Cricut and glitter tattoos

If I count the *time* I spent cutting stencils with my cutter, the break even point is further away, however on the outlay (third party) cost of the cutter and software and material, I made it back in exchange for purchases I would have had to make to do the very first job I had after I started to use it.

The creativity it allows me - to do what I want, when I want, with variations I want, without needing to plan ahead to allow for shipping and potential out of stock items is immeasurable.

I use it to cut reusable stencils mostly - for airbrush - it allows me to have identical sets, with size variations, and then add special event (like seasonal) designs, come up with layers of stencil work (to make multi colour), etc etc etc. And then I can take the same design set and do it to make a glitter tattoo..... and cut extra of popular ones, yet have some of each, and if doing a multi day event restock without needing shipping time (assuming I was prepared ahead, only a few need to be restocked).

I can't (won't) go back to being without one..... I spent far too much on my stencil addiction before - this is a huge cost/stress saving.

Manja wrote:Okay - new question. How long did it take you all to make your money back on the investment of your machine?

My husband is questioning when my break-even point would be. I know it depends a lot on venues/number of gigs/etc. Just wondering what everyone's personal experiences are.

I'm stoked and have numerous ideas of how to generate income from it right away, but he's not convinced.

Question #1 : I use plastic dividers avery # 11900, that is the only plastic the cutter can cut.

Question #2: I did 157 glitter tattoos in 2011 I sell them at $4.00 so I made $628.00, the main question is that before I bought the cutter I bougt a lot of stencils that I still have, glitter colors that I never use, (like the pastels) they don't show up in tattoos and are no great for face painting.
I am counting the tattos I made for the paid corporate events, or birthday parties, when the kids pic between face paint or tattoos, I have never done a "tattoo" only party but I love the freedom of doing my stencils, I cut 3 of the same at the time and I replace them as I need it, I usually do them in 2 diferent sizes (for small or big hands).

Ok, just found this thread, I was just about to sell my cricut cake, since I can't work that for the life of me, the fondant, frosting paper is too difficult to deal with, but I am going to turn it into a cricut expression and just use it for paper and never for food ever again(irritation). Anyone else try this? making my own tattoo stencils seems like fun too!

Yes, you can totally use the cake for paper. I've heard of people using the regular one for cake stuff (after they cleaned the daylights out of it).
Unless you purchased the make the cut software or the Sure cuts a lot software before the upgrade, though, you really can't use a cricut for glitter tatts. There is no way to get it to connect to a computer and make any sort of custom design. You are stuck with your cartridges- and they really don't work well for stencils. It would be a lot of fiddly work trying to cut stencils from a cartridge.
I DID have the old SCAL and a cricut, and I was never happy with my cuts. The Cameo is so much cleaner and sharper.

darn it, so I probably should still get rid of it then,

Ok, why dont you just take cheap plastic like laminate paper and cut them out?

vicky@addgo.com wrote:Ok, why dont you just take cheap plastic like laminate paper and cut them out?

because its hard-lol, and it never turns out good. I had to do it at first when I had some non painters helping me at a large sporting event.

vicky@addgo.com wrote:Ok, why dont you just take cheap plastic like laminate paper and cut them out?

You can use "CONTACT" paper but the cons are:
Glue gets thru it and dissolves borders and small parts.
When you cut that with scissors you leave irregularities that interact with the glue and then when you peel the stencil out it peels the glitter too.

Hm, im thinking i will try to make some stencils out of plastic and let you know how they turn out.

The stencils were terrible and took me 3x as long as using the adhesive on the back of the contact paper. I had tired kids waiting in a long line. never again until i get a cameo!

vicky@addgo.com wrote:Hm, im thinking i will try to make some stencils out of plastic and let you know how they turn out.

Pulling up a old thread, but loads of information...I have been pricing stencils on amazon, ebay, faketoos etc. I realized that the cricut isnt the best for stencils now due to unavailable programs..I am curious about the silhouette SD which is the discontinued model before the cameo. Any thoughts???? Need to act fast checking to see if one is still available... Thanks for all the info here.

you could use a cameo.

Ugh thanks they are pretty xpensive. I wouldnt use them for anything else. Ill keep looking for a used one...

check the silhouette cameo site fb. a girl is selling hers on fb.

Im not sure how to do that...I hardly ever use Facebook

Gal. i cannot help you unless you do this yourself. go to facebook. search silhouette cameo. there is a group there. in there ppl sell stuff.

Thanks Vicky
I went on the group sites of S C. scrolled thru the US sites, a lot of great paper crafting, but didn't see one for sale... Theres about 5 groups/ 3 seem to be from the US. One is closed and you must join to access the site. Thanks again I'll keep looking...

I have a question:
Does the vinyl that comes in a roll has a back or you have to put a back to cut it on the cameo?

vicky@addgo.com wrote:Gal. i cannot help you unless you do this yourself. go to facebook. search silhouette cameo. there is a group there. in there ppl sell stuff.

You could post the link..........................

duh okay haha thx. https://www.facebook.com/silhouetteamerica

couldnt find the exact thread though sorry.

Back again... I got the silhouette SD(good price) uploaded some of the needed programs.. Have some silhouette america vinyl from the store 40% off coupon. I started a cart to order the vinyl, but what transfer tape do you use...Did i miss it here in the thread?? There seems to be different ones to choose from.... thanks can't wait to try this... Do I need the transfer tape right away? If you didnt use it would it be like a 2 layer stencil? Just curious.

Yes, if you do not use the transfer tape, it would be like a 2 layer stencil.

I don't use a transfer paper, I avoid the designs that have little unattached parts, like the eyes on the skulls, I prefer the flame skull that have the eyes in the design or when I clean the image I draw a thin line to attach the small parts and then cover with some glitter after the tattoo is finish.

I am sooooooo glad I read this whole post before I went and just layed out the cash for a cricut!

I would love to see photos of your stencils or tat's!

As far as transfer tape I use a medium tack. I always get the clear 15" wide roll. Having a big squeege makes it super quick.