Curio Archives

Posted on July 1, 2021October 2, 2021 by silhouettesecretsplus — Leave a comment

Etched Acrylic Coasters with the Curio

What happens when you move into a furnished apartment with wood furniture? My husband says to me, “We should have brought coasters.”

No problem! Pull out the Curio, pick out a couple of designs and the Curio is etching away.

I may be working on the dining room table, but I am happy to have the Curio out and running.

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

I picked up a few designs from the Silhouette Design Store, grabbed some acrylic coasters from my stash, my Curio coaster template, and the Curio machine did all the work.

Home Sweet Home by Diva Watts Designs – Design #346725 (top left)
Home Sweet Home by Diva Watts Designs – Design #346001 (top right)
Home is Where the Heart Is by Graphic House Design – Design #333473 (bottom left)
Home Hearts by Sophie Gallo – Design #318625 (bottom right)

Home Sweet Home Missouri by Jennifer Wambach – Design #148499
Home Sweet Home by Diva Watts Designs – Design #347923

And now the furniture will be protected….
well, if we can get the kids to use them.

Do you have a Curio and it’s just sitting there?
Get it out and play!

I’ve been teaching Curio classes for a couple of years now and have several available on my Teachable site HERE.

If you are interested in Acrylic Etching with the Curio, I would suggest the Basic Acrylic Etching with the Silhouette Curio class or the Acrylic Etching & Design with the Curio class.

If you are not a Curio owner, here is more information on etching with the Silhouette machines and why I highly recommend getting a Curio –
Etching with Your Silhouette Machine.

I would love to see and hear about what you are creating on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae. If you have questions feel free to post below or on the Facebook group too!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

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.

Or if you are looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

**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.

Posted on March 7, 2021October 2, 2021 by silhouettesecretsplus — 4 Comments

Gift ideas with your Silhouette Curio machine

I love that with the Silhouette machines you can create custom gifts that are unique to be given out. Or if you end up really liking it, keeping if for yourself – shhhhh!

A few weeks back I did a post on gift ideas you can create with your Silhouette Cameo or Portrait. Well the great news is, all of those ideas could also be completed with a Curio as well, since the Curio can cut all the same materials that the Cameo or Portrait can.
Check out that post here:
5 Gift ideas created with Your Silhouette

Today, I have more gift ideas that can be created with your Silhouette Curio machine.
These gift ideas are specific to the Curio as the Cameo and the Portrait are not designed for etching. For a little bit more information on that check out this post here:
Etching with your Silhouette machine

Instead of rushing at the end of the year, let’s start thinking about it, making lists, gathering supplies, and getting things done now.
Then we can enjoy the time later!
Just make a list of the gifts you have already done and put the list & gifts in a safe place.
Just remember where that “safe” place is.

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

Gifts with the Silhouette Curio

1 – Acrylic etched ornament or decor

Merry & Bright design by Sweet Afton – Design #333981
Merry Christmas Design by Sweet Afton – Design #333980

Noel Design by Sweet Afton – Design #334940

Supplies used:
Silhouette Etching tool
3″ round Acrylic disc from Craft Chameleon found HERE
3″ round Curio Template from Craft Chameleon found HERE
Oracal 651 Green adhesive Vinyl
Oracal 651 Red adhesive Vinyl
Vinyl retailers:
Expressions Vinyl, Heat Press Nation, Swing Design,
U.S. Cutter, The Vinyl Spectrum

Beach Blessing by Deborah Stine – Design #62386

Snowflake Wonder Circle Poem by Snapdragon Snippets – Design #72245

Supplies used:
Silhouette Etching tool
5″ Round acrylic disc from Craft Chameleon found HERE
5″ Circle Curio Template from Craft Chameleon found HERE
Oracal 651 Teal adhesive Vinyl for Beach Blessing decor
Etched Vinyl for Snowflake decor
Vinyl retailers:
Expressions Vinyl, Heat Press Nation, Swing Design,
U.S. Cutter, The Vinyl Spectrum

Acrylic Etching classes:
Basic Acrylic Etching Class
Basic Acrylic Etching & Design Class

Sunflower Heart Mandala design by Jennifer Wambach
Design #276302

Supplies used:
Silhouette etching tool
4″ x 6″ acrylic photo panel from Craft Chameleon found HERE
Wood blank
Screws
Paint or stain

Class:
Heart Mandala Acrylic Etched Silhouette video course

2 – Acrylic etched light base

Merry Christmas Design by Sweet Afton – Design #333980

Peacock Mandala design by Wispy Willow Design
Design #316665

Supplies used:
Silhouette Etching tool
Lighted base for Curio with round insert by Craft Chameleon found HERE
Curio Template by Craft Chameleon found HERE

Acrylic Etching classes:
Basic Acrylic Etching Class
Basic Acrylic Etching & Design Class

3 – Acrylic etched coasters

Supplies used:
Silhouette Etching Tool
Acrylic coaster from Craft Chameleon found HERE
Coaster Curio template from Craft Chameleon found HERE
Eat, Sleep, Coffee Repeat by Sophie Gallo – Design #230872
Less Monday More Coffee by Tanya Batrak – Design #209927
Yes. Coffee by Kolette Hall – Design #171334
But first Coffee by Lilium Pixel Svg – Design #242962

4 – Wine themed set

Supplies used:
Silhouette Etching Tool
Wine Caddy
Acrylic Wine Caddy from Craft Chameleon – found HERE
Curio wine caddy template from Craft Chameleon – found HERE
Silhouette Curio Large Base – Silhouette America, Swing Design, or Amazon
Wine Charms
15/16″ acrylic disc from Craft Chameleon – found HERE
Wine Charm Rings from Craft Chameleon – found HERE
15/16″ Curio Template from Craft Chameleon – found HERE
Wine themed coasters
Acrylic Coaster from Craft Chameleon – found HERE
Coaster Curio template from Craft Chameleon found HERE
Mom’s Fidget Spinner by Sweet Afton – Design #202772
Uncork & Unwind by Sarah Hurley- Design #236620
Wine Goes in Wisdom Comes Out by Sarah Hurley- Design #279372
When in Doubt Add More Wine by Megan Hardy Designs – Design #124514

Acrylic Etching classes:
Basic Acrylic Etching Class
Basic Acrylic Etching & Design Class

5 – Embossed key fob & earrings

Leaf Messy Circle Monogram by Lilium Pixel SVG – Design #273614
Modern Script Font by Gina Marshall – Design #153466

Supplies used:
ReaLeather Tooling Leather – Hobby Lobby
Silhouette Fine Embossing Tool – comes with the Curio
Key ring
Rivets – screw rivet or hammer set rivets by Tandy (I do not recommend cheap ones)
Rivet Setter if needed – Amazon
Leather Punch – Michaels or Amazon – highly recommend if working with leather
Jump rings
Fishhook earrings
Bent Nose pliers (2)
Eco Flo Gel Antique – Tan
Wool Dauber
Sponge – Michaels or Amazon

Class:
Leather Embossing class with Silhouette Curio

6. Personalized etched metal sheet in a frame

Good Things Who Create design by Megan Hardy Design
Design #212066

Supplies used:
Silhouette etching tool
Silhouette metal etching sheets
5″ x 7″ black frame

Metal Etching classes:
Beginner Metal Etching class
Advanced Beginner Metal Etching with placement

7. Etched Metal Bottle Openers

Supplies used:
Silhouette Etching Tool
Stainless Steel Bottle Openers from Craft Chameleon – found HERE
Curio Bottle Opener template from Craft Chameleon – found HERE

Hopefully this have given you some ideas of things you can create with your Silhouette Curio and give as gifts and the resources to find the supplies. These are things that you could personalize with all kinds of ideas and give through out the year for all occassions.
I love that I can make custom creations with my Silhouette machines!

I love to see what you are creating with your Silhouette machines! Feel free post on the
Silhouette Secrets+ Facebook Group.
We love to see what you are doing and creating with your Silhouette machines!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

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.

Or if you are looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

**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.

Posted on February 3, 2021October 2, 2021 by silhouettesecretsplus — 2 Comments

New! Curio cover file created

It’s here! I finally was able to create the cover file and cut vinyl to decorate one of my Curio machines!

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

I used a Sparkleberry Ink pattern called Sea Glass Watercolor to create this cover.

And if you look really close you can you can see the sparkle from the Glitter Laminate that I applied on top of it before I cut it.

Grab this free cut file
HERE

This is the Curio machine I take when I teach classes at events, so I’ll definitely be able to tell which one is mine.
Note: I did not cover the inside of the lid as it has instructions on it, but you could measure and create your own if you wanted to cut that too!

I will be 100% honest in that I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. I debated on the pattern to use on it and asked my kids and my husband for their thoughts. In the end, I chose one and just did it. And I love it! It was the perfect pattern.

Check out the cover files I’ve created for the Cameo 3 and Cameo 4 too!

Check out how I created these files in this post HERE and then grab the cut files here:
Cameo 3 cover cut file
Cameo 4 cover cut file

I would love to see what you do with your Silhouette!
Feel free to post on my Facebook group
Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.
If you have questions feel free to post below or on the Facebook group too!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

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.

Or if you are looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

**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.

Posted on July 23, 2020December 6, 2020 by silhouettesecretsplus — 1 Comment

Silhouette Curio Get Started Creating Fabulous Projects

The hardest part of creating something is choosing the design that I want to commit to.
I was searching for a 50th Anniversary card to create and nothing looked right to me.

Then I saw a project on my Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae Facebook group that a member was creating and it was an inspiration
(Thank you Patti!).

Sometimes that is all it takes. Seeing a project that someone else is creating and it sparks that creative energy and all the pieces just fall into place.

Today, I am here to share the finished project and how you can get started creating amazing things with the Silhouette Curio.

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

I always like to create gifts that are unique and with the Curio that is possible. With the ability to etch on metal or acrylic, I can create a customized gift in no time. But, sometimes I still need a creative jump-start. I know many of my Facebook group members love and can’t wait to see what is posted in the Show and Tell on Saturdays.
It is a great place to share your Silhouette creations, projects in-progress, or see what others might be creating with their machines.

The above metal etching project was created with the Silhouette Curio, Silhouette Etching tool, and the Silhouette metal etching sheets. These Silhouette metal etching sheets are what I recommend for any new user to start with when wanting to learn etching with the Curio.

How can you learn the Curio?

There are a couple ways you can get started with this awesome little machine.

1 – Check out this Unboxing video on Youtube to see how to set up the machine – HERE.

2 – Curio Beginner Setup & First Cuts with Cardstock & Vinyl video course HERE

3 – Let’s Explore the Curio – Getting Started blog post HERE

4 – Beginner Curio Etching Metal written tutorial found HERE

5 – Beginner Curio Metal Etching Video Course HERE

6 – Basic Acrylic Etching with the Curio video course HERE

7 – Etching Photos with the Curio found HERE

8 – Curio Advanced Beginner – Metal Etching placement video course HERE

8 – Embossing Leather with the Curio can be found HERE

The Curio is a fantastic machine and takes some time to learn.
But it is so worth it when you do!

I would love to see what you are creating with your Silhouette machines.
Feel free to post photos or questions on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Don’t have a Curio machine yet, but want to add it to your tools?
Find it here:
Silhouette America
Amazon

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Enjoy!

**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.

Posted on May 6, 2020May 5, 2020 by silhouettesecretsplus — 2 Comments

Silhouette Curio Virtual Retreat Highlights

We just wrapped up the first Silhouette Curio Virtual retreat this past weekend that was hosted by Terri Johnson Creates and it was a success! 3 days of diving into Curio projects that included metal etching, acrylic etching, leather embossing, more acrylic etching, and sketching on wood.

This event was originally scheduled as a hands-on retreat, but due to the current situation we made the decision not to cancel it but to move it to a virtual online retreat. Students received class supply kits, written instructions, access to recorded video lessons for each project, video conference calls for discussion & questions, and support through our private Facebook group during the event.

Let me tell you, I have been testing these class projects for months, over and over. And by the end of an event, I will admit I sometimes feel that I just don’t need another project with my initial on it.

But, these attendees blew me away. They watched the video classes and created some fabulous projects! I hope these project photos will inspire you just like they have me!

Silhouette Metal Etching

Thank you Silhouette for sponsoring this class using the Silhouette metal etching sheets!

Acrylic Etched Coasters with the Curio

Thank you Craft Chameleon for sponsoring this class.

We used the Acrylic Coaster, Curio Coaster Template and Mandala Heart design by Sophie Gallo – Design #275077.

Embossed Leather Earrings & Key Fob

Thank you to Silver Creek Leather Co. for sponsoring this class.
We used ReaLeather tooling leather in this project with the Silhouette Embossing Tool.

Check out this short video showing the Curio in action on the leather.

Etched Acrylic Panel & Silhouette Design

Thank you Craft Chameleon for sponsoring this class.

Sketching on Wood

We used the Pine Cone sketch design by Tanya Batrak – Design #236611 for the main sketching design and then the attendees got creative and branched out.

While we could not meet in person due to the circumstances, we had a great time meeting together in the first Virtual Curio retreat.

For more information on the Silhouette Curio, check these out:
Curio Unboxing Video
Let’s Explore – The Curio – Getting Started
Beginner Curio Metal Etching
Basic Acrylic Etching with the Curio

The feedback we received from the event was amazing!
Here are just a few of the reviews from this weekend.

“I was glad when it was announced that this would be a virtual class. I wasn’t going to be able to attend otherwise. I was a little skeptical of taking a virtual class like this since I am not self motivated to watch online videos. But I found that I was very motivated to keep up with the class schedule and projects. Loved being able to watch the classes and stop, back up, and go over a technique several times if I needed to. Would love to take more classes like this with Terri and Elly. Fantastic instructional classes and awesome instructors. Thank you for taking us to another level of learning.” Carol R

“A truly wonderful virtual experience. It was so relaxing to go at your own pace and rewind the videos when you “didn’t quite get it” as many times as you needed or refer back to the written instructions when that worked better. Terri and EllyMae were always there for you when you needed to reach out and the ZOOM calls opened you to questions and answers you might not have thought about. I would definitely take another virtual class. You can see just how much time and detail was put in to these classes. Thank you Terri and EllyMae for a fantastic experience and loving all the knowledge I gained.” Jean S

“Thanks so much for offering this virtually. We had contact with other participants through Zoom, the projects were varied and fun, and the instruction was superb!. The videos were well-organized, thorough, and well paced. It was helpful to be able to go back and repeat sections. The workbook is an excellent resource going forward. I hope you continue to offer virtual retreats. “ Boo M.

“This retreat was a blast! Everything – from materials to instruction sheets to instructional videos – was so thought out down to the tiniest detail. Terri and EllyMae, as well as the retreat helpers, are experts in all things Curio – how it works, how to troubleshoot, about the materials, cut/etch settings, Silhouette software, etc. They are genuine, professional, personable, and very patient. I learned some new techniques and how to use some materials I had never thought of. My mind is now in overdrive thinking of all the projects and possibilities. I would so do this again – either in person or virtual.” Leigh W

“This was an outstanding weekend. I would definitely take another class in this format. I had all my materials available to me in my space, I was able to go at my own pace & could rewind if I needed to listen to something again. I loved it!! Judy A.”

Those are just a few and I’ll share more in the future.

We are all finding ourselves in a new time with the current events happening and this virtual retreat was definitely a new experience for us all.

Make sure to get signed up on the Terri Johnson Creates blog and subscribe to this blog on the right side to get notified for future events!
You will also find us on Facebook at:
Terri Johnson Creates Page
All Things Silhouette Facebook Group
Silhouette Secrets+ Page
Silhouette Secrets + with EllyMae Facebook Group

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

We want to say a great big THANK YOU to all our sponsors!
From class sponsorship’s to goody bag items to your support, we cannot do this without YOU!
Atlanta Stylish Point
Craft Chameleon
Silhouette America
Silver Creek Leather Co.
Sparkleberry Ink
THANK YOU!

I’d love to see what you are creating with your Silhouette!
Feel free to post photos or questions on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Enjoy!

**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.

Posted on February 18, 2020February 17, 2020 by silhouettesecretsplus — 1 Comment

Let’s Explore v4 – Etching photos with the Curio

Etching photos with the Silhouette Curio

I love my Curio! So much that I now have 2 of them, just in case.
This little machine amazes me all the time!

Check out this post – Silhouette Inspiration – to see a few more Curio etched projects.

Today I am going to share my “secret” to etching photos with the Silhouette Curio.

How is this possible? Just taking the photo by itself and trying to etch it doesn’t turn out well. Photos are made up of so many different aspects that you can’t just fill it with an emboss fill and call it good. It would just turn out like a big etched blob. It might work for a silhouette of a person, but not to capture the essence of the photo itself.

Well, it’s really not a “secret” at all. But, this is what I do.
I followed a technique that Kay Hall with Clever Someday composed and put into an eBook – Etching Photos on Acrylic with the Silhouette Curio.

This past week I had a lesson with a student and she asked me about etching photos.
This is what I told her, “While I can teach you all about etching acrylic on your Curio, I highly recommend you grab this eBook and read it. In fact, I recommend that you read it 2-3 times before you even try to follow it.”
And that is what I would recommend to all of you reading this. I can etch acrylic with the emboss fills pretty much in my sleep – in fact, there are nights that is all I “think” about when I’m sleeping. But, this etching photos technique uses the sketch fills and gives an amazing finished project. It is a technique that has many steps, but if you follow it exactly, you will end up with a stunning project.

Now, keep in mind each photo you etch is going to turn out differently. I know it’s not the answer my students want to hear when I say, “Each design is going to act differently.” This is true for fonts, designs, photos, tracing, etc.
Why?
Because they are all made up of different elements. There is rarely a 1 click button to have something magically turn into something amazing. It is a process and it takes some time to go through that process. Skipping steps rarely leads to a good result.

How do I do it?

Blog post written in v4.3.370
Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I open the eBook every single time and follow it step-by-step. If I don’t, I know that I will miss a step and it won’t turn out.

So let’s take a look at the photo first. I opened the photo in Silhouette Studio and then scaled it down to fit on the Curio mat.

Like I said above, each photo is going to be different. In this photo, I don’t want the extra background to be etched, just the people in it. So I used the Magnet Trace feature to draw around the people and “extract” them out of the photo.

Magnet Trace is a Designer Edition upgrade feature in the Silhouette Software. As you can see in the photo above, the edges are not smooth around the photo. But, we can change that. I love the Magnet trace for extracting photo because even after I delete the background, it retains the memory of the photo. So I can use the Edit Points feature and adjust the edges around the part of the photo that I want to clean up.
If the tool has traced or placed an edit point too far in on the photo, I can move it out and it still “remembers” what the photo looked like. It is very forgiving and I highly encourage you to play around with it. It takes some practice but can come in quite handy.

Each of the little gray dots is an Edit Point. I can delete or adjust the points until I have the desired edge around my photo.

After I have “extracted” my photo, I then cropped it down by drawing a square around the section of the photo I wanted & used the Modify – Crop feature to capture only the section I want etched. Then I enlarged that section of the photo to fill the acrylic blank area.

Now that my photo is ready, I open the Etching Photos onto Acrylic eBook and follow the directions. I do highly recommend that you read the book from start to finish 2-3 times before you even try to follow along in the software. While it may not make sense completely when you are reading it those first few times, it will make a whole lot more sense when you sit down and try to follow the technique in the software.

The more you do it, the more comfortable you will get.

Once you click on the Send button, a timer shows up in the bottom right corner of the Send tab. However, it is rarely accurate, especially with etching projects. Sometimes it’s less, but more often than not, it’s more time. This project said it would take 20 minutes & 59 seconds to etch and it actually took 32 minutes.

The top of this is the etched photo and the bottom is etched into a Silhouette metal etching sheet using the Emboss fills.

I think the longest etching project I’ve done is around 3 hours. This is why I love that with the Business Edition upgrade to the software I can use multiple machines at a time. So I can set up a project to etch and still cut with my Cameo or start another project on my 2nd Curio.

For more information on how to use multiple machines at the same time, check out this post – How to Use Multiple Silhouette machines.

Don’t have a Curio? Here are a few places you will find them:
Amazon
Silhouette America
Swing Design

Want to get started etching with the Silhouette Curio?

First grab some acrylic blanks from Craft Chameleon and then a Silhouette etching tool.

Then, if you are a beginner with the Curio here is what I recommend to start:

1. Let’s Explore the Silhouette Curio

2. Beginner Curio Etching Metal

3. Want an online etching class? Check out the 1 hour Basic Acrylic Etching with the Silhouette Curio class on my Teachable site – HERE.

I show you the steps I use to set up an acrylic etch from beginning to end.
Here is the course curriculum from the design file to the full etching video course.

and then once you feel comfortable with the etching process and your Curio

4. Grab the Etching Photos onto Acrylic with the Silhouette Curio by Kay Hall

5. Want personalized lessons? To be able to ask questions in real time to an instructor? Set up an in-person or online lesson.
More information HERE – Online Lessons & Classes.

6. Join us at the All Things Silhouette Conference in November to learn more about All Things Silhouette – from software to machines to hand-on project classes.

7. Check out the “Let’s Explore v4” series HERE for more in-depth software information including all about the Emboss Panel, which is the key to the Curio and etch fills for more projects. Etching on photos is the only thing I use the sketch fills for, otherwise the Emboss Panel is the main focus with the Curio.

I really feel that the software is the key to it all. You learn how to do things in the software that will translate over to all kinds of projects in the future.

I would love to see what you create!
Feel free to post on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Enjoy!

**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.

Posted on November 12, 2019November 12, 2019 by silhouettesecretsplus — Leave a comment

Acrylic Etching at ATS – November 2019

I’ve just arrived home from the November All Things Silhouette Conference for 2019 and so many ideas are hitting me. I am making notes for when I get a chance to start creating again.

I wanted to share a project I created and put in the Silhouette Showcase room at the conference.

This is an acrylic etched with the Silhouette Curio. It is a lighted base that can be found at Craft Chameleon and the acrylic is specifically sized for the base.
This is one of my favorite ones that I have etched for the base.

Acrylic light base by Craft Chameleon found HERE

There are several different acrylic shapes that fit in the lighted bases and also Curio Templates for all those shapes.
I LOVE the Curio templates to help hold my blanks in place!

Thank you to Craft Chameleon for allowing me “test” this one out for them to share with everyone at the ATS – Showcase.

I couldn’t stop there though. I etched 150 of the 15/16″ acrylic discs and gave those out to the attendees of all the Ultimate ATS attendees for the Friday classes in their goody bags.

For these I added a wine charm to the bag but they could also add it to a key chain or other type of hardware too!

I had a few extras and turned mine into a pair of earrings that I wore this weekend too!

And yes, there is a Curio template for these charms too! I was able to etch 10 charms at a time.

And I want to share this with all of you because I think it is so neat.
I was able to use my Business Edition software to connect to 6 different Curio machines to etch 30 snowflake ornaments during the conference.
It’s a long story on why but where else do you get access to a room full of Curios.
Next time, I’ll try even more!

Are you just getting started with the Curio? I recommend starting with the Silhouette metal etching sheets and practicing first.
Here is a step by step tutorial on how I do that – Beginner Curio Etching Metal.

Want to learn how to etch on acrylic? I just recently launched an online class on my Teachable site to show you how.
Check it out HERE along with my other classes that are available.

Or if that is not enough, come join us for a full weekend of Curio projects on May 1-3, 2020 at the Curio Retreat in Woodbridge, VA!
Grab your seat quick as we are already over 50% full!

I would love to see your projects feel free to post on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Enjoy!

**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.

Posted on August 30, 2019March 20, 2021 by silhouettesecretsplus — 7 Comments

Silhouette Curio Beginner Etching

Today I am guest over on the Terri Johnson Creates blog giving my “secrets” to getting started etching with your Silhouette Curio.

Head on over to her blog and find out more HERE.

If you have not taken that baby out of the box yet, check out this unboxing video

And more tips to getting started on this post – The Curio – Getting Started.

I hope this helps you to get the Curio out of the box or uncover it from it’s “safe” place and get to playing with it.

And join me at the All Things Silhouette Conference in November where we will have several different Silhouette Curio classes available.

Don’t have a Curio yet, but are in the market? Here are 3 places to shop for one:
Silhouette America
Swing Design
Amazon

I would love to see what you create – feel free to post on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae.

Enjoy!

Posted on June 5, 2019June 5, 2019 by silhouettesecretsplus — 3 Comments

Silhouette Inspiration

Today I am headed out to the June 2019 All Things Silhouette conference and I have to tell you while it may be a lot of work to prep and set up for the conference, I always come back knowing more than I did before & feeling inspired by all that I see at this conference.

So today, I’m going to share a few projects I’ve been working on and hope I can pass on some of this inspiration that I feel when I attend the conference.

First, here are a few acrylic etching projects that I’ve completed with my Silhouette Curio in preparation for the classes I’m teaching at the All Things Silhouette Conference & for display during classes.

This is an acrylic coaster from Craft Chameleon and I created a design and added text to it to be etched on the backside of the coaster. These come in a set of 4 coasters and it is the perfect gift to customize.

I love that Craft Chameleon has Curio templates that have been created to work specifically with their acrylic shapes. While the Curio is amazing in the fact that it can return to the exact spot & continue working even after the platform is unloaded (if the platform is loaded correctly), these templates are so helpful in being able to make sure the designs are in the same place the material is placed.

An Acrylic phone stand etched with the Silhouette Curio.

These are another great gift idea as pretty much everyone has a phone. And if any of you are like me, I will set my phone down on my desk and it is soon under some notebook or stack of papers. It even has a slot for the charging cord to keep your phone charging as it’s on the stand. And both pieces of the acrylic stand can be etched as the Curio template has a space to fit both pieces.

I love that there are so many possibilities and the ability to create custom items with the Silhouette machines.

This is a 5″ acrylic disc that is etched with a Beach Blessing by Deborah Stine – Design #62386 from the Silhouette Design Store.

Something to keep in mind when you are etching acrylic or any raised surface, is to keep the Silhouette tool away from the edges or any holes in the material. This 5″ disc has a hole in the top for adding a means to hang or attach it to an item. If the Silhouette tool comes near the hole or edge, it can hang up on it and cause the blade housing to move out of alignment, which can alter where the design etches. The more you design & work with the Curio, you will get a feel for what that safety zone is and how the tool housing moves.

Since I could not etch close to the edges and hole of the acrylic disc, I cut a Rope Frame from adhesive vinyl to add to the front of the disc. Once the vinyl was added, I took a little round file and poked out the hole so the disc could still be hung.

This is just another way you can mix and match different materials.

The Curio can accommodate thicker materials with it’s unique platform system. This means that not only can it etch on acrylic & metal but it can still cut paper, vinyl & HTV. The difference is in how you stack the platforms. For thin materials under 1 mm, all of the platforms must be stacked in order for the machine to cut properly. That means that a 2+2+1+cutting mat are all required to get a clean cut.

For more tips on getting started with the Silhouette Curio, check out this post HERE.

Here are a couple more items I created this week before packing my Curio up for the trip. It never fails that I want to get “just one more” project done before I have to pack.

These are 15/16” clear discs that work well as bracelet charms or wine charms, they are also from Craft Chameleon.

This is a Honu Turtle design by Suzanne Cannon from the Design Store.
The Honu turtle is a symbol of wisdom and good luck. Who doesn’t need more of that?

I found this design while trying to decide what to put on my beach tote bag for my recent trip to the Silhouette Summit. I love that you can use the designs in many ways and for more than 1 project.
Check out all the neat things I experienced at the 2019 Silhouette Summit HERE.

Here is another charm I created for my new bracelet. This one is a design that LeighBee Designs created specifically for my class attendees at the All Things Silhouette Conference.

Make sure to grab the Curio template for these discs too! It makes it so easy to line up the project.

There are so many fun things you can create. For anyone with a Silhouette Curio machine, I would suggest just getting it out and playing with it. It is the best way to learn.

Now while so far, most of the photos shown have all been created with the Curio, I love all my Silhouette machines equally (shhhhhh don’t tell them).

Another one of my favorite things to do is print and cut projects. I have had so much fun creating with Colorjet III printable Heat Transfer material by Specialty Materials in preparation for my class at the ATS conference.

This tote bag was created by using Colorjet III Heat Transfer paper for light materials and the Silhouette Cameo 3. I used the Summer Flower Bundle by Echo Park from the Silhouette Design Store and set the project up as a Print and Cut project. Check out these tips HERE on this Print and Cut Part 3 – Images post to see exactly how I set it up.

I’ll be sharing more projects I created with this Colorjet III Heat Transfer next week after my class at the June 2019 All Things Silhouette Conference.

I hope that this post has inspired you in some way and you get time to create with your Silhouette machines soon!

Feel free to post your comments and questions below or on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Enjoy!

**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.

Posted on December 26, 2018July 14, 2019 by silhouettesecretsplus — 2 Comments

Let’s Explore Silhouette v4 in 2018 & 2019

Wow! 2018 has sure gone by fast!

There has been so much that has happened – what a year!

I started the year with the goal to have a blog post every week and I only missed 1-2 weeks, so I’m counting that as a success! On to next year!

I started the year out with a series called Let’s Explore v4 and have learned so much going through the software in detail. There are some features that I had never used and I learned so much as I researched and played with it. This program is so powerful and it continues to amaze me all the time.

This Let’s Explore v4 series has been so popular that I will continue it into 2019 and I’ve created a special section on the blog for it all. Find it HERE.

There is still so much more to explore and more new features coming with the v4.2 release.

In addition to the series, I added some projects in here and there that I used the tools in the Silhouette v4 software to complete.

Layered vinyl acrylic ornaments

Cutting cards with the Silhouette

Back to School bag tags

“Tank” top

Vinyl, Glass etching, acrylic etching – oh my!

Faux leather earrings with Silhouette Leatherette

Custom Shadow box with the Silhouette

Subtracting text to create word art

Using Multiple files to create a design

Pop up cards

Creating rhinestone designs

Cutting without a mat

Hot Mess with the Silhouette

Layering vinyl

Bus Driver Appreciation

Teacher gifts

What a year! My absolute favorite thing about the Silhouette is creating projects and being able to show others how to do it too!

Make sure to join my Facebook group – Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae and share your projects there – I love seeing what you are doing.

If you are looking for personal instruction – check out the Silhouette Instruction & Events tab at the top of the blog.

What coming in 2019?

Classes, workshops, TJC Hands on Silhouette Spring Retreat, Intermediate Curio Workshop at Craft Chameleon in St. Louis, All Things Silhouette Conferences in June & November, more Let’s Explore v4 and who knows what else will be added to the calendar.

Classes

Here are just a few that I held in 2018

Keep checking on the Silhouette Instruction & Events tab for future classes.

TJC Silhouette Spring Hands On Retreat

March 1-3, 2019
Woodbridge, VA
Staff & Instructor

Find out more information and register HERE!

Intermediate Curio 1 day Workshop at Craft Chameleon

March 2019
St. Louis, MO
More details coming soon!

All Things Silhouette Conference 2019

June 8-9, 2019
Peachtree City, GA
Staff & Instructor

Find out more details & register HERE for the June All Things Silhouette Conference.
New this ATS – Pre-day hands on classes! The Ultimate ATS package!