Tag: power engraver

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Beautifully Etched Acrylic Clipboard Created with Silhouette Curio 2

Etched Acrylic Clipboard with the Silhouette Curio 2 and Power Engraver
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae

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

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

Etched Acrylic Clipboard created with the Silhouette Curio 2

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

Etched Acrylic Clipboard with Silhouette Curio 2

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

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

Silhouette Curio 2 Etching Failure

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

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

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

Etched Acrylic Clipboard with the Silhouette Curio 2

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

Supplies Used for Etched Acrylic Clipboard with the Silhouette Curio 2

Silhouette Curio 2 Resources

Tips for Etching

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

Silhouette Curio 2 Classes

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

Silhouette Curio 2 Classes by EllyMae at Silhouette Secrets+

Check out all the Silhouette Classes HERE.

Find more Silhouette Curio 2 information on the website HERE.

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

Silhouette Curio 2 Playlist on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Silhouette Curio 2 Acrylic Etching

Enjoy !

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Silhouette Classes

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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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3 Ways to Customize Acrylic Shapes with Silhouette

I’m in love with these Layered Snowflake Arabesque Tile acrylic shapes from Craft Chameleon. They come in a wide variety of colors and I’ve been using them for testing. I want to share 3 methods I tested, my results with each, and which one is my favorite at the end – you might be surprised.

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

Layered Acrylic Shapes Snowflakes Craft Chameleon

I am calling these ornaments, but they can be so much more. Gift tags, ornaments, stand alone decor item, and more!

3 Ways to Customize Acrylic Shapes with Silhouette

  1. Etching Acrylic with the Silhouette Curio 2 Power Engraver – Let It Snow Design
  2. Etching Acrylic with the Silhouette Curio 2 Punch Tool – top left Snowflake saying
    (the Curio 1 and Silhouette etching tool can do this too – more info below)
  3. Adhesive Vinyl Decal – any cutting machine can do this with good quality vinyl!

1 – Etching Acrylic with the Silhouette Curio 2 Power Engraver

I have been doing a lot of testing with the Silhouette Curio 2 and just had to try this with the new Silhouette Power Engraver Tool.

Silhouette Curio 2 Power Engraver Acrylic Etching

I have had great results with the Silhouette Power Engraver. However, it is not a fine detail engraving tip. When you are working with it, you want to keep that in mind and may need to adjust the design to work with it.

I have a full step-by-step class the Silhouette Secrets+ Teachable site on setting up for etching/engraving on acrylic with the Silhouette Curio 2 including how to get exact placement on shapes. I share all the things that worked and those that did not in the class too!
Find all the details and see more examples of my etching tests HERE.

Silhouette Curio 2 Power Engraver Etched - Engraved Acrylic

The etch is pretty subtle on the colored acrylic. Acrylic blanks are also one of the most difficult things to photograph too! Right up there with glass objects.

I love the sparkle of the top layer of this acrylic shape.

Check out a quick look at the Silhouette Power Engrave Tool in action on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

Supplies used:

Silhouette Curio 2, Curio Debris Tray, Silhouette Cutting Mat, Silhouette Power Engraver, Let It Snow by Jamie Lane Designs, Layered Snowflake Arabesque Tile acrylic shape, lint roller, super glue, craft clamps, ribbon
*use code SECRETS at CrafterCuts to save 10% on Silhouette supplies – does not apply to new machines

For more details on the Silhouette Curio 2 click HERE.

2 – Etching Acrylic with the Silhouette Curio 2 Punch Tool

With the release of Silhouette released version v4.5.760+, which means the Silhouette Punch Tool has been unlocked for etching with both the Silhouette Curio 2 and the Silhouette Cameo 5. I have been testing the Silhouette Punch Tool for etching with both models of machines.

For more details on etching with the Silhouette Cameo 5 and Punch Tool check out this post HERE.
Note: etching on the Silhouette Cameo 5 is designed for Silhouette metal etching sheets and not for acrylics – more details in my blog post

The Silhouette Punch Tool is supposed to be the etching tool for finer details with the Silhouette Curio 2 and Cameo 5. While it does etch, it definitely is no where near the same quality of etch as the Silhouette Curio 1 was with the Silhouette etching tool.

If you have a Silhouette Curio 1, I would recommend hanging on to it and get that baby out to etch on acrylic. It does a fantastic job.

However, the Silhouette Curio 2 is here to stay. It is the new machine model and the Silhouette Curio 1 is no longer manufactured. Honestly, the Curio 1 had a really, really long lifespan for a machine model. I am surprised that it was manufactured for so long.

The Silhouette Curio 2 and the Silhouette Cameo 5 has a specialized Carriage 2 housing that allows not only for specialty tools, but also a higher force. While the Carriage 1 housing on Silhouette models is an up and down motor, the Carriage 2 housing on Silhouette model machines is a round and round motor. This means that it is different than the Silhouette Curio 1 machine that was designed over 10 years ago. Different machine, different results.
I’ll have more details on the blog later about all of that.

Bottom line is – the Silhouette Punch Tool does etch.

Check out a quick look at the Silhouette Curio 2 & Punch Tool in action on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

Supplies used:

Silhouette Curio 2, Curio Debris Tray, Silhouette Cutting Mat, Silhouette Punch Tool, Snowflake Kisses Holiday Wishes Design, Layered Snowflake Arabesque Tile acrylic shape, lint roller, super glue, craft clamps, ribbon
*use code SECRETS at CrafterCuts to save 10% on Silhouette supplies – does not apply to new machines

For more details on the Silhouette Curio 2 click HERE.

3 – Adhesive Vinyl Decal

I used Oracal 651 white adhesive vinyl and cut this with the Silhouette Cameo 5 using the Silhouette Autoblade.

Yes! The Silhouette Autoblade!

Silhouette Cameo 5 Detailed Vinyl Cut with Autoblade

I selected the Vinyl Glossy setting and increase the blade depth to a 2. Actual cut settings that will work for you will depend on your material, machine, and blade life. Test cuts are the only way you will know what works for you. Find more information on Perfect Cut Settings HERE.

One of the big key factors is you want high quality adhesive vinyl and good quality transfer tape for detail works. Low quality vinyl can just be a mess and more of a headache than the money it tricked you into saving. If you have ever cut low quality vinyl or old vinyl, you are nodding right now and know exactly what I mean!

Silhouette Oracal 651 Vinyl Cut with Autoblade

Now, yes, I lost the dots to my i’s. But holy smokes! This is tiny details! At this size, I could care less about those little dots on the i’s. I can either cut more and add them or add in a different embellishment to the project.

Silhouette Oracal 651 Fine Detail Cut with Autoblade

One of the things that can help when cutting this small is adding Weeding Lines to the design and it definitely helped in this small detail cut.
For more details on adding Weeding Lines click HERE.
For designs like this, I prefer to draw my own weeding lines. It takes just a little more time in the setup and cutting process, but it can be 100% worth it to save you headache when weeding.

I have more tips on cutting small fonts & designs HERE too!

Silhouette Oracal 651 Vinyl Fine Detail Cut with Autoblade

Check out a quick look at weeding this design on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel HERE.

Supplies used:

Silhouette Cameo 5, Silhouette Autoblade – Type B, Silhouette Cutting Mat, Oracal 651 White adhesive vinyl, AT65 Transfer Tape, Snowflake Kisses Holiday Wishes Design, Layered Snowflake Arabesque Tile acrylic shape, super glue, craft clamps, ribbon
*use code SECRETS at CrafterCuts to save 10% on Silhouette supplies – does not apply to new machines

My Favorite

Out of all 3 methods, this one has to be my favorite because it really stands out. And the best part is, anyone with a cutting machine could do this method!

Silhouette Cameo 5 Detailed Adhesive Vinyl Decal with Autoblade

I hope that gives you some ideas how you can create and customize with acrylic shapes. You are not limited to Snowflake Arabesque Acrylics either! Craft Chameleon has a wide selection of acrylic blanks. The 3″ clear acrylic rounds are my favorite and I make sure to stock up each time I order.

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.

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+

**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 Curio 2 Guide to Blades and Tools + Free PDF Chart

The Silhouette Curio 2: Blade & Tools Chart

Have you ever wondered what tools are compatible with the Silhouette Curio 2? The Silhouette Curio 2 flatbed cutting machine can use a few additional tools that are not designed for the Silhouette Cameo 5 models. Let’s take a look at those today!

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

I have created a free PDF chart of all the tools that can be used in the Silhouette Curio 2 . This chart is available as a free download exclusively for confirmed newsletter subscribers.

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    I always recommend stocking up on extra blades and cutting mats to have on hand. It can be very frustrating to be in the middle of a project with a dull blade or and adhesive mat that is no longer sticky. It is also one of the fastest ways to rule out a cutting issue you might have.

    You can find blades & tools at Silhouette America, Crafter Cuts, or check out the other retailers in the Silhouette Secrets+ Recommended Retailers list HERE.
    *use code SECRETS at CrafterCuts to save 10% off supplies and free shipping on orders over $35

    For some of the specialty tools listed below I’ve also included links for tutorials and more information on their usage as well.

    Silhouette Blades

    Silhouette Autoblade Type B

    Silhouette Autoblade – Type B
    Carriage 1
    Used for paper, cardstock, sticker sheets, adhesive vinyl, HTV, Chipboard, Acetate, and select specialty materials.
    Materials under 1 mm thick
    Available at Silhouette America or Crafter Cuts
    *This is the blade I use most often. Most cut issues occurring with this blade can be fixed by following the steps in this video HERE – Troubleshooting Cut Issues

    Silhouette 1 mm Manual Blade
    Carriage 1
    Used for paper, cardstock, sticker sheets, adhesive vinyl, HTV, Chipboard, Acetate, and select specialty materials.
    Materials under 1 mm thick

    Silhouette 1 mm Manual Blade
    Silhouette 2 mm Manual Blade

    Silhouette 2 mm Manual Blade
    Carriage 1
    Used for paper, cardstock, sticker sheets, adhesive vinyl, HTV, Chipboard, Acetate, Craft Foam, and select specialty materials.
    Materials under 2 mm thick

    Silhouette 2 mm Kraft Blade – Type B
    Carriage 1
    Used for chipboard, acetate, craft Foam, leather, and select specialty materials
    Materials up to 2 mm thick
    *15+ Tips for using the Kraft blade found HERE

    Silhouette Kraft blade 2 mm - Type B
    Silhouette Adapter Set

    Silhouette Tool Adapter Set
    Carriage 1
    Adapters are color coded for specific blades/tools
    Black adapter = Silhouette blade (ratchet) & Premium blade
    White adapter = 2 mm Kraft blade
    Gray adapter = Deep Cut blade
    Blue adapter = Silhouette Sketch pens

    Silhouette Blade – often referred to as a “ratchet” blade but the official name is Silhouette blade
    Carriage 1 with black adapter
    Used for paper, cardstock, sticker sheets, adhesive vinyl, HTV, Chipboard, Acetate, and select specialty materials.
    Materials under 1 mm thick

    Silhouette ratchet blade
    Silhouette Premium blade

    Silhouette Premium Blade
    Carriage 1 with black adapter
    Used for paper, cardstock, sticker sheets, adhesive vinyl, HTV, Chipboard, Acetate, and select specialty materials.
    Materials under 1 mm thick

    Silhouette Deep Cut Blade
    Carriage 1 with gray adapter
    Used for paper, cardstock, sticker sheets, adhesive vinyl, HTV, Chipboard, Acetate, Craft Foam, and select specialty materials.
    Materials under 2 mm thick

    Silhouette Deep Cut blade
    Silhouette Kraft Blade 2 mm

    Silhouette 2 mm Kraft Blade
    Carriage 1 with white adapter
    Used for chipboard, acetate, craft Foam, leather, and select specialty materials
    Materials up to 2 mm thick
    *15+ Tips for using the Kraft blade found HERE

    Silhouette 3 mm Kraft Blade
    Carriage 2
    Used for chipboard, acetate, craft Foam, leather, and select specialty materials
    Materials up to 3 mm thick
    *15+ Tips for using the Kraft blade found HERE

    Silhouette 3 mm Kraft blade
    Silhouette Rotary Blade

    Silhouette Rotary blade
    Carriage 2
    Used for fabrics, crepe paper, felt, wool, and select specialty materials
    *Rotary Blade Tutorial HERE

    Additional Silhouette Tools

    Silhouette Pen Holder Type B
    Carriage 1
    Use with a variety of pen styles to sketch onto materials such as cardstock, paper, faux leather paper, etc.
    *Step-by-step Sketching Class HERE
    **More tutorials on sketching HERE

    Silhouette Pen Holder - Type B
    Silhouette Punch Tool

    Silhouette Punch Tool
    Carriage 2
    Used with adhesive vinyl or HTV to punch a hole to designate where to weed the material out.
    Also used with the Cameo 5 for etching on Silhouette metal sheets.
    *12+ Tips for Etching with the Silhouette Cameo 5 HERE

    Silhouette black bodied sketch pens
    Carriage 1 with blue adapter
    Used to sketch onto materials such as cardstock, paper, faux leather paper, etc.
    *Step-by-step Sketching Class HERE
    **More tutorials on sketching HERE

    Silhouette Sketch Pens
    Silhouette Pen Holder Type C

    Silhouette Pen Holder – Type C
    Carriage 2
    Use with a variety of pen styles to sketch onto materials such as cardstock, paper, faux leather paper, etc.
    Type C Pen Holder has a broader barrel on the end so you can use wider bodied pens and markers

    Silhouette Embossing Tool Set – Type C
    Carriage 2
    Embosses onto materials such as cardstock, embossable foil, etc.
    Set includes a fine and wide tip.

    Silhouette Embossing Tools
    Silhouette Heat Pen Set

    Silhouette Heat Pen Set – Powered Tool
    Carriage 2
    Applies foil transfer material to surfaces of many materials such as cardstock, faux leather, etc.
    Cordless design and powered by the Cameo 5 Tool 2 housing
    *Heat Pen Setup & Foiling tutorials HERE

    Silhouette Heat Pen Super-Fine
    Carriage 2
    Applies foil transfer material to surfaces of many materials such as cardstock, faux leather, etc.
    Cordless design and powered by the Cameo 5 Tool 2 housing
    0.5 mm Super Fine Tip

    Silhouette Power Engraver

    Silhouette Power Engraver
    Carriage 2
    Surface engraves on materials such as metal sheets, acrylic, etc.
    To be used with the Silhouette Curio Debris Tray
    *Beginner Acrylic Etching Class with Power Engraver HERE
    **Additional Silhouette Curio 2 Information HERE

    Silhouette Leather Punch Tool
    Carriage 2
    Powered tool to punch holes in compatible materials such as cardstock and leatherette.
    Not for use with real leather.
    To be used with the Silhouette Curio Debris Tray
    1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm Tip included
    Replacement tips are available for purchase.

    Silhouette Leather Punch Tool

    Additional Supplies

    There are a few additional supplies for use with some of the specialty tools listed above.

    Silhouette 12″ x 12″ Embossing Mat
    For use with the Silhouette Embossing Tools

    Silhouette Embossing Mat
    Silhouette Heat Transfer Foil

    Silhouette Heat Transfer Foil – Gold & Silver
    For use with the Silhouette Heat Pen Set
    2 heat foil rolls (3 in x 33 feet)
    *Heat Pen Setup & Foiling tutorials HERE

    Silhouette Curio 2 Debris Tray
    For use with the Silhouette Power Engraver

    Silhouette Electrostatic Protector Sheet

    Silhouette Electrostatic Protection Sheet
    12″ x 12″ – 2 per pack
    Protects the Electrostatic Bed from damage.

    Grab the free PDF chart of all the Silhouette Curio 2 tools for future reference when you subscribe to the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter.
    *chart is the current tools available for the Silhouette Curio 2 January 2024

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      Find even more information on the Silhouette Curio 2 HERE including an unboxing, setup, first cuts, and the Electrostatic Bed.

      Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

      Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

      Silhouette Curio 2 Blade and Tool Chart

      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+

      **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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      Beginner Acrylic Engrave/Etch with the Silhouette Curio 2

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

      The Silhouette Curio 2 is a unique machine that I am enjoying so much! Just like it’s predecessor, it functions a bit differently than the Silhouette Cameo and Portrait model machines. I am not sure it really should have been called a curio, but it is what it is and I don’t control that. What I can control is me and what I’m creating.

      I am having a blast learning it and I do think that anyone can use it and learn it if they are willing to take the time to! That is why I’ve created classes to help Silhouette Curio 2 users get started faster and take the guess work out of it. Less anxiety in learning a new machine! I’ve made the mistakes and I am showing step-by-step how you can be successful with your Curio 2 in my classes.

      I am so excited to announce this class – Curio 2 – Beginner Engraving/Etching on Acrylic class using the Silhouette Power Engrave Tool!!

      Here is a look at a few of the designs that I have been creating on acrylic rounds.

      In this class you will learn how to:

      • setup a template for exact placement for projects
      • recognize “no compatible cut setting” errors and why you see it
      • set up the Silhouette Curio 2 Debris tray for cutting & engraving/etching
      • set up to cut with the Silhouette Curio 2 to create the template
      • use the Auto height detection & how it works
      • use the Layers Panel in Silhouette Studio
      • set up an engrave/etch for the Silhouette Power Engrave Tool
      • create a custom setting for acrylic etching/engrave
      • do a manual height detection and why I love it!
      • and more! Bonus tips & demos included as well!

      Silhouette Curio 2 –
      Beginner Acrylic Engrave Class

      Step-by-step class for setting up the Curio 2 for exact placement on blanks, creating a template, creating a custom setting for the Acrylic Engrave, auto & manual height detection and why you would use either, engrave tips, and more!

      More information

      Supplies Used for Beginner Curio 2 Engrave Class:

      Design used in class:

      Additional bonus designs shown in testing:

      Optional:

      • Handheld vacuum or wet wipes – do not inhale or get the acrylic dust in your eyes
      • Small paint brush to clean off engraving tool

      Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

      Silhouette Curio 2 Engrave Etch

      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+

      **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.