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Post by mama2three on Jul 1, 2014 14:15:33 GMT
I know, I know, I'm years and years behind the times and there are probably many newer better cutting systems out there now, but for years I wanted a cricut machine after seeing what people were able to do with it and thinking it would save me time and money over using stickers for lettering (especially since I always run out of vowels on my sticker sheets!) I finally bought one on sale a year or so ago but almost never use it as it seems such a pain in the neck to pull it out and figure it out, probably due to the learning curve. I have heard so many people talking about how they love their cricut, so I must be doing something wrong.
Are there videos or tutorials you would recommend to help me quickly get up to speed? (Anything on 2Peas I have to see before it is no longer available?) I just want to be able to cut titles, but it seems like so much work when they aren't cut cleanly through the paper/cardstock. Am I using the wrong type of paper? Is there an alternative for the sticky mat - or a way to renew it without having to buy new? Does anyone still use the cricut? Thanks! |
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mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,104 
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Post by mimima on Jul 1, 2014 14:34:38 GMT
I'm watching this thread as I just bought one used and haven't used it more than to test it  |
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Post by mama2three on Jul 1, 2014 14:45:09 GMT
glad to see that I'm not the only one |
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loco coco
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,662
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Post by loco coco on Jul 1, 2014 14:53:38 GMT
I havent used my cricut in a long time but there are many basic tutorial videos on youtube. Which Cricut machine did you get?
As far as the mats, I think you have to just buy more.
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Post by triplettkarla on Jul 1, 2014 14:57:40 GMT
Youtube is great there is step by step for particular machines i have expression and expression2 and the first one that cuts 6x12. I know it's a pain to get out but once you do it's really fun to use. I hadnt used my machine in a while and youtube got me back in it.
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scrapperdee
Junior Member
Refupea 1827
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Post by scrapperdee on Jul 1, 2014 15:22:47 GMT
I have a couple of cricuts and use them for my titles on scrapbook pages. I am able to leave mine out on a tiny table, so its available when I'm able to work with it...but I totally know what you are saying...when I first got it, it was a huge pain to haul out to use, so I didn't. If you do facebook - here's a great group to ask questions in: www.facebook.com/groups/LetsLearnCricut/Things to do to extend life of mats: -rotate to use both ends equally -keep the cover on when not in use -wipe mat with baby wipes to get fluffies off -rinse mat with slightly warm water - can also use a bit of liquid soap - air to dry Some paper is just TOO thin and won't cut properly...sometimes you need to adjust the blade depth or blade pressure or change speed to get papers to work properly...I have this as a constant issue of trial and error and its IS frustrating. The people on the fb page I noted above will help narrow down issues with cutting, I'm no expert on that, I just get frustrated and try another paper. cricut.com has a MB too - which is good to lurk on for answers/ideas |
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Post by dualmaestra on Jul 1, 2014 16:32:21 GMT
I would also recommend YouTube. I have learned to do MANY things by looking in YouTube.
It's a great resource on "How to"
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Post by anniefb on Jul 1, 2014 19:40:40 GMT
I'd recommend youtube too. If you do a search for cricut and the model you have I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot.
I have a cricut create I use with sure cuts a lot software and use it all the time. Once you get the hang of it you won't be able to shut it off!
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 2, 2014 0:34:06 GMT
I'm on my second Cricut. I like my Cricut (the Expression), but I don't love it. I'm waiting for it to die so I can get a Silhouette.  That said YouTube and lots of practice will help you. When I first got mine I used to read/watch My Pink Stamper blog for tips. I don't know if she's still around or not but her videos were really helpful to me. I also have found that Cricut doesn't like cheap (thin) paper. I use a good quality cardstock and most importantly before I push the cut button I sing " Please Cricut Please, cut good for me" and that usually works. LOL! |
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Post by doesitmatter on Jul 2, 2014 1:13:47 GMT
I had the original cricut and convinced myself the expression would solve my problems and was mire user friendly..... well both sit in my closet unused ....but I know many people loved theirs...it wasn't for me.
But... I have had my cameo for a few years and I love it and find it easy to use.
I hope you can learn to love your Cricut.
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Post by mama2three on Jul 2, 2014 1:20:21 GMT
I havent used my cricut in a long time but there are many basic tutorial videos on youtube. Which Cricut machine did you get? As far as the mats, I think you have to just buy more. Thanks! I don't know why I didn't think of youtube. I have no idea of which machine it is. I'll have to check next time I pull it out. Are they all that different?
I was afraid that would be the case with the mats. I'm just loathe to spend more money on this until I'm sure I'm really going to use it. I wonder if repositionable adhesive would work? Has anyone tried it?
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Post by mama2three on Jul 2, 2014 1:24:26 GMT
Youtube is great there is step by step for particular machines i have expression and expression2 and the first one that cuts 6x12. I know it's a pain to get out but once you do it's really fun to use. I hadnt used my machine in a while and youtube got me back in it. Ok. Good to know. Maybe if I can get it working properly, it won't be so tempermental (or I won't be so short tempered using it - having to hand cut the images after the machine finished up got old quickly). Thanks for the boost. Guess I'll have to figure out which machine before starting to watch videos or I'll get even more confused!
ETA- I just noticed you're in Bothell! I used to live and work there what now seems like eons ago. I'm sure it has changed a lot
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Post by mama2three on Jul 2, 2014 1:33:06 GMT
If you do facebook - here's a great group to ask questions in: www.facebook.com/groups/LetsLearnCricut/Things to do to extend life of mats: -rotate to use both ends equally -keep the cover on when not in use -wipe mat with baby wipes to get fluffies off -rinse mat with slightly warm water - can also use a bit of liquid soap - air to dry Some paper is just TOO thin and won't cut properly...sometimes you need to adjust the blade depth or blade pressure or change speed to get papers to work properly...I have this as a constant issue of trial and error and its IS frustrating. The people on the fb page I noted above will help narrow down issues with cutting, I'm no expert on that, I just get frustrated and try another paper. cricut.com has a MB too - which is good to lurk on for answers/ideas Thanks for all the tips! I'm sure my mats are wearing out faster than I would like due to my kids using them. (I banned all construction paper from the house long ago and made the kids use scrapbook paper.) Blade depth and pressure... ugh. I'm going to have to watch some videos about that. The last time I adjusted something, it stopped working completely. I'm not all that patient with machines - just want them to work smoothly so scrapbooking can be relaxing
I'm not on FB but maybe I'll lurk through DH's account.
Thanks so much!
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Post by mama2three on Jul 2, 2014 1:35:06 GMT
I'm on my second Cricut. I like my Cricut (the Expression), but I don't love it. I'm waiting for it to die so I can get a Silhouette. That said YouTube and lots of practice will help you. When I first got mine I used to read/watch My Pink Stamper blog for tips. I don't know if she's still around or not but her videos were really helpful to me. I also have found that Cricut doesn't like cheap (thin) paper. I use a good quality cardstock and most importantly before I push the cut button I sing " Please Cricut Please, cut good for me" and that usually works. LOL! Great! Thanks! I'm not in the "love it" camp yet. Hopefully soon I can find time to play with it enough to figure it out. If only work didn't suck up so many hours!
"before I push the cut button I sing " Please Cricut Please, cut good for me" and that usually works. LOL!"
I think that might be key! A karma thing, perhaps?
Thanks!
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Post by mama2three on Jul 2, 2014 1:37:33 GMT
I hope you can learn to love your Cricut. Thanks. Me too. I hope it wasn't just a waste of money. I'm really only interested in cutting titles, so we'll see how it goes. Stickers are so easy and take such little space - but I have way too many sheets with only a few letters on them that I'll probably never use and run out of certain vowels very quickly, so the cricut seemed to be the way to go (when I saw it on a big clearance sale). |
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scrapperdee
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Post by scrapperdee on Jul 2, 2014 1:43:41 GMT
I havent used my cricut in a long time but there are many basic tutorial videos on youtube. Which Cricut machine did you get? As far as the mats, I think you have to just buy more. Thanks! I don't know why I didn't think of youtube. I have no idea of which machine it is. I'll have to check next time I pull it out. Are they all that different?
I was afraid that would be the case with the mats. I'm just loathe to spend more money on this until I'm sure I'm really going to use it. I wonder if repositionable adhesive would work? Has anyone tried it?
I've seen YouTube videos on putting repositionable adhesive on them (zig 2way & spray-on). I tried the zig 2way & it's hit/miss...not too much...not too little & doesn't last long. I've found using the scraper to get paper fluff off prior to wash in warm water, to work pretty well. good luck |
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scrapperdee
Junior Member
Refupea 1827
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Post by scrapperdee on Jul 2, 2014 1:52:48 GMT
In YouTube...some posters to check out:
Robynstamps
Melody Lane
Cara Miller
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Post by alicenwonder on Jul 2, 2014 1:52:56 GMT
There should be tips on Youtube for re sticking your mats.
If you watch Joann's though, they have them onsale for fairly cheap for a two pack.
Melody Lane on You tube loves Cricut. She is doing Cricut explore stuff now, but I am sure she has stuff from the older machines. I think she has everything thing they ever made.
There are several versions of the machine. I think the basics for each machine is pretty much the same, but I would find videos that show your machine.
I have an expression that I barely touched but have gotten back into and it isn't as hard as you build it up in your head to be.
If you download the cricut craft room software that helps with figuring out the settings for the blade depths as it asks you what you are cutting and then tells you what to set your machine at.
You do have to link your cartridges to use the software though and you can have a harder time selling them down the road if you ever wanted to.
Good luck. Just practice. It gets easier.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 2, 2014 2:25:58 GMT
In YouTube...some posters to check out: Robynstamps Melody Lane Cara Miller Robynstamps is the same as My Pink Stamper that I mentioned above. I forgot she had different name on YT. |
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robbiejane
New Member
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Post by robbiejane on Jul 2, 2014 2:32:07 GMT
I have two Cricut expressions. One Has not been updated so I still use it with my SCAL and MTC software. I have about 100 cartridges and I use it all the time.
I do however want to upgrade to another brand of machine so I can update my SCAL and MTC software.....
I just can't decide which to get.....
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Post by artisticscrapper on Jul 2, 2014 4:30:18 GMT
My Expression 2 sat in my craft room for a year. Several month ago I finally brought it out, read the instructions, and learned how to use it. When I didn't understand something I googled it or found a helpful video on Youtube. I still don't use it as often as I probably should but there are things I like about it. Being able to print out alphas in any size I want or making embellishments in the color or pattern I choose is great.
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Post by patin on Jul 2, 2014 7:03:58 GMT
I still love & use my Cricut. I have the original 6x12 one. I would like to get the new Explore. I use MyCricut search.com to find images. Capadia Designs taught me a lot. Also the Cricut craft room is great - helps you "weld" letters together for a title. I attribute my Cticut lasting do long to using their mats. I do scrape them to get the bits off as mentioned before. I was always afraid that by trying any "new glue" on the mats that I would gum up my machine. There is a learning curve to using the Cricut but once you get it you'll be happy.
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rhondaintx
Junior Member
Posts: 91
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Post by rhondaintx on Jul 2, 2014 12:24:56 GMT
I havent used my cricut in a long time but there are many basic tutorial videos on youtube. Which Cricut machine did you get? As far as the mats, I think you have to just buy more. There are youtube videos that show you how to re-sticky your mat. I have two mats and have done this several times. I don't plan on ever buying another mat. |
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bklyngal62
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,227
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Post by bklyngal62 on Jul 2, 2014 12:53:20 GMT
I still use my cricut and love it. I have the baby cricut that uses 6x12 mats, never upgraded to anything else.
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,858
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Post by scrapngranny on Jul 2, 2014 19:58:48 GMT
I have just retired my Cricut and got a Silhouette. I really liked the SCAL with my Cricut. It has much more flexibility than with the cartridges. Hope you love your new toy. Cutting systems are so much fun to play with. |
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Post by love2scrap on Jul 4, 2014 3:12:10 GMT
I own the expression and expression 2/ I love them both! I lived on youtube when I first got them.
I own over 100 carts and that enough for me. i love using them with a digital program, so I used design studio, I own a gypsy and I've used the craft room so I don't know how to use them manually, lol.
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That said YouTube and lots of practice will help you. When I first got mine I used to read/watch My Pink Stamper blog for tips. I don't know if she's still around or not but her videos were really helpful to me. 
