IPT - Intelligent Path Technology.

Vellum is a very delicate material and can be difficult to cut, especially on an intricate cut. Vellum will also curl as you can see in this photo, the flower immediately started to curl. Humidity can also affect the success of cutting vellum, well, really any paper is affected by humidity. For best results, store vellum in a sealed envelope and completely flat. The Silhouette Electrostatic Mat is awesome for cutting vellum designs and I share even more in the Silhouette Curio 2 – Out of the Box class found HERE.

Here are a few more vellum products I’ve tested with:

Things to Know About the Silhouette IPT Method

  • It is not automatic.
  • It is a setting you can turn on for a preset material, then Save As a new material.
  • It is a setting you can turn on for a custom setting.
  • It does take longer to cut a design because the blade will lift, move, and cut in a different order.
  • It will take longer on the Silhouette Curio 2 versus a Silhouette Portrait 4 or Silhouette Cameo 5 model due to the slower movement of the arm on the Silhouette Curio 2. It may only be a few seconds longer, but it will.
  • IPT is compatible with the Silhouette Curio 2, Portrait 4, and Silhouette Cameo 5 models.
  • IPT setting can be used with both the Silhouette adhesive cutting mat and the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat.
  • Testing is the only way you will know if it will work for a design and material.
  • The Silhouette software decides the order of IPT based on the shape, size, and design. The user does not see the order or know how many segments a design will be cut out in.
  • Don’t believe AI answers on what IPT does or in general how to use a Silhouette. AI has no experience using Silhouette machine and will come back with some very bad advice. Experience using a cutting machine will beat AI hands down – literally.
  • This is NOT the same as Cut Order Sorting options found under the Settings (gear icon) on the Send Tab in Silhouette Studio.
Screenshot of Silhouette Studio Business Edition displaying cut settings on the right side, with options for layer sorting, feed options, and weeding settings. The cutting area is highlighted in red.
Screenshot from version 5 Silhouette Studio

Here is a look at where to find the Cut Order Sorting options in Silhouette Studio version 4

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software showing design elements including hearts and a flower, with the advanced settings panel open for cut order sorting options.

I have included more details and real time demonstrations on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel too. Check out the video – Silhouette IPT (Intelligent Path Technology) Explained & Successful Cuts on Rolled Flower Demo HERE

A screenshot displaying settings for Silhouette Studio software, highlighting 'Intelligent Path Technology' with an arrow pointing to it.

It did take more time to cut, but I was able to successfully cut out a rolled flower design using the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat and IPT setting. This has been something I have troubleshot with users several times and the intricate design just couldn’t be held in place to complete the cut using the standard cutting methods with the electrostatic mat.

A crafting workspace featuring a black hole puncher, a yellow paper flower, and various crafting tools on a yellow patterned background.

I am thrilled with how this worked out!

Does Silhouette IPT Work?

Yes – but not for every design, material, or project. I thought it worked great with the flower design above as that is one of those highly likely designs to smoosh and tear on the sharp corners.

Personally, I do not typically like the little tabs it left, similar to pop out cutting. However, it might be beneficial for those materials or designs that just will not cut the standard way. The only way to know is to test it and see what happens. If you do use it, I would recommend a sharp pair of detail scissors to snip the little connections and care when separating it from the full sheet.

The second part of IPT method for cutting through multiple layers of materials, proved to be much more finicky with mixed results. I spent hours and hours testing and was never really impressed with the results. The more layers of material, the less desirable the cut results were. It is not something I’ve spent more time testing. Maybe someday I’ll try again.

I hope those tips give you a better idea of how this new cut path technology works. You never know until you try and hopefully that will help your trials go a bit easier.

Next time you have a design that is just giving you fits with a standard, continuous cut setup – you might try out the IPT setting and see if it makes a difference in the success with your material.

Good luck!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Screenshot showing the Silhouette software interface with options for Intelligent Path Technology highlighted.

Enjoy !

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Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

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Troubleshooting Fonts in Silhouette Studio: Fix Font Issues

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Have you ever opened Silhouette Studio, started designing with text, and instead of a beautiful font you’re greeted with rectangles, boxes, or missing letters? Font issues in Silhouette Studio are a common frustrations that we see when troubleshooting with users—whether fonts don’t show up at all, won’t display correctly, or refuse to work the way you expect. The good news? These problems usually have simple explanations and easy fixes once you know what to look for.

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

I just shared a brand new video on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel that walks you through exactly why font issues happen in Silhouette Studio and how to troubleshoot them. In this tutorial, you’ll learn why fonts show up as rectangles, a glimpse at previewing fonts, why fonts can go missing or seem like they are missing, and how to reinstall fonts correctly—including whether OTF or TTF files work best. If you’ve ever wondered “Why is my font doing that?” this video will help you get back to designing quickly and show how to avoid some of these issues.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software showing text formatting options with the question 'Do your fonts show like this?' and the phrase 'Troubleshooting & Fixes' prominently displayed.

Watch the new video called Troubleshooting Fonts in Silhouette Studio | Rectangles, Missing Fonts & Fixes on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE

Supplies Shown in the Video:

Additional Resources:

A black sign and a light purple mug, both featuring the word 'Create' in a stylish font. The sign is positioned on a cutting mat next to a craft machine.

If you’re ready to go beyond troubleshooting and really learn how to use fonts to create your own designs in Silhouette Studio, come join us in the Creative Community with EllyMae | Crafting & Troubleshooting site. Our February 2026 exclusive member video covers working with text, fonts, and design techniques so you can move from simply typing words to confidently creating custom designs with fonts. It’s the perfect next step if you want to unlock the creative power of text in Silhouette Studio and design projects that are truly your own. In the 96 minutes step-by-step video tutorial I cover everything from where fonts are stored, font storage, designing with glyphs, offsets, compound paths, combining shapes, and more! Create 10 unique designs in less than 2 hours and then take and use those techniques to create even more!

A black t-shirt featuring the word 'Create' in a vibrant pink script font.

Find more details on the Creative Community with EllyMae HERE

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Graphic showing the phrase 'WTH WHY does this happen in Silhouette?' with an illustration of a design window displaying shapes, and arrows pointing towards the shapes with the text 'TROUBLESHOOT & FIX IT'.

Enjoy !

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Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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Crafting Creativity: 1 Design, 5 Stunning Projects with Flavir Design

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Creativity truly blooms when you learn how to stretch a single design into multiple handmade projects. In this Crafting Creativity blog post, I’m sharing how one flower design by Flavir Design can be transformed into five stunning Silhouette flower projects using a cutting machine and paper crafting techniques. From a layered paper flower bouquet and custom greeting cards to a paper flower box topper, custom bookmarks with patterned backgrounds, and even miniature flowers, this project series is all about getting more value, versatility, and inspiration from one cut file. If you love Silhouette crafting, paper flowers, and creative ways to maximize your digital designs, this post will spark new ideas for your next crafting session.

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

A decorative floral crown made of paper flowers in warm colors and green leaves, arranged on a simple gold circular base.

Crafting Creativity Flowers & Greenery by Flavir Design

Daniela Moscone is the creative artist behind Flavir Designs and can be found in the Silhouette Design Store or on their website HERE. Make sure to check out their YouTube channel HERE for assembly videos too!

Project #1 – Flower Bouquet

I typically start out each month creating the file in the way it is shown. I decided at the last minute to take the pieces and add them to wire to create a bouquet to add to a vase. The best part about this is, if I change my mind, I can easily clip off the wires and add it to a wreath as the original image.

A flat lay image featuring two large, colorful paper flowers - one yellow and one orange - with green leaves on a crafting mat. Surrounding the flowers are a hot glue gun, a sponge, a pen, and small squares of paper. Silhouette flower projects

I love all the layers of these flowers and you can change it up however you want. And, with flowers, there is no wrong way because flowers are not perfect in nature, so if one petal has a chunk out of it, perfect! A bug took a bite. When was the last time you saw a flower in nature that didn’t have an imperfection?

I grabbed some Bazzill smooth cardstock to cut these bright colored flowers. Now, typically I’ve shied away from thicker cardstock like Bazzill and in some cases, Bazzill can be difficult to cut. I knew my blade and my cutting mat were on the older side, so I increase my settings just a bit and then used 3 passes and I had perfect, crisp cuts.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software showing a design featuring leaf shapes outlined in orange, with settings for cutting cardstock on the right side of the screen.

Since my mat is older and starting to lose it’s stick, I did secure it down really well with a squeegee. Or you can use a brayer. I was lazy and didn’t go grab it in the other room. Now, if the paper had started to shift, I would have gotten up and gotten the brayer or grabbed a new cutting mat.

I sponged on color to the flowers and the leaves and then shaped them before assembling all together. It can make a big difference in the final results of the project with just a few simple touches.

A close-up view of two artificial flowers, one yellow and the other orange, adorned with green leaves, placed on a wooden background. Silhouette flower projects

Supplies Used:

Watch the video sharing the process called Behind the Scenes: Creating Shaped & Layered Paper Flowers with a Silhouette Cameo on the Silhouette Secrets+ channel HERE.

A close-up of vibrant paper flowers in shades of yellow and orange, accompanied by green leaves, with the text 'Behind the Blooms' prominently displayed.

Project #2 – Custom Card Creation

This project started out totally different than a card design. I love it and it’s a good thing I can create more otherwise it might never leave my studio.

A handmade birthday card featuring a large pink flower, green leaves, and a glittery gold accent band. The card has a watercolor-like pink background and includes the text 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' on a white banner. Silhouette flower projects

I was playing around with a Two-Tone Metallic Spray – Fuchsia & Gold by Hero Arts and now I feel like using it on all my projects. Everything needs to be bright pink with gold flecks right! Well, maybe not everything. Hero Arts has other colors too!

A handmade birthday card featuring a large pink flower, a gold glitter strip, and the text 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' on a white banner. The background is a vibrant pink splatter design with green leaves. A crafting workspace with various tools and supplies is visible in the background. Silhouette flower projects

The idea started out with spraying the flower layers to add coloring to the solid pink cardstock. I sprayed it on top of my Glassboard mat and then used a sheet of mixed media paper and picked up excess ink to create a background paper that I cut up for the bottom half of the card. The Glassboard mat is so easy to clean up that I find myself working with more mixed media and messy things.

The flowers and greenery were scaled down to fit this 4.25″ x 5.5″ card design. I added a few splatters of the Two-Tone Metallic Spray – Fuchsia & Gold to the card base. Instead of spraying it on, I took the cap off and splattered it to give it a different look.

A vibrant pink paper flower with intricate petals sits on a textured card background, accompanied by green leaves and a glittery gold strip. The card features a banner reading 'HAPPY'. Silhouette flower projects

I used a paper curling tool to give the flower layers dimension and next reached for my shaping kit to hand embossed the greenery to add more texture to it too. After that I curled the leaves a bit with a curling tool too. Then grabbed an extra Happy Birthday sentiment from a previous project and popped that up with some foam tape. For this card, I also used 2 other adhesives – an adhesive tape runner for the large piece adhered to the bottom of the card base and the Precision Glue Press with the glue it came with to adhere the flower layers together, the greenery to the card, and the flower on top.

I added some gold shimmer trim that is adhesive backed in the middle of the card base. Unfortunately, this is a Close to My Heart product that is no longer made, but I’m using my stash.

Supplies Used:

Project #3 – Box Topper Flowers

Add flowers on top of a box to create a unique gift box or decoration. I used both flower shapes in the flower design to create these box toppers.

Two decorative paper flowers in teal and pink placed on geometric boxes, with a background featuring pink spray and floral shapes. Silhouette flower projects

This box is originally designed with a cherry flower top, but why stop there! Swap out the flowers and watch it change the look of this Silhouette flower project.

A pink cherry flower box design displayed alongside details of its purchase options and features.

This box is a unique design and easy to put together too! But if needed, there is an assembly video too – find that HERE.

I used several patterns and printed my own pattern paper for the boxes.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software displaying a digital pattern design for a box with a grid background.

For this one, I didn’t even use the registration marks to print it. I added an offset of the box only and then filled the offset design with the pattern. Using a Silhouette mat and loading the mat next to the load line, I sent it to cut. With the manual print bleed, even if it was off by just a little bit, you won’t be able to notice.

A hand holding a sheet of paper with a grid pattern and an abstract shape on it, placed on a cutting mat in front of a cutting machine.

I don’t recommend this method if you are needing completely accurate cuts, but it can work for some designs and projects such as this one.

Close-up of a hand holding a piece of paper with a grid pattern, showcasing a cut-out shape on the paper.

By adding the print bleed around the entire design, I gave myself a better chance that it wouldn’t matter if the cut was off by a little bit.

And of course, I had to make the cherry flower box design too!

Five decorative paper boxes with colorful paper flowers on top, displayed on a wooden surface. Silhouette flower projects

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #4 – Bookmarks with Background Patterns

3-D Flower file as a background pattern – say what! Yes! I took the flower and a leaf design and added a pattern fill to both, then used it as a background to create bookmarks.

A digital design workspace displayed on a computer screen, featuring various bookmark designs with floral elements and motivational text phrases like 'Just one more page' and 'Your only limit is your mind.' The design software's page setup and customization options are visible on the right side of the screen.

Here is a look at the file in Silhouette. I set up the bottom 2 bookmarks to use foil on, even though it looks the same in the software as the print and cut, the bottom 2 have a sketch fill added to them, so when I go to print, it is not going to print that design.

Print preview of bookmark designs featuring motivational quotes and leaf patterns.

I will say, it is much faster to just simply print and cut a design. Foiling does add setup and completion time, but sometimes it can be so worth it!

However, any time you add another factor into a project, you also increase the chances of something going wrong. I should have known better and either test foiled or not trusted Silhouette settings. In this version of Silhouette Studio 5 that I am using, it does not have a material preset for foiling on cardstock, so I had to add that in. And then the preset for force is 15 set by Silhouette. We have told them many, many times that it is too much and I should have decreased it even more. I changed it down to a 10 and that was still too much.

Close-up of a crafting machine applying gold foil to a textured surface with a red light indicator and patterned tape.

I just let it finish – it was ruined anyhow. If this happens to you – you are perfectly normal. Well, at least we are in the same boat together – I’m not sure I’d say I’m “normal”. LOL!

A close-up of foil packaging with an irregular cutout, revealing a textured silver surface underneath. The surrounding area features pastel colors and decorative elements.

Let’s just say – HOT MESS!

Close-up of a textured background with blue floral designs and the phrase 'Just One More Page' in gold lettering.

But, don’t give up! I adjusted the force down to a 2, which is still probably too high and I sent the second design to foil.

A close-up of a decorative fabric featuring blue leaf patterns and the inspirational phrase 'Live Your Dream' in gold lettering.

Once the foiling was done, I added a holographic overlay sheet on top of the bookmarks and sent that to cut.

A collection of five decorative bookmarks with motivational quotes on a wooden surface, accompanied by a craft machine and a pink scraping tool. Silhouette flower projects

In the end, I have 5 new bookmarks created with the flower design from this month’s collaboration. And one design that’s got some blank foiled areas and extra glitter on it where it shouldn’t. But it could still be used as a bookmark.

Additional Resources:

Supplies Used:

Project #5 – Miniature Flower Embellishments

These little pink flowers started out much bigger. I cut the flower shape from ​Silhouette Shrink plastic​ and then watched it transform under a heat gun. Instead of letting the shrink plastic flatten out, like you would with charms, I shaped them instead. Once they curled up, I stopped applying heat and pushed the end of the Silhouette spatula into the center to form the middle of the flower. Then I glued in a yellow bead. And the finishing touch was painting on ​Mod Podge Sparkle​ to give it a bit more fairy touch.

A close-up view of a textured surface covered in green moss and adorned with pink fabric flowers, featuring a wooden structure in the backdrop. Silhouette flower projects

I wanted to maximize the space I could on using the Silhouette Shrink Plastic. Since I was cutting a flower shape out of the material and did not need accurate placement, I added a fill pattern to a 8.5″ x 11″ rectangle and centered that on the letter size media page. I used a ​Pastel Pink Bokeh Background pattern​ by Sarah Hurley – ​Design #469254​ in my final print.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software showing two floral background designs, one with a pink and yellow gradient and the other with a pink bokeh effect.

I then printed out the entire page. I checked the “Show Print Border” so that I knew where the edges of the print out would be on my printed page and I could then place the designs within that gray border.

Then I simply filled the page with different sizes of the flowers and cut out the shapes from the printed page. No registration marks needed.

A digital design workspace showing a pink and yellow flower background with yellow flowers and red heart shapes in the design software Silhouette Studio.

I didn’t need the entire page of flowers, so I added in some hearts with another project in mind. Here is a look before adding heat to shrink them down.

A crafting workspace featuring a cutting machine, pink paper flowers, and heart shapes on a wooden table. Scissors and a crafting tool are also visible.

I would recommend cutting extras of whatever you are working with and playing with the shrink plastic. It can be a bit unpredictable when you add that heat and take a few practice runs to get it to mold how you want.

A collection of small pink flower-shaped embellishments scattered on a black surface, with scissors and other crafting materials in the background. Silhouette flower projects

This was actually the second sheet of flowers I had cut because I wasn’t quite thrilled with the first color pattern I’d chosen. I didn’t feel it was a bright enough pink for the project and the vision in my head.

A few tips for working with shrink plastic:

  • colors can change & darken as it shrinks – keep this in mind when choosing a pattern or color palette. The color gets condensed when it shrinks down. If you have dark colors, it can look black after shrinking.
  • any type of plastic can dull the blade quicker than other materials. The settings may need to be adjusted or a new blade needed the more you cut. It’s always a good idea to have an extra blade on hand.
  • carefully remove the shrink plastic from the backing layer after it’s cut. It can tear or break off during this process if handled too rough or if the design is too intricate.

Printing an entire page with a background can be an option for some projects. If you do need exact placement around a printed design, then I would recommend using registration marks so the machine knows where the design is.

Supplies Used:

Featured Designer – Daniela Moscone – Flavir Design

Find designs by Daniela Moscone – Flavir Design at:

Follow along with Daniela Moscone – Flavir Design on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.

A great big thank you to Daniela at Flavir Design for contributing the free file for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter for the month of January! If you missed grabbing the free design in January, grab it HERE and start creating!

This year I started offering a free file each month for Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter subscribers. I love designing in the Silhouette Studio software and have shared some of my creations as well as look forward to collaborating with more artists in the future too!

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Did this spark some new creative ideas for you? It’s always inspiring to see how a single flower and greenery design can bloom into so many completely different projects! I had so much fun reimagining this one design across five unique creations and showing just how versatile a single file can be. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, tips, and creative project ideas, be sure to browse the Crafting Creativity section on the Silhouette Secrets+ website — click HERE to explore!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A vibrant handmade birthday card featuring a large pink flower and the text 'Happy Birthday', surrounded by colorful paper crafts.

Enjoy !

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**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher but I may get compensated for sharing.

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Creating Layered Paper Flowers with a Silhouette Cameo: A Behind-the-Scenes Crafting Process

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

Creating shaped & layered paper flowers is all about the details. In Creating Layered Paper Flowers with a Silhouette Cameo: A Behind-the-Scenes Crafting Process, I’m sharing a closer look at the full creative journey behind my layered paper flower bouquet. This blog post goes hand in hand with the new YouTube video, where I walk through the behind-the-scenes process, helpful cutting tips, shaping techniques, and see the complete supply list below too. You’ll see how flat paper designs can be transformed by adding dimension, shaping each layer, and assembling them together to create full, eye-catching paper flowers using the Silhouette Cameo.

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

Watch the Video & See the Details!

Head over to the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel to catch the full behind-the-scenes video, then scroll down to explore the finished flower photos and the complete supply list for creating your own layered paper flower bouquet.

A close-up view of two vibrant paper flowers, one orange and one yellow, surrounded by green leaves, with the text 'Behind the Blooms' prominently displayed.

Supplies Used for Layered Paper Flowers:

Additional Resources:

Finished Layered Paper Flower Bouquet

A top-down view of two large paper flowers, one yellow and one orange, surrounded by green leaves and crafting tools, including a hot glue gun and a pen, on a cutting mat.

A close-up image of two vibrant paper flowers, one bright yellow and one orange, accompanied by green leaves, resting on a wooden surface.

A vibrant arrangement of paper flowers featuring a large yellow flower and a smaller orange flower, accompanied by green leaves, set against a light wooden background.

I had so much fun creating these layered paper flowers and greenery. Time is the key factor to completing projects like this. Enjoy the creative process!

Find this design in the Silhouette Design Store by Flavir Design.

A decorative floral wreath featuring paper flowers in orange, yellow, and pink hues with green leaves, set on a circular gold frame.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Close-up of a decorative yellow paper flower with layered petals and green leaves on a wooden surface.

Enjoy !

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Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae
**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher but I may get compensated for sharing.

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New Silhouette Curio 2 Leather Carving Knife: First Tests, Settings & Tips

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

The Silhouette Curio 2 Leather Carving Knife opens the door to a whole new level of creative possibilities for leather projects—and getting great results starts with knowing how to use it correctly. In this post, I’m sharing my brand new video tutorial that walks through using the Silhouette Leather Carving Knife with the Curio 2, including setting up custom cut settings, what to watch for during carving, and real Day 1 testing results. If you’re curious about carving leather with the Silhouette Curio 2 or want practical tips to avoid common mistakes, this guide will help you get started with confidence.

A close-up of a cutting machine engraving patterns onto a piece of textured material, with visible designs on the surface.

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

Ready to see the Silhouette Curio 2 Leather Carving Knife in action?
Watch the full video tutorial on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel to see my real Day 1 results, custom settings, and tips for success—then try it out on your own leather projects!

A collection of leather pieces with various carvings, demonstrating the use of a Silhouette leather carving knife. Additional tools and materials are visible on a crafting table.

These were the results after 5-6 hours of testing on a full sheet of tooling leather. I cannot wait to share more!

A light brown leather sheet with various circle and tag designs embossed on it, placed on a cutting mat with grid lines, next to a Silhouette cutting machine in a crafting workspace.

Below are the supplies I used for those interested in testing and seeing what the Silhouette Leather Carving Knife can do.

Supplies Used:

Leather Carving Supplies:

Options for double sided adhesive:

Leather Finishing Supplies:

Silhouette Studio Software Recommendations:

*my recommendations as of 1/31/26

  • V4.5.812 for Curio 2 owners that do NOT own a Cameo 5 alpha
  • V5.0.402 for Curio 2 owners who DO own a Cameo 5 alpha
  • NOT recommending v5.0.414 for users as it has been reported that the firmware update can brick the Cameo 5 alpha machine

Silhouette Studio Legacy Versions – found at Silhouetteamerica.com under Software > Silhouette Studio > Legacy –

Video tutorial – How to Install a Legacy Version of Silhouette Studio

I have lots of ideas floating around in my head after this full day of testing with the new Silhouette Leather Carving Knife. Stay tuned for more details on the blog, YouTube channel, and step-by-step classes of leather carved projects too!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Close-up of a Silhouette leather carving knife in use on beige leather, with intricate designs visible on the surface.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

shop classes
Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae
**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher but I may get compensated for sharing.