crazyrn
Full Member
Posts: 129
Jun 30, 2014 3:56:41 GMT
|
Post by crazyrn on Nov 27, 2014 14:49:20 GMT
I have 2 Cricut machines. Over the last year I hate using them because they are awful at cutting. However, I like the ease of sticking a cartridge in and cutting what I want. Hooking it up to the computer and searching endless images online scares me. Need opinions!
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by zinnia on Nov 27, 2014 15:55:39 GMT
I know I will be of no help, but I just asked for one for Christmas. I figured having a library of files would actually be easier then poking through all my cartdiges. I also like only having to buy the images I want. I also like the more detailed cut it makes. I do not like that I am not tech savy I am going to struggle big time learning to use it if I do get one
|
|
breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,594 
Location: PNW
|
Post by breetheflea on Nov 27, 2014 17:01:24 GMT
I have the Portrait and the baby bug. After having the Portrait for a year I hardly use the bug anymore. I find pushing all the buttons for the layers and trying to figure out how to assemble parts and the fact that I can't tell it to cut wherever I want on the mat (I think there is space, the Cricut disagrees) and flipping through booklets trying to find what I want really annoying. The Silhouette does take a little time to learn but it's so much less nit picky than the Cricut. Just make sure you push the right button (the top one, load mat) for your first cut and (not load media) so you don't cut a hole in your mat  |
|
|
|
Post by htstepper on Nov 27, 2014 17:38:11 GMT
I love my Cameo. I like to cut vinyl, make cards and do 3D projects. My kids mostly use the Cricuts and I have because they are so limited, but easy for kids to use.
|
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 27, 2014 17:54:36 GMT
Yes. Yes, you do. It makes scrapping so much more fun.
|
|
|
|
Post by evnimom on Nov 27, 2014 18:21:42 GMT
I love my cameo. The search is wonderful to use to look for something either in my own library or the silhouette store. If you are really interested, I recommend that you download the free software first and see if you like it and can learn it. If you do get it, I also recommend buying the designer edition. You can use all the free SVG files that are out there.
|
|
|
|
Post by meganliane on Nov 28, 2014 0:24:24 GMT
I love my cameo. The search is wonderful to use to look for something either in my own library or the silhouette store. If you are really interested, I recommend that you download the free software first and see if you like it and can learn it. If you do get it, I also recommend buying the designer edition. You can use all the free SVG files that are out there. agree with this - download the software first as that to me is the biggest learning curve. However I find it very user friendly and there are a lot of tutorials out there. |
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 28, 2014 1:20:34 GMT
My LSS offered classes on how to use it. It was so helpful.
|
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Nov 28, 2014 1:37:48 GMT
I hardly ever sift though zillions of images. I just type in what I'm searching for and look only at those images.
I found there to be a bit of a learning curve, but I have to admit that I use my Cameo a ton. I really love it and use it for so much more than just scrapbooking.
|
|
|
|
Post by onlywork2scrap on Nov 28, 2014 2:40:11 GMT
I haven't used my Cricut since I got my Portrait a couple of years ago. It's 10 times easier to search for a design than to flip thru the Cricut books and it cuts like a dream.
No, you don't need a Cameo, and you don't need a refrigerator with an icemaker either. After you have one you really appreciate it.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
|
Post by scrapnnana on Nov 28, 2014 5:31:57 GMT
Another vote for downloading the software, but also go to Silhouette Plus and access their free tutorials, or look up free Silhouette tutorials on YouTube.
Another option might be to buy the Explore, since it cuts so much better than its predecessors, but you still have to use a computer. Also, those cartridge designs aren't really that great (and yes, I have over 104 cartridges myself). I have used my Cricut Expression only once or twice since I bought the Cameo last Black Friday.
I absolutely LOVE my Cameo!
|
|
gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,121
Location: Sacramento, Ca
|
Post by gramma on Nov 28, 2014 19:11:29 GMT
I have both the Cricut and a Cameo. Looking for Cricut images was a real pain in the patootie until I found this site. Type in what you want and it will list the cartridges that have that image. www.mycutsearch.com/That being said - I hardly ever use the Cricut. It's become more of a toy for the grandkids. The Cameo has a bit of a learning curve but I love it. I especially like the print and cut feature. I'll never go back!! |
|
crazyrn
Full Member
Posts: 129
Jun 30, 2014 3:56:41 GMT
|
Post by crazyrn on Nov 28, 2014 22:55:01 GMT
Thank you so much for all of your responses! I think you sold me on it!
|
|
gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
|
Post by gloryjoy on Nov 29, 2014 14:35:59 GMT
Do you NEED one? Probably not. Should you get one, why not?
I had both the Cricut and the Cameo and for awhile I was going back and forth between the two. But since taking some Kerri Bradford classes, in the last 6 months I don't even look at the Cricut anymore.
A month ago I packed it up, along with my 50+ cartridges and gave it to my 25 year old niece who is doing her teaching practicum. I decided not to sell it. I wanted it to go to a good home, be put to good use. And this way if I feel the need to use it for anything, I still can. She was one happy girl!
I haven't even missed it since it's been gone. I think the more you learn your Cameo, the less you will use your Cricut.
|
|
tsabhira
Full Member
Posts: 250
Jun 26, 2014 3:38:01 GMT
|
Post by tsabhira on Dec 1, 2014 22:32:18 GMT
I am in the opposite situation: I have a Portrait and have never owned a manual diecutter. I love the Portrait and how flexible it can be (and how cheap patterns are), but it can be damn inconvenient sometimes, especially if I'm working on scraps or need something specific cut for an inlay card or even cutting stampling since Pixscan is a crapshoot. I put a Bigshot on my Christmas list. I think having both would be best for my style of papercraft.
|
|
|
|
Post by berta147 on Dec 1, 2014 23:34:00 GMT
There really is little that we need, shelter, food etc.
But it is ok to want a Cameo. I love mine! I have not touched my Cricut since last Christmas. Once I have downloaded an image, I don't need to be hooked up to the internet to use my Cameo.
I have used "mycutsearch" to look for cuts. It is great if you own that cartridge your results come up with. Even with over 30 cartridges, I never had the one with the image I wanted. And with my cameo I do a search and find one in my library or online store and it is a few cents away since I have a subscription. Not a trip to the store to spend $25 or more on a new cartridge!
I have manual die cutters and dies, and with the choices they and my Cameo give me, I can cut away!!
|
|
AerynK
Full Member
Posts: 262
Location: CA
Jul 7, 2014 19:51:37 GMT
|
Post by AerynK on Dec 2, 2014 0:09:47 GMT
Yes.
|
|
crazyrn
Full Member
Posts: 129
Jun 30, 2014 3:56:41 GMT
|
Post by crazyrn on Dec 2, 2014 5:16:21 GMT
I bought a Cameo! Thank you everyone for your input! I have really been sick of my cricut. I do use the myscutsearch and I have about 50 cartridges but it is still a pain. I would love to have numerous images that I can purchase right from home. If I want to cut out a turkey I don't have to purchase a $30 cartridge for that one image. My main problem is the cricut cuts terrible. I have changed blades, had new mats. It doesn't matter, it still can't cut an intricate pattern without ripping the paper. I feel limited to what I can cut so am always compromising....finding larger images, plain images.
Now I just have to wait for it to arrive and learn how to use it! I hope I can get it up and running before Christmas!
|
|
iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,317
|
Post by iowgirl on Dec 2, 2014 15:37:25 GMT
Paper brand also makes a huge difference - if you are using Hobby Lobby paper, every cutter does a crappy job.
I like American Crafts textured, or ColorBok textured. I get the 12x12 pads of ColorBok at Walmart. It is only $5 for a 30 page pad. It is lighter weight, and white core, but cuts great. And it prints nicely too. Love the Print & Cut feature of the Cameo.
De-sticky your mat a bit before using it the first time.
|
|
crazyrn
Full Member
Posts: 129
Jun 30, 2014 3:56:41 GMT
|
Post by crazyrn on Dec 2, 2014 16:16:09 GMT
iowgirl.... Thanks for the tips! I usually use Bazzill or the cardstock from Joann's. I do like the textured stuff. I will check out the ColorBok! Thx!
|
|
aliwinn
New Member
Posts: 6
|
Post by aliwinn on Dec 3, 2014 4:31:04 GMT
Yes, you do! I don't know what I did without my Cameo....I use it on everything!
I've also taken about 4 of Kerri Bradford's classes and she makes it easy and there are so many cool things you can do with the Cameo! I design my own tags and embellishments now. I hardly ever buy anything that I can make myself....just twine, wood veneers and flair really. I've even made my own wood veneers by cutting designs out of the wood veneer paper you can get now.....there is no end to what you can do! Don't be afraid, jump in!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 26, 2024 10:41:11 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2014 16:39:23 GMT
Just another point of view....the new cricut explore allows you do use your cartridges you currently own and add functionality like the cameo.
|
|
