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Post by MichyM on Jul 12, 2022 18:07:40 GMT
Cricuts came out right about the same time as my scrapbooking days petered out, so I know next to nothing about them. I've been reading about them this morning, but seem to just find bits and pieces here and there, and want to hear straight from the "horses" (no, I'm not really calling you a horse, promise) mouth.
Do you have a Cricut (of any type)?
Do you use it in your card-making? If so, for what kinds of things?
What else do you use it for on a somewhat regular basis?
If I don't SB, and am 60YO without kids at home or grandkids (so I don't need it for a lot of the things that people seem to use them for) will I be disappointed if I get the smaller Joy, or is that about right?
In other words, please help to talk me into or out of this purchase (it's on sale for prime day and I can borrow my son's prime account to make the purchase if I want).
If I do decide to buy one, what other things do I want to have on hand to get started?
Oh, last question. Totally computer illiterate here. I have a powerful (for running memory hogs like Photoshop, etc), 5 YO laptop. How difficult is it to get it hooked up to a PC?
Thanks so much!
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449 
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 12, 2022 18:36:41 GMT
A lot depends on what you want to do with it. If you aren’t as comfortable with computers, Cricut is a reasonable choice for cutting card stock, vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, and more.
I recommend that you download the free software and play with it. Look at their designs. See how you like their software and their designs.
But a lot depends on what you want to do with it. I can give you better advice if I know that, but I’ll throw this out there and see if it’s helpful:
Since you say you are computer illiterate, and you seem to be a stamper, you might actually want to consider the Scan n Cut. You can use it WITHOUT connecting it to a computer. I use it to scan and cut out my stamped images. It also has shapes you can die cut. You can connect it to a computer and use it to a fuller capacity, but I got it for cutting out my stamped images. Since I use a different cutter for die cuts, vinyl, HTV, etc., but didn’t like their way of cutting out stamped images, I decided that it would be cheaper to buy the Scan n Cut rather than continue to buy matching dies.
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,306
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Post by lindas on Jul 12, 2022 19:18:12 GMT
I’ll second the scan n cut. I hate fussy cutting my stamped images so that was the logic purchase for me. It paid for itself, I didn’t have to buy the coordinating die sets for a lot of stamp sets and you have the option of having a border or not. Check out the Papered Chef on YouTube, she has lots of tips and tricks for using the scan n cut.
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Post by MichyM on Jul 12, 2022 19:42:29 GMT
Oh my...I should have known better than to ask you girls. You are the best/worst enablers!
I did a quick Google, the Scan n Cut sounds awesome. But I was looking at $100 for the Cricut. Not $300+++++
Sounds like I shouldn't buy anything at all right now and instead do some more thinking/reading/deciding.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,069
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Post by pinklady on Jul 12, 2022 20:18:42 GMT
I have the original Silhouette Cameo and it is AWESOME. I went with the Cameo instead of the Circut because at the time the Circut only used cartridges. I think that has changed but I know zero about Circuit.
The cons of the Cameo for me are that I don't have room to keep it out so I don't use it often. I used it a lot when I scrapbooked but not too much now that I really only make cards.
I'd probably nudge you towards the Scan & Cut since you are a card maker. I actually have contemplated getting one but again, I don't really have room to keep it out.
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Post by joblackford on Jul 12, 2022 22:27:44 GMT
I have a ScanNCut CM350 that I'm questioning whether I use enough to justify owning... I will have to think on it a bit but if I sell I would give you a good deal on it, since we're practically neighbors... if you don't mind buying used.
I bought it so I could cut lots of stamped images without using dies, but the truth is that I enjoy the look and feel of dies and don't enjoy stamping and coloring, which is what most people who use the SNC use it for. I also don't have space to leave it out or the desire to use it all the time. The good news is you don't need to use a computer with it at all, or if you do buy files you just transfer by USB thumb drive. No wifi, no connection issues.
ETA: the comment about the look and feel of dies - the electronic cutting machines leave a sharp cut edge, like using a craft knife, instead of the pressed/embossed edge of a die. I realized I really like the feel of that die cut edge, and I like embossed details too. At this point I'm not buy a lot of stamps and/or dies anyway, nor am I using the SNC more than a few times a year. I justified buying it with the idea of not buying dies but I ended up buying dies anyway - like ovals, which I could totally cut with the SNC but just enjoy die cutting more, both because of the way the edges look and because of the set up hassle of the SNC.
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 12, 2022 23:31:38 GMT
I gave my Cricut away and bought a Silhouette Cameo. If you aren't scrapbooking (don't need 12x12 size), the Silhouette Portrait in my opinion would be better than a Cricut.
I do use my Scan n Cut more for cardmaking though...but I like to stamp and color with Copics. It's saved me a ton of money in buying coordinating dies. If I didn't, stamp and color, I'm not sure the Scan n Cut would be worth it for cardmaking. I think the Scan n Cut is a good option to replace fussy cutting.
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Post by riversong1963 on Jul 13, 2022 0:02:03 GMT
I've had Cricut machines since they first came out. I have a Maker now, and I love it. I use it for cards, scrapbooking, mixed media, fabric projects, home decor, party decorations, bags, boxes, and more. I also have a Silhouette Portrait, and I use that primarily for cutting out stamped images with the PixScan mat. My sister has the Joy, and she isn't a card maker or scrapbooker. She uses it to print labels. She finds it very easy to use with Design Space. I think Amazon has a Prime deal on it today.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Jul 13, 2022 12:27:12 GMT
I know I’m a bit of an outlier, but I’d like to offer my opinion and experience.  I consider myself “average” on tech ability and usage. I use an iPhone, iMac and MacBook Pro. (All can be used with the Joy). I own a Cricut Air 2, a Silhouette and a Scan & Cut, and more recently added a Cricut Joy. I, personally, even with all of the Cricut brand machine and software faults and issues, have found the Cricut machines and software the easiest for *me* to use. As a card maker, I wanted a small machine to use in a crafting area with limited space. I make cards from Design Space, cut out shapes and sentiments, make labels and love writing on the inside of cards. The Pros - The Joy is small and light weight It’s simple to use, with step by step instructions. I like the software and they are always updating it. It cuts the media I need to cut for *my* uses While there is specific “Joy” branded accessories, I use all different brands of paper, cardstock, vinyl, etc. (The exceptions to this are things like the propriety blades and pens. (However, my blade has lasted forever and an adapter for other pens can be purchased on Amazon.) Off brand mats are inexpensive and work great The Cons It is a fact that the Joy is limited to what it can do in compared to the bigger machines.(Things like Print and Cut, easily make BIG projects, cut a larger variety of materials, etc.) Head to head comparisons no doubt will show how limited the Joy is. While they are always updating the software, not all of the new features are made available to mobile users. Design Space does occasionally go down. With that said - again this is only *my opinion* - I have found that here and in many of the FB groups I’m in, with the rare exception, the individuals that love the larger, more powerful machines are also very talented makers that have a lot of experience and have devoted a lot of time and effort to learning and using their machine. I’m in awe of the amount of talent and expertise out there and here on our very own board. I would even go so far as to call them “power users”. TL; DR I love my Cricut Joy. It’s not as powerful and advanced as the larger machines. The learning curve is smaller and it’s ideal for small projects and simple card making. It takes up very little space to operate, is portable and easy to store. The cost, when on sale, makes it a good beginners machine. Joy branded accessories are easy to find and often on sale. I do have a paid subscription to Design Space. It’s worth it to me because I have no desire to create my own SVG’s. I’m not a power user, just a simple card maker and sometimes make journals - personal, junk or glue books. The Joy works the best for my purposes. |
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Post by MichyM on Jul 14, 2022 18:37:18 GMT
I have a ScanNCut CM350 that I'm questioning whether I use enough to justify owning... I will have to think on it a bit but if I sell I would give you a good deal on it, since we're practically neighbors... if you don't mind buying used. I bought it so I could cut lots of stamped images without using dies, but the truth is that I enjoy the look and feel of dies and don't enjoy stamping and coloring, which is what most people who use the SNC use it for. I also don't have space to leave it out or the desire to use it all the time. The good news is you don't need to use a computer with it at all, or if you do buy files you just transfer by USB thumb drive. No wifi, no connection issues. ETA: the comment about the look and feel of dies - the electronic cutting machines leave a sharp cut edge, like using a craft knife, instead of the pressed/embossed edge of a die. I realized I really like the feel of that die cut edge, and I like embossed details too. At this point I'm not buy a lot of stamps and/or dies anyway, nor am I using the SNC more than a few times a year. I justified buying it with the idea of not buying dies but I ended up buying dies anyway - like ovals, which I could totally cut with the SNC but just enjoy die cutting more, both because of the way the edges look and because of the set up hassle of the SNC. Yes, please do give me a holler if you decide to ditch it. TBH, even discounted, it may be more than I want to spend though. The draw for me for the Joy was it's size (I also don't have a lot of space) and price. |
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Post by joblackford on Jul 14, 2022 21:06:01 GMT
I have a ScanNCut CM350 that I'm questioning whether I use enough to justify owning... I will have to think on it a bit but if I sell I would give you a good deal on it, since we're practically neighbors... if you don't mind buying used. I bought it so I could cut lots of stamped images without using dies, but the truth is that I enjoy the look and feel of dies and don't enjoy stamping and coloring, which is what most people who use the SNC use it for. I also don't have space to leave it out or the desire to use it all the time. The good news is you don't need to use a computer with it at all, or if you do buy files you just transfer by USB thumb drive. No wifi, no connection issues. ETA: the comment about the look and feel of dies - the electronic cutting machines leave a sharp cut edge, like using a craft knife, instead of the pressed/embossed edge of a die. I realized I really like the feel of that die cut edge, and I like embossed details too. At this point I'm not buy a lot of stamps and/or dies anyway, nor am I using the SNC more than a few times a year. I justified buying it with the idea of not buying dies but I ended up buying dies anyway - like ovals, which I could totally cut with the SNC but just enjoy die cutting more, both because of the way the edges look and because of the set up hassle of the SNC. Yes, please do give me a holler if you decide to ditch it. TBH, even discounted, it may be more than I want to spend though. The draw for me for the Joy was it's size (I also don't have a lot of space) and price. I totally get that - especially the size. It's so cute. Just finding a spot to stash the 13"x15"-ish mats for the SNC was a bit of a pain. |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 15, 2022 13:38:47 GMT
Restless Spirit raised some very good points, and if you are mainly card making, the Cricut Joy will probably meet your needs very well. Cricut machines are really good for those who want something easy to learn and to use. Did you get the Joy when it was available on Prime Day, MichyM, or did it sell out too fast? joblackford is also correct that an electronic cutter edge does not give you the same look as you get with dies. I prefer the look of dies, too, but matching dies can get costly very quickly. I especially love to make box cards and other interactive dies, but they are even more expensive dies, so the cost can add up incredibly fast. In most cases, the version of an interactive card that is cut with an electronic machine can be just as good as the die version, because people aren’t expecting the die cut “texture” in an interactive card base. By the time you buy the dies for just a few of the more popular interactive cards, you have essentially paid the equivalent cost for an electronic cutter. This can become a very, very expensive hobby if you aren’t careful. If you missed the window for getting the Cricut Joy, then take your time to think about your needs, preferences, and your budget before you splurge on an electronic cutter of any kind. Just based on what you have said here, if you did get the Joy while the deal was available, I think it will meet your needs very well.
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,999
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Jul 15, 2022 22:31:02 GMT
While I don't own an electronic cutter, I noticed the Cricut Joy is also on sale for $99 this week at big box craft retailers (JoAnn, Michael's, Hobby Lobby), Target, etc.
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