Yes, you read that right. I'll never buy another font cartridge for my Cricut ever again, because I can now use any font I have on my computer and my Cricut will cut it. I know you want to know how, so I'm going to tell you. Girl Genius hooked me up with this software called Sure Cuts A Lot and it is A-Mazing.
I cut that vinyl in the picture above with the software, and then I put it on my minivan. I know.
Mattie Cake asked me that same question. She said "Who puts that on their car??????"
Freaks like me, that's who.
I used to have the Creative Memories logo on my van with all my contact info, but I'm thinking I might stop doing the Creative Memories thing this summer. Plus, the web address was out of date so it had to come off. And in the interest of being able to find my van in a parking lot full of mini vans, I needed something on mine that will enable me to find it quickly when I forget where I park. Because I do that on a regular basis. I have navigation issues.
Anyway, I'm thinking that no one else is going to put Control Freak on their mini van, so I'm pretty safe.
Anyway, that's neither here nor there. What I really want to show you is that Janae not only hooked me up with this cool software, but she taught me how to cut vinyl on my Cricut. And I went a little crazy.
I've been cutting vinyl for my classroom. It's perfect for the titles on my white boards. I loooooove it.
I even put my name outside my classroom door. I. LOVE. IT.
Next I want to cut some vinyl sayings to put around my house. I'm thinking "PICK UP YOUR CRAP!" is going to be first.
Would that be too tacky?
Seriously. I feel I should warn you though, that this software might not be for you. Before you buy it, go and read this blah blah about how it could void your warranty and stuff. It's too late for me, because I've already used it, but I haven't had any problems with it and my Cricut did not blow up, so I'm a believer. I'm the kind of person that jumps first and asks questions later though.
Reckless. Impatient. Naughty.
Probably not the best example. Most definitely not qualified to give you Cricut advice.
Of course Cricut doesn't want you to buy the software because then they can't sell their $70 font cartridges to you. I'm thinking four Cricut font cartridges cost about the same as a new Cricut though, right? And I've already used two different fonts off my computer, so I've already saved half the cost of the money I would need to replace my Cricut if it should happen to blow up because I used the not-Cricut software.
I like to rationalize.
Has anyone else used this software? Does anyone have any words of caution about using it? I'd love to hear what experiences other people have had with it, so leave a comment if you have something to share.
Or if you just want to tell me how stooooooopid I am for using the not-Cricut software.
NOTE: Here's a link a just found with some excellent money-saving Cricut tips.
NOTE: Here's a link a just found with some excellent money-saving Cricut tips.
You know I don't have a Cricut, but now I'm thinking I may just have to go buy one just so I too can put "PICK UP YOUR CRAP!" on the wall in my house. Brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteI have a cricut and also this software. Hubby bought it for me about a year ago and I LOVE IT! I haven't figured out how they can say it voids the warranty. The software is only linked to your computer not your machine. I haven't had any problems with my machine after using it either. The carts still work like normal. I, also, will never buy another font cartridge again. Hooray. I went a little crazy with the indoor vinyl though. Hubby has threatened divorce if I put anymore words on the walls. Hahaha But I love it.
ReplyDeleteI have a Quikutz Silhouette and I am able to use ANY font on my computer. That is one of the biggest reasons that I purchased it over the Cricut.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite features is the print-and-cut. You can print clipart on your printer and then the Silhouette will cut it out for you.
Also their downloads are only 99 cents per item. Way CHEAP and I can pick and choose what I want.
Depends on what type of crafting you do, my friend LOVES her Cricut and I LOVE my Silhouette. They are so similar and yet so different!
Cindy: Does the Silhouette cut ANY image you print from your computer, or does it only cut images purchased through their website? I've been looking into getting a Silhouette, but that is the one thing holding me back. I already have a cricut and cartridges and so I'd hate to have to start all over again purchasing image by image.....
DeleteErin - yes it can cut ANY image from your computer. I have saved some images from the internet and cut them out. I also love that I can use any font on my computer.
DeleteThere is a learning curve with the software - but if you google it there are tons of youtube videos or blog tutorials.
I've had mine for years and still loving it. I have the very 1st original Silhouette. I keep hoping it will die so I can justify buying the newer one. haha!
Does the software work with the expression
DeleteI really want a Cricut, so I can put vinyl lettering on everything. I could make my own signage for my car, instead of paying an arm and a leg for crappy vinyl lettering from some other *&*%$& place.
ReplyDeleteYes. I need one.
That looks very dangerous for a fellow control freak like me:-)
ReplyDeleteI have heard really great things about sure cuts a lot, and there are many fellow bloggers like you that giveaway free designs and fonts they've made. I haven't tried it yet because we are mac users and it didn't get very good reviews, so I'm hoping to get a little net-book and load my embroidery machine softwrae and sure cuts alot on there. You know my very own crafts computer. Woohoo! I love this lady's ideas..http://cleversomeday.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteYou can also download fonts for free and the program will upload them and cut them out same with images and shapes. I love it and will not buy another cart.. again unless they come way down in price.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I am dying over here! That was hilarious! "Pick up your crap!" Even hubby liked that one :)
ReplyDeleteI wanted a Cricut...but hubby saw how much they were and how much the cartridges were and needless to say I am living the Cricut through peeps like you!
this is AMAZING I have never heard of this program ever and here i am the idiot still buying cartriges lol. I can't wait to find out more. Thank you sooooo much!
ReplyDeleteTrue American industiralism at work. Competition is what makes prices come down. I'll bet we will see some price reductions thanks to stuff like this. Hooray!
ReplyDeleteSide note: I do have a friend who used this software and her cricut DID burn out on her.I don't know if they were connected but She was still able to send it back and have it fixed. Though, I doubt she was volunteering the info that she had been using their competitor's program.
I love the window decal! I want one!
ReplyDeleteJust a little FYI, there is another program called "make the cut" that some people like better than Sure Cuts A Lot. I haven't ever used either though. I eventually will purchase one of the two, but I don't do many font cartridges as it is.
ReplyDeleteComputer geek helped me and told me to make sure to turn everything off before you disconnect from your computer. Shut all your programs down and turn off cricut and then disconnect. I haven't had any problems. :)
ReplyDeleteI've seen that van. I think you must work at my kid's school! Now I feel like I know a famous person.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for putting "pick up your crap" in every room in the house....and in the car. Love it.
And I'm sure you already know this, but www.kevinandamanda.com has TONS of cute fonts and doodles all for free. I want that software!
ReplyDeleteI have a cricut and the scal software. Love both.
ReplyDeleteYour warranty on the cricut is only a year and I've had mine much longer than that anyway.
I haven't had ANY problem.
I think you should do the "pick up your crap" It would be great in the family room when the home teachers come....awesome.
I think you should start making signs in vinyl and when you stop selling Creative Memories stuff you can open an etsy shop and sell "pick up your crap" signs. :-P
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm a fan of weird signs... I have a speed limit 70 miles sign (authentic old highway sign I found back in the bush at my Grandpa's farm) in my basement... My son's room is designed around his "Pirates don't take baths" sign and my laundry room door says "Laundry Room. Drop your drawers here" on it. it's even funnier because it's in my main entrance way. heh.
As always, I love your posts.
Thanks for checking out my blog! Felicia B (pto pres) is my sil. and my kids are in K, 3, and 5. Maybe you'll get my Alex next year!
ReplyDeleteI would sooo put control freak on my car too!! Great idea!!!
ReplyDeleteSO impressive!! You are such a genius!! I want a cricut so badly!!! Love all the stuff you have made. If you do a "pick up your crap" sign I would love one also. Coming from another control freak I love the sign on your car!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a tutorial on how to cut the vinyl. You could demonstrate it by cutting "Pick up your crap".
ReplyDeleteplease?
and thank you.
amy
Dear Twin...i mean Jill,
ReplyDeleteI love you for this. I love you for many reasons, but for this, I especially love you. Thank you.
Amy
Which cricut would you recommend for a newbie? :) I want one now...thats so neat! Im an organized freak, as yourself...so I could see this being my favorite household tool :) oh the possibilities :)
ReplyDeleteAshley, Your e-mail address isn't attached to your profile, so I hope you'll check back here for my answer. I would get the BIG Cricut, the Cricut Expression. If you get the smaller one, you'll only end up wanting the bigger one later.
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness!! I just found your blog and I am Rolling on the floor with laughter! I am a MAJOR control freak and will be "scraplifting" your car sign - hope that is ok. Thanks for all the great posts.
ReplyDeleteI just figured out what cricut was....and NOW I WANT ONE! I am going to ask for one for Christmas...so...would you recommend Expressions or Imagine? I couldn't tell for sure...but it seemed like Imagine has everything Expressions has but more...maybe it is newer...? I don't know... Also, I am mostly interested in cricut for the vinyl...although I think I would love it for scrapbooking and classroom stuff...but I SOOO want to decorate with more words. Anyways...is it difficult to cut the vinyl? I have a mac...do those font programs mentioned work on macs? what tools do I need in addition to the actual cricut? I am sooo excited...I hope to hear from you soon! my email address is hollyjeanjackson@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDon't get a Cricut--seriously. In order to cut images, you have to buy cartridges (that cost anywhere from $20 - $60 per cartridge) to cut anything--even fonts--it's so expensive!!!!! Look into the Silhouette Cameo--I SOOOOO wish I had done that before getting my Cricut. Now I want to find someone to buy my Cricut so I can buy the Silhouette!!!
DeleteDitto, except I can't, in good conscience, sell my Crap Cricut to a poor soul knowing what I know now. I'd give it away though if I could afford a different machine. In a heart beat.
DeleteMy husband just bought me a Cricut Expression 2 this last Christmas I really want to buy Sure Cuts Alot but am not sure if you can use it with the newer models. Do you know?
ReplyDeleteAmy, Cricut sued Sure-Cuts-A-Lot and now the software can't be used with the Cricut. It was a sad day and I'm holding a grudge against Cricut for being so greedy. I'm sorry. :(
DeleteOn March 8 you said that "now the software can't be used with the Cricut." Does that mean with the new Cricuts or version 3 of the software? If I buy a copy of Sure-Cuts-A-Lot version 2, can I use it on my Cricut Expression (not Expression 2)?
DeleteThanks!
That means that it can't be used with any Cricut models. The lawsuit made Sure-Cuts-A-Lot make their software to be not compatible with any Cricut models. It stinks.
DeleteWhat if you had the Sure Cuts a Lot software BEFORE this law suit? Would that software still work with your Cricut, or has Cricut released a system update that ensures your Sure Cuts a Lot software will no longer work? I think it's ridiculous that the Cricut is the only machine that won't let you use any images from your computer. If they won't let us use the outside-source software anymore, then they need to come up with some software of their own (because it obviously is all about the money for them) so that we Cricut users can have some kind of flexibility. I admit that I didn't do much research in cutting machines before purchasing my Cricut (actually, I did none at all because I didn't realize others existed--and I think the brand popularity is what gets them so many naive purchases), but it just really stinks that the only way to cut an image is to purchase a cartridge that has the image. I never would have purchased a Cricut if I had known all of this.
DeleteErin, Nope, it still won't work. Cricut made sure that the software will not work, although I'm not exactly sure HOW they did that. I agree with you 100%. For this reason alone, I will never buy a Cricut again, nor do I continue to buy their cartridges. I didn't research them before buying either, in fact, I received mine as a gift when they were all the rage.
DeleteThe cartridges come with keyboard overlays because each cartridge's graphics are controlled by very specific keys. The overlays are a white silicone type keyboard that's very flexible. Look for that overlay with your cartridges.
ReplyDeleteThis sucks! I was just looking for a way to print a font I need for a wall art piece for a friend of mine. Now I can't. Maybe it is time to find a new printer and sell the Cricut, I hardly ever use it anyway.
ReplyDeleteI agree. :(
DeleteIf your Cricut is firmware version 2.3 or lower, you can use Sure Cuts a Lot 2. If you go to the Cricut website and download the latest firmware, you WILL NOT be able to use SCAL. I bought my Cricut on Ebay and asked what firmware version it had before buying (the firmware version can be found on the display when you power up the Cricut). SCAL is the best thing EVER!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip.
DeleteStupid cricut. I have not bought it because it restricts use to their junk. What of creativity? Just buy SCAL and sell it too.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteWhat is the best machine I can buy to cut vinyl and use SCAL ?
ReplyDeleteI have NO idea.
DeleteI have just found your site and read all your posts. I have the Cricut Expression and still use the SCAL. If anyone is still using this (like me) fonts are not the only thing you can cut or get free - Birds Cards has all kinds of card fronts and different items to upload and cut and Penny Duncan also has freebies. I can't afford all the cartridges I want so I really appreciate the free ones!
ReplyDeleteWhat version of SCAL do you use?
DeleteWhy can't we sell items we make using cricut products?
ReplyDeleteI have no idea. I've never heard that before.
DeleteI am very new to the Cricut as I just bought a used CRV001 (first model) and I am just now doing the research. Would SCAL work with this particular machine?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but I have no idea. You would have to ask the people who make SCAL. I'm just not that smart. :)
DeleteI'm a techy and an avid crafter. After reading your comments, I new there had to be a way to downgrade the software, so you can still use SCAL. Here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.reddit.com/r/cricut/comments/5n5vh9/downgrade_expression_to_21_for_use_with_scal_its/
Thank you!
DeleteThank you for sharing this info. I was thinking of selling my cricut bc I didn’t want to spend all that money buying all the carthridges. I had been told there was no other way around it. I will definitely be looking into this software!! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. :)
DeleteAny resources for buying used cartridges at decent prices for the crv001? I'm a cheapskate & not sure I'll use it much. Found a crv001 super cheap with 1 cartridge so I'm giving it a shot... if I like it, I'll probably buy the Maker later.
Delete