Wedding Blog
Mr. Ducky likes infomercials. I’m not really sure why, but he just is extremely entertained by them and usually wants whatever they are offering. Well, one day the roles reversed when I watched an infomercial for the Cricut. It was this amazing papercutting machine that could make anything! See the video below for a quick demo of the Cricut in action:
As I watched the infomercial I could only imagine the amazing things that could be created with the Cricut. I eventually forgot about the Cricut because it was simply out of budget, and I had already spent way too much money at Michaels. Then… for my birthday, Mr. Ducky surprised me with my very own Cricut!! And it is just as awesome as the infomercial said it was! (I sound like such a craft nerd right now.) It is really easy to use, and the detail of things that it can cut out is amazing. For example, I had it cut out a cityscape and it cut out tiny little windows for all the office buildings.
There are 3 types of Cricut machines. The basic difference is the size of paper that it can cut out. I have the original and most basic Cricut. Maybe one day I’ll work up to the bigger one, but for now I am perfectly happy with the one I have. I also am not creating huge projects that would need really big shapes or letters. To use the machine, you simply load your paper onto the “sticky pad” and feed it into the machine. Then using the keypad, you select what you want it to cut out, press “start”, and your Cricut buzzes into action cutting out your selections.
With the Cricut you get cartridges, which contain all the shapes and fonts that it can cut out. For each cartridge you get a keypad and book detailing what you can cut out. You get 2 cartridges with the machine and then buy the rest separately. The types of cartridges are unlimited! There are cartridges for Disney, baby, wedding, holidays, gardening, animals, and just about everything you can think of. There are also tons of different fonts and shapes. My first cartridge I bought was the newly released Storybook cartridge. Here are the different options (shown from the Cricut website) that I can cut out using the Storybook cartridge:
For each letter/key there are 6 different “versions” I can use that change the look. So there are many more options for what to create than what’s above.
Another picture of a few possibilities:
Do you want one yet??
Since getting my Cricut I have discovered there is a whole community of “Cricuters” that share projects, ideas, and just discuss their latest crafts. If you want to get some more examples of what you can make, go to the community and explore the Cricut Message Board.
My first project with the Cricut is my “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” cards. They are not complete yet, but I am planning on giving you a peek soon. In the meantime, so that you too can be in awe of the Cricut, here are some examples of the crafts…
From Cricut SN: StampinMeg
From Cricut SN: CamilleRobinson
From Cricut SN: RachelL
From Cricut SN: Craftsmanda
There are even Cricut cartridges to make tags and boxes as you can see above. I don’t have this kind yet, so I’d be interested to hear feedback from anyone who has used them. They look super cute, though!
We are hoping to use the Cricut in some of the DIY for our wedding. Of course, I will be keeping you updated on the specifics of what those projects are. I am thinking it will be good for invitations, programs, favors, the guestbook, or any sort of signage that we need, and for adding a special touch when necessary.
So I just wanted to share with you my newest craft discovery… be on the lookout for my cards soon! Although, I am not nearly as advanced as the creators of the projects above, so go easy on me! If you have more specific questions about the Cricut let me know and I can go more in depth. I didn’t want to bore anyone with too much information.
Have you used a Cricut before? What is your favorite craft tool or discovery?
|
Share this post: What’s a Cricut? Nope, It’s Not an Insect!
Oh my gosh!! I saw this infomercial a few months ago but it was way out of my price range. I’ve always wondered how “real” people felt about the product. I can’t wait to hear more of your Cricut adventures! It might even persuade me to buy one!!
I saw the infomercial a couple weeks ago and wanted one so bad but than i got a call from my mom and she too wanted one. Currently we are both only still dreaming.
Oh man, I have a Cricut and I absolutely LOVE it!! It’s worth it…
I have a Cuttlebug. Isn’t that related to the Cricut?
That is the worst commercial! But, that machine looks pretty sweet.
Can’t wait to see your projects! I have a Big Shot which is like a manual version of the Cricut… there aren’t quite as many shape/alphabet options, but you can emboss (like the cuttlebug) and also cut out boxes, etc. I made a few favor boxes for a party, and they turned out surprisingly well.
I love the Cricut options though, and would totally get one if I had the room!
I LOVE my cricut and keep trying to figure out what wedding crafts I could do with it.
I use mine for scrapbooking and vinal lettering.
If only there were more time in the day…I would totally get one! Can’t wait to see what you make.
I have serious Cricut envy! I’ve never seen this before, but I think I have to have one now.
Can’t wait to see your cards! I must see this infomercial!
Sweet! Can you get it to cut out shapes of your own design?
I LOVE MY CIRCUIT!! I purchased mine before I was engaged because I love to scrap book. But I used my little bug for our save the dates…check them out!!
http://tobewed2009.blogspot.com/2009/02/diy-save-dates-part-1.html
Have fun with it! I love the Wedding cartridge and the Storybook one
Cricuts are AWESOME, and I so want one! I wondered about the cartridges… do all the machines use the same cartridges, or do you have to buy new cartridges if you want to upgrade later?
ready2bemrsd ~ Each cartridge has a different theme and on there are different designs that relate to the theme. For instance the Wedding cartridge has a horse drawn carriage, toasting flutes, doves and other wedding symbols.
You plug the cartridge in (kind of like a video game) and the cricuit knows what cartridge it is.
The Cricut rocks. A friend introduced me to it last year, and my fiance got me one for my birthday. I have used it for scrapbooks, cards, signs - literally almost everything you see in the infomercial. And the customer service people are fabulous - my original Cricut got damaged when we moved across the country, but I called the company, and they replaced mine completely for free, no hassle at all!
I got a bunch of new cartridges on sale at Michael’s before Christmas - normally they’re somewhat expensive ($50-$80 each), but they were on sale for $29.99. Plus, each cartridge is so versatile and comes with so many options, that the price is justified. Plus, it’s not like the cartridges ever “run out.” Okay, I’ll stop raving now - can you tell I’m in love with this wonderful machine!?!?! 
Every scrapper worth their weight in paper knows about this and the 10 other products just like it. If you are only planning on using this for your wedding go down to a local scrapbook store and borrow theirs onsite. If you are into paper crafts, scrapping etc then it would be worth buying.
I just got one of these this weekend, and my test run was for part of the WB Valentine’s Swap! I love it!@MagPie518: Yep, it is “related” to the Cuttlebug — it’s basically a computerized die. It lets you cut out multiple pieces at one time, and it can handle up to 12×24″ paper. But it doesn’t emboss like the Cuttlebug does, so it’s still not an exact replacement.
I’ve never heard of this or even seen it, sounds VERY cool, but I’m nowhere near skilled enough to use something like that.
I thought about getting one but was a little more expensive that I could swing. But it can do amazing things. Can’t wait to see more of your projects.
I love scrapbooking and I would love a Cricut!! I saw one at Walmart the other day but didnt notice a price tag…but I know they are around $300 and I dont know if it would be worth it just for scrapbooking….maybe one day Santa will get me one!
We have one person at work with a Cricut, and one is all you need! The rest of us are shameless about sending paper home with her with instructions on what we want, or just inviting ourselves over to play with it.
I’ve had a cricut for almost 2 years now and it is seriously one of the funnest scrapping tools I have. I also have about 15 of the cartridges and I’m always trying to think of new ways to use them. I agree with previous poster’s that you should borrow it from a scrap store if possible or from other ppl before making the investment. I have friends who have the cricut and barely use it so it’s become more of a burden to their wallet- if anything. I made my cards for last year’s WB valentine swap with a cricut. It makes making multiple crafts easier
I’m surprised at the number of people that haven’t heard of the Cricut…. It’s a scrapbooker’s BFF. Awesome for DIY! I can’t believe I didn’t even think of using it for my STD’s yet. Thanks for the post Miss Duckling!
I just got the cricut too! isn’t it so fun??? Although I sometimes find it hard to figure out what paper will work– sometime’s its too thin, other times it’s too thick. It’s such a neat/fun machine! congrats on becoming a cricut owner!!
I’m so excited to see all these fellow cricut users! I’d love to hear your ideas on how you are using it with your wedding.
For those of you who are thinking about it there are 3 different size cricuts from the basic, to creation to expressions. I have the basic one and it was a much better price than the others, but still an investment. Walmart sells them now and you can sometimes get them on sale online. Check out Custom Crops website, they often have great sales.
@Magpie: Cricut and cuddlebug are both made by provocraft. They are soon to be releasing the YUDO which is a screenprinter. I just got a cuddlebug and love it. What have you been doing with it? The cricut is electric and you basically punch in keys and pick what you want it to cut out.
@renaissancetrophywife: The bigshot looks great too. I love the boxes you did! I’m hoping to get the cricut cartridge for cutting boxes soon.
@Miss Taffy: There is a program that’s called Design Studio and you can work with the shapes you already have to create new ones etc. It’s especially great for combining a bunch of letters to be attached instead of having to glue one by one. I’m not sure if it lets you do designs completely from scratch tho. I have it and need to experiment with it. I’ll let you know!
@marryingthenavy: I totally hit up that sale at Michaels too! It was awesome.
OMG I want, I need, I HAVE TO HAVE! That is AWESOME!
I am so jealous!! I saw the infomercial the other week and drooooled! Of course it is out of my price range though 
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I just wanted to tell everyone to be on the lookout for Michael’s sales. I got my Cricut on sale (the basic one) for $199. And that was a total bargain because it came with a starter kit with papers, the Cricut toolkit, spatula, extra sticky pads, paper trimmer, etc. It was such a great deal so I snatched it up right away. Sure I sometimes wish I had the expressions or the cricut create- but my personal one works just fine. Also- check out Wal-Mart- they carry the tools cheaper than michaels and the michael’s coupons don’t work on the Cricut machines and accessories. But the coupon’s do work on the cuttlebug!!!
@miss duckling: thanks! It was my first project using boxes and surprisingly it was a lot easier than expected.
At the risk of being labeled an enabler… Creativexpress has a fantastic store for the various die cut machines and accessories with pretty good discounts. Plus, they don’t charge sales tax for more than a few states, so that could help out on the price of a bigger item.
But what I really like them for is the scrapbooking community– tons and tons of ideas and great resources!
this post is an answer to my prayers….i’ve been wanting a cricut machine since forever but wanted to make sure i can use it for everything and anything before i spent so much money on it…..i look forward to viewing all your projects
So fun! We borrowed a friend’s cricut to make our save the dates. http://junefifth.blogspot.com/2008/11/rah-rah-rahk-vote.html
It saved us alot of time! I’m going to purchase one as soon as I have some money to invest.
I’ve had one since they came out, I was soooo excited to get one because I ususally do a lot of scrapbooking. So- I bought the thing and I have never used it. I know… What kind of freak has something as wonderful as a Cricut and hasn’t even pulled it out of the box?!
wow! I’ve never heard of them! I’m so excited to see what you come up with!
I actually SELL cricuts! It is absolutely as awesome as the infomercial and the price is totally appropriate. The normal packages retails for $586 if you price it all out separately from Michaels. We sell it for $399 over the TV. I have done SO many wedding related projects with my cricut…including cutting all 500 numbers for my escort cards!
for those looking to buy the cricut- try looking on craigslist! I got mine there and only paid $75!!!! although in the days following i spent much more on catridges… lol, but still! well worth it!
I love watching this infomercial. Sooo wish I could afford one. Lucky you!
This looks amazing! I might have to look into this….
My FI *loves* infomercials — he has seen the “Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts” commercial more times than I can count. I need to just go ahead and buy him the DVDs so I won’t ever have to watch this commercial again!
[...] trackback Yup. I’m one of THOSE people, the people who buy things they see on TV (hi, Mr. Ducky!). I still use the Super Chef knives I bought in 1997, sometimes even to cut through aluminum [...]
Okay so which is better the Cuttlebug or the Circut? Or are the two different things? I am wanting to buy one but don’t know which way to go!
@Firefighter_Praz_Girl: It depends what you want to do. A Cuttlebug embosses paper and all does manual die cuts. The die cuts are great if there is one particular shape you need a lot of and that is all you need.
The cricut cuts things out automatically because it is electric, but doesn’t emboss. On each given cartridge you have a lot of options beyond what you would with the single diecut on a Cuttlebug.
Both are great! It depends on what you want to use them for. Let me know if you have any other questions.
the cricut is the most awesomest thing ever! i got mine at a thanksgiving sale and i’ve been using ever since. makes all projects 100x easier since i HATE cutting out detailed stuff.
[...] I’m one of THOSE people, the people who buy things they see on TV (hi, Mr. Ducky!). I still use the Super Chef knives I bought in 1997, sometimes even to cut through aluminum cans! [...]
I cannot WAIT to see what you do with the Cricut!! I always wanted one…*sigh* but I was too afraid that I’d spend all that money and never use it!
I’m getting an EXPRESSIONs!!! I can’t wait for it to come in the mail
[...] know after my recent posts about the Cricut and Cuttlebug, many of you have been on the hunt for a good deal. Weddingbee reader Erika just told [...]
I got my Cricut last fall and absolutely love it! I wish it would have been available when I got married 8 years ago! I am planning on using it to help my brother and his fiancee with their wedding this summer. Just wanted to let everyone know that Cricut now offers a kit that you can use to create new embossing folders for your Cuttlebug! I don’t have a Cuttlebug yet, but it’s on my wish list! There is also a kit you can use to create your own clear stamps…the possiblities are endless!
[...] together, as well as what supplies were used, if you are interested. Can you already tell where my Cricut and Cuttlebug came in [...]
great post! very creative and artistic.. i love it…anyways, thanks for tips and idea share. we will come back often.
Regards,
Marife
[...] since Miss Duckling introduced us to the Cricut, I’ve been beyond intrigued. I come to realize that I’m not THAT into crafts unless it involves [...]
| Visit our sister sites | Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Fertile Thoughts Infertility Support |
Mrs. Duckling, San Diego
Age and Occupation: 23, Psychology Grad Student, Youth Diversion Specialist/Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee and an Executive Assistant
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Marketing and PR Coordinator
Engagement Date: May 17, 2008
Wedding Date: September 2009
Venue: Rancho Bernardo Inn
About Me: I'm currently living in Orange County, but planning our wedding in my hometown of San Diego. We are a DIY wedding "2fer", as I'm the crafty one and Mr. Ducky is in charge of all of our graphic design and technical aspects. When not wedding planning or reading wedding blogs, I'm attending grad school and rotating between two different jobs to keep things exciting. My favorite things include shoes, Post-Its, Labrador Retrievers, traveling, psychology, delicious food, photography, reading, craft gadgets/supplies, and of course, my wonderful Mr. Ducky!
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 |
Latest Gallery Pics