Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639 
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Post by Loydene on Nov 29, 2015 19:46:07 GMT
I was tickled; I was thrilled; I was anticipatory.
Now I'm just over it.
I'm walking away for a while before I repackage this new Cameo and send it back!
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,916
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Post by naby64 on Nov 29, 2015 19:48:06 GMT
What has frustrated you so? It is really a fun, useful tool. I love mine. I also watched a LOT of youtube videos and I bought a Kerri Bradford beginners class. All of those really helped me get over the fear of using it and the not knowing what some of those little things mean.
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,163
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Nov 29, 2015 20:49:42 GMT
What happened? Technology overload? I had mine for many months before I broke it out of the box. Once I did, I wondered what took me so long. Do you have something in mind that you'd like to use it for? They're well made and will last you a long, long time, if that makes a difference. Mine is the original and it's still going strong.
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scrappyesq
Pearl Clutcher
You have always been a part of the heist. You're only mad now because you don't like your cut.
Posts: 4,029
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Post by scrappyesq on Nov 29, 2015 21:04:52 GMT
I dont have a Cameo but I'm definitely a person who takes awhile to warm up to new things after the novelty has worn off. For example, when I got my new Iphone a few months ago I left it wrapped in the box on the shelf for a week. But now I cant live without it!
Point being, just give it a minute step away and go back to it later.
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Elsabelle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,604
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Post by Elsabelle on Nov 29, 2015 21:42:04 GMT
I had a hard time with mine at first, too. I should say I spent about a month being afraid of it before I even tried it and then I got frustrated with it. Once I figured out what I was doing wrong I loved it and now I used it on almost all of my layouts. Maybe you'll come back and tell us what's going on and someone can help.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Post by Loydene on Nov 29, 2015 23:04:06 GMT
It is probably total operator error - but the thing I made sucked. I've watched all of Kerri Bradfords 1 & 2 beginning class. Frankly, IMHO, they were less helpful that Wilna's free Silhouette class -- well, less helpful for really beginning stuff but will probably be more relevant later. I watched a couple of other videos. When I finally figured out how to load a Kerri Bradford design -- after having to research how to take a PNG apart then finding I had the DXF format download as well (but NOT in the Silhouette library) -- one that said "Believe in the Magic" -- I **thought** it was welded -- it wasn't; the glitter paper pulled apart; I think the mat is too sticky (same thing as a Cricuit tho' -- I know I can destickify the mat). Something is/might be wrong with the settings -- it could have been the paper -- the machine groaned while it was tediously cutting the words (it may also have been on a double cut ... not that *I* put it on a double cut (I thought about it, but couldn't find the correct menu to do it!) ... but that was probably good since it was glitter paper). The cutting took a stupidly long time to complete (I know I can change the speed-- if I ever find the menu again.) If the design had actually come off the mat, maybe I'd be less frustrated -- I probably should have used plain cardstock for the learning curve time -- but you know how you want something you can use  ? I haven't packed it back up. It is still set up, plugged into power and my computer. But I saved the foam packing ends ... just in case! LOL!! |
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Post by wallyagain on Nov 29, 2015 23:08:20 GMT
I watched a video talking about the new mat and to find some material that you don't mind if it gets sticky and sticking the mat and peeling it off over and over to reduce the sticky. It takes a while before the paper comes off easily so large chunky cuts are easier at first.
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,163
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Nov 30, 2015 0:09:36 GMT
Maybe it's because I have an original Silhouette, but I totally failed at cutting glitter paper and never tried it again. The paper was too thick, and the glitter was like sandpaper. The paper jammed and ripped.
Have you tried cutting something simpler to see if you like it? I like the offset feature for outlining lettering to cut the same word out of different paper color layers. Titles, frames, and embellishment anchoring shapes are the main things I cut.
Sorry you're frustrated!
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Elsabelle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,604
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Post by Elsabelle on Nov 30, 2015 0:40:31 GMT
I haven't tried glitter paper with my Cameo, but I've seen what it can do to a paper trimmer so I don't even want to try it. I also dealt with the mat being too sticky and my cuts not welding when I thought they were welded and my paper being too thin and tearing. It was so frustrating! I wish I would have taken some time to make sure my blade settings were correct (on the actual blade) and I wish I would have taken the time to just play with it and get comfortable with it instead of trying to cut something that I needed for a project or layout. I remember ruining a whole sheet of Crate Paper trying over and over to cut a title. I wanted to chuck it through a window!  So I guess that's my advice. Take some time to make some easy cuts that you don't necessarily need on cardstock and try to get comfortable with it. |
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 30, 2015 1:19:04 GMT
I cut glitter just last night. I tape it to the mat upside down using painters tape so the blade cuts the paper and not the glitter. I don't use the glitter paper that easily flakes either. I find that learning on thicker card stock is best. I don't have great success with thin papers.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 30, 2015 2:12:51 GMT
I would try using heavier weight smooth cardstock to practice with to start with, sometimes textured papers like Bazzill (and especially specialty papers like glitter) can be a bear to cut under the best of circumstances. Get your feet wet with basic shapes like tags, etc. until you know what settings to use for various papers (and keep track of what works best for future reference). Some thicker papers require two passes with the blade for the best cuts.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Post by Loydene on Nov 30, 2015 4:15:47 GMT
Well -- thank you, everyone. I guess glitter paper might have been too ambitious!
I will practice more -- but I really did just have to quit messing with it... and tomorrow is a work day! And I really need to get my Christmas tree up. So maybe I'll get a big break from it!
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Post by DinCA on Nov 30, 2015 5:32:58 GMT
Loydene, I'm sorry you're frustrated. As others suggested, I'd try a couple of cuts with scrap paper until you get used to it. Also, if you have a scraper, it will help you lift the design from the mat without tearing it. I have one from Silhouette/Quickutz that works really well and I have one I got from Creative Memories years ago that works well, too. Silhouette is having a sale right now, too, just saying!  Silhouette spatulaAnd I would give it another shot before you ship it back. Very few people fell in love with it out of the box but it's really not hard if you try not to do something really complicated in the beginning. You have to work your way up to it.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Nov 30, 2015 6:06:09 GMT
Oh hi Elannah2, I didn't realize you bought a Cameo. I thought it was just me (Elannah1)who was a Silhouette failure.
I have signed up for classes (which I admit I haven't taken yet).
I just *cannot*visualize* how to put paper on the mat and how to place the design on the screen. I just am that dumb. Anything else I can do. Silhouette is just beyond me!
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Post by htstepper on Nov 30, 2015 6:13:07 GMT
I'm sorry you are frustrated. The first thing I tried to cut with my Cameo was really thin paper and it totally stuck. A few years later, I am a pro. Give yourself time to learn your machine. I love Youtube and any time I want to learn a new "skill" I watch a video on that particular skill. Thank goodness for Youtube!
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Post by lisae on Nov 30, 2015 23:25:21 GMT
It really sounds like you are trying to do something a little more complicated to start out. Just load some regular cardstock, type in a few letters or make some simple shapes and start there. Use some of the shapes that come with the machine to practice also. You want to get the hang of what blade depth works best for the type of paper you will use most often.
I'm sure you will get the hang of it and love your Cameo soon.
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 30, 2015 23:46:18 GMT
I also took my brand new mat and put a throw pillow on it a couple of times to diminish the stickiness. I have seen people use the t-shirts to do this too. It helps.
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 30, 2015 23:47:18 GMT
There really should be Cameo/Cricut hotline to talk you down from these situations. If they can do it for cooking turkeys…
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 28, 2024 3:11:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2015 3:42:42 GMT
YOU GUYS! I just cut my first print and cut today after having the machine for lawa9ruiljfsln (i.e., too many) months! This post helped me finally decide to take the time to learn how to do it. I had a printable from SC of different sized labels and I printed it and then did the tracing and traced and cut it. The first pass, the blade was too light, so I re-ran it thinking it wouldn't work so well, but it was FINE! Super happy w/the results. The printable label file itself was a bit weird cuz I couldn't get it to trace the rightmost labels even though it was on an 8.5x11 page well w/in the registration marks, but I don't care. I have cute little labels and it gives me courage to keep trying. ETA: Now if I could only figure out how to do anything w/vinyl.  So, Loydene try to hang in there and if there are specific questions I'm sure the Cameo mavens will help us out. |
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Elsabelle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,604
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Post by Elsabelle on Dec 1, 2015 5:05:32 GMT
YOU GUYS! I just cut my first print and cut today after having the machine for lawa9ruiljfsln (i.e., too many) months! This post helped me finally decide to take the time to learn how to do it. I had a printable from SC of different sized labels and I printed it and then did the tracing and traced and cut it. The first pass, the blade was too light, so I re-ran it thinking it wouldn't work so well, but it was FINE! Super happy w/the results. The printable label file itself was a bit weird cuz I couldn't get it to trace the rightmost labels even though it was on an 8.5x11 page well w/in the registration marks, but I don't care. I have cute little labels and it gives me courage to keep trying. ETA: Now if I could only figure out how to do anything w/vinyl. So, Loydene try to hang in there and if there are specific questions I'm sure the Cameo mavens will help us out. I'm so glad you gave it another try!  |
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Post by ladytrisha on Dec 4, 2015 19:11:24 GMT
just a suggestion (okay a couple) - for those that want to use SVG files (that are free all over) - get the Designer Edition - its around $25 (Amazon, SVG Cuts, etc.) and you can open SVG files without having to fuss with them. Also, for those who remember the Wishblade/CraftRobo files, DE opens .GSD files - that was the deal breaker for me as I had 1000s of those files.
Also, check out Silhouette School blog - she's great and has a book as well.
When I bought mine it sat for MONTHS. I started small and then discovered vinyl (bliss) and this year I've enabled 2 friends to it.
Oh and go out and join some facebook groups - some are okay, some are horrific with pages of "rules" and some are just comfy places to share and get lots of help.
Have FUN!!
ETA - check out the Silhouette Design Store - they have subscriptions on sale right now (20% off) - each month I spent $15.99 and I get $150.00 to spend in the store. I save it up to splurge on a sale (right now all designs are 50% off) ... I love it because I don't want to have to create every design from scratch, but you can also make your "own" by combining parts of designs together. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 28, 2024 3:11:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2015 5:48:52 GMT
ladytrisha, what do you do w/the vinyl? I have some but havent' figured out how to use it.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,119
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Post by scrapnnana on Dec 7, 2015 12:43:00 GMT
zingermack, You can cut and apply vinyl phrases to tiles for home decor signs, use vinyl as stencils to do glass etching, and all kinds of fun things. I'm pretty sure you can find some how-to videos on YouTube, but it's fairly simple once you've seen or learned the process.
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