I will list some valueable tips, tools, sites, my "go to" spots on the web and where I get my inspiration.
Getting Started:
Cricut Tool Kit - this tool kit has different tools all having a special purpose to use with your cuts, mat or projects. In my Video #2 - I go through all of the tools and tell you a little about each ones purpose. Purchased for around 20 bucks at Wal-Mart or any store that sells Cricut products.
Cricut Spatula - purchase seperately for around 5 bucks at Wal-Mart. A much needed tool to slide up those cuts off of the mat.
Cricut Cartridges:
To the new Cricut owner - cartridges are confusing (at least they were to me). I view the Cricut cartridge as the "ink" to my Cricut machine. Just like your printer needs an ink cartridge to work properly; my Cricut needs an image cartridge to work properly. The cartridge has tons of images, layering affects, fonts, and cuts that make your project theme. Your machine will come with at least one cartridge and maybe 2 or more. Plantin Schoolbook is the most common cartridge received in machine bundles. Each cartridge will have a different theme or font. Each image or font can be cut at various sizes, layered, shadowed (outlined), etc. that really makes your project special. In my Video - Basics Cricut Cartridges HERE - I will guide you through the different types of cartridges. Click HERE for cartridge acronyms - much easier to keep up with.
Cartridge Recommendations:
The cricut cartridges I recommend for a beginner is:
Doodlecharms
Mini Monograms
Sesame Street or Pooh Font
Other helpful Video's by CJToo:
Cricut Storage and Stuff
How to Number Your Cricut Handbooks
Basic Layering for Your Cricut Projects
Resources to Learn About My Cricut:
YouTube - YouTube is an excellent resource to watch video's about your Cricut machine. There are numerous talented crafters who take you step by step in creating projects. Create an YouTube account (it's free) and you can save your favorite video's to come back to later.
Cricut A - Z DVD- Megan at Above Rubies Studio has created a fabulous DVD that is all about learning the Cricut machine. From turning on the machine to creating projects this DVD is packed full of valuable information. Visit HERE to order a copy today. It is a wonderful addition to all Cricut owners library and you can take it with you whereever you go, to crops, on vacation, watch in your car or pop in on a cold day.
Cricut Fun - Volume 1 ~ Robyn at My Pink Stamper totally ROCKS! She is the Cricut Queen (in my books) and her style is very popular. When I first got my Cricut Robyn was the first Cricut Crafter I found on YouTube and her video's are addicting. She helped me learn my machine, key functions, ways to create cute projects, with lots of added bonuses. She just released Cricut Fun Volume 1 and it is a wonderful addition to your Cricut Library also. Check it out HERE.
CJToo's Favorite Websites:
Cricut Message Board ~ Your first message board for the new Cricut owner should be Cricut.com ~ SUPER! Become a member, it's free and you get wonderful information. Scared to get on a message board? Don't be!
Obsessed With Scrapbooking ~ Joy is awesome! She fills her website with tons of scrapbooking tips, tricks, information, new stuff and coupons. I turn to this site to catch all of the new product information and cricut cartridge releases.
Christmas With The Cricut ~ Don't let the name fool you. This site totally ROCKS for all of your cricut crafting needs. They started with Christmas but promise us more to come throughout the year.
My Pink Stamper ~ Robyn has tons of projects, tutorials and Cricut Fun - she just released her first DVD filled with awesome Cricut projects!
Above Rubies Studio ~ Megan is a true cricuteer - loads of information and lots of Cricut from A - Z! Her first DVD Cricut A - Z is jammed packed with information.
There are lots more sites that I visit - I have made many friends that have some awesome stuff! Check my blog on the right side for more.
Cartridge Purchase:
You can purchase Cricut cartridges any where Cricut products are sold BUT each place carries limited stock of cricut products. Some stores may carry a few cartridges, mats, adhesive, etc. and others have machines, cartridges, mats, tools, paper pads, vinyl, etc. This list is my favorite places to get my Cricut products. In the stores a regular Cricut Cartridge will be prices from 69.99 up to 99.99 - BUT if you are looking for a bargain shop online or watch for store sales such as Michael's, Hobby Lobby or Joann's. When CJToo first started her cartridge library I turned to ebay and bought the bulk of my cricut cartridge library from respectable sellers. Check the feedback and Power Seller rating and you'll know right off the bat which ones are good sellers. I won most of my brand new cartridges on ebay for anywhere from 25.00 up to 45.00 (depending on how bad I wanted it). Also, M's and HL will run them on sale for 27.99 up to 44.99 different times throughout the year - so watch for those sales. Also there are MANY online websites that sell Cricut products and I have purchased from many of these too.
Here are my favorites:
http://www.hallmarkscrapbooking.com/
http://www.ohmycrafts.com/
http://www.jujubeesscrapbookcorner.com/
http://www.cricutmachine.com/
http://www.customcrops.com/
http://www.cricut.com/
Other Helpful Tips
Lingo to learn -
Cricuteer - someone who is passionate about creating with the Cricut
SWARM - an event coordinated by someone and hosted in an area that brings together people who are interested in creating, learning or sharing cricut information. It's like a crop but totally devoted to cricut stuff. Everyone bring their Cricut machine and has a fun day (or week-end retreat) You can find out about Cricut SWARMS on the Cricut message board HERE. Check often to see if there is one in your area or within driving distance.
Blog - a mini "website" that give you tidbits of information based on different topics. Most are free and it just takes the blog owner time to set it up and keep it up dated with the informaton they'd like to share.
Design Team or Design Team Member - there are many blogs who post projects from different crafters. Most have a "design team call" meaning they take submissions or a sample of your project to see if your project fits into the theme of what they are sharing. A person who is selected is called a part of their Design Team. Some of the most popular is the Christmas with the Cricut, Cuttlebug Spot, and Cutting Above.
a few acronym's
MB - message board
M's - Michael's
HL - Hobby Lobby
J's - Joann's
LSS - local scrapbooking store
CLICK HERE for a complete list of MB acronyms and their meanings.
Crafting Adhesives - so you've made the cuts now how do you get them to stick? Click HERE for a wonderful tutorial on choosing the right adhesive.
Well, this is CJToo's list of Cricut crafting must know-how's. I hope it helps you.
Thanks for stopping by my blog to visit and come back soon.
Hugs!
Tracy
