Cricut vs Wishblade?

Judy, thanks for starting a great string. I will find it interesting to read. Unfortunately I do not know the answer to your question. I ended up getting a Cricut specifically because it didn't need to be connected to a PC and therefore I could take it anywhere... and I have! It is lightweight and easy to carry (has a handle and everything). Good luck with your decision making... I'm sure you'll get all the info you need.

Melissa in Seattle

I don't know enough about the Wishblade to compare it to the Cricut but there is a program called Sure Cuts A Lot that when used with the Cricut can cut out any true type font or dingbat on your pc. Of course in order to do so the Cricut has to be connected to your pc via the usb port.

Really! I did not know this! I thought the program only cut fonts/shapes that are part of the cartridges! Or, is that a different program?? I was disappointed that my Cricut couldn't cut the fonts on my PC.....It can????? Is it sold in stores or did you download it?

Thanks for this new info!

-Brandi

Sure Cuts A Lot is a third party software for the Cricut. You can get more info and download the trial from

They sell it at Cutters Creek for $55.99 although they are sold out right now. You can buy it and download it direct from the Craft Edge site but it costs $75 there.

Thank you!!! Did you buy/try this program? If so, do you like it?

Yes I have the program and I use it all the time.

titles for my scrapbook pages, but am looking to find other uses. The only drawback I find with the cricut is that you have to replace the sticky mat s frequently and they cost about 10 dollars for 2. I've only had in since May and I think I've used up 3 mats. But besides that I am enjoying experi menting with it. I am very excited to hear that you can hook it up to the computer, I will have to research that.

Lynn

I found a third digital cutting system by Quickutz called the Silhouette. Anyone seen or used this one? It's also PC based, but no CD's or cartridges - you download from the internet the stuff you want.

Judy, SA

Do you know that you can wash your mats and revive them? Washing them with dish soap and water and scrubbing lightly with a dishcloth removes the tiny paper fibers and most of the time they are good as new after they dry. If they aren't sticky enough after washing mask the edges with tape and lightly spray them with a repositional adhesive like Krylon. I used the same 4 mats with my baby bug for 2 years.

There is another one coming out called the Gazelle by Boss Cuts. MC has the information on this one and it looks like a good option as well.

Judy....I bought the QK Silhouette and love it. Personally, I prefer having the level of flexibility that you get from this sort of digital cutter and you don't need to buy expensive cartridges. You CAN download designs you like from QK's site but there is lots of blogs/sites that offer free .gsd files you can download and cut. You can use a free program called Inkscape to design your own stuff and import the files into Robomaster for cutting on the Sil. Best of all you can cut from your own artwork or photos and make your own die-cuts. Here is one I did from one of my dog photos:

While there is a bit of a learning curve I felt that in the long term it offered me more options. Take care, Marilyn

Judy wrote:

I didn't know that, I'll have to give it a try. Is the baby bug the one that takes 12" and 6" paper versus the 12" by 12" paper? I have the smaller one. Lynn

Thanks so much for the info!