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Post by mammajamma on Dec 26, 2014 15:23:19 GMT
Good morning, peas!
I got a Silhouette Cameo for Christmas. I put it on my list without thoroughly researching all the possibilities. Before I take it out of the box, I wanted to 1) make sure there isn't another machine that I should exchange it for and 2) ask the peas what do I do with my old Cricut Expression and cartridges??
I have had my Cricut Expression for about 7 years, I have about 7 cartridges, so not a ton, but they were pretty good ones. I used to have the Sure Cuts a Lot (SCL) software for the PC that I loved to use all my fonts for cutting. Once we switched to the Mac world, the software was obsolete and the SCL software was unavailable! That really slowed the use of my Cricut, but I would still use it several times a year for miscellaneous craft projects.
Do I just get rid of the Cricut Expression -- maybe donate to a school or a child??
I've spent some time this morning reading articles on Cricut Explore vs Silhouette, and I'm just overwhelmed! Can someone just sum it up quick and easy?
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Dec 26, 2014 16:16:33 GMT
I can't answer your question since I never had a Cricut, but wanted to say I adore your avatar!!! We have three Shelties, and I love them to death!!
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Post by vintageblossom on Dec 26, 2014 16:25:00 GMT
I would definitely consider donating, to a school or church. They are always looking for creative things to do with kids.
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Post by onlywork2scrap on Dec 26, 2014 18:35:35 GMT
I have a Sil Portrait and and Cricut. I haven't used the Cricut since i got the Sil. While I have no problem purging most supplies, I have a hard time purging tools. I am still holding onto my Cricut and carts, but have been thinking about giving them to SIL. If you don't think you will use the Cricut then donating it is a great idea.
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gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,121 
Location: Sacramento, Ca
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Post by gramma on Dec 27, 2014 20:25:09 GMT
I've had a Cricut for several years and have about 50 cartridges. Last year I got a Silhouette Cameo. I hardly use the Cricut any more. I love the print and cut feature. I love that I can download files from multiple sources. I like being able to place an entire layout on my computer screen a day size everything to fit. I'll just cut to the chase and say that I really, really, really like the Silhouette.
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Post by doesitmatter on Dec 27, 2014 20:59:57 GMT
My original cricut and expression have been in my closet since getting my cameo a few years ago. Just offered them to our church preschool. Never going back to cricut!
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Post by streetscrapper on Dec 27, 2014 21:08:38 GMT
Donating it is a fabulous idea!
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jetermom
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by jetermom on Dec 27, 2014 21:56:19 GMT
Schools would love to have your machine and cartridges! Most of them use the old cutting machines....can't even remember what they are called. LOL
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Post by cmpeter on Dec 27, 2014 23:03:09 GMT
I got my Cameo a year ago and love it! I gave my baby bug and cartridges (20 or so) to a friend who was just starting to scrapbook.
Kerrie Bradford's site and classes and YouTube have been very helpful for Cameo how -tos.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,510
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 28, 2014 0:10:01 GMT
I bought a Silhouette Portrait a week or so ago. I've unpacked it but haven't had a chance to play. I also have, and mostly use, SCAL with Cricut. I've said that I've been waiting for Cricut to die so I can get a Cameo, but to be honest sometimes I find it easy to just put in a cartridge cut what I need and close it up. No connecting the computer. No designing anything.
Long story short - I'm keeping Cricut (until it dies) and the Portrait.
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Post by anniefb on Dec 28, 2014 7:49:39 GMT
Why not start using the cameo and see how you go with it before you donate or sell the cricut? I think you'll love the cameo - I have one on my wish list too, but for now use my cricut create with SCAL. I have a mac too, but run my SCAL on Parallels.
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Post by mammajamma on Dec 28, 2014 15:30:57 GMT
Thanks everyone. I think I will hang onto my Expression for awhile. I was looking through the PDF older Cameo posts at the Dropbox link, a lot of people saying they had difficulty cutting thicker card stock. Those posts were in 2011. Anyone know if the newer Cameo machines sold today still have that problem?
I'm still so undecided if I should return the Cameo for the Cricut Explore. I have read all the pros and cons of both and I am so conflicted! I like that Cameo software is downloaded onto the computer. And I like that it will do things longer than the mat. But the Cricut Explore seems to win on cutting precision, number of ready made print/cut images online, quietness, and ease of use.
I am assuming that Cricut Explore I can find away to use fine point sharpies and other markets like I see Silhouette users can...
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,456
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Post by scrapnnana on Dec 29, 2014 11:41:49 GMT
The Explore can only be used online. For me that is a deal breaker. However, Provo Craft has said they are working to make it possible to use without being online, so perhaps next year when that possibility becomes reality, I will consider getting that machine.
The Explore seems geared more to those who want everything done for them. I don't. I like having the ability to create my own designs.
The Explore only has a slight edge over the Cameo on cutting precision. The Cameo cuts thick cardstock fine. I cut Bazzill all the time.
I love my Cameo, but I prefer to have more design capability. I personally think the Silhouette software is not that hard to use. I prefer their subscription plan to Provo Craft's because with Silhouette, you get to keep the design indefinitely. The PC sub seems intended to keep you subscribing indefinitely, and you don't get to use their licensed designs. I assume you can buy them, but you don't seem to get any kind of a discount. For the designs you are using with your subscription, as soon as the subscription stops, you no longer have access to those designs. Granted, some designs you choose may only be for one project. However, with my Silhouette sub, I can buy designs for between 11 to 25 cents each, and I get to keep them even when I stop subscribing. I don't have a lot of scrapping time, so it just doesn't seem cost effective to pay $10/month to subscribe to PC's design library for a month, when I would probably only use a few designs during the month. If you spend a ton of time scrapping, and you think you would never use a design more than once, it might be worth it to have a PC sub. It just isn't for me. I prefer to download a wide variety of designs that I can use for current and possible future projects. I feel no rush to cut any designs before I am ready to use them. With a PC sub, I would probably end up cutting and storing tons of designs just to get my money's worth out of the sub. I don't have the time or the storage space to do that.
The Explore seems like an excellent machine. There are things that I like about it more than I ever expected to. I was totally disgusted with Provo Craft, and based on their track record, I didn't believe they would keep their promises regarding future capabilities. However, they have followed through with the promises they made concerning the Explore, and they do seem to listen more to their customers than they used to.
Whether you keep the Silhouette or swap it for an Explore, you should make the decision based on the way you scrap or craft.
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Post by htstepper on Dec 29, 2014 21:08:26 GMT
The Cameo can trace, which the Explore does not do!!! For instance, my husband has his own business, I can trace his logo and cut him a vinyl decal for his truck of his exact logo! You can print and trace too. For instance, you can import an image like a Lego man, trace him to add cut lines around the image, print him onto cardstock and cut him out.
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Post by 950nancy on Dec 29, 2014 21:18:45 GMT
I have both and like having both machines. It doesn't take up that much space, and I have invested quite a bit on cartridges. I think the Silhouette is much easier to use, but not everyone feels that way. I too have and adorable sheltie. The Silhouette store does have a sheltie shape.  |
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Post by alissa103 on Dec 29, 2014 22:37:44 GMT
I have both machines and ended up keeping my Expression. I have used my paper dolls-related carts for things with DS and the Sesame Street cart for some projects. I figure I can pull it out for those kinds of things.
My Cameo sits out all the time and is my preferred machine, though. It cuts better than my Expression and is just more enjoyable for me to use. I will say I never used my computer with the Expression. I got my Cameo before provocraft made that a possibility and really don't have the desire to mess with it now.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,903
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Post by tracylynn on Dec 31, 2014 5:08:00 GMT
The Cameo can trace, which the Explore does not do!!! For instance, my husband has his own business, I can trace his logo and cut him a vinyl decal for his truck of his exact logo! You can print and trace too. For instance, you can import an image like a Lego man, trace him to add cut lines around the image, print him onto cardstock and cut him out. Yeah, you CAN do that on the Explore. Maybe not when it first came out, but you can now. |
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Post by tania7424 on Dec 31, 2014 5:22:12 GMT
You can import your own designs into the Cricut Design Space. I've done it with PSE, then Design Space. It also automatically detected my 80 bizillion fonts I have installed.
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Post by iammikki on Jan 6, 2015 0:35:31 GMT
I haven't used my Cricut in years, but I can't seem to part with it. I almost hate to admit it, but I keep it because of the Hannah Montana cartridge, it hurts me to admit that but I love that cartridge. As long as you have room for it and if you use it, then why not keep it? If not, sell it here or ebay, or donate it, I bet there are schools or children's hospitals would love a Cricut.
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