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I just bought the original cricut (6" width) and was thinking of buying one of the attachments... What is the difference between them and what do you recommend? I will probably be using it for scrapbook lettering mostly.
Thanks for your help
__________________ Kelly
Just not enough time in the day to do everything that I love to do
I have a comparison chart on my blog. I can't post the direct link yet cuz I'm a Splitcoast newbie, but its at the top of the page right now at the blog link in my sig.
__________________ -Kay
Visit my blog CleverSomeday, Geeky ideas for desktop crafting
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Kelly.....First of all the items you list are not attachments to the Cricut, they are separate tools or programs that work in conjunction with the Cricut.
You would really be best to first decide what you want from an additional tool and exactly your main purpose for using it.
Then go on the internet and do a search for each of the items you list and read up on each one to make an informed decision as to which would best meet your needs.
I have both the Design Studio and the Gypsy. I use the Design Studio for the most part and love it! It best suits my needs.
Each person is different in what they are looking for in a product.
I would suggest that first you get very comfortable with your new Cricut and work with it for a few months to learn all you can on how to use it and what it does. Then look into the other products you might be interested in.
Design Studio is software from Provo Craft that you put on your computer, letting you manipulate images from your Cricut cartridges. You can weld images/letters, hide certain cut lines, and even combine images from different cartridges. For example, you can take a pillowbox image from one cartridge and add a snowflake from another cartridge to make a pillowbox with a snowflake window. Make sense? You have to hook your computer up to the Cricut to actually cut your Design Studio designs.
The Gypsy is basically the Design Studio software in a portable, handheld machine. You can take the Gypsy anywhere and design (again, using the images from cartridges you own), then hook the Gypsy up to your Cricut to cut.
SCAL is a computer software that allows you to cut any True Type Fonts/dingbats that you have on your computer, as well as draw your own designs and import designs that others have created. It does not use cartridges, and it will not manipulate the images from your Cricut cartridges. Think of it as allowing you to cut designs in ADDITION to the Cricut cartridges.
This is a VERY basic rundown of the three. I think if you plan on using cartridges at all, in order to get the most use out of them, get DS at the very least (if you don't want to splurge on the Gypsy). I just recently started using DS, and I'm amazed at how much versatility it gives me. Just remember, it's only for use with your Cricut cartridges. If you want to be able to design or import non-Cricut images, SCAL (or Make The Cut, a similar program) is the way to go. HTH!
Thanks everyone for your help... I think I may go the gypsy route so I don't have to involve my computer and it would be portable. Any other comments would be appreciated
__________________ Kelly
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I have DS and SCAL, I use SCAL way more than anything else now. But I agree with the other posters, get to know your machine first. There are chat boards on the scal site- (craft edge) which will give you some info there. I waited a year to get it, used the trial version then bought it. I haven't regretted it, but it is software like DS, you have to hook the cricut to the computer.
I have both DS and SCAL and I use SCAL 100% of the time. There are tons of free SVG's to use with SCAL for free on the internet. Much cheaper than buying cartridges. But the carts are wonderful also. I just haven't found the need to do much with DS and with the additional expense of buying carts and a jukebox, I'm fine with SCAL.
I have SCAL and love it! I use it for lettering on almost all my scrapbook pages. I also cut some other shapes - some downloaded and a few I've done myself via SCAL software. I do have a few cartridges because I liked the shapes and because of the convenience of cutting without having the computer hooked up. One thing to consider with SCAL is whether you have a computer to hook up to your Cricut.
If you decide on SCAL, download the trial and make sure it works with your Cricut. There are different versions of Firmware and you want to know it works before you buy. It is very easy to get going.
I have SCAL and love it! I use it for lettering on almost all my scrapbook pages. I also cut some other shapes - some downloaded and a few I've done myself via SCAL software. I do have a few cartridges because I liked the shapes and because of the convenience of cutting without having the computer hooked up. One thing to consider with SCAL is whether you have a computer to hook up to your Cricut.
If you decide on SCAL, download the trial and make sure it works with your Cricut. There are different versions of Firmware and you want to know it works before you buy. It is very easy to get going.
I have been looking for a trial version of SCAL and can not find it... Am I just not seeing it clearly???
When you install the version before buying it, you can make trial cuts but they will cut a horizontal line through your images. It is just so you can see how it works and be sure it works with your Cricut. Then if you buy, you get a product code so you don't have to install again.
I have design studio and a gypsy but am thinking about get scal. Can anyone give my tips as to where to find these svg files? I'd like to see what's out there first, before getting the software.
Cricut: Design Studio, Gypsy or Sure cuts alot???
