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SILHOUETTE CURIO 2 – EVERYTHING ABOUT THE CURIO 2

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Recently, I had the joy of being invited to Silhouette Summit 2023 in Waikiki and I am so excited to bring you all the details on the Silhouette Curio 2. This one took our breath away! The Silhouette Curio 2 is one of four machines released in Fall 2023 by Silhouette.

WHAT IS THE CURIO 2?

The Curio 2 is the new version of the original Curio. The Curio 2 is one of four machines set to be released in 2023 by Silhouette. The other machines are the Portrait 4, Cameo 5, and Cameo 5 Plus.

The Curio 2 is unique and has a design unlike most cutting machines we’ve seen – it’s a flatbed! A flatbed cutting machine that does much more than just cut, it can emboss, engrave, foil, punch, stipple. Pretty cool. Some features require additional tools but overall this is a great cutting and engraving machine. The Curio 2 is the more expensive of the four machines, with a starting price point of $429.99. The machine is available to order now and in stock to ship to your home.

Let’s get back to the flatbed – when we first saw it, we immediately thought of a desktop laser but don’t get confused, this is not a laser cutter, this is a flatbed diecut machine that does not laser. There is no laser that will “fire up” in the Silhouette Curio 2. The Curio 2 uses blades and accessories to achieve its features. The Curio 2 like the original Curio is going to highlight it’s embossing and engraving capabilities so you can maximize your projects and not just “cut”.

WHAT DOES THE CURIO 2 DO

Guess what else is cool? Besides the Electrostatic mat (see below), the machine won’t cut and have your materials bang against the wall. The machine does not move, instead the cutting arm moves. Your materials stay stationary. When they did demos, for larger items they used a masking tape to keep thick materials, like a canvas or wood, in place.. Regardless, these materials won’t feed through the machine so they will stay in place.

The Curio 2 also has an automatic thickness detection in the software and the tool carriage adjusts its height or position according to the material on the base, so yup, you can cut some pretty thick stuff and don’t have to worry about measuring thickness and telling the machine.

As a note, the flatbed Curio 2 has a 20mm clearance. I saw them foiling journals, sketching on canvases, engraving acrylic, and writing on small wood pieces. They didn’t cut these materials but using the added tools you can accomplish some neat effects on the thicker materials. The tools are available to purchase later this fall and will be able to emboss, engrave, foil, punch, and sketch through the use of the Power Tool Carriage 2. These tools are not included with the machine but are optional add-ons.

What is included with the Curio 2? Included in this big ol’ Curio 2 box is your Curio 2, a power cord, the ES Bed (mat) 12×12, and the auto blade. The machine is bluetooth. Even though you don’t get a USB cord, the machine does have the option for one.

SHOULD I BUY THE CURIO 2?

The Curio 2 is a great buy. You can make your money back quickly if you’re a papercrafter. HTV will be limited since this is a 12×12 bed. I would recommend the Cameo 5 or Cameo 5 Plus if you’re making shirts.

Even though it’s more expensive than the other machines, let me explain why. Silhouette came out with brand new technology for their machines. The Curio 2 has all the technology with no need to buy extra parts so that really makes it shine!

Electrostatic “ES” Technology 

This one is really going to change the game. This technology is patented and no more sticky mats y’all. The Electrostatic “ES” Technology is patented and creates a based powered by the cutting machine so that the static electricity holds the materials in place. You can cut thinner materials and more materials at once. Plus you can easily wipe away any leftover cuts without worrying about a sticky mat or losing stickiness over time. No curls, no tears, mess free!!!! ES is an add on for the Cameo 5, Cameo 5 Plus, and Portrait but standard with the Curio 2.

Intelligent Path Technology (IPT)

You know how it is to have your materials move all over the place when you’re cutting something on the mat? The IPT is a feature in Silhouette Studio you can select that will tell the software to cut your materials along the best path that keeps your materials in place and gives you the best and cleanest cut. We got a demo and were introduced to this feature but I haven’t played with it yet to know if this is something I recommed doing with a standard cutting mat.

Silhouette New Architecture (SNA)

SNA is Silhouette’s new look at their exisiting products and improving what was already great. We have new designs and quiet machines! Yes, quiet machines! WHOO HOO. The machines were running and I couldn’t even hear them.

I would recommend purchasing the Curio 2 because of the new technology and because your creativity can really be endless with the machine but just like with every brand new tech item, there may be some kinks to work out. I recommend really understanding the software and testing out some cuts before you put the Curio 2 into rotation for your business or hustle needs. That advice is for anything new you add to your craft room though!

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THE CURIO 2?

Due to popular demand, the Curio 2 is limited to purchase right now BUT there are some in-stock. Grab yours here. These are available and in stock to ship to you today!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. This commission is at no cost to you and helps us all so that I can keep us up to date on the new new craft stuff!

Create Room Cubby Review – The Effective Storage Organizer

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The CreateRoom Cubby, an efficient and effective storage solution to get you organized. Here’s my honest review.

Just as a disclosure: This post is in partnership with Create Room and contains affiliate links and a discount code for my community (you!). As y’all know, I only bring the real deal in crafting so this is an honest review and my own opinion. To save some money on your Cubby, use our exclusive code: COADSCUBBY.

Hey boo! Today I’m sharing a look into how I organized some of my craft supplies using the Cubby from Create Room.

You probably know Create Room because they make the epic DreamBox! I may not have a DreamBox yet, but this Cubby has sold me on anything Create Room makes. I’m excited to get the most out of my Cubby and add a DreamBox soon.

I don’t know about you but it’s hard to be creative when your craft room (or any space in your house!) is in chaos. I feel like a clean craft room reflects a clean mind, but let’s be honest – crafting is messy! Not only is crafting messy, crafting requires a lot of supplies. Some of those supplies are small and need organized. Keeping things tidy helps me be more efficient when I’m crafting because I can actually find stuff! Nothing worse than papercrafting and not being able to find your foam squares!

What comes with the DreamBox Cubby

The Cubby is a compact, storage system with multiple shelves and tote containers designed specifically for organizing all types of crafting materials. I’m talking about your Cricut or Silhouette tools, papercraft supplies, stamp needs, paper and vinyl! The totes can hold 12×12 paper – YASSSSSSSS…..!! Not only is it useful, it’s cute y’all. The totes are clear but you can add your personal touch to them – more on that later. So you’ll get a Cubby that measures 28×28.5×15. I ordered the white so that I could match it with more things based on my vision for my new craft room.

How is delivery for Create Room Cubby

Your Cubby is such a great size that the delivery person can drop your Cubby and Inview Totes off without any help from you. I went outside one day and there she was! At my front door. The Inview Totes came in their own box but I was able to lift both and bring them in. If heavy objects are an issue for you, you will need help bringing the Cubby inside. I wish I had known more about when the Cubby would be delivered because I would’ve met the delivery person at the door. I didn’t really receive any tracking updates so seeing it outside was a surprise. It came in about three weeks. Not bad, just wish I had known it was coming because it did rain that day!

Despite the rain – the packaging was intact and everything inside was just fine!

How to Assemble Create Room Cubby

Surprise surprise! The Cubby is actually easy to assemble. I assembled it myself based on the instructions included in the delivery but having another person help me would’ve made this way easier. I worked up a sweat and it took about a hour but if you’re used to putting together furniture and actually read the instructions (don’t be like me and just skim them!) you’ll probably get the Cubby assembled in under a hour. Once I took the time to read the instructions, I was moving and shaking. The Cubby comes with everything you need to put it together but you will need to have a drill and screwdriver on hand. Also will probably help to have a rubber mallet so you can make sure the sides are locked and tight. Don’t bang too hard!

I was sweating but super excited I assembled the Cubby on my own! Call me a CHAMP! The Cubby looked goodt and really had me ready to get organized. It may sound crazy, but I immediately felt at ease and thankful to have the Cubby because I knew some sense of order could be restored in my crazy craftroom!

How to organize Create Room Cubby

As I mentioned, the Cubby comes with Inview Totes. The Totes are clear so you can see everything you put in them and they say Create Room on one end. I was so excited to organize my Cubby that I didn’t even seperate my craft supplies. I just dove straight in. You may want to plan and prepare ahead but this worked for me. It worked for me because I knew the Cubby would be the best place for small supplies and 12×12 paper/vinyl. Yup! The Inview Totes can hold 12×12 paper. I know I said that before too but finding storage for 12×12 items soothes my soul.

Once I got my hodgepodge of items in the totes, I realized I didn’t like the way it looked anymore. Since the Cubby Inview Totes are clear, I could see everything in them. This is one reason you may want to think through what you’re putting in the mats but don’t worry because the tote liners saved me! They will save you too. I recommend having some 12×24 paper on hand for the larger Totes. I didn’t so my liners for the 12×12 storage totes are a little short but look at how much better that before and after is! I plan to cut some vinyl on my Silhouette Portrait and label the Totes so I know what’s in each one.

How freakin pretty right? I used a paper pad from Micheals and my Cricut Maker to cut out the liners. These colors match right up with the brand colors – on pointtttt! I also like how there’s room on top of the Cubby to fit my Silhouette Portrait (any desktop cutting machine) and some decor.

Let me know if you have any questions about the Create Room Cubby. I’m convinced I need a DreamBox2 now. I just can’t imagine how easy my craft life will be once everything in the room is organized. The Cubby is definitely a great start and product to keeping me organized completely. We deserve ease and soft life, remember that organization is a part of that.

To get your Cubby AND save $50, click here and use the code: COADSCUBBY!

RACE CAR VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS FREE PRINTABLE

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These race car printable Valentine’s Day cards are FREE to download and just what the school party needs this February! Alll you need to do with these non-candy Valentine’s is add a toy car for the perfect Valentine to share with classmates!

COADS - RACE CAR VALENTINES DAY CARD PRINTABLE NON-CANDY

Playing with toy cars really takes me back to growing up. My little brother was addicated to toy cars. We found them in sofa cushions, on the floor, in his bed, in the bath tub. Talk about a fan! We knew he would grow up to love working on cars, and sure enough he does! Even though my brother is in his 30s now and my son is no longer having classroom parties, I’m sure both of them would’ve loved a non-candy valentine like this.

These toy race car valentines bring a unique spin to the class party and are affordable to make! You don’t even need to buy name brand cars, grab some from the Dollar Tree or toy section of your favorite store to add to the card. These valentine day printable cards will really bring out the crafter in you! For all my parents who love a good party, these take it up a notch and will have all the parents calling you wondering how they can tap into your creativity for their next events!

These valentine day cards aren’t your average race car valentines. You’ll get to crafting and take it up a notch by adding the toy car inside a car box instead of just gluing or taping it onto the paper. I’m telling you, the kids are going to wheely feel loved with these cheesy lines (lol!).

HOW TO ASSEMBLE RACE CAR VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS PARTY FAVOR

To put together your Valentine’s Day cards you will need a few items:

For this printable, you can download it for free here. Once you download you will receive the PNG file and a PDF file. What a win – this free printable works whether you like to cut by hand or use a cutting machine. The PNG is best for uploading into your cutting machine. You will use the print then cut feature. If cutting by hand, use the PDF and simply cut out the shape. Just as a heads-up if you are cutting by hand or using a cutting machine, there is only Valentine per 8.5×11 page. So make sure you have one sheet of paper per person at the Valentine’s Day party.

Once you have the Valentine’s cut out, you will have two pieces (front and back of card). I used my print then cut feature on the Cricut to save time. Be sure to size your file to 8.98×6.68 before you cut the file. Next, you will glue the front and back of the cards together. I used my tape runner but use what you have. Once glued together, assemble the acetate box. Do not close the box. Put the car inside the box and close the box up. Place the double sided tape on the box and adhere the box onto the cards. BAM! You’re finished! There’s even a To and From section that you or your kiddos can add names for when it comes time to passing them out.

hot wheels non candy valentine boys valentine's day card PRINTABLE PIN FREE

I hope you WHEELY love these cards and they made your holiday a bit easier. I can’t wait to see how they come out. Be sure to tag me on social media if you make them. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Want to make your own Race Car template? Check out the SVG and template at my friend’s Tam Etsy shop!

Did you love this idea for Valentine’s Day? Check out this other Valentine’s Day printable from my crafty friend Victoria at Pretty, Party, and Crafty! Great if you have more than one party or kid this holiday.

non-candy capri sun boy valentines day printable

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APPLESAUCE CUP VALENTINES DAY FREE PRINTABLE

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Busy parent? Forgot that Valentine’s Day comes just as soon as the New Year hits? Don’t worry! This Valentine’s Day applesauce cup free printable digital file will save your day (or late night!).

APPLESAUCE CUP VDAY LABEL TEMPLATE

These cute valentine’s day cards provide non-candy valentine which is a great alternative to traditional candy valentines. Who doesn’t love a healthier option?! A fun snack that’s great for elementary age kids or preschoolers – keep reading so you can be head of the class.

FREE PRINTABLE APPLESAUCE CUP VALENTINES DAY LABELS

To get ready for the Valentine’s Day party you will need to download the free printable PDF file that I created for you and the small cans/containers of apple sauce that come in a multipack. Scroll down and enter your email address to grab your file.

There are six applesauce containers labels per sheet. Three labels that say “You’re the apple of my eye” and three other labels that say “You’re awesome sauce”. The six applesauce cup labels will adhere best with sticker paper — but I’ll get to that! Please note, you will need at least Adobe Reader on your computer to view these printable tags.

You may be running behind so don’t worry, this is a smooth and quick project. Enter your email in the form below and download the file to your computer. Once you have the instant download downloaded, unzipped, and saved to your computer, you will need to print out the download on your home printer or at a print shop/copy shop. This download is a great idea if you have a lot of kids to treat. Mass production! YAYYY…

Here’s a list of the supplies you’ll need:

HOW TO ASSEMBLE VALENTINE’S DAY APPLESAUCE CUPS LABELS

I like to print on white cardstock or sticker paper, but if you only have white copy paper (printer paper), that’s just fine. We will make these homemade valentines work so your kids will still think you’re the Pinterest mom we all want to be. I also included a cut file you can upload into your cutting machine.

Once you print the printable files, you can cut the labels out. To cut the cute cards, I use my paper craft scissors, craft knife, or a 3in circle punch. Use what you have on hand to keep it easy on yourself for this valentine idea. As a reminder, the white card stock will be thicker than the copy paper.

Once each of the free printables are cut out, you can glue the printable cards to the top of the applesauce cups. If you used sticker paper, you will not need glue but if you need an adhesive – white glue, tape runner, double-sided tape, glue dots, or kraft glue will work. A little bit of glue/adhesive will go a long way. I used my glue gun and glued around the circle edge of the label.

Here’s a tip – place your adhesive only on the edge of the circle, it will stick better!

Again, use what you have on hand. This is a very affordable, non-candy, healthy valentine for you to get done quickly.

Complete as many applesauce cups you need. This printable is for personal use, but use it as many times as necessary! Most of us parents have more than six kids to a classroom for the Valentine’s Day Party. No party in the classroom? Make it a party for your kid and pop one into their school lunch on Valentine’s Day.

A great way to make this a fun activity with your kids is to have them write their name on the From line. Adding in the kids name makes this a fun editable kids valentine template for your family.

If you don’t have any applesauce cups on hand, an alternative is to make these into adorable tags with a hole punch. Take some baker’s twine and tie them around an apple sauce pouches, apple juice, or an actual apple for a healthy snack.

Thank you for reading and grabbing your free printable! I hope you and your kids love it! Let me know your thoughts below.

Sending lots of love to you this holiday.

-With Love, Alicia Desiree

FREE VALENTINES DAY APPLESAUCE CUP PRINTABLE COADS
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Want to make your own labels and get paid for printables? Grab your tempalates and mockups here – www.shop.craftsofadifferentshade.com

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase anything once you follow the links. Thanks for your support!

GRINCHMAS EVE BOX GRINCH CHRISTMAS FREE PRINTABLE

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This free printable Christmas download will get your kids laughing and snacking on Christmas Eve. Just the fun you need for a family friendly Christmas Eve before the big day.

GRINCHMAS EVE BOX TEMPLATE FREE PRINTABLE

Guaranteed to be a fun time with your kids, you’ll definitely want to scroll down and download this free printable set. The printables include labels for a 6x6x4 box, a Capri Sun label, a chipbag, Hershey’s chocolate bar label, and hot cocoa wrapper. All you need to do is download the free printables, print on a 8.5×11 page and assemble. You will need to order a box to hold all the items. Feel free to get creative and add anything additional to your box that your kids will love. Don’t forget to pop in How The Grinch Stole Christmas or read the book to complete the day.

GRINCHMAS CAPRI SUN WRAPPER CHRISTMAS GRINCH
GRINCHMAS BOX CHRISTMAS EVE BOX
GRINCHMAS EVE GRINCH HOT COCOA WRAPPER
GRINCHMAS GRINCH CHOCOLATE BAR WRAPPER PRINTABLE
GRINCH CHIPBAG CHRISTMAS EVE TEMPLATE

Using this free GRINCHMAS EVE printable is easy. You will need to grab the free download, print the items out, then assemble. To get the downloads, be sure to add your email correctly and check spam just in case!

You can print as many as you like for your personal use. Links are below if you want to DIY your own party favors to sale! Read on to see the best supplies and tools I recognize for this activity or to get started with your own party favors.

Here’s how to make your GRINCHMAS EVE BOX PARTY FAVORS.

Head on over to the Freebie library, sign up, and use the password you receive in your email to download the files.

I recommend using an inkjet printer you have at home. I love the Epson ECO-TANK printer series for party favor printables. These printers are great on ink and you can print glossy paper without it getting stuck!

Speaking of paper – I definitely recommend you use glossy inkjet paper for ALL your party favor printables. The paper really stands out and has that shine that you find when you see candy wrappers in the store! I like a few different papers: Amazon, Pretty, Party, and Crafty, and JazznJay Creations.

Once you print your labels and wrappers, the only other thing you’ll need is glue. You can use hot glue, art glitter glue, double sided tape, white glue – anything you have on hand and/or can afford!

For assembly help – check out my YouTube channel on how to assemble the chipbag.

If you want to take it up a notch, here are some other items you can use that I like to have on hand for any of my party favor templates. My Amazon Party Favor Recommendations

Want to make your own Christmas Party Favors? Check out my shop and download party favor templates for photoshop and publisher to DIY your own party favors and make some income!

PUBLISHER PARTY FAVOR TEMPLATES AND MOCKUPS

PHOTOSHOP PARTY FAVOR TEMPLATES AND MOCKUPS

Thanks for reading! I wish you all a Merry Christmas filled with joy and fun family traditions.
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Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.