After buying this machine and testing it I agree 100% with you. I wanted it for stippling but the software is pretty complicated. I tried cutting from Design Studio and it did not cut the small fancy cuts any better than my old Cameo that I sold on EBay. This Curio is going back. Why couldn't they have made it cut better when they were doing all this new designing. Cricut is so much better. Thanks Ken. I check out your site all the time.
I want to Thank you KEN for being there for us. I don't buy a Machine until I hear your review,on it Luv your Videos.Your Fantistic. Thank you.!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Ken, I am so pleased you have done this review. This is not the first time that your reviews have been really helpful thank you. I am a devil for buying gadgets and you have saved me money once again. Excellent
Thank you!! I thought I wanted it.. really really wanted it... but after watching the video realize I don't need it. Bummer! I had high hopes for this machine. Thanks Ken!! You totally rock!!!
4:37 - “This was a huge disappointment to me because I like having a full 12 inches to do all of my creative work.” That’s also my biggest hangup. If anything, I want a LARGER work area than the Cameo provides, not less. I just saw one of these machines at discount and needed a refresher on why I avoided it in the first place. Thanks!
hi Erika, honestly, the Cameo is a lot easier to use than the Curio but after mastering the Curio, I can do a lot of things with it. It took longer to understand the Curio than it did the Cameo. I wish that the Curio can work with 12 x 12 paper. The dimensions are so small compared to Cameo but Curio can do things the Cameo can't although Cameo is the ultimate cutting machine. I love my Cameo.
Thanks so much Thank You For Watching. If you are not already a subscriber, subscribe here: bit.ly/1MnKcNn. Also check out my amazon store: amzn.to/1TGQPCE Reply ·
Well, I am a couple years behind but was looking at the Black Friday specials and was considering the Curio over the Cameo but the size and the frustrations you had made me think twice. I am wondering if it is still the same. They also have a special for the Cameo so that may be my purchase so hopefully I can find some of the third party products to get the Cameo to do the same things that they claim the Curio can do
I love my curio you can also buy the bigger base which I did it is a 12x8.5. This is a used friendly machine and software is much easier than the cameo. This is a great machine.
Thanks again for this great and professional (as usual) video. I agree that the Cameo2 is nice even if the pressure is too low. This new Curio (I already bought and tested it) is really disappointing with his too small working space. I already “broken” my embossing mat… I can’t understand why they didn’t make a new machine with a better pressure and a 12 x 12 mat. The dual tools and the base with platforms are a good idea. I don’t know if they listen to their customers before creating new machines. Because I was disappointed by the Curio, I finally bought the Cricut Explore Air I have just received today!
Wow, I love your review there was no sugar coating on it and I appreciate your honest input on it. I love my Cameo Silhouette and will always stick with it, I also have the Cricut Expression the first small one and the 12x12 but are just taking space since I got my Silhouette Cameo a while back. I was considering the Curio to cut chipboard that I sell in Etsy under Annie42, but I will continue to cut them with my steel rule dies :( very disappointed this machine is so limited. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you again for such a great honest review...Kudos to you!!! From here on, I will look at your channel for any other machine I'm considering. Best regard, Annie :)
Great review, Ken! Thanks for saving me a big chunk of change. At the end of the video you mention that you prefer to use third party etching, stippling and embossing accessories for the Cameo but fail to mention them by name. I have googled this without getting any specific products to look at for my Cameo. Can you provide a list of third party tool to allow the Cameo to emboss, stipple and etch? Thanks so much and keep up the great videos!!! :)
Thank you for your honesty on this machine. I do love my Silhouette Cameo. I was considering getting this machine, but after watching your review....definitely not! I think Silhouette just missed the mark on this one.
Thank you so much for this review! I have owned my explore for many years, great machine. I saw some cards made with the embossing tool of the curio. I would love to buy machine with the possibilities of creating my own embossing. Do you have maybe some tips which machines also have the option to embossing but are more quality machines than this one?
Hi Kens, I have been watching all your videos that related to Silhouette and Cricut cutting machines, majority of them are related to the main cutting function which really helped me a lot. Thank you. Since this new Silhouette came out, I am wondering if you may do a video to compare the drawing/write function for Silhouette curio and Cricut explore. I am wondering if there is a big difference of precision between the Curio and Explore. I have seeing the video that shows Curio has excellent stipple function.. I am thinking if Cricut explore can do the similar thing if you load an dotted picture.. Thank you.
Thanks for doing a review on this new machine! It looks complicated and I'm sure not buying it! I love my Silhouette Cameo and I'm gonna stick with that!
I have the Cameo and have a question for you. there is a file I got from Silhouette that I wanted to make and there are no assembly instructions for it. Can you make a suggestion as to where to get help for cut files that really assembly instructions?
I don't have a silhouette, and this video has really convinced me that my Cricut Explore is worth every penny. Seriously, what's the point of his machine?
Hi can anyone help me. I have a MacBook and a silhouette cameo. When I bought it was working fine and i used it for multiple projects. I stopped using it for a few weeks. But when I tried to use it again my silhouette studio won't open at all. I went online for help and tried the suggestions at silhouette America but it still won't open. I tried installing the old software since I read there have been reported problems with the new version. It will take me to the registration process (which I was never able to do) and then it does the same. It shows me a "silhouette studio crashed " or something like that and it asks to try again or report to Apple but still never opens. I am not tech savvy and when I emailed them all they did was send me the link to the instructions which I had already read and tried applying. And I mentioned that in my email. I must say I don't have a receipt for it and I was never able to register it. I couldn't figure it out so I just pressed "already registered"
I use the upgraded designer studio with my silhouette, how will this work, if I am using both machines and can I use one programs for both? Does curio have a designer upgrade option?
Ken, thank you so much for the review. Silohuette is advertising 2 for 1 deal for $200 ( curio and mint) even at that price, I'm not getting them 😊 I'll wait for your review on the cameo 3
Thank you sp much for an excellent video and your honest review! I'm trying to get the portrait and I was wondering if the Curio was a better deal since it was released more recently? But you just convinced me to get the Portrait since I already have the Cricut Explore Air and I only want/need the Portrait to cut stamped images
Did you remove the plastic cover on the embossing mat? Mine is too sticky that if i tried to peel the plastic the soft thing lifts off the mat.. Its frustrating
I think I have seen enough to know that the Curio isn't for me. I am yet to purchase a scan & cut machine and still in the research stage however the Silhoutte Cameo comes out a firm favourite for me even though it allegdly doesn't cut quite as well as the Cricut, it certainly beats it hands down in other areas. I just wish it would emboss but perhaps we have this to look forward to in the near future.
Hi. Thanks for this review. I find that my cameo isn't so great at cutting cereal box material. Could the curio cut that and thicker cardboard? How about matte board using in framing?
Thanks for doing this video. I don't have the machine (surprise) and have not desire to have one. After watching this video, I am so happy I did not get this machine. thanks again...wonder video as usual.
I am just starting with my stationery and invitations small home business and am really looking for something to emboss card stock almost letterpress what do you suggest for this?
This is the second recent review of the Curio, and I still can't understand why? Why would you make an etching/embossing machine that will emboss only vellum or their own lightweight paper. I heard it won't do much of anything to card stock. And, the gof is the same as the Cameo, and we all know that the Cameo gof is pretty much the lowest gof of all of the electronic cutting machines out there. The one the closest has twice as much force as the Cameo. The Cureo seems very cumbersome and I don't think there will be many people who will want this machine taking up space in their craft room with all of the other amazing machines out there. I still want to know what they were thinking.
Hmm I'm thinking of getting such a small plotter. I do currently have none at all. Would this be a good entry? Or should I stick with one of the others?
I think I'll stick with the sizzix for embossing. This looks like you need a university degree to get to grips with it :) Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I could not get this machine to do anything it promised. I am sure it is partially due to learning the quirks of the machine, but the results i got where far from my expectations
I was looking to getting this model, to cut 5mm foamboard. Did you try multiple cuts at various depths? First cut to go through the paper layer, second through the foam and final cut through the final layer of paper. It might take more passes at various depths to get a better result.
all right but, once you finish one pass, and return the board back into the device, didn't second pass miss-aligned with already existed cuts? how can you guarantee that on the proceeding pass, knife will touch down exactly where the cut traces were already existed.
I would not remove it from the device. Just leave it in there, and have it go for another pass. Otherwise you will risk mis-aligning the blade with the cuts. Or use the initial cuts, and finish off by hand. I cannot guarantee that it would not mis-align, without testing it. And I have not got access to one to try it out. It was just a suggestion, based on foamboard cutting techniques by hand. Otherwise I would give accurate feedback to yourself, on whether this was a feasible technique using this device.
I love your videos- you do a great professional job. Are you aware of any machines that with etch metal jewelry deeply? I found one but they want $13K for it. No that is not a typo ~ $13,000!!!!
You really cannot compare cost of using this as an embosser against the cost of using a press/die machine as an embosser. Really, 50 bucks? and did that come with any embossing designs? and can you make your own designs? lol. You should cut that out of your review. Just sayin.
After buying this machine and testing it I agree 100% with you. I wanted it for stippling but the software is pretty complicated. I tried cutting from Design Studio and it did not cut the small fancy cuts any better than my old Cameo that I sold on EBay. This Curio is going back. Why couldn't they have made it cut better when they were doing all this new designing. Cricut is so much better. Thanks Ken. I check out your site all the time.
I want to Thank you KEN for being there for us. I don't buy a Machine until I hear your review,on it Luv your Videos.Your Fantistic. Thank you.!!!!!!!!!!!
+Gracie Mizell No problem! Happy to help out!
Hi Ken, I am so pleased you have done this review. This is not the first time that your reviews have been really helpful thank you. I am a devil for buying gadgets and you have saved me money once again. Excellent
+Gaynor Southerton I am horrible too. I buy all my machines so gets expensive
Thank you!! I thought I wanted it.. really really wanted it... but after watching the video realize I don't need it. Bummer! I had high hopes for this machine. Thanks Ken!! You totally rock!!!
+Lisa “Boo” MacDonald i did too...mine went back
Itoo y.on f
Thanks Ken! All these reviews have helped me to decide to buy a Circut. I look forward to watching your videos
+Michael Sikler thanks!
+Michael Sikler What's a Circut? You make me curious?!
I spelled it wrong Doris. Cricut..
:-)))
4:37 - “This was a huge disappointment to me because I like having a full 12 inches to do all of my creative work.”
That’s also my biggest hangup. If anything, I want a LARGER work area than the Cameo provides, not less. I just saw one of these machines at discount and needed a refresher on why I avoided it in the first place. Thanks!
I agree with ya
This is a great tutorial. I bought the Curio as an addition to my Cameo. This tutorial helps. Thank You.
LAA2198 what did you think of the curio?
hi Erika, honestly, the Cameo is a lot easier to use than the Curio but after mastering the Curio, I can do a lot of things with it. It took longer to understand the Curio than it did the Cameo. I wish that the Curio can work with 12 x 12 paper. The dimensions are so small compared to Cameo but Curio can do things the Cameo can't although Cameo is the ultimate cutting machine. I love my Cameo.
Excellent video! You make the most professional videos. Thank you for all your knowledge.
Thanks so much
Thank You For Watching. If you are not already a subscriber, subscribe here: bit.ly/1MnKcNn. Also check out my amazon store: amzn.to/1TGQPCE
Reply ·
Well, I am a couple years behind but was looking at the Black Friday specials and was considering the Curio over the Cameo but the size and the frustrations you had made me think twice. I am wondering if it is still the same. They also have a special for the Cameo so that may be my purchase so hopefully I can find some of the third party products to get the Cameo to do the same things that they claim the Curio can do
I do a lot of jewelry making. I think that the Curio is going to be great! Thanks for the review.
I have the Cricut explore air and cuttlebug but was curious about this, thanks for video!
AWESOME
Ken, I'm so thankful you took the time to review the Curio. Normally I'd be all over this machine, but had a feeling it would be a disappointment.
+Linda Anne Calderone many people are seeing this
Hi Ken, thanks for your videos! They are perfect to understand these machines!
You can make a video about Silhouette Curio vs. Cricut Explore?
Thanks
Ken, it would be helpful to see the embossed lines if you use colored paper instead of white.
Fantastic review! You just saved me both time and money!
+kelsprettygirl yahoo!!!
I love my curio you can also buy the bigger base which I did it is a 12x8.5. This is a used friendly machine and software is much easier than the cameo. This is a great machine.
Thank-you Ken. Your videos are very helpful!
+Gillian Speelman awesome thanks!
Thanks again for this great and professional (as usual) video. I agree that the Cameo2 is nice even if the pressure is too low. This new Curio (I already bought and tested it) is really disappointing with his too small working space. I already “broken” my embossing mat…
I can’t understand why they didn’t make a new machine with a better pressure and a 12 x 12 mat. The dual tools and the base with platforms are a good idea. I don’t know if they listen to their customers before creating new machines.
Because I was disappointed by the Curio, I finally bought the Cricut Explore Air I have just received today!
+snoopilou5 mine is going back
Wow, I love your review there was no sugar coating on it and I appreciate your honest input on it. I love my Cameo Silhouette and will always stick with it, I also have the Cricut Expression the first small one and the 12x12 but are just taking space since I got my Silhouette Cameo a while back. I was considering the Curio to cut chipboard that I sell in Etsy under Annie42, but I will continue to cut them with my steel rule dies :( very disappointed this machine is so limited. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you again for such a great honest review...Kudos to you!!! From here on, I will look at your channel for any other machine I'm considering. Best regard, Annie :)
+Ana Rivera Keep in mind I could only review the emboss so the stippling and etching could be better, but yes I was disappointing as well
Great review, Ken! Thanks for saving me a big chunk of change. At the end of the video you mention that you prefer to use third party etching, stippling and embossing accessories for the Cameo but fail to mention them by name. I have googled this without getting any specific products to look at for my Cameo. Can you provide a list of third party tool to allow the Cameo to emboss, stipple and etch? Thanks so much and keep up the great videos!!! :)
+StudioInColor look up chomas creations for one
Thank you for your honesty on this machine. I do love my Silhouette Cameo. I was considering getting this machine, but after watching your review....definitely not! I think Silhouette just missed the mark on this one.
Thanks, you video really help my in use the my new Curio.:)
+Stephany Morani. yahoo!
Thank you so much for this review! I have owned my explore for many years, great machine. I saw some cards made with the embossing tool of the curio. I would love to buy machine with the possibilities of creating my own embossing. Do you have maybe some tips which machines also have the option to embossing but are more quality machines than this one?
I would like to know out of all machines that you have done videos on which one would you choose now?
+Porscha Cook cricut explore air
Hi Kens, I have been watching all your videos that related to Silhouette and Cricut cutting machines, majority of them are related to the main cutting function which really helped me a lot. Thank you. Since this new Silhouette came out, I am wondering if you may do a video to compare the drawing/write function for Silhouette curio and Cricut explore. I am wondering if there is a big difference of precision between the Curio and Explore. I have seeing the video that shows Curio has excellent stipple function.. I am thinking if Cricut explore can do the similar thing if you load an dotted picture.. Thank you.
+Prelude Fugue I will add this to my list of videos to do. thanks
Thanks for doing a review on this new machine! It looks complicated and I'm sure not buying it! I love my Silhouette Cameo and I'm gonna stick with that!
+Becky Jo Mentzer sounds good
Yes, I also love it and will order it soon.
I have the Cameo and have a question for you. there is a file I got from Silhouette that I wanted to make and there are no assembly instructions for it. Can you make a suggestion as to where to get help for cut files that really assembly instructions?
+Diane Auriemma I would ask the maker of the file
+Kens Kreations I did, thanks
HEY CAN THE CURIO FOR THE RHINESTONE TEMPLATE?
Yes
I don't have a silhouette, and this video has really convinced me that my Cricut Explore is worth every penny. Seriously, what's the point of his machine?
+rnickel01 not sure
Hi can anyone help me. I have a MacBook and a silhouette cameo. When I bought it was working fine and i used it for multiple projects. I stopped using it for a few weeks. But when I tried to use it again my silhouette studio won't open at all. I went online for help and tried the suggestions at silhouette America but it still won't open. I tried installing the old software since I read there have been reported problems with the new version. It will take me to the registration process (which I was never able to do) and then it does the same. It shows me a "silhouette studio crashed " or something like that and it asks to try again or report to Apple but still never opens. I am not tech savvy and when I emailed them all they did was send me the link to the instructions which I had already read and tried applying. And I mentioned that in my email. I must say I don't have a receipt for it and I was never able to register it. I couldn't figure it out so I just pressed "already registered"
+torresxrocks the only way to fix this is to call silhouette america
Is it worth buying curio? Please let me know
I use the upgraded designer studio with my silhouette, how will this work, if I am using both machines and can I use one programs for both? Does curio have a designer upgrade option?
+Ang Haley this will jsut auto update
U are so professionals kudos
Ken, thank you
so much for the review. Silohuette is advertising 2 for 1 deal for $200 ( curio and mint) even at that price, I'm not getting them 😊
I'll wait for your review on the cameo 3
Thank you sp much for an excellent video and your honest review! I'm trying to get the portrait and I was wondering if the Curio was a better deal since it was released more recently? But you just convinced me to get the Portrait since I already have the Cricut Explore Air and I only want/need the Portrait to cut stamped images
Did you remove the plastic cover on the embossing mat? Mine is too sticky that if i tried to peel the plastic the soft thing lifts off the mat.. Its frustrating
Hi Ken! I'm looking to make my wedding invitations with this machine. Should I stick to the Silhouette Cameo?
stick with cameo
I think I have seen enough to know that the Curio isn't for me. I am yet to purchase a scan & cut machine and still in the research stage however the Silhoutte Cameo comes out a firm favourite for me even though it allegdly doesn't cut quite as well as the Cricut, it certainly beats it hands down in other areas. I just wish it would emboss but perhaps we have this to look forward to in the near future.
+Natasha Cole Right!!!
Hi. Thanks for this review. I find that my cameo isn't so great at cutting cereal box material. Could the curio cut that and thicker cardboard? How about matte board using in framing?
The curio and cameo have the same cutting capability. You could use the new silhouette deep it blade.
Can you emboss napkins?
+Cass yes.........might rip on mat
I afraid that I can't get the same quality of embossing with Curio like I can get it when I'm using a basic Sizzix machine. Am I right?
Thanks for doing this video. I don't have the machine (surprise) and have not desire to have one. After watching this video, I am so happy I did not get this machine. thanks again...wonder video as usual.
+Kathy Hanusa it is not a good machine
Hello! You can cut felt with deep cut blade?
+Crishna irion yes
thank you, how do you feel about the brother?
LOVE IT, especially for stamped images.
Hi thanks for video. Can I ask which one is good Curio or Portrait 3 may be cameo 1 ?
All depends on what you want to do.
Crafts Plus still has Silhouette Curio machines in stock: craftsplus.ca/silhouette-curio-on-sale-249-99/
Can I cut vinyl with this
I am just starting with my stationery and invitations small home business and am really looking for something to emboss card stock almost letterpress what do you suggest for this?
+Corinne Rogers wow....that is a hard one. You will need a system that can do a harder press like a cut n boss
This is the second recent review of the Curio, and I still can't understand why? Why would you make an etching/embossing machine that will emboss only vellum or their own lightweight paper. I heard it won't do much of anything to card stock. And, the gof is the same as the Cameo, and we all know that the Cameo gof is pretty much the lowest gof of all of the electronic cutting machines out there. The one the closest has twice as much force as the Cameo. The Cureo seems very cumbersome and I don't think there will be many people who will want this machine taking up space in their craft room with all of the other amazing machines out there. I still want to know what they were thinking.
+mitsim it was not well thought out
Hmm I'm thinking of getting such a small plotter. I do currently have none at all. Would this be a good entry? Or should I stick with one of the others?
others
Does it cut thin wood
Nice review!
thanks
Hi Ken which is better Curio or Cricut Air 2?
Air 2 is better for sure!
Thanks Ken.
I wish I had of watched this before I purchased mine, I am not impressed really and feel like I wasted my money :( Love your videos and reviews
+jacqpinks I know.
think I might have to pass on this one, love my cameo!
+sewnlvwithutube I was disappointing
I think I'll stick with the sizzix for embossing. This looks like you need a university degree to get to grips with it :) Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
+Elli B I woudl agree with you
will it cut Foam Board? (foam core) and if yes, what is it's maximum depth?
I could not get this machine to do anything it promised. I am sure it is partially due to learning the quirks of the machine, but the results i got where far from my expectations
:((( very sorry to hear that. in other words this is a machine for cutting very soft stuff for crafters.
I was looking to getting this model, to cut 5mm foamboard. Did you try multiple cuts at various depths? First cut to go through the paper layer, second through the foam and final cut through the final layer of paper. It might take more passes at various depths to get a better result.
all right but, once you finish one pass, and return the board back into the device, didn't second pass miss-aligned with already existed cuts? how can you guarantee that on the proceeding pass, knife will touch down exactly where the cut traces were already existed.
I would not remove it from the device. Just leave it in there, and have it go for another pass. Otherwise you will risk mis-aligning the blade with the cuts. Or use the initial cuts, and finish off by hand.
I cannot guarantee that it would not mis-align, without testing it. And I have not got access to one to try it out. It was just a suggestion, based on foamboard cutting techniques by hand. Otherwise I would give accurate feedback to yourself, on whether this was a feasible technique using this device.
I love your videos- you do a great professional job.
Are you aware of any machines that with etch metal jewelry deeply? I found one but they want $13K for it. No that is not a typo ~ $13,000!!!!
Silver bullet cutting machine
Love my silhouette but this seems like crap and a big waste of money!! Thanks for reviewing it as I wanted to get one when I first heard about it...
+Shawn B i love my cameo, but this was just sad
You really cannot compare cost of using this as an embosser against the cost of using a press/die machine as an embosser. Really, 50 bucks? and did that come with any embossing designs? and can you make your own designs? lol. You should cut that out of your review. Just sayin.
+Iti thanks for watching!
greetings- well i did not know of you before i purchased this machine off ebay- so im stuck with it- so can you help me to love it ;}
+Traysi Muhammad I am in the same boat as you. I love it, but it was expensive!
easy peasy!
+yellowsunshine65 lemon squeezy
Nope, don't want it, don't need it. Thanks, Ken. So darn complicated.
+Charlotte C yeah i would pass too
Thanks!
Cricut is sooooo much easier.
+Fashion, Craft & Home I would agree!