Complete newie Cricut questions

[Cruise]

So I don't do much scrapbooking these days.... but I'm interested in being able to make some vinyl decals for other craft projects. But I'm not sure I understand exactly what the Cricut can and can't do.

Be warned....the title did say complete newbie!! But, can you make your own designs and logos and things to cut with the Cricut? Or are you limited to what the cartridges can do? For example, the thing I'm specifically thinking of right now is that I'm going to Fitness Ridge (the Biggest Loser resort) for 4 weeks. I'll be there over Christmas and New Year's.... so I'd really like to make a custom Christmas ornament that I can hang on my tree for years to come as a memento of my Christmas there. I was thinking that I'd like to do a little vinyl decal of the Biggest Loser logo for one side and then another that says "Christmas 2010" for the other side. Is this even possible? Is there some way to make the Cricut cut something that isn't included in one of its cartridges? Or would I be limited to just making something with letters and fonts for this?

Also, I see there's the "Cricut Personal" which says it makes diecuts from 1" to 5.5". Would the rolls of 6" vinyl work in this? I was thinking the smaller one might be a good place to start. Especially with the price Joann's is going to have for it on Black Friday.

Thanks!

 

[ilovemickeymost]

wish I had answers for you, but I have no idea. thought this bump might get you the answers you are looking for.

 

[Cruise]

wish I had answers for you, but I have no idea. thought this bump might get you the answers you are looking for.

Thanks! I've just about given up on the idea. I'm guessing it's not possible.. or at least not common if no one has heard of it.

I'm thinking I might just try to print it out and use my Xyron to make a sticker of it and put it on that way.

 

[rlovew]

The machine by itself will not do this but you can create your own designs on the computer if you purchase an additional software called Sure Cuts A Lot(SCAL). I don't know what all it will do as I have a different machine I use when I am cutting my own designs so I have never purchased the software for my computer but if you look for threads about SCAL you will see more.

Rebecca

 

[morgansmom2000]

I have only cut iron-on vinyl with my Cricut, not regular vinyl. But, it can be done.

 

[Genie 410]

The machine by itself will not do this but you can create your own designs on the computer if you purchase an additional software called Sure Cuts A Lot(SCAL). I don't know what all it will do as I have a different machine I use when I am cutting my own designs so I have never purchased the software for my computer but if you look for threads about SCAL you will see more.

Rebecca

Thanks for the tip!

 

[TLuvsD]

You will need additional software and the Provo Craft Design Studio software. You can get either Sure Cuts ALot or Make the Cut, but both need Design Studio as well. I use Make the Cut. You can import logos, jpegs, etc. I did a few things for our D with the high school logo...she loved them.

The personal Cricut can use vinyl up to 6inches by 12 inches. Just cut the amount you need.

 

[Cruise]

Thanks, all!

I didn't end up getting a Cricut on Black Friday, but it's good to know that other software programs will work with it. I like it when things can be made more versatile.


Thanks again

 

[libinatorsmom]

Anyone know of any places online that will help explain the Cricut - I am thinking about getting one for christmas and I want more details...

 

[kwartist]

Hi I am a new Cricut user. I am having a blast with this. I have worked in the sign cutting business for years and use a large vinyl cutter- this small home machine is amazing. Question: I have used the guidelines on the "cheat sheet" for paper, blades, pressure and speed and all seem to be cutting wonderful and lifting easily...except I CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE SLITS! I cut a perfect peony and all of the lines are sharp and even, yet when I placed it on a darker paper you cannot see through- it might as well be a "block" and this is not what I am going for. Am I missing a step? I tried other graphics - some cut a nice slit and I can see an accent of the sofa, yet I cut a bird and all I see are tiny slits on the wings and I cannot even see through the slits when I lay it down on paper....HELP!
kwartist

 

[morgansmom2000]

Hi I am a new Cricut user. I am having a blast with this. I have worked in the sign cutting business for years and use a large vinyl cutter- this small home machine is amazing. Question: I have used the guidelines on the "cheat sheet" for paper, blades, pressure and speed and all seem to be cutting wonderful and lifting easily...except I CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE SLITS! I cut a perfect peony and all of the lines are sharp and even, yet when I placed it on a darker paper you cannot see through- it might as well be a "block" and this is not what I am going for. Am I missing a step? I tried other graphics - some cut a nice slit and I can see an accent of the sofa, yet I cut a bird and all I see are tiny slits on the wings and I cannot even see through the slits when I lay it down on paper....HELP!
kwartist

Sometimes the slits are there to guide you were to put the other pieces. It can be like a puzzle. It's not necessarily there to open to the back. Does that make any sense?

 

[rlovew]

Sometimes you need to highlight them with ink or a marker to see the details- the slits do not give you the details alone they are there to show you were to draw/add additional pieces on. You can use the markers to draw the item first and then you won't need to trace them afterwards to show up.

 

[kwartist]

The box and photo clearly show slits of paper behind...so are you saying that you draw the orange on the red flower to suggest that the cut is there if using orange paper behind? How can I make the slits open more to show the paper without using markers--is there a special tool?

Originally Posted by kwartist View Post
Hi I am a new Cricut user. I am having a blast with this. I have worked in the sign cutting business for years and use a large vinyl cutter- this small home machine is amazing. Question: I have used the guidelines on the "cheat sheet" for paper, blades, pressure and speed and all seem to be cutting wonderful and lifting easily...except I CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE SLITS! I cut a perfect peony and all of the lines are sharp and even, yet when I placed it on a darker paper you cannot see through- it might as well be a "block" and this is not what I am going for. Am I missing a step? I tried other graphics - some cut a nice slit and I can see an accent of the sofa, yet I cut a bird and all I see are tiny slits on the wings and I cannot even see through the slits when I lay it down on paper....HELP!
kwartist

 

[rlovew]

What cartridge and cut are you using?- If I can look at it I will have an easier time telling you- it depends a lot of what is being cut- most animals on animal kingdom have some details that you have to draw in while a few you have to glue on a backing or something on the front- If I can look at a book on the cart I could give you specific information on the cut you are trying to do.

 

[kwartist]

What cartridge and cut are you using?- If I can look at it I will have an easier time telling you- it depends a lot of what is being cut- most animals on animal kingdom have some details that you have to draw in while a few you have to glue on a backing or something on the front- If I can look at a book on the cart I could give you specific information on the cut you are trying to do.

The example of what I am seeing is "Cricut Picturesque PEONY"

 

[kwartist]

Apparently the image on the cartridge can be misleading. It will give cutting lines for placement only on some, and on others will give a double cut to allow you to see slits. I think this is something that should be stated somewhere as it could save time let alone waste of paper in trying to solve this mystery. I was doing everything correctly- but would never have achieved what the icon on the page implied. Ahem Cricut designers...please take note.