Silhouette America to discontinue the Curio

Word came down this week from Silhouette America that they will be discontinuing the Curio machine. I’m sad, because I LOVE LOVE LOVE mine. It can do things none of the other machines can because it uses a rigid base instead of a floppy mat. Check out my etching tutorials here and here.

But, it’s going bye-bye soon. Here are some questions folks are asking and the answers we have right now, plus links to where to find supplies currently.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click the link and purchase something, I may receive a small commission. You pay the same price. This helps me to be able to keep my business going and provide more tutorials.

Are the Curios all gone already?

Curio machines are currently out of stock on the Silhouette America website and most other retailers. Silhouette America is scheduled to get just a couple of more shipment of machines. Keep an eye on their website and here on my site for when they will get here. After those are sold out, you won’t be able to find new ones any longer.

UPDATE 3/9/21: Curios are currently IN STOCK on the Silhouette America website. This may be your last chance to grab one. You can find them here. 

Will I still be able to use my Curio?

Yes, you can still use a Curio machine. As the years go by, the software may gradually fade out the features of the Curio or the machines may not work as well with newer software versions. However, Silhouette America has a pretty good track record of supporting older models so I wouldn’t panic. And you can always use a Legacy version of the software as needed.

What about supplies for the Curio?

At this point, there’s no word on whether or not Silhouette America will continue to carry supplies for the Curio such as mats, etching tools, bases, etc. If you own a Curio machine, I highly recommend you grab up whatever supplies you can find, just in case. One of the things that concerns me the most here is the snaps for the base, as those do need to be replaced periodically. I would bet that Silhouette America will carry things like mats longer than specialty materials for the Curio. I would also bet that you’ll find companies making after-market supplies.

Here’s what I’ve found that’s currently available–

On Silhouette America site

• Standard size base kit — This is great, because it includes a cutting mat and embossing mat.
• Embossing tools
• Standard size cutting mat
• Standard size embossing mat
• Standard size Pixscan mat
• Large size cutting mat (requires larger base)
• Large size embossing mat (requires larger base)
• Large size PixScan mat (requires larger base)
• Metal etching sheets
• Metal stippling sheets
• Score and emboss paper
• Wood sheets

On Amazon (all paid promotional links)

• Large size base kit — This is great, because it includes a cutting mat and embossing mat
• Standard size cutting mat
• Large size cutting mat (requires larger base)
• Fine embossing tool
• Wide embossing tool
• Metal etching sheets
• Metal stippling sheets
• Score and emboss paper (standard size)
• Score and emboss paper (large)
• Wood sheets
• Dust cover

Also check the clearance section of your local craft store. Even Walmart carries some supplies online. Keep an eye out on places like Woot and Zulily also.

Are they coming out with a similar machine?

At this point, Silhouette America has not announced any plans to introduce a new machine with the rigid base. They typically announce new products and software features at Silhouette Summit in May. But last year’s Summit was cancelled and we’ve had no word on one for this year, so I doubt it’s happening. There’s no word on what vehicle they will use for announcements such as this.

Why are they discontinuing the Curio?

We are living is tricky financial times. Businesses are doing whatever they can to survive.

Can I do similar things on a Cameo 4?

The Cameo 4 models have a much stronger motor than earlier models and so can cut thicker and more dense materials. However, they are not designed to do things like etch, so it will void your warranty if you use them for etching.