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.