More Cricut Exploration
Since I've had the Cricut out making birthday stuff, I decided to mess around with some alternative materials. My first attempt was using Paper Lunch Bags to make luminaries for lining the sidewalk. And my second was using a Hot Tamales package (have you seen the vintage packaging they're offering?) and making an oversize tag. The Hot Tamales really got me thinking about our household paper waste and what I might be able to remake and reuse with the Cricut.
Friends. I am totally falling in love with this machine.
What about you? What are the coolest projects you've seen created with alternative-materials (non-scrapbooking papers/fabrics) and the Cricut? Please share.
My suggestion to the Cricut crew: when you put a tool like this in front of a designer, our first and best instinct is to want to customize the diecuts or create our own. We can't help it. It's how our brain works. Here's my idea. Make a Template Store on the Cricut site similar to the App Store for the iPhone.
Let designers (or anyone that knows their way around Adobe Illustrator) have access to your template guidelines/software/etc. Then, they'll send in their completed templates to Cricut — which can have some sort of quality committee to make sure certain standards are being met (and to avoid porn-y or inappropriate templates) — this is what the iPhone App Committee does. Then Cricut can sell the templates in their online template store for download. Cricut would get a cut. The template creator would get a cut. Different templates could go for different prices depending on complexity and popularity. Everyone would be happy.
The only trick is getting the downloaded template to interface with the Cricut machine. I'm thinking the easiest fix would be to enable the Cricut machines with a usb port, then users can put their downloaded templates on a flash drive and install the flash drive through the usb port. I have no doubt older machines could be retrofitted with some sort of usb adaptor.
Anyway. More technical then you probably want to read on Design Mom. But I think it would be amazing to have access to hundreds and hundreds of templates created by designers with all sorts of different aesthetics. And to create templates myself. Plus, I think it would expand the market beyond the scrapbook crowd like crazy. I guess that's why I didn't really know about the Cricut in the first place — I've spent so little time exploring scrapbooking materials.
Hey. If you want to get in on the Cricut action, there are a couple of big Cricut-related contests going on. Visit Today's Mama to see their Great Escape Contest — you could win a Cricut or 4 New Cartridges. And Cricut itself, is running a Great Gypsy Escape Contest — win one of 200 Gypsies or one of 20+ travel packages. Nice!Labels: make something
posted by Gabrielle of Design Mom at Thursday, September 17, 2009
35 Comments:
I got my Cricut Expression (the largeer one) last Christmas...my husband knew I wanted one and when it was only $199 at Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving he rushed out and got it for me! Now that was a GREAT deal! Since then I have used it for sooo many projects (Valentine's gift bags, cards and more cards, B-Day invitations (Disney CARS)). However, since the birth of my daughter this past May I must admit it is collecting dust :(
So far other local Cricut owners and I swap cartridges to help save a little money.
I highly recommend looking at the message boards on the Cricut website...there are some really neat ideas. Also they talk about a 3rd party software SCL (Sure Cuts A Lot) that might be what you are looking for.
i love LOVE love my bug! You know, there is a software that lets you design your own creations using the cartridges? Cricut Design Studio And there are a TON of talented designers out there that share their .cut files for FREE!
Oh, and there is a third party software too (SCAL) that you can use ANY font, dingbat, etc. I haven't used it yet but there are TON of folks that do! If you want some of the blogs I'd be more than happy to pass them along!
Enjoy your new found toy!
Oh, and did you know that folks have been using the machine for CAKE decorating too???
I am exactly the same way with scrapbooking products. I like them but... I want to have more control.
These are great ideas, I so would look into a cricut if I could make my own diecuts. (AND A USB PORT-- Hello!)
It would be like those sewing machines that you can download your own designs into.
The iphone app idea sounds great too.
I love the luminary idea! My girls will love trying it. We just bought a Cricut Expressions last week and are having TOO MUCH FUN!
Cricut already has something similar to what you are describing. It's called the Cricut Design Studio. It doesn't allow you to create your own designs but does give you access to all the designs Cricut offers so you can meld and mesh different ones together to create something unique to you. The Cricut machine does connect to the computer already, though I can't remember if the cord comes with the machine or with the design studio package.
I've wanted one of these for a while, but have held off precisely due to the issues you raise. If I have one, I want to be able to use it ... my way ... Maybe they'll listen to you! :)
Oh, and I totally agree with the whole "ways to reduce paper waste" vibe going on in this post. Thanks for the tag idea!
Oh! The luminaries idea is BRILLIANT! Any tips on settings to make it work? And did you just cut the same pattern on both sides (let it cut all the way through the bag)?
Can't wait! Mine is coming soon! I've seen too many awesome projects made lately with the Cricut! The only reason I haven't gotten one yet is for the reason you bring up. I want to use Illustrator and design my own images to cut! (It already has a USB port too!) To cut out fabric shapes though, just iron on a thin interfacing, or freezer paper, and cut with the fabric side down! Imagine all the appliques you could do with that! I'd like to try some metallic vinyl with it too! Oh and they have a clear stamp kit that you can cut an image and make a stamp with it. Yep, it's just that cool!
okay-so this isn't about the cricut. it's actually about your parents magazine article. i am so in love with the vinyl clock idea and have searched and searched on klockit.com for the same movement/hands that are featured in your article. i can't seem to find the same one. any ideas?
I almost bought the Cricut, but ended up the silhouette SD instead. It has a much more of a manual approach,you can buy the templates or it gives you a super basic design program. I design everything in Photoshop or Illustrator myself first then import it into their program. The learning curve has been pretty frustrating, and there are many days I wish I had just gotten the Cricut, but for the most part it's been lots of fun to play with.
I don't have a cricut, but this past year I've wished I'd had one- for cutting out lettering and silhouettes for garlands and name strings, for making lift a flap books, for cutting vinyl for house hold decorations...family picture bingos and games...for cutting out teeny shapes for toothpick cupcake decorations...the list goes on and on and on.
I started saving all my cardboard when I bought a book binding machine to use for the backs of the books we make, and I've been amazed at what it comes in use for- not only notebooks, but doll house accessories, craft organization, tags, make your own puzzles...I run out of cardboard before we can eat cereal fast enough!
I think that's a great idea, one of the reasons I haven't invested in one myself is I would want to design my own templates too! I hope they take heed, it's a big market they're not even considering!
You can use the Sure Cuts a Lot software by craftedge.com to customize your cricut. It HAS a usb port and you can then cut out anything your little heart desires! I personally haven't learned how, but there are TONS of people on the web who have and do make their own files to cut out all the time. Enjoy! It's addictive!
You are really making me want a Cricut. I have been eyeing that little guy for about a year now, but just didn't know if I would actually use it or if it would just be a fun purchase, then sit in my closet. I'm impressed with how much it can do. Maybe that will have to be on the Santa wish-list. Anyone know where I can buy it for the best price?
We've used the Cricut to cut out freezer paper for freezer paper stencils (poor man's silkscreen). Lots of options there.
Great post! You read my mind!
http://Joyfuldelight.blogspot.com
I bought a roll of vinyl from the cupboard section of wal mart, and made these name plates for a friend.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thethiers/2102156201/
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I would be so into this. I use the "Sure Cuts a Lot" software to make my own custom cut designs, and I would love to be able to share some of those designs with others!
I'm trolling ebay for a Cricut because of you. They look TOO fun!
I have the Silhouette SD which gives you the ability to cut your own designs or you can buy designs from a download site similar to iTunes. It also lets you cut any true type font you have on your computer. You can download individual designs for $1.99 or buy monthly subscriptions which give you unlimited downloads. The Silhouette download site also features a great variety of designs from both QuicKutz (the manufacturer of the Silhouette) and outside designers who submit their artwork just like you talked about in your post. I love the creative abilities of digital cutting machines and the Silhouette has the best customization ability of all the tools!
I love the luminairies and the tag! Very cool!
I've heard great things about Sure Cuts a lot too. My sister uses the cricut patterns to cut the cutest things out of wood with her scroll saw.
love it and love all your thoughtd on customizing templates! I love the simple idea of using paper waste for gift tags!
So I made this sweet memory card game this week with mine, {awesome} http://www.petitelefant.com/2009/09/how-to-memory-card-game.html
Hello Gabrille, I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you so much for your Blog. I'm not a Mom but I love reading your posts. It's the reason and inspiration for starting my own Blog. I'm at the begining of this journey and I'm still trying to find my voice and purpose...but I'm so excited... thank you so much!!!! Eilis Boyle
I love your blog, and your wonderful ideas. I was wondering if I could request a post from you. Could you write some tips on how you get take your amazing pictures? What kind of camera do you use? What are your lighting techniques? (especially indoors) Do you use any photoshop? Do you play around with your different camera modes? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
I make our Christmas gift tags out of past seasons' cards. I don't have a Cricut -yet. I think I need one!
I've known about the Cricut machine almost since it first came out, but the main reason I've never thought about buying one is because the most of the available designs don't inspire me. I always thought, "Now if I could make it cut out whatever I wanted, then I would LOVE one." I love your idea.
I NEEEEEED one of those machines!!! I love the lunch bags!
I love my Cricut! I too have had luminaries on the brain. I'll be making some this Halloween.
Do you like the shirt for working at home mom? Do you want to make a special gift? Please visit the homepage of www.caseinItaly.com. It is created by a blogger mom.
You only can require it to info@caseinItaly.com, the cost is 9 euros (for one head), including postage.
The illustration has copyright.
I don't own a Cricut. Instead I have a Vinyl Cutter called the KNK (KlicNKut). It's the same concept except that you have software to make your own designs and it's commercial grade so it's a bit tougher. I use alternative supplies for cutting, all the time. I hate wasting packaging. So, I save it like boxes, clear sleeves, etc. I use these materials instead of buying things like chipboard, etc. I can cut anything from thin metals, magnetic sheets, fabric, those thin foam sheets, vinyl, felt,etc! The possibilities overwhelm me and I Love It!! I love cutting vinyl and now am using it for etching on things. It's also fun to cut out 3D versions of things.
Get Sure Cuts A Lot. You can take any scaled vector graphic or true type font and make your Cricut cut it. You can make the svgs in Illustrator or the like, or import them from elsewhere. I would not use my Cricut if it wasn't for SCAL. There's only so much you can do with one cartridge, and I'm sure as heck not going to spend $70 each time I want a new font.
(sorry to have come in so late) but I must say that idea about a design studio a la iTunes app store is spot on. Everybody wins.
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