I’ve been a bit brain dead. I have a crisis of writer confidence, which is a normal part of writer life, but dealing with it kind of sucks. I’ve noticed I’ve been zooming out more and sometimes I find myself watching random videos.
Facebook, in its helpful AI way, has zeroed in on the type of videos I actually watch rather than flick through. Apparently I watch a lot of videos like this. Make sure the sound is on.
There must be something therapeutic about it. So I bought some small supplies. I don’t actually want to make cards. I have a little art pad with watercolor paper in it, and I am just going to make cute little designs in it to make myself happy. I have markers, washi tape, stickers, some Distress Oxide inks, and some cheap stencils.
This can pretty quickly get to be an expensive hobby. The mat our dude is using in the video is about $80. Gordon is not very good at helping me set limits, because his answer to a question, “Do you think I should waste x amount of money on a hobby?” is always yes.
So I am trying to be wise with this situation. What do I actually need? I think the mat is kind of neat but should I get that one? Also, I would love to make designs in photoshop and print them and then cut them out, so should I get a Cricut? What kind? Should I get the Air 2 one, which is on sale for Prime day on Amazon? If I buy a Cricut do I have to get mats or do they come with it?
I noticed a lot of these videos have manual machines that use metal dies, but I kind of don’t want to buy a bunch of metal dies, because I know myself and soon I will have 200 steel dies and buyer regret.
What kind of glue should I get?
Any help would be much appreciated.
My advice keep watching the videos while knitting no mess no cost no guilt
So sorry Ilona but I agree with Kim. Save your money! My Mum started small scale…and ended up donating a car full of purchases to the local Primary school! 😂
but, did she have fun before the donation? that’s all that really matters.
Same, although I cross stitch ❤️
This sounds like a winner to me. Otherwise I’m with Gordon on your new hobby, if you want it, get it.
This might be a good thing to reflect on. Sometimes videos are relaxing because you’re dealing with the fantasy of them and not the cluttered/expensive/decision-paralysis reality.
This right here! So true. If you want to be hands on, start at the preschool level. Colored paper, paste, and scissors. If you enjoy that, work your way up. Creativity does not require fancy, expensive gadgets. Just enjoy!
+1 but crocheting while watching ❣️
+1 but I crochet not knit❣️
grr I replied under Kim’s comment, it dropped down
It doesn’t look like the mat is needed. A good self healing mat maybe all you need.
The Cricut question is one I have. there are some good videos to watch comparing types which also helped me decide I didn’t need one. I would also research the software each can use as that’s seems to limit, or not, what you can do.
Hope this helps!
Buy used on Facebook Marketplace. There are a lot of people with buyer’s remorse selling their barely used equipment and materials.
Definitely do not buy a used cricut on fb marketplace. Cricut deactivates machines on their end and then people sell them on the marketplace (either unknowingly or intentionally to scam people). It’s unfortunately not uncommon.
how tacky of Cricut. That alone would prevent me from ever buying from them…
+1
# Right to Repair
# Right to Sell
Family member has her third one. It keeps breaking and although the company replaces it, the replacement time is too long.
Agree to continue watching videos while doing other things and/or trying one at the library.
From what I’ve seen, the CriCut leads to massive spending and an enormous time suck. Worse than FB.
The BDH always prefers you write, but recognizes the need for relaxation and the agony of writers block. Watching videos is relaxing. Knitting can be relaxing, acrylic pours look relaxing (and potentially messy, which
can also be a giggle fit instigator.)
its all on “design space”, an app that you use in tandem w/a cricut-any cricut. although you can use other programs to edit your project then import it into your design space. idt you can actually use other programs to tell your cricut machine what to do, though.
My wife has pretty much all that stuff in the videos. She gets most of her products from Stampin’ Up! This includes a large number of dies. She makes extraordinary cards and other paper goodies mostly for family birthdays and other special occasions. The supplies do take up a significant amount of vertical and horizontal space. She has no regrets about the number of metal dies she has.
Get Tombow glue.
My mom has done stampin up for years too. I think you can find used on ebay and other such sites because that’s where she’s gotten some of hers that she didn’t happen to buy brand new. she really has made the most beautiful cards and scrapbooks with their stuff.
removable glue in spray is great. I use it all the time for my scrapbooking. I do cards, photo book, author swag. I love doing scrapbooking and I’ve been doing it for a few years now. I bought a cricut this year. I love it. yes you need the mats in it.
to be fair, scrapbooking on fun scale doesn’t need a cricut. a good printer, a good scalpel and a simple cheap cutting mat is more than enough to start.
if you decide you want the cricut I’ll go all the way for the maker 3. it’s big enough to fo big projects and is worth its price if you work with it on a regular basis.
I have lot of hobbies so I know the feeling. be careful scrapbooking is the part of supplies that takes the more space in my house!
I also do calligraphy, macrame and tablet weaving. I’ll let you imagine the space needed!!
good luck in your new hobby
I have no advice about this topic (and I can’t watch the videos while at work), but I’m curious if you’re still doing the acrylic pours? I had to search in the site because I couldn’t remember what the technique was called. I remember sending a link to my SIL a year or so ago and said it would be something fun to try at Christmas, but we both forgot by the time Christmas rolled around.
Run! Save yourself! Do not get all the stuff!
Signed — a remorseful person who has not all but already too much of the stuff
If you are brave, you can take a look at Cricut at JoAnn to see if it’s something you really, really, really want to get into. I have glanced at it a few times and all the times I did look at it, I got a no in the back of my head.
From what I have seen of it, it a real money suck if you don’t use it all the time.
I have enough to do with sewing and getting all that ready for a move later this year. I keep putting off the rest of the sewing because by the time I’m done with work and this stupid heat and humidity, I don’t want to do anything but veg out on the sofa. 😀
Oops, in the sentence from what I have seen of it, the next it is suppose to be it’s.
See? I’m blaming this on the heat.
My local library has a Cricut that patrons can use. It’s probably a long shot but maybe your library does too? Then you could see if you like it before you dive in. I have the bad habit of going all in on a project and buying every do dad available.
I was about to say the same. My library has 2 cricuts and a 3D printer. There is a sign up sheet and wait list but hubby has used it before. The librarian guided him through the steps and he decided he would get a 3d printer.
That way you can try before you decide. They also have a crafters group. If you library has a group they might be able to guide you. Ours is pretty friendly and love new crafters
This seems a lot like when scrap-booking was hot. I gave away my metal dies and hand- cranked cutting machine to my neighbor along with paper! I went back to sewing and my fabric and heirloom lace habit. I finished my gift bag for the charity auction last week and made the 2 hats to put in. One was blue and plain and one was all lace and ribbons! Easy pattern, just zigzag the lace into a rectangle, cut it to the right size and finish it with lace on the front, a casing for ribbon on the back , and hem the sides. Same for the blue only use fabric and make it plainer.
“I kind of don’t want to buy a bunch of metal dies, because I know myself and soon I will have 200 steel dies and buyer regret.”
It’s almost impossible to open the pots and pans cabinet without pots, pans, and/or lids falling out. When I started then buying them for other people, I only got as far as two for my younger brother before getting a firm “no more fancy pans.”
I get you.
Do your part to curb inflation & don’t buy anything.
LoL
Or buy it all … whatever you like =)
As I get older it’s my position that it’s easy to get buried in crap I don’t need.
🙂 — I have managed to avoid this hobby, because I recognize a bucket with no bottom into which I would pour a lot of money, time and effort (it has OCD written all over it).
My sister-in-law (up in McKinney TX) as been at this for years and really loves it. Has a small room dedicated to her stamping/card making. For her, it has been the stamps to create the designs … drawers and drawers of stamps that she then hand colours, cuts and layers to create the dimensions on cards. Not only do I get really cute hand-made cards, but she will send out a box of blank cards every couple of years as a gift, and I can send those pretty hand-made cards too. She must use a cutter? or maybe just exacto-knife? She is really good at crafting.
PS – your yarn would have to share space with these supplies … would the yarn be ok with that???
mod-R — please fix – should be “yarn”, not “yard” — sorry
Done 🙂
That made me think of something… How do you keep the cats from getting into your yarn, Ilona? You showed the pictures a few months ago of the new shelving you got where you organized your yarn. Seems like the cats (and dogs, too) would love to get into them.
True. I not only put my yarn in plastic bins, the bins have their own little room.
Please note, this does not keep the cats out of the room (Bahzell opens unlocked doors.), it does not even keep the yarn safe.
It seems that no matter how much yarn I put properly away, there’s always some new stuff…
I, also am an avoider, but I am an instigator! I have a very crafty friend who has a room devoted to her crafts. I found a card for her husband’s birthday made on seeded paper (he is a gardener), someone else, a crafty person, made it and sent it to me. I sent it to him and casually remarked that “did she know you could buy seeded craft paper for homemade cards?”. She does now and I have just received a birthday card that I have recycled in my garden and maybe wildflowers will grow next year!
it seems like one of those things where you just end up with a lot of stuff. if you like the clicks noise you should get some sort of self-stamping set. smaller package, similar happy click noise. possible value if you use it during your signings. it doesn’t have to have your name, but perhaps a clam (sorry, couldnt resist!)? 😁
you know what would be fun? Randomly throw that question out there, getting increasingly more ridiculous and see what his threshold is. ” Hey, do you think I should waste a lot of money on this igloo and have it erected in our back yard?”
Side note, at one time you could buy uranium on Amazon, and it IS Prime week….
As someone who lives in an apartment building and has encountered (and rehomed) the remains of many residents’ expensive hobbies that they’ve abandoned by the recycling bins (acrylic painting supplies, modge podge crafts, a drafting board, scrapbooking supplies to name a few), I’d say save your money and just continue to enjoy the videos. Don’t give Amazon any more money than you have to.
Do you still have knitting & crochet projects to finish?
How’s your pantry/cold storage looking? My personal bad habit is accumulating baking ingredients. As a change of pace, you could try to make something out of anything that’s coming close to its use-by date?
I just cleaned out the pantry and my cold storage is the stuff of legends due to my vacuum sealer. 🙂
I had a chance to use a friend’s vacuum sealer lately and I’m very tempted to get one. But I think the bags can’t be recycled so that’s a sticking point.
Actually, the bags can be recycled. You just have to be careful. No one wants to recycle a bag that had raw meat in it with vegetables.
My friend is deep into this hobby, has an entire craft room to do this. She loves it and it brings her great joy and peace. I asked and she loves the Simon Hurly products.
I bought a Circuit Maker several years ago. I have an entire cabinet full of vinyl and pens and stuff. Thus far I’ve made a family of rhinos that march across the circuit itself, and three tee-shirts for my younger son (all about being a friendly giant because he tends to startle people when he stands up-and-up-and-up. He’s 6’8.)
I have plans for other things, including a metallic dragon for my truck. But they are a LOT of nitpicky detailed work and it’s easier to start another knitting project.
However, both grandgirls and my older son have asked for “funny or cool tee-shirts” instead of another sweater for Christmas this year. I believe it’s going to get some more use this fall.
Etsy has a LOT of really cool SVG files for Cricut and Sillouette cutters. Worth checking out
I, like you, think about starting the oh so cute Cricut hobby. I even mentioned it to former coworker who was on an upgraded one. She offered to sell her older unit to me. I declined then and often remind myself, no it’s not good value for my lifestyle.
The number of times I’d utilize such a system wouldn’t cover outlay, I’d feel guilty *side eyes unused fabrics & sewing machine *
Not sure if my ramble helps but hopefully doesn’t hinder.
Omg! I love that guy and could watch him all day. I have so far resisted the urge to buy the stuff, but it is a struggle.
Yikes, it was 5 years ago that I explored this question! I ended up opting to not go with Cricut because it seemed like there were some limits on what you could do with outside software, like photoshop. I ended up getting a KNK Zing cutter, which is great at interoperability and has met all my needs, but was a small business and ended up closing down.
A few years ago, Cricut got some bad press because they tried to impose a new limit on how many designs you could import into their (mandatory) cutting software without paying for a new monthly subscription. This was going to apply even to existing users, and was so incredibly unpopular that they finally walked it back, but I’m still a bit wary. Honestly, though, I wouldn’t run into that limit often, so I may just be stubborn.
If you do buy a Cricut, you’ll probably end up looking at lots of accessories. There are some bundles that come with mats but you may end up wanting something with a different level of grip/tackiness or in a different size. My entry point was cutting heat transfer vinyl, which does not necessarily need a mat because it has a backing material.
As others have said, it’s definitely a hobby that can open the door to many more purchases! I don’t use my cutter a ton, but I like having it around for specific projects that I want to make ‘just so,’ so it’s been worth it for me.
I had similar concerns about the Cricut and got a Silhouette instead, which cuts from any SVG and gives you a lot more options. No need to buy dies or one-time-use-patterns (although they do have a store for designs if that’s your preference).
I’ve been really happy with it. It has a number of uses I didn’t think of when I bought it – need a custom marking template? New vinyl numbers for your mailbox? Easy.
ooh. first I have heard of this. thanks.. I think…grin
I too am a Silhouette lover. Cricut will take you for everything they can get while Silhouette is great if you’re happy doing your own thing (I import my own work).
I understand the dilemma I am a quilter and keep drooling over an accuquilt (think the same idea but with fabric). I have held off so far but it is getting closer and closer. Also watch Facebook Marketplace everyone once in awhile I see a cricut advertised along with dies.
Oh, I have long been in love with paper crafting!!
While I have long wondered about diving into a Cricut I ultimately decided not to. For me, it would be too much money spent, too little space to work or store it, and projects not sufficient for the investment.
That being said, one can have endless fun with papers found at an art supply store that can be used for art, cards, wrapping paper, and ornaments. I get good results with Elmer’s Glue and clear tape. I have made wonderfully satisfying cards with coloured construction paper, basic scissors, markers, ball point pens, and glue sticks leftover from back-to-school supplies.
The videos I use to inspire me. I get great satisfaction in hacking the supplies as best I can. That said, I am still a sucker for sheets of marbled paper and good quality card stock.
I have also used many supplies from my scrapbooking years with paper crafts and cards. The double-sided adhesive dots and pads of designed paper are super fun to play with to make 3D designs.
I highly recommend getting lost in an art supply store with a really great paper section. Ask the people who work at the store – most will love to talk about papers, supplies, ideas. They can tell you if you would like to learn, about hot press, cold press, grain, and toothiness of papers.
Have fun!
Cricut comes with a few mats, I believe.
I went down this rabbithole, and started printing/cutting stickers on my own for my hobonichi and jibun techo addiction, er, habit. I still use it occasionally when I buy printable stickers from Etsy. It’s an expensive hobby.
The fact that you asked the BDH about this strongly suggests you’re going to make some kind of commitment to it. Sufficient interest clearly exists. My sister’s adage is that “new hobbies require new tools,” so I’m seconding the proposal above that you find a way to try one out prior to purchasing. Does your BFF have one? Then you have an excuse to visit as well an opportunity to test drive (and this is literally the path I would take if I were in your shoes because my BFF does all the hobbies). Good luck with your decision making. And FWIW, my yarn and my fabric and my beads exist in a state of détente…no craft wars necessary.
I bought a Cricut Maker for making miniatures. It worked very well, but sticky mats and knife blades became very expensive. Yes, a Cricut comes with a mat or two, but they wear out fairly quickly. I sold the Cricut and bought a laser cutter instead. Very happy with it, so far. 😊
When I turned sixty, I scaled back all the SABLE (Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy) to just three crafts: quilting, knitting, and cross stitch, although I’m unlikely to cross stitch anything again. (That stuff doesn’t take up much room.) You may want to take into consideration the idea that the day will come when you don’t want to own SABLE in: needlepoint, quilling, embroidery, watercolors, pastels, etc., etc. (Your list may vary.)
Card making has been my personal hobby since 2016 and I adore it but your note about 200 dies is very accurate. here’s my 2 cents with the caveat that I was at the time I started single and making decent money (so I bought more than I find I use all the time).
you have some good starting tools. you should consider a paper trimmer and good scissors- I personally love Cricut’s 12 or 13 inch paper trimmer. they also have very nice small scissors but they are extremely sharp. I would recommend a Teflon set like crafters companion but other companies also make them. they can be used to cut things out instead of using dies.
You don’t need the exact mat he has- I would recommend a glass mat for most people because its the most versatile and can be used for other purposes.
I also have a Cricut which I use for cosplay more than card making but thats cause I followed the 200 dies path (no regrets). if you want it for small crafts and paper related the Cricut Joy is wonderful but if you might end up making T shirts with designs in iron on, the Air is a nice machine. I have always seen them come with at least 1 mat for the machine but you usually end up with a few more (although the joy can be used without a mat for some materials)the Maker was over $400 last I checked and while its a great machine, I personally dont use as much as I thought I would (again major die cut user).
I highly recommend Art Glitter glue (the company is Art Glitter, the glue has no glitter in it) and the 2 oz bottle with fine metal tip is amazing and feels great in the hand. it does freeze below 40 degrees F so buy in the summer not the winter. you can get a bigger bottle for refills.
simon hurley is wonderful joy to watch- if you would like others on YouTube to watch/enjoy Jennifer McGuire is a cardmarker queen and all about techniques, Kelly Taylor Cards is a wonderful storyteller and colorist who taught me how to use color theory and alcohol markers, and Maymay Made It is an incredible papercrafter who creates books and boxes from paper (if you follow them you might end up adding a scoreboard and good cardstock to your supplies- I suggest teflon for the bone folder).
yes it does get expensive. and I have lots but I do lots with them all. but you need to have your own idea… otherwise you just copy. I make my own Christmas cards and birthday ones. I’m not one for drawing. but I love double sided tape especially once cut out it’s a sticker.
I’m more of a silhouette cameo fan instead of a Cricut. The silhouette studio software is free and you can use it on its own for designing and printing. Cricut really got the edge in visibility at places like Joann’s but if you are thinking about a cutting machine definitely look at the cameos. Here’s the thing-the new cameos like the 4 are really geared towards the professional maker so they are more machine than the average user needs. I’m still using my version 1 cameo and it’s fine. They are workhorses but the older ones like mine have some limitations locking into old technology. If buying now I wouldn’t go older than a cameo 3 for the home crafter and you can get those new or used out there. I am going to upgrade to a 3 soon myself but I will probably just buy it used off fb marketplace. My sister has had a 3 for a few years and still loves it. It’s a versatile machine that you can cut or sketch or even engrave depending on the tool you use in it. I think one of the silhouette machines does embossing too but that could be the curio-also a good option for what you are mulling. There is more of a learning curve with the silhouette machines but generally they have been more versatile than the Cricuts. But they are all a rabbit hole. I started with cards and before I knew it I was doing stencils for glass etching, permanent vinyl stickers, heat transfer vinyl tshirts and purses (and yes eventually bought a heat press!). These cutting machines are gateway crafting tools! 😂
I think the silhouette is better than the Cricut. I bought a Cricut, and I am so irritated by the constant pushing to pay for a monthly subscription to access almost everything. You can use it without a subscription, but they make it hard.
If you have the space for it then I don’t see why not. I’m currently in the midst of creating more room and decluttering so am on a strict sort out and don’t buy more moment, but that’s due to space constraints. As long as you can store it without endangering yourself and others then splurge say I.
I started with scrapbooking when that hobby became popular with Creative Memories. Then I got into Stampin’ Up to make cards which meant another investment (stamps are not cheap!) but a lot of the tools from scrapbooking carried over!
I had a Cricut back when you could only use it with cartridges so that killed it for me quickly, though you can use them to cut cloth as well.
I suggest a good cutting mat (a sewing mat can be used) and good set of scissors with sharp points (Fiskars has one that you use your palms, not fingers, and it’s awesome!) You can do a lot if you don’t mind printing and cutting things out.
I forgot to add that Tombow refillable tape is my go-to for card making.
I was going to add a picture of an easy card to make that doesn’t take a lot of tools as an example but I can’t figure out how to do it. 🙃
I have a Cricut Maker 3, and the type I’d recommend is the Silhouette Cameo or Brother’s hobby cutter. I like my Cricut well enough, but it’s a temperamental beastie and the other cutters are just as good if not better. Definitely research whatever model you get.
As for buying used, if it’s a Cricut DON’T. When a Cricut is under warranty and something goes wrong, they simply replace the machine and remotely brick the old one. There’s no way to unbrick it or to tell of it’s been bricked without fully loading it up. There are a lot of bricked machines on the used market.
I think if it brings you joy, do it. It’s way too fiddly for me, and I can’t draw and don’t paint, but I have a very nice set of Tombow markers I bought on Amazon and some coloring books and I find that very soothing. (I prefer the Crayola books fwiw). We all need outlets, and if this is a break that will replenish your mental reserves go for it. Set you a budget, give yourself rewards with new materials!
This seems complicated, of course my artistic skill is zero. If it makes you happy go for it, life is short
I agree with the others — watch & knit, or start with smaller non-Cricut projects. Of course, as the Girl Scout whose mother finished all her craft projects, just watching these videos make me nervous.
Good luck with the new hobby & writing slump [Texas’ sauna isn’t helping with anyone’s outlook]!
I have a manual cutter with metal dies and a cricut. I use the manual cutter way more because its just happy crafting time, not more computer screen time. The cricut mostly gets used for custom t-shirts, the manual cutter for scrapbooking & cards. The dies take up very little space and I’ve gotten most of them for very cheap in clearance sections of craft stores, so no regrets feeding the collecting dragon there. The cricut is very cool, but it seems like it always needs updating and assorted other fussing when I want to use it, and they updated it to the point it was no longer compatible with my crafting computer and had no solution for me but buy a whole new computer a couple years ago (still a little sour about that)
It seems like every single time I open cricut design space it needs to update, even if the last time was only 6 hours earlier.
Having made lots of scrapbooks (Creative Memories anyone 😁). If all you want to do is play, I wouldn’t buy anything expensive until you really feel like you want it. It can be real easy getting sucked in buying the next die, pattern or sticker. On Pinterest I have seen people doing what they call smash journals or junk journals they seem to follow the no rules type which can be really freeing. Plus there is also ATC, artist trading cards. For adhesives, I still use creative memories stuff. My problems with adhesives comes from whatever type of container they use to hold it, and how much pressure is needed for a little drop versus a big glob.
Plus like another poster said is to checkout used.
I personally love my Cricut! I have a maker, I got it when I started quilting. I wanted to use it for fabric cutting…I did cut 1 quilt that way but it’s inefficient for fabric IMO. I however discovered papercrafting and love it❣️
Dreaming Tree has exceptional videos, Leo is so relaxing. Their coustomer service is superb. They also have a bunch of freebies on thir site. It can be an expensive hobbie to start, but most hobbies are. I love my quilting but if I want more immediate gratification I can finish a papercraft project in a few hours. I love the suggestions of trying it out with a friend or at the library before you fall headlong into everything.
Best glue- art glitter glue with ultra fine metal tip. https://www.amazon.com/Glitter-Designer-Adhesive-Original-Version/dp/B074HKPG2K/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=89D1L2NKBYML&keywords=art+glitter+glue+with+ultra+fine+metal+tip&qid=1689111082&sprefix=art+glitter%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-4
The best stamping platform is the Misti from Sweet Petunia.
https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Misti-Stamp-Tool-Incredible/dp/B01FWQUQIW/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3FDZT7SP8U3Y4&keywords=my+sweet+petunia+stamping+platform&qid=1689111199&sprefix=sweet+pet%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.304cacc1-b508-45fb-a37f-a2c47c48c32f
A cricuit can be a fun tool. I personally use the brother scan and cut.
My sister hurt her shoulder, so lace knitting became moderately painful. So she took up water color. But thanks to chronic back pain can’t do much painting. So right now she’s sticking to quilting which she can get up, move around, or go lie down when her back says “NO MORE SITTING.”
I suggest that you keep knitting and if you really require a new hobby try origami or macrame, where you don’t really need to plop down hundreds of dollars for supplies.
Macrame is fun, says the person who’s not done any in 40 years. But I still have all my materials and they’ve traveled to many many places as I moved for work heh.
Sorry, but my feeling about all this is to run screaming out the door hehehe!
Also sorry you’re in a bit of a funk. Hope the new hobby helps!
Stop being frugal. I feel guilty because my wife is too frugal. We won’t live forever. If it something you want to do, and it makes you happy, go for it. I like to shoot sporting clays. It costs about $100 a week. I would love for my wife to spend the same amount or more on something that makes her happy.
Well, I’m probably not going to be a good influence because I have canvases and paint supplies all over the place (and no buyer’s remorse about it at all), but I’d advise you to start slow and with minimal supplies. If you get hooked, then go for it! But it’s easy to get sucked in by all the videos out there and think you need ALL the doodads. Have fun!
There’s a circuit community Facebook groups that I’ve learned a lot by lurking. They tell you about matts, glue, svg cobverters and more (lots of spam to though). Jennifer maker is a great rss on YouTube. My mother in law has a circuit and uses it mostly for vinyl and tshirts. It is an expensive hobby. You definitely need different mats and blades, not to mention paper or vinyl. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed.
I resisted a Cricut for a long time. I finally gave in. I don’t use it a ton, I don’t NEED it, but have certainly found that it’s nice to have. I don’t regret the purchase. I have found it versatile and that it makes some things faster and easier. I did buy a more expensive cricut, but not the most expensive. I did not but the special Cricut heat press machine thing. I already have an iron.
Also it’s kinda hypnotic watching it cut.
I don’t love dealing with the vector files, I don’t find digital art to be intuitive the way that physical art is for me, but I have been able to generally do the things I want with the Cricut software and it cuts so much cleaner than I can do with scissors. For some situations it is the best option.
It sounds to me like you might find it similarly not a NEED but certainly an appreciated tool. Maybe a used one?
There is the caveat of: it’s very easy to get caught up in „I need every accessory.“ I have resisted doing that. I have a few colors of iron on vinyl, a couple of press on vinyl, and one or two other things I wanted to try once. But I have not added this to the „hobby of collecting craft supplies.“ I would probably feel different about it if I had a ton of unused accessories.
I love my cricut. it’s one of my favorite crafting purchases (and I also knit, so that’s saying a lot). I’ve made t-shirts, I’ve made wall art, I have a collection of Broadway Bags that I make a new one for each show I go to. I couldn’t watch the videos so I’m not sure what you’re hoping to make. if you’re working with vinyl to paper up to fabric/cardstock, the air 2 is all you need. you can absolutely design in Adobe or canva and import to the cricut design space. if you’re hoping to get into thicker materials, you need to look more expensive like the cricut maker. hope this helps!
I have a friend who has a Cricut and makes card. Be aware it is now a subscription service. So if you do designs with it, you can only print and access those designs if you are paying the monthly subscription fee. Yes, you buy the equipment and then can only use it while logged in and paying a fee. She was grandfathered in before the subscription started, but she still ended up paying the monthly fee in order to access certain programs, upgrades, designs and so on. There are levels, of course. I didn’t think any of them sounded cheap, but it could be that I am cheap.
She makes beautiful cards, but she can lose HOURS. HOURS. HOURS of time doing so. She is retired and enjoys precision cutting and designing. She has spent HOURS downloading fonts, trying to get free fonts and buying paper. Because, from what I gather, buying paper is much like buying yarn–a hobby in and of itself.
If it makes you happy, go ahead and do it. I made three or four cards and found it was not my thing. You can make decent and pretty cards just buying stickers, lace paper, various colored paper and glue, along with sharp cutting utensils and so on (I had a very good cutting board/mat from quilting that worked for cutting paper designs). I enjoyed the cards I made, but in no way was I convinced that I wanted to make many more. You are more dedicated and creative than I am. Perhaps it will be your thing, that thing that takes your mind away from writing and somehow expands your universe such that ideas can cook and simmer in the background.
Me, I’m glad I moved to a place where I can take walks or drives or garden. That seems to work to let my brain rest or go to that place where the ideas simmer.
But if it makes you happy, jump in!
Unless it has changed very recently, you can use your own designs or designs you bought elsewhere without paying for the subscription. I don’t pay for the subscription and I will raise Hell if they try to make it so I can’t use it without the subscription.
I’d say to take stock of where you are inside and start small — buy enough to satisfy your urge to start and see if it holds your attention. I’ve learned the hard way not to invest heavily until I prove to myself I have the momentum to make an investment worthwhile. I’m the archetype of an astrological cardinal sign (Cancer), so I have a tendency to start projects and never finish them. I built a yarn stash & started knitting a cardigan a year+ ago and I’m almost finished with the first piece of six. I’ve desperately wanted to upcycle all the clothes I have outgrown, so I have a 10 year stash of old clothes. I’ve designed a cityscape chair cover and a quilt. However I’ve only done the projects the requiring a seam ripper and fabric glue–I’ve turned a bubble dress into a goddess dress and 2 palazzo pants into strapless dress.
Now, I sit with an idea for at least a week to see if the impulse passes and if it doesn’t,I force myself to start small. If I really like something, I can always upgrade, which I’ve done only once in the past 5 years for the worm farm. I’ve saved myself hundreds of dollars and loads buyers remorse, lol!
Sorry can’t help. Think Cricut’s waste a lot of paper for a small picture. I do have a question, tho, when you self publish How do you handle the Copyright issue for your books? Books that a publishing company put out all are copyrighted. Do you do that for your self published books? Should they be??
The comment that you wrote above is copyrighted under US law. Copyright kicks in the moment you write something. To register your copyright, you can go here: https://www.copyright.gov/registration/literary-works/
A few years ago, my hospital room mate had been on holiday. She took her Cricuit with her and when changing blades in it, she accidently cut herself. Within a few days she subsequently came down with such a bad infection that she was hospitalized on arrival back in Canada. Haven’t ever seen an arm swell up that much. Just saying.
Check with your library. Ours loans out different craft supplies and equipment. You might be able to see if you like it first before investing a lot of money.
Most friends that start that hobby give it up in a few years. Too pricey and they lose the creativity. I guess they get weary of copying something someone else already made.
Calligraphy is a great hobby I took up again, after many years. I’m looking into making my own paper. You may ask, WTH – More writing?!?! Maybe. But I find it fun to write invitations for friends, thank you notes to people that don’t expect them, and so much more. I journal, and it’s nice to read later. I am looking at the Ukrainian alphabet, and it’s easier to write in a calligraphic style.
don’t do it! stick to knitting/cross stitch
Those are pretty simple shapes. I would stamp with black ink, add a bit of watercolour paint for colour and hand cut them. Or hand draw them, again, those are simple shapes/objects
I think someone else also mentioned – but I got my cricut off Facebook marketplace used for 1/3 retail price and went in with a friend and we share it back and forth for projects. I love it – I’ve made gifts and Bachelorette favors and fun things for around the house and it hasn’t broken the bank. We get the off brand vinyl and I’d say it’s paid for itself a few times over!
You will get some basic supplies like a mat or two. Then you will use the Cricut and you will need more blades and new mats. It is endless. If you are going to buy one, look at the Brother Scan n cut to.
I have a Silhouette 4 because if all the silly stuff it does without dies I really like it. Would I say that I have gotten my money out of it? No. But when you “need” to make shirts for a grandchild’s/dog’s birthday or someone needs centerpieces for a Mardi Gras luncheon, I feel like a hero.
You will get some basic supplies like a mat or two. Then you will use the Cricut and you will need more blades and new mats. It is endless. If you are going to buy one, look at the Brother Scan n cut to.
Simon Hurley is such a sweetie. I have lots of card making supplies. I had to buy a Dreambox to hold it. I haven’t bought a Cricut yet. I don’t do my own illustrations. If I do go the electric cutter route, I would go Scan n Cut, it can cut out images after scanning it. But I don’t know much about either.
I’ve noticed lots and lots of stamps at thrift stores over the last year. I bought a few to make gift tags etc but that’s as far as I got. 🙂
Keep watching the videos but don’t actually go down the rabbit hole. I’d vote for No on the Cricut. I use mine mostly for tshirts. The supplies end up costing a lot and take up space. Especially if you use a heat press like I do. I did get that for free from a family member. It’s fun but it is definitely a lot more expensive than I expected. I’m always ordering vinyl because I’m missing a color I need. Then I order extra to get free shipping 😂 I originally bought mine to make decorations for my son & dil’s Lord of the Rings themed wedding.
My daughter-in-law has one and it gets pricey! She does make some beautiful Tshirts for her nieces and nephews. We got grandparent mugs and some gorgeous cards. The main problem of being the recipient of such creativity, is finding room for more stuff!
So, before your splurge, think about what your making and who it goes to and the amount of time involved.
maybe a mini-vacation would be better.
A vacation sounds good! Get out of the heat for awhile. And you can take along a small knitting project.
I remember you buying some kind of journal or organizer and all kinds of pens and washi. You want to make paper art. This calls you. Getting supplies to make paper art and playing with it is a good idea.
Before buying a Cricut, I would recommend taking a class on it at your local Joann or other crafting place. Try it out and see if you like it before making that investment. Maybe one of your daughters or friends or a local member of the BDH would go with you for company.
I have a Cricut and love it. I don’t use it all the time, I tend to use it in spurts when I have free time, or when a gift is needed, but I don’t feel like it was a waste of money bc I didn’t put that much into it. If you buy the one with the starter pack, it should already have a variety of mats and tools with it. Then you can only buy things as needed for a specific project. You’ll have to learn the Cricut Design Space program to use it, that’s a stumbling block for some less-tech-minded people, but I doubt you’ll have an issue. The design space has a tool called Print then Cut that will do exactly what you’re describing. So far I’ve used mine to make designs for T-shirts, bags, water bottles, car decals, and book covers. I’m a book binder (hobbyist) and the iron-on gold and silver vinyl work great in place of gold leaf for designs on a leather bound book or personal journal.
I am completely fascinated by the card making videos. For some reason I will watch them for hours.
PS: The narrator for Curran was AMAZING. Perfect in every way
I have a silhouette cameo which is similar to a cricut I make lots of cardstock decorations – like centerpieces or invitations. I do sell some on Etsy also. I have SO MUCH cardstock that I have no room in my craft room for all of it. I store the cardstock under the spare room bed. I’ll probably never use it all. Course I don’t have the colors I need either when I go to make stuff so then I need more! I have a steel cut due machine too, have had it probably 6 years it’s still in the box along with dies. It takes up a huge amount of space as it’s very large. As for the videos, I love watching them but I don’t need even more stuff for my overcrowded craft room. If you do decide on a cricut, you do need the sticky mats and cardstock makes them loose their sticky so then you have to replace the mats.
Hi! If you’re looking for a mat to hold down your designs for stencils and stuff, I would get a glass magnetic mat. This is the one I use and it works great. I use it as an all-purpose surface since you can just wipe off ink and things with a baby wipe. The 9×12 mat is $40.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FYKR2CS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
If you’re going to create things in adobe and then print/cut, a basic cricut would work. I own a cricut maker but I’m cutting 7.5 mil mylar for stencils so I need a heftier machine. The cricut design space can be cumbersome though (it’s the software for your phone/tablet/computer.) You would need to upload every picture/design you create which can be time-consuming. Have you looked at the Silhouette? I’m pretty sure that one automatically detects your design and cuts so you would cut out a step. You may want to look into it.
And yes you would need to keep buying mats for the cricut. The mats are sticky and help hold the paper in place so the more you use, the less sticky it gets. The Silhoutte is the same. There are knockoff mat brands that work great like Nicapa and Realike which are a fraction of the price.
Hope this helps!
I bought a used cricut about 2 years ago amd have loved it. I’ve done everything from shirts to stencils for a floor (that I never used lol) to paper lanterns for Christmas. I will admit there are ahole months I don’t use it. I get my mats from hobby lobby they are like $7 but they are crap.
You may want to check your library. Ours has a “Makers’ Space” and has Cricut and other design and interesting machines including one that creates decals/transfers for fabric.
sorry about the name. autocorrect insists on crichton.
Hehe, autocorrect is a Jurassic Park fan! 🦕
No worries, fixed!
Wow. That was a lot of work for a single card.
Years and years ago, I used to do all that with Koh-i-nor technical pens, artist markers, water color or acrylic paints and brushes, and a no-frills Exacto knife.
No fancy Cricut cutter back then… though, I did have the expensive stamp pads, fancy inks and special paint. But all the same, those pens and markers, paint and brushes got pretty expensive over time. I couldn’t seem to resist new colors or brushes, or nibs, or fancy cleaning systems.
However, most of the time, I couldn’t sell my art for enough to cover the cost of supplies. That was where I got into trouble.
I finally gave it up for computer graphics work (ie: Photoshop, Illustrator and QuarkXPress), then sent my work out to print, or sold it to a client who would then get it printed… much less cost to me. I did pretty well for a long time selling my graphic design time to my clients. (I’m mostly retired now.)
If you are already doing the designs on a computer, then consider finding a local print shop with a large format printer and have them print your pieces for framing. It’s a lot less costly and a lot more time spent being creative rather than cutting and pasting.
Then there is the matter of time. All that fancy stamping, cutting and pasting takes time. Time you may want to spend writing or researching or exploring a new dinner recipe…
Just my opinion, though. Creatively speaking, you must do what you must do to satisfy your creative monster.
-Jenna
Sorry, this is likely to get long, but I am a huge crafter AND a teacher, so when someone asks me a question on this subject you may get more of an answer than you bargained for. I will try not to proselytize.
I LOVE my Cricut, but what I have is the old old old Cricut Expression that uses a cartridge system (I have at least 60 cartridges).
I will not get rid of my old machine as long as it works because the new machines must be online to use (mine is entirely off line) and the new machines require that you use the designs in Cricut Design Space (on the Cricut Website) or your own designs and they have no cartridge port. I could import all my cartridges into Design Space and use them in one of the new machines, but I hate being tethered to the computer when I want to craft.
If you decide to get one of the new machines, you want one of the Cricut Maker machines. They will cut paper, cardstock, fabric, vinyl, magnet material, balsa wood, and all manner of other things. It is not just for paper crafting as the other machines tend to be.
The new machines also have the ability to use designs of your own making, but you have to do a bit of work to get the machine to recognize and cut them correctly. The only thing I regret about my current machine is that I am limited to only those designs in the cartridges.
If you craft a lot or think you would like to, a Cricut can be an excellent and exciting tool. My sister-in-law has a Cricut Maker and she uses it all the time to customize T-shirts and tote bags.
The Cricut is such a versatile tool that the possibilities can be overwhelming for a beginner. You want something to de-stress, not to make you feel guilty for not using it or feel as if you have a second job learning how to use it.
If I were you, I would try making some of the things you think you might use the Cricut for BY HAND. You can print stuff out already, all the Cricut basically does for you is precision cut them out and you could do that yourself if you are careful. If you enjoy this and if the part you don’t enjoy is cutting out the pieces, then maybe the Cricut is a good investment for you.
I would DEFINITELY go to the Cricut Design Space site and look around before purchasing anything.
Also, be warned that buying stuff for crafting and actually crafting are two separate, different fun hobbies. You WILL be assimilated. 🙂
P.S. The audio version of the Willington books are just fabulous. I had already read both books twice each, but I am still excited to have them in audiobook format.
Sigh. I was going to give you a link to Design Space. You now can only get in and look around if you already have a machine because they want it all hooked up before they will show you ANYTHING.
This is why I don’t want my crafting experience tied to the computer. I feel as if I am held hostage to technology.
This comes under the category of Mental Health Care. It’s important. When’s the last time you and G took a real vacation with no electronics, no expectations? I think y’all are overdue aren’t ya?
Take care of urself.
I’m no help as I don’t have a Cricut. If I was going to get something in that type of thing, I would want the machine that prints edible things. 😁 I think it would be fun to print things to put on top of cakes and stuff.
I tend to get into projects and lose interest before getting my money’s worth out of the supplies though, so I try to limit myself to basics. If this would bring you joy and you have room, then go for it! If it seems cumbersome, then maybe some good mats, stencils, and exacto knives?
I hope you find joy in whatever your decision is! And that you share pics of your creations. 🤗
If you decide to Cricut, definitely get the starter bundle which comes with mat(s), tools, and vinyls etc.
I have a Cricut. I use it, maybe twice a blue moon. But it makes me super happy because it comes out sooo pretty. A lot of easy and easy to use patterns can be found on Etsy. Or you can make your own. I make those roll up flowers in a shadow box for a friend cause those videos make it look so easy and I had fun making them. So now I have a 6 inch stack of paper, cause I have a serious problem controlling my click finger.
Also, I had a Cameo Silhouette before I switched to the Cricut Maker. In my eyes, the Cricut is much easier to work with.
You might enjoy art journals.
I’ve got nothing to help with your crafts, though they look awesome!!
I lost my kindle awhile back, so I got the audiobook from audible and I’m loving Magic Tides and Magic Claims!!
Kates story and Curran’s side is really a neat change!! And conlan is a fun character!!thank you for making my day more. You both take care of the BDH!
Although I don’t think a phone is as easy on the eyes as a Kindle, you can get the Kindle app for free for a phone or tablet and still read your books. It’s kind of nice to be able to have it with you wherever you go. 😊
Whatever makes you happy! I would sooner watch paint dry than do this or most crafts.
No, the Cricut, though fabulous, requires a learning curve since it involves software. A few good stamps and ink will do. Try Art Glitter Glue as it works well for paper. Rather than create from scratch, try a paper collection instead as it will come with designs, chipboard, ephemera, and sometimes, stamps. One of my favorites is Stamperia Atelier des Arts. BTW, I have an entire room dedicated to crafts – sewing, stamping, watercolors, miniatures but mostly paper. When I’m weary of crafts, I reread all your books. You’ve spoiled me.
If you want to do them, you’ll need a Cricut or other cutting machine to get the intricacies. Otherwsie don’t. But cricuts cut lots of things…..fabric, leather, paper, iron ons, vinyl…..
Or. Glowforge cuts wood and acrylic if you want to go the other direction and make charms and stuff.
How often are you actually going to use it? Do you really need it? I have one (Maker). It spends a lot of time not doing much of anything. Same with the mats in various sizes, etc. Also one of the little rubber wheels that grabs the mat to move it keeps deforming and moving out of position which messes up the alignment. There’s no easy way to disassemble the machine to replace and/or fix the issue. When it works, I use it to cut fabric for quilts (also sitting around, not finished), occasional birthday cards and vinyl letters to stick on water bottles and other things.
Art glitter Glue. Dries clear. Leaves no residue. Best clue for cards and crafts.
This looks like so much fun and so beautiful! …I would definitely need inspiration and ideas to create things like that. I have a Cricut and I LOVE IT. I don’t use it as much as I should but making gifts and when inspiration strikes I get into it again. It’s really nice to have a cricut. I don’t make cards (tho this has inspired me) so I don’t know much about all the things that he is doing but Cricut has its design program that is pretty user friendly and you can get creative! If it’s on sale, go for it? I got the Cricut Maker and I love it. I probably don’t use all its features but one day, I’ll figure them out. My husband bought me the Cricut mats for the machine and the tools separately but you can also buy bundles. Happy Crafting!
I find the cricut design space software endlessly frustrating to use. To the point I don’t use the cricut for one offs, just production runs.
If you don’t have specific project(s) in mind, I wouldn’t bother getting one. The accessories (different cutting/embossing heads) are ridiculously expensive, the mats (also expensive) are a consumable and need to be replaced after a time.
All that said, you can do some pretty neat things with them, far beyond just greeting cards.
Heat transfer vinyl can make some awesome clothing decorations. I once had to make 2 dozen stuffed animals out of felt, so I setup the cricut to draw the seam line and cut out the pieces. Saved hours upon hours of pattern marking.
Had this discussion with my SIL and nieces last week. They swear by Cricut and use it for tons of things. It can get expensive but according to them it’s got enough different uses if you’re so inclined it’s worth it, especially with upcoming weddings in the family.
I have a Cricut and have had fun making family gifts and custom items. My Cricut came with a mat. I use Tweezers, scissors, and an old hotel key card I already had as tools. Most expensive has been the vinyl, but you can get good combo packs on the zon. My family likes geeky unique gifts, and I’ve done shirts, hats, aprons, mugs, baby outfits, signs,etc. Stickers are next when the weather gets bad and I need an indoor distraction. It’s fun to do virtual or in person crafting with friends. Happy crafting!
I 💜 Gordon:
“Gordon is not very good at helping me set limits, because his answer to a question, “Do you think I should waste x amount of money on a hobby?” is always yes.”
My video fascination right now is dog and cat grooming videos, especially when the groomer tells details about the breed of animals the are grooming. I can get lost in them but luckily they don’t cost me anything.
Following as I would like a cricut too… but I am not sure I will even use it!
I hate my Cricut (Air2, I believe–I can’t check because it’s in a plastic tub hiding under my stairs). It is not user-friendly or intuitive. I couldn’t even give my Cricut away when I offered. Not my finest purchase, that’s for sure. I agree with other posters; if you can give it a test run, that would be your best bet.
As someone who feels the ASMR tingles, that is definitely what makes those videos work for me. If that applies to you too, I’m not sure actual crafting gets the same results, since there is some microphone magic involved in making the videos.
Card making is really fun but the basic supplies do cost a lot to get started. My family laughs about my $50 cards. I find it very therapeutic and during the pandemic did some online card making classes. If you enjoy Simon Hurley, also look at Cathy Zielske and Jennifer McGuire. You just have to remember that you don’t need all the latest thing. You usually do need a stamping platform and a die cutting machine which can be pricey. Also inks and stamps, etc. there are some companies which have boxes with most the supplies needed.
That said, I can’t use my Cricut to cut out the stamped images, so I do end up buying the metal dies ( and storage solution.) I use the Cricut more for making t shirts, decorating my garage, etc.
At this point I am working to support my crafting and reading! Have fun!
My local library loans out a Cricut in their “Library of Stuff.” (Also available are things like a ukulele, a cassette tape to mp3 converter, walking sticks, a movie projector, and giant Jenga blocks. )
Maybe try it out first?
I love this videos too! And i really enjoy making cards. Its fun and relaxing. Sometimes you can make one in less than an hour and mail it out that day! Such a great way to show someone you care without saying a word!
What i would do is start with a bundle. You can do from stampin up or another company.
Then when you experiment with it you can kind of see what you are drawn to. I love live love the die cuts and using multiple coordinated papers. I may only stamp once. So my focus when I purchase is on the paper and the die cuts.
Someone else may be drawn to the solar paste and embossing- like in the videos!
But a bundle could be a way to figure out what you like and then you can build your supplies from there.
My daughter is an artist / illustrator and she uses her cricut for so many things like making sticker sheet, notepads, and so on… she has two crickets! One from 10 years ago and her new one is the silhouette cameo 4 with 12×12 cutting mat and auto-blade. This machine also has an attachment you can get that allows you to emboss. I guess its a silhouette not a cricut but kinda the same thing. You can even do good transfer sheets on the silhouette.
I hope this helps!! And i hope you have loads of fun!!!!
Sorry i meant “gold” transfer sheets. 😂
Also the glue!
The green tombow is good but even better is the tombow glue TAPE and/or adhesive tape. So easy and mess free.
I think the full name ( to look it up ) is Tombow mono permanent adhesive tape or the Tombow mono dots adhesive tape.
Woot woot!!
Glue: Bearly art precision craft glue is great! It has different tips and a bottle lasts a long time. It also dries clear.
I have a Cricut Joy (small, doesn’t take much space, let’s me make small things like stickers and cards when I forget to buy one). I think it is worth it but—full disclosure—I knit, weave and spin too, so I am probably not a reliable narrator here. I do think that spinning would be a nice addition to your current hobbies because it’s very tactile and rhythmic and soothing. I don’t spin enough but I also work full time so I’m hopping between hobbies! I hope I live long enough to retire and play with my toys more. Good luck with whatever you choose!
I know Michael’s has run one very good sale on the Air and Joy machines in the last year. They might run another. I only say this because I have a Cricut Joy and am trying to get over the fear of using it. There’s a free online set of workshops starting on the 13 in creating with Cricut Joy. That might give you an idea of whether it works as a choice for you.
Don’t do it I begged for one got it-didn’t work waited forever for customer service and now it is a pretty used to be hobby after about 3 crafts and 900$ down in flames cuz I was bored during pandemic…reading about crafting is fun new show on Netflix about hack your space is fun also a fun romance novel with knitters( read that series) less guilt enjoyable happy ending for crafters lol
I’m definitely a Cricut or Silhouette person over the metal dies (unless you’re planning on taking up embossing metal sheets…). I liked Silhoutte (years ago when I was playing w my friends machine) bc I could design in Adobe and import over there and cut. The Cricut software (at least back then) was far more restrictive.
I see a rabbit hole. I am deftly dodging it…mostly because I’m so deep in the quilting hole, I may never again see daylight. In my defense, I have made lots of quilts and pillows. But it is strewn throughout the house. After 40 years of trying to create a sewing room, only to have my husband sabotage my attempts every single time, I have set up camp in the living room and dining room. And Hubs is happy because he’s nosy and can watch me while he’s watching tv. Good luck!!
I’m not any help on the subject, but just want to say that it’s Prime Days (11-12 July ‘23) and there are savings to be had 😆
I saw quite a few things $10-20 cheaper than what I had bought I thought was already discounted 🥲
I have a lot of steel dies and a bigshot. I really like a cricut. I have zero time for either at the moment…
I want a cricut. It’s definitely going on my birthday list this year. Sweet red poppy on YouTube has some fabulous videos using all the different cricut machines.
I bought steel dies and a roller when I first started getting into making cards etc and I ended up selling it all and buying a Cricut.
The one thing about dies is that you’re stuck with that one shape and unless you want 50 cards with boats and sails, you will have to buy more dies to expand your collection. That quickly adds up to the cost of a Cricut.
If you learn how to use Cricut (or any similar machines mentioned here) properly, you are practically unlimited to what you can make… you can make exactly the same type of card he shows here using Cricut pens to draw the pictures and cut out some boat shapes or a stencil if you want to make lots of them… add some ink and there you have it.. you don’t have to be restricted to one or the other with Cricut.
Yes the subscription is a bit of a pain – I just pay it to be fair – but as others have mentioned, there’s (legal) ways around all that for people with some tech savvy.
I suppose the question is do you want to make the same kinds of things over and over (in which case it’s dies and a roller) or do you want some freedom on what you do? I make cake toppers and t-shirts and cards and labels (labels with cricut and vinyl are amazing!!!) and have even made personalised ceramic coasters with the sublimation ink.
It’s all a money pit to be honest but if you go in with your eyes open and you’re willing to learn (be prepared for a few mistakes), you don’t have to follow the rules set by Cricut and Cricut gives you more options overall. You’ll never lack something to play with if you want to. 😀
You also don’t have to stick to the Cricut brand for everything… some things do work best with their own brand but lots of cheaper things to buy as well… lots of ways round that if you search online.
Whatever you choose… from one crafter to another, you’ll enjoy something new and have fun! 🙂
At some of my local county libraries, they have cricuts you can use. As well as other sewing and crafting tools including 3d making machines, studios to practice or record,telescopes,notepads all to check out or use there. These and a bunch more stuff. They have a lot these days. It’s a good way to road test your curiosities.
IMO, there is a huge learning curve and it’s a massive time suck. If you only want to make cards, the Cricut Joy is a smaller, cheaper machine that can do that. Plus it takes up less space.
You will probably *want* to buy Cricut access to make cards which is $10/month (or annual purchase). I usually end up buying 3D designs from My3DSVG (she has a website and Etsy) to make into cards.
I use a spray glue (Elmers craft) but people swear by Bearly Art Glitter Glue for a non spray glue.
Hello! A friend directed me here because she knows I have a Cricut lol.
I have the Explore Air 2 and I like it. You can’t do as much as you can with the Maker but it’s significantly cheaper (and on sale) and you can do enough that I think any beginner would be happy with it.
The Cricut comes with one light grip sticky mat that is required to print anything with it. If you need replacements or want stronger grips (lightgrip is great for paper but not always great for vinyl, for instance), you’ll have to buy them.
As far as cutting mats, I just use my husband’s self-healing mat that he uses for making Warhammer figures lol.
I haven’t made many fancy cards, but for Christmas cards last year I just used a regular glue stick for the bigger pieces and an adhesive roller used for photos (I don’t remember the brand; I found it at Michael’s) on the smaller bits.
As for opinions — I really enjoy my Cricut but I don’t use it that often. Part of that I believe is space. But it is a lot of fun to make gifts for friends and family.
As someone with a Cricut Maker, I would say that it’s a decent machine backed by an A+ marketing department. Cricut machines are geared for the casual hobby person who is mostly going to be buying graphics/SVGs online to upload and maybe adding some cute text in it’s software. The very savvy marketing department sponsors a lot of people to make videos and blogs using the machine so there are a ton of how to guides out there. However, as someone who knows the basics in Photoshop and more importantly Illustrator, I wish I had gotten a Cameo instead since it’s features are more geared towards somewhat tech savvy people making their own designs.
If you decide to buy a Cricut- DO NOT BUY USED WITHOUT SEEING A TEST CUT. When people contact Cricut support with issues on machines under warranty, Cricut remotely and permanently deactivates faulty machines. These machines are not returned to a store and Circut sends the original owner a replacement machine. Unscrupulous people sell these “bricked” machines online through sites like Facebook marketplace and many people get dupped.
Cricut does sell machines in bundles that come with mats. However, Cricut brand accessories like mats are relatively pricey and there are many sellers on Amazon who offer knock offs that work just as well for a fraction of the price.
I wouldn’t get one of these machines if I was only making occasional cards, but they are super fun with for stickers provided you have a decent printer at home. They are great for cutting cardstock, vinyl as stickers or as stencils, and heat transfer vinyl for t-shirts. The Maker can do fabric and cardboard too. Happy crafting!
Careful. A friend found that Cricut was the gateway to 3D printing. She’s now up to 2 active 3D printers and one that’s “retired”.
I have a cricut, and I’m on a cricut FB group. It’s fiddly and vaguely intimidating, and they update the software WAY too often, often breaking things…I wouldn’t get one unless you have a real need. I do glass etching and make my own stencils. It’s great for that and cutting cardstock, but the print and cut function is SO delicate…it suddenly stops working no matter how many times you recalibrate. I honestly want to get a manual diecutter/embosser so I don’t have to deal with the fiddlyness of the cricut for small non-custom images, because it’s more trouble than it’s worth unless you’re doing a big project.
I have a cricut. I don’t use it. Why? Because the ipad app interface is TERRIBLE and you have to be a freaking computer genius to get it to do what you want (and save it).
I bought the full meal deal so it came w mats, pens, etc. You have to pay for pre made patterns. I bought a bunch of paper and specialty stuff. The best thing I made (and it took many many hours) was labels for my spice jars printed on contact paper.
That being said cruise Pinterest and see what is out there. Sometimes people will pin articles on pros and cons.
As to the cost? Me dear friend THAT’S what you work for! Good for Gordon for saying yes. He gets it. You are making eno $ to indulge your crafty side. Feeding that need will help you relax so you can go back to writing!
Plus, you keep your mind sharp learning new things! My newest thing is beading stud earrings using youtube tutorials. And learning brioche knitting.
Have fun & good luck!
Art Glitter Glue is the best! There is no glitter in it, that’s just the brand name. It dries quickly, is clear matte, is not too expensive, and lasts a long time. Tombow is also a good glue, but it is designed to dry a little tacky (like a post-it note) so if you get it where you don’t want it, it can be a sticky mess. On your fingers, your project, your desk… For stencils you need some blending brushes or sponges. The company Picket Fence Studio has a product called Paper Pouncers which are a joy to look at (pretty colors!!) and so easy and fun to use! I do a LOT of paper crafting, and have both the Cricut Explore (an older model) and a Brother Scan n Cut. I find I don’t use them often, but when I do , really use them! You can make stickers too! A Cricut Joy might be the answer for you, it’s smaller, less expensive, and doesn’t need a mat for some things (like vinyl). Happy crafting!!
Oh, I also have a TON of the dies for the manual cutting machine (and two of those, one is electric- fancy). Most of them cut out the stamped shapes, but some just do fancy circles, squares, and other shapes. It beats cutting them out by hand!!! I am a Stampin’ UP! demonstrator, so I kinda really like doing all the cards and other paper crafts. 😂😂😂 It is an expensive hobby, but only if you go all out. What you have started out with sounds perfect for you.
Are you sure it’s not the random noises that are making you relaxed while watching these…just saying 😀
As a Silhoutte user, I say Silhouette Cameo 4 with no hesitation. The software is much more versatile and powerful. It is easy to import files other than the studio files. I do a lot of designing and importing for my small business. I don’t understand Cricut Design Space AT ALL. Somebody would have to pry my Cameo out of my cold, dead, hands.
I once fell into the sizzix craze. The concept was awesome the dies were fantastic! So many ideas!! Then after much expense I realized by the time I set up a work station got everything ready and sat down it was time for bed. Working two jobs raising two kids and trying to craft is an exercise in futility. I think I may have completed one project at a women’s group on a Saturday at someone else’s home.
The disadvantage to metal die cuts is you are limited to only that size. Cricuut can cut an image any size you like.
Circuit also has a scoring stylus and an engraving stylus.
Cricut has a subscription service for images. It is 10.00 per month. I still haven’t subscribed. I can use individual images for $.99 each, which then belong to me. I don’t buy enough fonts or images to break even on a subscription.
I find it a soothing hobby. I am not artsy creative, but I love to send punny cards. Cricut makes me look much more talented than I am!
They still have scrapbook classes; some are online. Great way to learn different techniques.
Have fun!
Thanks for mention brain-dead and writer confidence. I’m just coming out of a 2-month pit. Not having publisher deadlines makes it hard, but I’m _very_ gratified when you share the creative (read: writer mechanics and life) side of writing.
I think doing something with your hands may be a break you’re craving. What’s the worst thing that can happen if you purchase a crickt? You let it sit in the box? You use it a few times? You give it away eventually?
Most likely you’ll use it and have a great time and be creative. It sounds fun. Why not try it?
As long as it’s not cutting into your food/shelter/medical money, it’s fine. Living life today is important.
My 2 cents.
Also, here’s a fun distraction:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/experiences/3d-paper-art-online-course
I have very carefully refused to get into Cricut or any paper crafting, because I have _way_ too many crafting supplies already.
That being said I am constantly tempted by all the pretty, shiny, colorful whatnot that comes with paper crafting.
Which is the main reason I know that Dollar Tree sells metal dies, adhesive vinyls, and some of the little tools that are useful to Cricutting.
Also, I saw a YouTube where a person was reviewing purchases from Temu. If I remember correctly one of the purchases was Cricut mats for stupidly cheap. So there may be a cheaper way to feed the upcoming addiction…
Good Luck!
Get a Cricut MAKER, NOT THE OTHER ONE. I have had both and the MAKER, is the best. A bit of a learning curb, but any decent hobby has the same problem You will find so many more fun things to do.
Cricut does take storage space, always a problem…You can find some wonderful designs on ETSY for excellent prices.
Another hobby suggestion is making things out of wool. It is not as messy as painting and you can put it down at any point.
Getting a Cricut is a WHOLE DEAL. The software is as complicated as photoshop and it really take a a lot of time and tutorials to make even something pretty basic. It’s a time investment and not a relaxing one… two cents from a knitter/baker/sewer…
Keep it simple. I use a large cutting board when making cards, a simple Fiskers cutter, and a Cuddlebug or Big Shot. The Big Shot allows bigger cuts. The Circut is mainly if you want to repeat a pattern such as making 30 copies for a class. There are lots of inexpensive dies on EBay made in China and most work well. Dies give you lots of sayings and shapes. Add a few stamps and inks (Versafine is the best) and you are in business except for paper. Use the 30-40% coupons for Michael’s and JoAnns that you can get on their websites and watch for sales on the paper. A few times a year they sell their paper sheets for $.33 verses $.99. Paper is one of my weaknesses. It is my yarn. For the basic card Stampin Up makes a slighter heavier cardstock which is worth it if your card will fold out because it is sturdier. I use glue pens for my lacy dies. But you can get Double Sided glue paper and glue your light weight paper on one side and then cut it out and peel off the shield paper. I like dies because they give a more professional look to the cards. But this be very costly over time. There are so many wonderful stamps, dies, embossing folders and paper plus embellishments. But it can really bring out your creative side.
Oh, Ilona, let me count the ways…you do not need a Cricut especially if you are just wanting to lightly get into this sort of crafting. Get a good pair of scissors- Tim Holtz snips are a good example. Then you can “fussy cut” your images without needing either a die cutting machine or a Cricut. Warning: Fussy cutting is a love/hate proposition. If you end up hating it, then you can consider going to a machine, in which case I recommend a Brother Scan-N-Cut, which does just what it says- there is a steep learning curve, but it’s wonderful when you figure it out. Plus there’s lots of help on-line. You purchase mats separately, and they can be expensive.
I use (and like) art glitter glue for smaller items and Beacon 3in1 for large pieces. You might also consider a tape runner for less messiness. I’m a long time paper crafter and would be happy to share any other information you might be looking for. In fact, if you are ever in NE Ohio, I’d love to have you stop by and use some of my supplies! 🙂
P.S. You are one of my favorite authors and I never hesitate to purchase your books as soon as they come out. Your characters are so real to me and I really look forward to seeing more of them. Helen and Conlan are my favorites.
If you have questions about Cricut machines, go to Jennifer Maker’s website. She does comparisons and tutorials. I have one and have discovered I only enjoy using it for paper crafts. If you have a Cricut, you do not need dies, because the Cricut will cut out all your shapes.
I sew as a hobby. Over the pandemic I convinced myself that my 50 year old sewing machine wasn’t good enough and that I would enjoy things better if I got a new machine. I hate the new machine. It doesn’t increase my hobby pleasure and it turns out I like the planning and fabric collecting more than the producing. I’m going to sell the fancy machine and get a simpler one.
What is it about the process that you enjoy? Stick to those purchases. If the Cricut is part of that, then purchase with impunity.
I ended up getting a Scan n Cut, because you can scan in your designs and then cut them out. you can resize a larger design down. I also quilt, the scan function allows me to fussy cut.
glue guns work on cardstock.
Don’t do it! I bought a Silhouette (the competition of Circut) a couple years ago. I’ve used a handful of times even though I had all these great ideas on projects. Life just gets in the way and it and all the supplies are just sitting there collecting dust.
wall paper paste or a flour based glue (rice, wheat…) No. to circuit. Have you met the term ‘fussy cutting’, try it on designs, it also keeps you from getting to fancy for graphics with your designs! Also Google free fodder challenge. it’s a series of 10 free mixed media lessons. Started Monday but lessons are up on Teachable til Aug 4th….did you notice I said free? yeh, they will try to sign you up for others but —just say no—works for supplies too.
Hi Ilona. Silhouette Cameo 4 is cheaper (I just bought one). And you can use the same mats and 90% of the same things (not the blades though) as the Cricut 🙂 Good luck.
I can’t advise on glue, but my d-i-l got a Cricuit and she is loving it! Does all sorts of stuff from boyscout shirts to cup, mugs and teacher stuff.
I love my cricut. I don’t scrapbook. I have used it to make wall hangings, posters for a high school function, and even the design I glued onto a lass jar to make votive candle holders.
I have never done scrapbooking, cricutting, knitting, quilting, beading, or sewing.
On the other hand, if you ask me about needlepoint kits, piano musicbooks, CDs and vinyl records, cookbooks, crewel embroidery projects…..my house needs more closets, and storage spaces, and wall to wall bookshelves!
Do what makes you happy. If you want to make your own mead, or learn how to tune pianos, or play the ukelele, go for it. The Book Devouring Hoarders will understand.
Ilona, to Cricut is very expensive. I have a couple of friends that have spent thousands. Then they shower everyone they know with little cards mostly. I have one particular friend that I begged her to get rid of the machine. The reason being–she is a fantastic artist and made the most beautiful cards, and while the Cricut ones are nice, they are not as nice as the ones she made using only her own talents.
My advice is–set your self a sane limit– per month if you know you will have to have them all. That way if you lose interest in it fairly soon, you won’t have spent a fortune on it nor will you have multiple totes full of the various items that go with it.
Our local hobby store, Michael’s, occasionally has classes as well. I have the Cricut Air2. I bought it to make planner stickers. Mostly use it to make Tshirts ( Though to be honest it’s actually my daughter who uses it to make t shirts)
Hi Ilona! Former craft store employee here. I’d say get the cricut air explore 2 (or 3) if you want to do simple paper craft projects and are planning on using it A LOT. Otherwise, it feels like a waste to me. A lot of my former customers who wanted the machine either used it for their home businesses or because they were constantly crafting stuff for fun or had projects in mind. But if you’re dead set on making only cards and other smaller things (like labels or stickers maybe), then I recommend the Cricut Joy. It’s a smaller cutting machine mainly for those things. I wouldn’t worry about buying anything besides a basic tool kit if you do get any of the machines because they come with everything you need to start (including a mat). As long as you have the medium you’ll be cutting, you should be good to go. If you do buy a machine and decide to try different projects later on that require specific accessories then that would be the time to go buy them, in my opinion. Don’t buy them ahead because what if you never get around to using them? Hope this helped some and happy crafting!!
Just my 2 cents, and I just started this, but I got a Silhouette Cameo. The reason I went with Silhouette is because my niece has one and she told me that I can take designs from the internet, Word, or wherever and pull it into Silhouette to use. Apparently, if you want to use clip art in Cricut, you have to buy the picture. I’m not 100% sure that’s true but I like to draw in Procreat and I can copy my drawing and paste it in Silhouette so that’s a plus for me. It came with a cutting mat.
Some clip art will work with but May not after an update
Pt two of my answer because I missed the glue question.
Surprisingly it depends on the project and what you’re going for. If I were you, I’d see what your local craft store has in their paper crafting section and decide what fits your project. Of course, you could always just use double sided tape. A lot of the tape in paper crafting sections is acid free/photo safe as well.
I really like my Cricket Joy. My sister bought me the Air2 for christmas, Thx Coll, but I really don’t have enough room to set it up and leave it up. So, the Cricket Joy is small enough to leave up and I use it much more often. It’s right next to my regular work in my studio. So I can get distracted, run away, and come back to work. Both are on Amazon sale.
Yes any crafting hobby gets very expensive over time. I should know as I am now looking to move to a bigger place just so I can use the extra bedroom as a craft room. And will probably need a second removal lorry just for all my crafting stuff. Wools, fabrics, sewing machine, threads part stacks, for cutting machine and dies, paints, sprays, glues, magazines, stamps, stencils, inks ………. 🙂
just get acid free on all supplies if you want it to last. otherwise, get what you want and have fun.
I love these kind of videos but I know that I love them because it someone else doing all the work and I usually don’t have the time or energy to do it properly.
Crafting of any kind is nice but will always be expensive. If you are only going to do it a couple of times keep it simple and cheap. If you plan on doing it more than once a month then maybe you can look to getting all the goodies.
Happy crafting
Oh dear, where do I start! I LOOOOOVE making cards and have a craft room full of stuff. I have a manual die cutting machine and easily over 200 dies. Though if you Just want to do something that is not time consuming or money consuming, just stick with the Distress Oxides and make some sprays/stains. Making backgrounds can be a tun of fun. And heck as you are quite a popular person you could always occasionally have giveaways! Though if you do make fancy water color backgrounds I would suggest investing in an iron just for crafting or get a laminator that you can run your watercolor card stock through to get it back to being flat.
As for the mat, I have a much cheaper $25 magnetic plat form I use for stencils. You can also just use cheap spray glue from Walmart to help lay that stuff down. For putting stuff together on cards, I actually use double sided tape from Dollar Tree and for my die cuts I have a giant roll of 3m double sided adhesive from Amazon(it lasts for a loong time). Though when I get going, I make a lot of cards. I don’t actually use my cricut as much anymore because there is a much better variety of the thin metal dies out there now and cricut is trying to move people towards a pay model anyway.
My favorite tools that I use regularly really are my distress oxide inks/sprays/stains – pretty much anything water color related because you can do so many cool things with it, my dies, and embossing folders (especially the 3d kinds). I should share some of my latest cards on my blog when I get home…but my phone camera sucks.
I am in no use to you there, I don’t have a shred of artistic talent. But it is very beautiful.
Cricut will come with one set of mats. Using design studio to get the best use will be a yearly fee. Make sure your computer software will handle design studio. My Mom and I have had trouble with Provocraft where they update the design studio software and then you can’t do anything or second party cutting instructions you have bought cease to work. Scrapbooking/card making is fun but like all hobbies pricey
There is a definite learning curve to the cricut and being able to use the design space software. You should estimate $300 minimum for machine plus mats plus a few supplies like card stock, adhesives and tools. More realistic estimate is probably $500. You need to have space to set up the machine, and to store it. It is very fun, and there are a lot of great videos on you tube and designs you can buy from Etsy. Cricut design space offers free downloads, downloads for purchase or a $9.99 month membership for unlimited downloads at no extra cost.
Michael’s is a great place to get supplies and they occasionally offer great sales on cricut supplies. And, of course, Amazon has anything you could want.
Like anything, it’s about what you enjoy and how you want to spend your time. If you decide to go for it, you might watch Jennifer Maker’s videos on you tube. Her intro videos are just a couple of hours and will help you get comfortable with the machine and software. They really helped me get started.
I make cards occasionally, but mainly use my cricut to make stickers from art I create in Procreate and then print on a high quality ink jet printer (another expense). If you or your kids like to make digital art, that could be fun.
One thing to keep in mind is the sound of the cricut may aggravate your pets. My dog hates it – he goes as far away from it as he can get. 😉
If you want to get a cutting/printing machine, I recommend getting a Silhouette – they cost less, work consistently for longer and is easier to learn to use. Almost everyone who has a Cricut eventually complains or regrets it (I follow a lot of sticker makers on Tiktok and they talk alot about their machines! XD )
Do you find the videos fun to watch without the sound on? It could be the sound – they are very ASMR sounding – that is relaxing more than what he is doing. Though the cards are very similar cute!
Thoughts from a collector of all types of crafting stuff!
To add some complication to the mix, I love more Silhouette Cameo, which is similar (but better) than the Cricut.
But both of them are just really expensive paper cutters. I use mine mostly to make stickers.
What about taking some classes instead, so that you’ll know how to use the supplies you want to buy? I bought way to many supplies, got mad at myself because they sat on a shelf. I just joined a journaling group, and am learning how to use some of the stuff I’ve squirreled away over the years. Turns out a dip pen, Faber Castell Gelato sticks, and acrylic ink is all it takes to make me really, really happy.
I don’t have any experience with a Cricut, but I’d like to recommend something else that might also help: follow artist/art teacher Andrea Nelson (andrea.nelson.art) on Instagram.
This artist posts short videos showing really fun and easy projects, and even if you don’t feel like doing the projects it’s so much fun just to watch the videos.
The projects require very little investment (example: inexpensive watercolor paints, Sharpie pens,etc.) and the best part is that anyone can do them. All of the projects are especially good for reducing anxiety and stress…and this artist is so much fun to watch, very upbeat and fun!
I haven’t taken any of her online classes, but I think I may try that next.
P.S. Don’t worry, I’m sure your brain will be just fine once you distract it a bit. And your crisis of confidence will go away soon, I’m sure of it! Feel better. 💕💕💕
personally I use a Silhouette Cameo 3 because you don’t need to be online to use it. It does everything a Cricut does, but IMO it’s a little more versatile. And FYI $80 is way too much for a mat
I have no useful advice – this mama don’t craft. (And by don’t I mean have zero talent for.)
I had to post because I adore Gordon’s response. I don’t know if it’s because he’s naturally supportive of your whims, encouraging of your trying something new, or experienced after so many years of marriage and learned the obvious and correct response to a spousal (trick?) question. I’m happily imagining each of them in turn.
And trying to work it into a constructive convo with my own hubby in hopes of inspiring him to Gordon-like greatness.
My mother loves to make cards. Cricut is a great product. I would go for it. It is nice to go in new directions with creativity at times. If the machine is on sell on Amazon, buy it and then you will have 30 days to try it out. You will need other things, but you can get them online or go to a local store.
I used to do mixed media art & art journaling–I miss it–while my mom creates cards & has been stamping for a long time. It is definitely a hobby that can explode with supplies; back when there were actual stamp/scrapbooking stores, they’d always run classes on how to use what you had & get ultra creative because we all had so many bits & bobs & supplies!
As to your questions, I’d start small with the things youll want to use most starting out & see how you like it. The mat looks like it’s sticky to hold things in place, but you can do the same with a glass surface or a cheaper mat (I have one that rolls up, is some kind of thin plastic, easily cleaned) & washing tape as the holder. As for a Cricut … it’s an investment, needs space & special supplies & isn’t maybe necessary for small volumes & may not be your thing. To start, you can cut stuff out with the scissors designed for tiny work, micro tip or precision tip. Glue depends on the project. For mixed media, I used gel medium of one sort or another. It’s glue or it’s a finish. Look for Ranger or Dina Wakely. Or spray adhesive by Krylon. Judikins diamond glaze. Or a tape runner, like Tom Bow or Scotch (I think) has one. Michael’s is a great place to browse supplies to start, to see a bunch of what’s available at once & figure out what appeals to you, but mostly supplies are online. There are a few stamping/mixed media magazines, still, like Somerset Studio, too FYI, and sometimes conventions with a ton of product demos.
I’ve clearly rambled on, but ultimately that just shows how expansive this type of crafting can be!
I have all of the things. It is fun and I make gorgeous cards. Each card costs roughly $85.00 based on my supplies. Proceed with caution.
Check the libraries in your area. Some of them have started installing maker spaces where you have access to things like 3d printers, sewing machines and cricuts. you could at least try it out and see if it’s for you.
I haven’t picked up a new crafting hobby in a while because I don’t have the space. However, I have been doing more home repairs/improvements and that is both a space, time, and money pit as well. Kind of crafty but hopefully will taper off after a bunch of projects are at least 90% completed.
You can totally just watch videos of other people crafting if that’s what you enjoy. I mean, people used to think it was weird I liked watching people play video games before streaming game play was a thing. I might also have some fitness YT subscriptions that I never actually exercise to and then kpop bands released their dance practice videos which have high view counts. So hey, why not.
Probably late to the party, but also on team “run while you can and don’t buy the circut.” Home cutting machines can be lots of fun and do amazing things, but there are a lot of times wen they are monsters and mess everything up. like the sort of issues you get with printers, but worse.
I used to be involved in a small buisness which designed, printed and cut stickers to sell on etsy. We had to have 2 cutting machines, since one would always decide not to work. Even when working the machines would often miscut (not by much, but enough that the items went in seconds bin).
I have a cricut. The first year I did all these cool paper crafts(bought templates) but I haven’t taken it out of the box since my last move. I don’t think it’s worth the cost unless you have a plan. It also takes some space.
I would suggest the light blue mat instead of the green that comes with it for paper crafts.
If you go down the rabbit whole, I would say get the Maker so you can do all of the things – stickers, vinyl, iron on, cards, engraving (bracelets, bookmarks, lights, ornaments), fabric (cut out bags, purses, etc -I’m creating my first quilt following along with the block of the month/quilt as you go), tags to add to your knitting projects, etc. Check out Jennifer Maker’s blog and YouTube to see a good variety of different project tutorials to see if any interest you. If you want to make designs to import into the Cricut Design Space software for your machine to cut you will need a vector program that allows you to save/export svgs such as Inkscape (freeware) or adobe illustrator. There are tutorials about using Canva too.
I have been a card maker for more than 25 years as I worked jobs that left me no time to follow other artistic pursuits. Now that I am retired, I primarily paint – but still make cards.
To answer your question about glue. I have tried everything. Most glues get brittle and items pop off the card in the mail. So this is an important question.
I primarily use pva glue and YES! Paste. Both are acid free and flexible.
I also use Scotch wrinkle free glue sticks, But they don’t always hold on larger items.
Tombow is a good glue, but really sticky and hard to get off of things. It is good for fixing edges that didn’t get stuck down in the first gluing.
I know nothing about machines. I try to stay away from stamps as I have friends who have buried themselves in stuff.
I make cards out of found objects, discarded paper and the ephemera that floats through our lives.
You don’t need a lot of paper. Full sheets for a few cards is over kill. Find your crafting friends. There are fabric scraps, extra paper, bits and pieces that creative people are thrilled to share.
In the end, do what makes you happy. I swear I am getting rid of that InstaPot I bought because everyone swore it would take over the world….
Cheers.
I would consider all the hobbies you currently have (maybe write stuff on a paper) and the tools or extra yarn or whatever that you may have listed after but felt like it was too much to spend on it, and then weigh those desires against how much starting the new thing would cost, and include storage and work space cost too.
I did fine art in college, and though I did not end up doing it as my profession, I made sure to go into a profession thay paid well enough to afford my art supply love. I have stuff for oil painting, watercolors. Acrylic, pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, conte crayon, color pencils. This includes the set up to stretch my own canvases, 2 different easels, This ended up segueing into a set up for customizing Barbie dolls (putting in more hair, painting more realistic facial shading, etc) which then required more paint brushes and different paint (‘ore watercolors more different consistency acrylic paint) and spray fixatives, which, after accumulating a disturbing set of beheaded hairless dolls, I made a Christmas tree topper Barbie of my own, and I “improved” a few of my daughters dolls. Then I started thinking about taking up drumming for fun, but then decided that I should maybe just go back to playing piano and restarting those lessons and also putting energy back into doing more painting. I have stuff for ceramics too but my recently developing finger arthritis has held me back from going all in and getting a kiln and a wheel and all the other stuff…
So bottom line, my desire to start drumming may be similar to your desire to start circuit paper crafts… and then I decided that I have a lot more invested in other areas that I would get more satisfaction in getting more into preexisting interest for which I already have many supplies and knowledge. I still feel kind of wistful about the drumming thing for various reasons, but I decided that have only so much time in my day.
Hope that helps!
About 15 years ago when I was getting married I decided that wedding invitations were to expensive and I’d make my own. So, I went online and found a few DIY instructions, learned about stamping, embossing and bought a ton of supplies. Even designed a custom stamp for the front of the cards.
It was a BLAST! I enjoyed it so much and it was the most relaxing part of that year (I hated planning a wedding and am now divorced). Designing the entire thing, cutting, stamping, embossing and then putting >25 of them together was a lot of fun.
All this to say, my recommendation is to find an example of a paper project you like online, buy a few supplies (stamps, ink, embossing, glitters, glue, etc) and then use a library cri-cut if you want to test them out. You may love it, you may hate it, or it may be interesting but no need to do it again.
Either way, give it a try!! Finding something that brings joy is never a bad thing. Good luck!
Oh yes and I forgot my small toolbox for jewelry making and the stuff I have for making stained glass panels…
And of course I have drawing/painting apps on my iPad.
Oh and I free (no patterns used)crochet blankets and pillow colors do I too have a yarn love. And I got knitting needles but there was too much counting for me.
I have so much stuff! I feel guilty tired thinking about it now. Plus I usually get home from my stressful job as a primary care physician and just watch tv. I do adore doing nothing.
Oh no. Plus I love to cook and bake so I have all kinds of baking and cooking supplies that are beyond what most people have standard. 😅🙀
I’ve never listed everything like this before.
I wish I had better knowledge about Cricut but this is the first I’ve ever heard of it. My main hobby has always been buying books, audiobooks, or audio dramas. Or when the mood strikes, working on my poetry, fanfiction, or sometimes even some of my original story ideas, though I do less of that and more of fanfic and poetry and less of those and more reading. Though lately after listening to some lectures on linguistics, I’ve been sort of learning random languages. Duolingo made it fun and now I can even read the Ukrainian Alphabet. 😀 Though, I think in terms of having something stick more in my memory, it’s probably Latin American Spanish more often than not. I am trying Lithuanian mostly because apparently it’s probably the oldest modern language that might be closest to Indo-European (apparently it’s been in use over 5,000 years? Not sure how accurate that was in a Google search) And surprisingly it’s actually one of the less difficult to attempt pronunciation for me. Another old modern language would be Sanskrit (also apparently 5,000 years in use) but that apparently is a Dravidian-based language that is not in any way related to Indo-European ones. I wonder where Japanese falls into?
Anyway, sorry I got sidetracked, but my rule of thumb is to pick maybe the top one to three that draws you most to start with and as you learn, you can adapt from there.
Have another link that is fun: https://www.jennifermcguireink.com/
So, there are a bunch of kinds of cutting machines. I have a Brother Scan N Cut, I keep eyeing a Silhouette, I don’t like Cricut myself but many people love them. (It’s actually the company I don’t like, not the machines.)
Things the cutting machines do well – I can go buy an svg file and cut it out for a dollar or two. I can resize it, I can make it a negative, I can make a repeating pattern. I can do this with paper, with cloth for quilting, with leather, with thin wood veneer, with vinyl for making wall things or shirt things. I have bought the extra bits so I can also make mine draw with pens and markers.
Extra bits you *have to buy: *files to cut, the sticky mats need to be replaced from time to time, cutting blades, *all the extra toys for special tasks
Things the mechanical die presses do well – I have embossing plates and folders that make interesting pressed shapes in paper. The metal dies gently shape the edges of the die cuts in ways that make them look more finished and 3d than my machine. Some of my dies come with embossed details. I can also use my die press to straighten paper, make sure of good contact with glued surfaces, and as a teeny tiny printing press.
extra bits: dies and embossing folders, potentially cutting plates if you abuse them
Glue: good quality thin double sided tape, Scotch dimensional foam tape, Ranger multi medium and a needle tip, Glossy Accents, and Liquitex Gel Matte Medium (or Glossy) I have an entire drawer of glues, but those are my usual suspects.
Stuff: My basic peeled down essentials (for how I like to work) would be a set of good water based dye markers, a couple of water brushes, a cheap gouache set of colors, and an either pro or near pro basic watercolor set. Cheap fun gel pens, at least one size of black Pigma Micron Pen, and a black sharpie. Also your preferred water color paper. Oh, and a spray bottle that sprays a fine mist.
Good to have Stuff: A paper trimmer (don’t buy expensive unless you could use it for work), a bone folder, palette knife, exacto knife, tweezers, dental pic or tooth picks. A new clean toothbrush, watercolor brushes
I can’t draw: (stamping) a stamping platform (MISTI or whoever) because they make stamping that much easier, black ink – I like ranger archival for watercolor or Versafine for basic, sticky ink – Versamark or whoever, black and clear embossing powder, and a heat gun. (Heat embossing basically lays down a thin plastic raised edge that lets you do a lot of fun watercolor work) Oh.. and stamps lol
Things that are nice: I love my ott-lite for all things art. I have the Ranger metal magnetic board that I use as a travel board, I stick my paper down with magnets and I can paint or color to my heart’s content on my sister’s couch. Gelli plate of whatever size suits you. Watercolor powders, gold paint, white paint pen, shimmery pearly stuff of all kinds. Paper shaping tools. Nice is in no way necessary, just fun.
I’m into less stuff. My local library’s maker studio has Cricuts that you can use for free!
With retirement looming, I’m starting small. My hands ache a lot, and what I’d really like is to go back to playing the piano. As they are scary expensive (pianos, that is) – I’m teaching myself how to knit first. I figure, if my hands are up to knitting, they’d manage playing the piano. My hands forgot about my dyslexia. And, apparently, that I’m left handed and have to knit backwards. So I’ve yet to manage 5 unmangled rows. So much for the piano (at least for now)! Moral is: start small. It’s less expensive!
I suggest taking a class or two before you decide. You will get to play with the fun toys and then you’ll either want to do it again or – as I often find – you’ll be over it. Either way the knowledge won’t be wasted.
https://reviewed.usatoday.com/lifestyle/features/cricut-review-a-crafters-dream-tool-or-huge-money-suck
Found this review online. Associated with USAToday. Lot of good pros and cons.
i have had and have many “hobbies” i have also given away tons of stuff from hobbies i have lost interest in
so now when an interesting something comes into my brain i march myself off to a book store and go down the isles i normally avoid…
sometimes i learn stuff and sometimes after a chapter i just donate the book
much easier and after two or three didn’t fit books i am thru the compulsive “get this new hobby” stage
I love watching videos on YT of things I know I cannot do, to avoid the compulsion of trying to do it myself: Garmezy Glass is a favorite. (grantgarmezyglass dot com.) He does some amazing work, including dinosaur heads. Another entertaining guy is Alec Steele. He makes knives, swords, and other metal do dads.
In High School I did try my hand at glass enameling with blow torches. My art teacher was all for it. We set up a station with three blow torches for each color, and got it all set. After we burnt our eyebrows and bangs off to get just one enameled bead done, someone saw us, freaked out, and pulled the fire alarm. We were both told to stick to pottery. She gave me a little plaque with Julia Child on it saying “I think every woman should have a blowtorch.”
Those were fun days.
Cricuts are like chocolate chip cookies–you can never have enough dies for them. If you think you can rein yourself in, go for it.
I think I have to stick to watching people forge swords and glass.
I say you are on the right track, do the smallest amount necessary to have fun and relax. Sticky mats come with some machines but not all. Good luck on your endeavor!
don’t. do. it.
My bajillion beads, fancy stones, metal do-dads, and silk string told me they would one day become great gifts. Where are they? Sitting in a drawer.
Sigh.
Wow! Those are some really impressive looking cards, and I love the fun sound effects of the videos. My kids watch videos where real food is being prepped and then it turns into the food made out of Lego. It’s pretty cool, but it has similar sound effects. Maybe I’m secretly a fan of ASMR? Anyhoo…
To Cricut or not? I own the old school Cricut that takes a cartridge and does not hook up to a computer. I only use it occasionally when I’m helping the kids put titles on their science fair projects. I actually prefer the die cuts, even though they might take up more space if you have a lot of them, they are easier to use. Do keep in mind that all the supplies will take up some space, but it is a fun hobby that can be very relaxing. Please let us know what you decide.
I can only provide my own experience and my own experience is that I am now into a set of high-end French pastels, a set of still expensiv, but firmer, American pastels, a couple of high-end watercolor sets, and acrylic paints and brushes. Currently, there is a canvas sitting on the also fairly expensive easel that I bought and I haven’t touched it in three months. Started it, that’s as far as I’ve gotten. All of this because I was just going to “dabble” and I’m a couple of thousand dollars in easily. Hobbies will eat you alive, so I say stick with one you’ll actually do or you’ll end up with an expensive wooden easel with an incompleteed canvas on it.
WARNING! DANGER!
Extreme Aquisitions Rabbit Hole Detected
Collision Imminent
Cerebral Cortex has already exceeded”Hobby Parameters”
Rapidly Approaching “Obsessive Collector”
As someone who has done paper crafts for a long time, no. You don’t need the high end materials. A mat is nice for mess and surface but I use just a standard self healing cutting mat and picked mine up with the 40% off coupons all the shops offer regularly.
My favorite activity is to buy cute acrylic stamps on clearance, stamp several on pieces of watercolor paper and just color with whatever media I feel like using. If I like them, then I’ll cut them out with scissors and throw them on a card or use them to create bookmarks. All you really need is pad of StazOn black ink and some cheap fun stamps.
i would say if you want to do this cause it looks fun and relaxing , find out if there is a crafting class you could take on it
like they do with clay pot making or painting with wine. after taking the class if you still find it fun and relaxing go for it. try out before you buy any thing.
Just be careful about who sponsors the class. Love Joanne’s and their associates but classes are geared towards sales. Same with places like Lowe’s and local nurseries.
+1 for the tombow glue. We have a large scrapbooking section where I work and tombow glue and it’s refills always go fast. Glue dots work well, and anything that is of an acid free archival nature is going to be the kind of glue you want.
There are also no buy craft groups on facebook where you trade “x hobby”, say beading supplies for something you want like “scrapbook supplies”. Each exchange is person to person, but it’s a way to get rid of supplies for things you don’t want for a hobby you want.
I have also been down a rabbit hole of weird videos to detangle my brain and had to think about Grandma Frida’s battles with the knitting, once I stumbled upon videos of old (and new) knitting machines:
https://youtu.be/5EqQOgebCqw
I credit your amazing writing for my chuckle fit.
When I think about starting a new hobby that may end up being expensive with supplies sitting around unused when I decide that I don’t like it, I try to find a class with it. I ended up buying a table loom after I took a weaving class because I enjoyed it so much. The other thing I do is “phone a friend” who does the hobby and set up a crafting day where they can show / teach me.
Less is more. I too have a spending hobby problem. I bought a piece of glass cutting equipment for big buck and haven’t used it. Instead I the humble nippers and scorers. I would suggest using a cutting board or a sewing board. Consider putting the savings toward your lake house. 🙂
Oh Man!!!!! This was not a good thing for me to see! How fun were those videos!!! I have been on the fence for a Cricut for years but already have soooo many hobbies! I really liked watching the videos. I think you should go for it & would be curious which model you decided on. I also have quite a bit of paper crafting stuff. My niece used to do really amazing crafts with her Cricut but now has 3 little ones under 7 so her focus has changed.
The Cricuts are amazing machines, but… besides the cost of the machine, there’s the tools, scribers, scorers, pens, cutting heads, materials – paper, vinyl, mats, more mats, special fabric, glue, scrapers, and lots more.
I have the Air2. Photoshop and other image software is not compatible (at least it wasn’t when I tried it). The “projects” are fun, and make things relatively easy, but the free ones are few. The purchased projects always seemed to need a special tool that I didn’t have. Now I mostly use it to make very nice gift tags.
My daughter loves her Cricut Maker, and makes me the most wonderful Mother’s Day cards you can imagine. She’s a software engineer – I think that helps.
It’s important to keep having fun. I like to draw, paint, and plant and any of these can get expensive. Give yourself permission to play. PLAY is so necessary to adults like us with imaginations. This is a way to rest. I am looking forward to your artwork!.
You can find older ones cheap and they work great. Plus no tech problems or having to work to hard through BFF. ( brain freaking fog)
Before you invest in a lot of expensive supplies, take a craft class or two. At least one beginner class and one or two intermediate classes. If you enjoy the class, finish the project, find satisfaction in the effort, then by all means, continue on, buy more supplies, learn more techniques. BUT, if you find the craft frustrating, procrastinate doing more projects, or never actually finish a project, list paper crafts as “Not my cup of tea (or coffee)” and move on to something more compelling.
I looked at paper crafts a few years ago, and while I did enjoy the work, I
eventually decided beadweaving was more compelling than making cards or scrap booking. Since I rarely send cards and don’t have kids or pets to make scrapbooks about, I’d rather make jewelry or ornaments and spend money on beads. Of course. that resulted in a rather extensive bead stash but at least it takes up less room than stamps, paper, and ink.
I love using my cricut! Explore Air 2 is what I have and it’s been issue free. You can download the software for free – Cricut Design Space. There are upgrades and subscriptions options but I’ve never used or needed. You can use any font on your computer and upload and images so the possibilities are endless. My recommendation is play with the software so you know you like the design environment enough that’s its truly relaxing for you. Our public library has a cricut that people can go in and cut stuff on and that might let you get a feel for it before you buy.