Got my Cricut today

Congratulations!!! I only have two other cartridges besides the one it came with. (Stamped and Monogram) They are ok. I recommend you look at Tear Drop. Amanda (who posts to this group) has tear drop and I really like it!! I think it is really universal.

Tips: To cut thick cardstock, I found that if you use:

1)the highest pressure setting 2)adjust the setting of the knife thingy (technical term..lol) to really high 3)AND slow down the cutting speed to around 3 You shouldn't have a problem.

Also, Amanda has the tools and I found them really useful. That is next on my purchase list.

--Tammy

Thanks.... I am suprised how quickly the mat loses it's tackiness.. anyone have a solution for that?

I've heard the same complaint from ladies I've cropped with--don't think you can do anything about it except replace the mat.

You know I have opposite problem... my mat was VERY stickey and I had a hard time getting my thin paper letters off with out tearing them. I did see somewhere (either on this message board or another board) that someone sprayed something on the mat to regain its stickeyness. I will see if I can find that post.

--Tammy

I couldn't find the post yet but I did find this link:

Look under videos... it has some helpful info. Although it doesn't mention how to make the mat sticky again.

-Tammy

Someone suggested spraying it with spray adhesive. You would need to use the repositionable kind and mask off the edges so they don't get sticky too. I haven't tried it yet, so I can't guarantee it will work.

Oh I so envy you! I think they are so cool! One of these days I'll get one. I have noticed the price went down. Have fun! Michelle P.

I found this post on another site: Mask perimeter of your mat with masking tape just outside the grid lines. Spray mat with a light coat of Quilt Basting spray, let it dry. Extends the life of the mat for a very long time. Basting spray is light, so it won't gunk up the needle, but tacky enough to hold on to your paper.

Works fantastic, but it does void your warranty.

--Tammy

Found this also:

Another tip regarding your mat. Use a rubber brayer to press your paper onto the mat when your mat starts loosing its tackiness.

Warning: DON'T use a brayer on a brand new mat or you will have one heck of a time removing the paper!

--Tammy

link:

> > Look under videos... it has some helpful info. Although it doesn't > mention how to make the mat sticky again. >

Hi - I know this is a bit belated since I just found this thread. But if you clean the mat with a baby wipe it regains a lot of tackiness, just set it aside to dry afterwards. Basically it removes all the extra little fibers that the papers leave behind. i use my extra tacky new mats for cardstock and use the older cleaned mats for lighter paper weights.

HTH

What kind of baby wipe? If it has alcohol in it I think it would remove some of the adhesive. Could you maybe use a damp soapy rag?

Good idea on how to use the cutting pads too!

(hugs!)

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

I just use generic baby wipes from Zehr's(I'm up in Canada) and it works pretty well.

Another thought is to run a lint roller over the mat. Haven't don't in personally, but have heard it works well too. I've had my Cricut for 3 weeks, and been cutting lots and lots, and still using my first mat.

Just opened a new one yesterday as I was trying out some new carts that I bought at Michael's on sale.

Hope this helps:)

Lynda

Hi Angela, another mom of 3 sons here, but mine are all grown now.

I have been doing pages for the boys, when they were little and using Zoobaloo and Animal Kingdom. The Celebrations one has some neat things on it too for birthdays, etc. Paper pups has some neat stuff that could be used as well. New Arrival has some boats, planes and trucks. I checked out the

site and looked at the cart. samples. That has helped me choose. Good luck!

Yeah I saw them @ MICHAEL'S today sitting on the floor stacked up close by the registers..... I bought mine from QVC only because my friend wanted me to make stuff for her baby boy, so we got the extra DOODLE CARTRIDGE which is exclusive to QVC so she put it on her CC but I paid for it w/the easy- pays!

I don't have many CARTS but since this was around Christmas when she bought it MICHAEL'S had CHRISTMAS CHEER and I got to use an AC MOORE coupon since it was off the total purchase since they were on sale....even cheaper than AC MOORE'S advertised price. I forgot which other one I bought...it's upstairs in my under construction scrapbooking/crafts room which I can't get to right now....

I can't wait to get the DISNEY CARTS I love MICKEY......

I also bought the XYRON WISHBLADE from HSN when it was the TS haven't used it yet...but it's got a lot of neat features.....if you put the paper through a XYRON you don't have to use a cutting mat.....also can cut out stencils, magnet, etc.

I've got great ideas....just need space, energy and also time...LOL

I have been stressed this past week, the week before DH home so we could get stuff done....still gotta get the taxes done tomorrow.

DH Dad's 80th Birthday is coming up in July so I know I shall be busy making things for the celebration....

andrea

Thanks ladies for all your posts. i have been using the baby wipes and they are working great.

I want so bad to buy the carts on sale at michaels BUT alas no money right now :(

As far as comparing I can not as I only have the cricut.

Thanks again

Angela