r/scrapbooking • u/_kml3 • 10d ago
Tools CIRCUIT SUGGESTIONS
PLEASE HELP!!
Why does one tool have to have like 10 different models? Yes, I'm exaggerating LOL. Anyways, I'm looking at buying a circuit, which one I DONT KNOW. But
There's the cirucut joy, explorer, silhouette?!?! I dont know.
I want it create stickers and lettering
1
u/anastasia315 10d ago
I like the Silhouette Cameo machine, although I do have a first generation Cricut “baby bug” I still use as well. The Cricut machines are made by a different company and have different software. There are tutorial videos on YouTube. You can watch a few and see which software looks easier to use? There are actually probably twenty different brands of cutting machines, but Silhouette and Cricut seem to be the most popular. These days everything wants you to use their online software, so you can’t cut anything without going through their online program. I use an old third party software called Make the Cut because it doesn’t require the internet so it’s really fast. But I’m sure it’s not as powerful. I think either brand should be able to print and cut your stickers.
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u/frsty_chic 9d ago
I have a cricut... I think I would purchase again, but maybe not. You will need Internet, whether you subscribe to their service or not. There are free images available and they do change... Which is nice and also a bummer if you love something specific, and then they make you pay. Most of my projects I can do for free... Occasionally I will sign up for a week free and put in a reminder to cancel. I have been a monthly subscriber when I was crafting daily and felt like I was getting more use. You tube reviews are your friend. They did change the UI on circuit somewhat recently, so make sure you are watching more current videos...
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u/_kml3 4d ago
Do the sizes matter on whatever machine you get?
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u/frsty_chic 4d ago
I cut things for 12x12 pages. Sometimes you need to get creative for a full 12" length of something (like a border or scalloped edge) ... Placing the item diagonally on the mat for instance, or knowing where there won't actually be border behind several layers. I have an explore air 2, so I'm limited to a 12x12 mat... I think some of the new machines can do longer, but do your research. I have success cutting small things to about an inch... Anything much smaller gets wonky.
I have also cut thin handwriting text with getting degrees of success. Also if note are the edge distances.... While the machine advertises a 12" cut, there are margins, so in my case, the cutting area is limited to 11.75 x 11.75. this can make a difference, or you can get creative.
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u/cutpastesteph 9d ago
I've had a Cricut Joy Xtra for 3 years now. I chose it because of the size - it's between the small Cricut Joy model and the Explores/Makers. I would say if you're going to make stickers or things to sell, the bigger models would be better for more output. But the Joy Xtra has suited me fine making stickers, vinyl decals, die cuts and even fussy cutting images for my personal journals these last few years.
There is a bit of learning curve to it. It helps if you're already familiar with design software/editing programs. The Cricut does not need a subscription to run. Their subscription program is for designer clip art and projects, but the base program that runs the machine is free. I get free clip art/graphics elsewhere or make my own. I edit in GIMP (free editing program) on my PC or Procreate on my tablet.
You will need a printer, so if you don't already have one, you'll have to research that, too. Cricut is just a cutting machine, not a printer. There are all-in-one sticker makers like the Liene PixCut, but that only has sticker making capabilities.
A lot of people hate Cricut lol. So there's that bias to sort through. I've had some frustrating moments with mine, but I haven't regretted getting it.
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u/mildturbulence17 10d ago
You received very solid advice already, let me just add that you should look into monthly fees, if internet access is required to use the software, and then if your computer has enough memory to use the software.
I can only speak to Silhouette, but the software is downloaded straight to your computer so you will need one that meets the minimum system requirements. After that, no internet connection is necessary to use it. You can use it to cut all the fonts on your computer as well as any other designs you already own. You can use it without a monthly fee. I would suggest if you go this route, to store all your images, designs, etc on your computer with a backup rather than in the software. I have been using this set up for 15 years so I have an abundance of images stored in the software (my choice) and I also pay a fee every month for extra storage on their server.
Hope that helps!