Cricut and glitter tattoos

After working with SCAL 2 and Cricut for a few months, I won't go back to being without a cutter run from a computer.... when my Cricut gives up the ghost (which I can certainly see it doing sooner rather than later given the workout I'm giving it), I'm going to be hunting for a new cutter - I've heard good things about silhouette, but perhaps you can ask some of the SCAL users (maybe not so much on this forum because I'm not sure many here have it, but in the places SCAL is sold) which ones they prefer? SCAL as a program I found easy to use, and incredibly useful to cut stencils - I don't think the cutter matters much really in the grand scheme of things, the program does the work - the cutter just acts like a glorified printer that cuts instead of inks....

craftymom wrote:In fact the new update make it SUPER easy to do stencils. I'll try to post a few pics later.

New updates to what??? SCAL????
I bought the previous version of SCAL and I am wondering if it will still work with my Cricut?
They can't change something that is already downloaded on my computer? Can they?

Ahhh! I cannot believe I missed this boat! My Cricut Expression was a HUGE purchase for me and I can't imagine getting a whole new cutter just to work with this program... but oh the things it could do for me if I did! So sad. So sad. Try to focus on happy thoughts.... So sad.

[quote="glitterfly"]

craftymom wrote:In fact the new update make it SUPER easy to do stencils. I'll try to post a few pics later.

New updates to what??? SCAL????

No, mtc-make the cut. Haven't used scal in awhile.

Was looking for something else and found that SCAL 2 is available on eBay (several different auctions running)....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sure-Cuts-Lot-2-SCAL2-New-/320735155371?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.OPJS%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D270786869582%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D1670922266165032147#ht_500wt_936

Yes, thank you. I saw that> Is that the one that is for $400? Insane!
Would be cheaper to buy a new (compatible) cutter/MTC or SCAL3. At least... if you buy an eCraft cutter (whch looks pretty neat).

I really appreciate all the info/research and sharing you guys have put into this! With glitter tattos getting more popular, you give me some food for thought on DIY!

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited. after looking a prices and contemplating if a Silhouette would be worth the money, I find out my MIL has one!!!!! she said I could use it. I'm not sure she knows what she is getting herself into. Thanks for all the tips. off to buy vinyl and application tape.

Yay Mana!!!!!
So happy for you!
Let us know how it goes?

yes, please let us know! hubby and I are wrestling with the idea of getting one. I'm gun shy since I bought the cricuit and couldn't use it. Also, which software are you going to use?

I just went to Silhouette webpage and downloaded their free software. So far I have made a design idea for my car window, but haven't printed it out. (The Silhouette is 2 hours away right now) I should be able to have it this weekend. I will let you know how easy, or not easy, it is to use. And show you a finished product.

cool! can't wait! good luck

I went to the website that Helen suggested for vinyl and transfer tape and decided I am way too cheap to spend $30 to ship it

I then asked on facebook if any of my friends ever ordered any and one of my really good high school friend says she runs a business making decals. She let me in on the webpage she buys hers from. http://www.signwarehouse.com/

I ordered the oracal vinyl and tape for the same price as the other webpage, but only had to pay $12 shipping. YAY! Now I cant wait for it to get here.

Can't wait to see the results!!

Mana, can you tell me which Oracl vinyl you buy and what tape? I didn't see "tape" on the website. Thanks!

I ordered

AP-ES-407615 ENDURAMASK STD PREMASK 15" X 100 YDS (#1460224.72) Shipped 1 1 $35.43
http://www.signwarehouse.com/A-EMBHT-p-AP-ES-407615.html

VOR651-1510-404 ORACAL 651 15X10 ROYAL PURPLE Shipped 1 1 $15.40
http://www.signwarehouse.com/shop/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=VOR6411510


After an hour of trying to figure out how to use the cutter I was flying through the stencils. (I was doing all by myself !!! YAY me)

I got 12 - 18 stencils or each zodiac sign, 32 batman symbols, and I still have over 30 sheets left . (by 2am I figured I better get to bed. ) If I bought these myself though supplier it would have cost well over $100.

I barely put a dent in my tape. I do recomend getting a paper cutter. Makes cutting the sheets and stencils out easier. (scissors kill my hands)
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=paper+cutter&gs_upl=2377l3909l0l4018l12l8l0l0l0l0l266l844l0.2.2l4l0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9955095889527989171&os=reviews

Luckily my father in law let me borrow his. (the cutter I have only take 10" sheets max, but the vinyl is 15", But I cut it and used the the extra 5" pieces too. I didnt waste any)

YAY I have the free software for the silhoutte so I can use any JPEG image I want. If the image isnt a JPEG I just convert it in GIMP (a free image editor).

I LOVE IT!

so great to hear, thanks for the info, too! I will definitely be looking into doing this. As soon as I pay for that convention in January, LOL!!

my most recent Silhouette cuts

Great! that angry birds one will fly off the racks!

I created that design myself. Took a jackolantern angry birds cut out, put it in Paint to connect as many lines as possible, then put it on my cutter!

super easy!

I dont even know what Angry Birds are, but I had a request. lol

I hope they fly off the racks!

sounds like a lot of work, but you said "easy"! LOL I think angry birds is a video game. I don't really know, either, but I know it's popular!

Thank you,Melinda! I ordered my vinyl, transfer tape and I have my silhouette. I just need to buy the SCAL and I am ready to go
Betty

MelindaT0813 wrote:So I called Helen (she is so sweet)
it is 641 Series Economy Calendered 4 year outdoor
and the clear tape
http://www.signsupply.com/Vinyl/Ap_Tape/Ap_Tape.asp
12 inch

What is the easiest way to pull out the pieces of the stencil that will be glittered? Ive just been using a toothpick, but it seems a little tedious...am wondering if someone has come up with a more efficient way of doing it! Still trying to figure out this whole process, but I definitely love making my own tattoos. Ive gone a little crazy and am up to 175 designs now!!!

This is one of my favorite posts. I unfortunately I purchased a cricut a few months ago I would love to make my own designs especially with football playoffs and certain pop-culture trends like Angry Birds, Twilight, and even Beyblades. I looked for the SCAL version 2 on eBay, but I have a MAC and couldn't find a single copy. I'm in the process of revamping my website and figuring out which services I would like my very small business to offer. I might have to look into getting a Silhouette. Happy Glittering to everyone.

Jeniferella, Cricut makes a little tool pack that has a
handled pick in it that makes it much easier...