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Which Cricut cartridge(s) would you recommend to get to make all different shapes like the Nesties? I know there is Lacy Labels at Wal-Mart, any others?
(I also know that MTC and SCAL are not an option anymore after the lawsuits.)
Trish......You need to look at each cartridge to see what images/shapes will work for you. I tend to go for what I guess are the "older" cartridges. You should be able to view each cartridge at Cricut.com You can choose the cartridge and just advance through to see all the images on that particular cartridge.
I think the new elegant edges might be one to look at. Or try mini monograms or storybook. I have to say, though, that mine never cut them quite perfect and I didn't like the cuts.
Ditto Gale. Nothing beats a Nestie, especially if you're going to layer. A Cricut cut might look "fine" on its own, but if you try to cut layers or put a punched circle inside a Cricut-cut circle, the wonkiness is noticeable.
I use punches & dies when I'm going to layer and when I want a perfect geometric shape. And I don't even try scallop shapes on my E anymore.\
__________________ Hi! I'm ISO the Fun Stampers Journey stamp "Say Cheese" AT-0167. Thank you!
I like the Nesties, but wish they were closer in size for layering. I don't like how far apart they are. When I borrow my friend's Nesties, to make the layer, I trace around the Nestie and cut it out manually. (see attached) Since I make 6 cards each time I create, that is a lot of work. Which is why I am wanting to go the Cricut routine.
Thanks ladies.
Trish
P.S. I'm sure I'll buy some Nesties, Labels 4 is my FAVORITE, but want more options with the Cricut.
I have the Lacy Labels cartridge and made 50 graduation invitations, layering an image. Had no problem. I have some Nesties and love them but they tend to be a bit pricey for me. I wanted something more affordable and with more options than purchasing numerous sets of Nesties. This works for me.
I just ordered the Elegant Edges today. I wasn't going to - but then I saw the actual images and I think the frames will come in very handy. I am trying not to go crazy on the cartridges.
Paper Lace has some decent nestie type shapes in the shadow features. Also, if you use SCAL, there is a site where you can download free cuts for every imaginable nestie type shape. The link is Shaplies If you have just purchased the new expression, you will not be able to use SCAL. They have put in stop gaps to prevent being able to cut anything but the PC cartridge images. This is one reason I will not upgrade or purchase another machine from them.
I still find that I turn to my nesties for card making shapes. I just love getting embossed edge. I miss that when I do shapes alone on the expression or through SCAL. That said, if I just need a certain shape for a project, I appreciate that Penny has them for free and I don't have to spend upwards of $20 for a new set of dies or over $40 for a new cartridge.
I too like the edge that my Nesties gives, so I tried using my embossing tool that has the round ball on the end - that I use for my stencils - and I went around the edge of an image I cut out on my Cricut over the back of my Slice mat. It worked perfectly for giving it the small indented edge I was looking for on my image. I don't know that I will do it for every image I cut out, but it did work just fine with that small amount of pressure. You can dampen you ball or lightly mist your paper if it's heavy so you won't have any pressure lines as you move it around, and you want to have a steady hand.
Yep, Elegant Edges is a whole cartridge dedicated to Nestie-type images. Definitely worth checking out. Another one to look at is the Martha Stewart Elegant Cake Art (ETA: not to be confused with "Elegant Cakes" - that's a totally different cart) - it has several Nestie-style shapes (as well as some awesome borders just like the MS punches!). Storybook has nice some label/frame images, too. You can find the handbook pdfs for all of the cartridges here: Cricut� cartridges
You can even use shapes cut from your Cricut to make your own "embossing plates" to run through your Cuttlebug. The "frame" shapes work particularly well for this. I've got a few examples on my blog, as well as the how-to:
i too have given up on the nesties as i just cannot afford them. i use lacey labels and elegant edges and i think they work just fine - i do wish elegant edges had the shadow feature thoough. i have no problems with my cuts that i have ever noticed...
Yep, Elegant Edges is a whole cartridge dedicated to Nestie-type images. Definitely worth checking out. Another one to look at is the Martha Stewart Elegant Cake Art (ETA: not to be confused with "Elegant Cakes" - that's a totally different cart) - it has several Nestie-style shapes (as well as some awesome borders just like the MS punches!). Storybook has nice some label/frame images, too. You can find the handbook pdfs for all of the cartridges here: Cricut� cartridges
You can even use shapes cut from your Cricut to make your own "embossing plates" to run through your Cuttlebug. The "frame" shapes work particularly well for this. I've got a few examples on my blog, as well as the how-to:
Yep, Elegant Edges is a whole cartridge dedicated to Nestie-type images. Definitely worth checking out. Another one to look at is the Martha Stewart Elegant Cake Art (ETA: not to be confused with "Elegant Cakes" - that's a totally different cart) - it has several Nestie-style shapes (as well as some awesome borders just like the MS punches!). Storybook has nice some label/frame images, too. You can find the handbook pdfs for all of the cartridges here: Cricut� cartridges
You can even use shapes cut from your Cricut to make your own "embossing plates" to run through your Cuttlebug. The "frame" shapes work particularly well for this. I've got a few examples on my blog, as well as the how-to:
Thank you for sharing your tutorial on making the embossing plates. I am very excited to try the Paper Lace and Ornamental Iron carts with this technique. You have just given my Expression a whole new value too!!!
Which Cricut cartridge(s)?
