Why I Gave Away My Silhouette and Replaced It With Cricut Explore This last Saturday, I invited 50+ women into my home/studio for an afternoon of crafting. I was joined by three of my favorite bloggers, Leigh Anne from Kim from and Chelsey from to create a memorable workshop for everyone involved. I had no idea I could even fit that many people into my house!

Yes, it was cozy, and I loved every minute of it. Silly me — I forgot to take photos as I was busy assisting with the crafts! Thank you to those of you who joined in the fun and snapped photos using the #cricutpdx hashtag on Instagram! As you can see in the collage, the guest of honor was the and the main project we did was decorating a plain tote with glitter iron-ons — so adorable! A huge thanks to Cara and Mallie for joining us from and bringing all of the machines to make our bags.

Digital cutter files, svg, wpc, scal, mtc, knk, gsd, ai, cricut cutting, pazzles, gazelle, silhouette, free cutting files. Use of the Original, Cake or Expression would require a third party software that Cricut does not support. Please note: Our files will be sent via email for immediate download upon cleared payment. Nov 23, 2015. *okie takes a deep breath and can't believe she is going to say what she is about to say* I have to say that when I did spend a few minutes with Cricut Design Space I found it quite easy to upload my SVG files I made in MTC and then cut the files. It was much less complicated than trying to use the Pazzles.

Which brings me to the subject of cutting machines I will begin with a little background on how I started using a personal cutting machine. As a paper craft designer I have become “one” with my scissors. I have spent many days and nights cutting out flower petals, paper dresses anything and everything I am designing and crafting. It was quite a life-changer when I bought my first cutting machine. The two options were Cricut or Silhouette, and I chose the Silhouette.

At the time, the Silhouette was the machine that allowed me to upload my own designs. Of course I had to have that option, so that was my choice. With my new machine, once I had uploaded and prepared my design, I could easily cut a flower (or twenty) in just minutes. Brilliant, right?

I was completely sold on the concept of the personal cutting machine. It was in the late fall last year that I received a colorful little box from Cricut with a confetti filled invitation to join them in Salt Lake City for a BIG announcement. No hesitation here I wasn’t going to miss it for the world!

I had a feeling that their new machine might allow me to upload my own designs, but I was not prepared for what they unveiled. The new is more than just a cutting machine. It is a multi-use tool that gives me endless possibilities of what I can create, using paper, fabric, felt, leather, vinyl and more! As soon as I received my new Cricut, the Silhouette was set aside and I immersed myself in making projects and testing what Explore had to offer. Within one week, I knew it was my cutter of choice and the Silhouette went back in the box and was donated to someone who could use it.

To give you the details, here are the top-10 reasons why I am in love with my 10) This reason is actually tied for number one, so I will bookend the list with both. The Cricut team is the best! I do believe that it takes a great leader to create a great company and Ashish is that. He is a visionary.

The Cricut team is extremely helpful and they work hard so that each and every one of their customers will fall in love with their Explore. 9) The machine is pretty! It is definitely a “Mac” not a “PC”.

It sits right beside my Mac looking just as handsome. 8) The team that designed this machine really paid attention to what crafters want in a cutting tool. They did their research! They tapped into our creative brains! 7) This machine cuts extremely precise and can handle small shapes and patterns. The blade rotates with the direction of the cut. I love cutting fine lace patterns so this made me very happy!

6) They have a variety of mats to choose from — some less sticky and some more tacky — so you can choose the right one to suit the material you are cutting from. No more torn paper or shifting felt! 5) Not only does this machine cut paper, felt, fabric, oilcloth, leather and more, it also scores and draws.

So many possibilities! 4) The German carbide blades last a lot longer than any blade I have used. (And I am a girl who goes through her blades!) Did I mention the blade is super easy to replace? 3) Rather than removing the blade to set it to a cutting depth, Cricut Explore has an easy dial on the top of the machine that is marked with the material settings. Don’t tell, but I have even changed it in the middle of a cut. 2) The software interface is easy to work with.

It has a similar feel to Apple or Adobe products, which means intuitive and visual. I love that I can jump right in and make a project without spending hours setting up the file. (You all know I don’t have time for that, right?) 1) My tip-top reason: I am a designer, so I have to be able to upload my own designs.

Not only does the Cricut Explore let me do this without having to read a manual or do intensive training, but — drum roll please –I am now working on designs with Cricut that will be available to you when they release the new Print then Cut software update! No more circle punches needed for labels or hand cutting gift tags! N more trimming my printables with scissors! This is HUGE! I feel honored to be working with Cricut.

Just to be transparent, I was also invited to design for Silhouette around the same time Cricut expressed interest and without hesitation, I chose Team Cricut! If you have any questions about cutting machines, please feel free to reach out to me.

They are an investment and I promise if you follow along with me and the other creative bloggers out there who are designing and making amazing projects, you will put this machine to good use and make your life just a little more handcrafted! Connect With Us Follow us on, and, and sign up for your very own today! Remember to use #MadeWithLia when sharing photos of your projects and we just might feature you on our social media Until next time ~ Lia Thank You! Thanks to our swag sponsors: . Hi, I am new to the Cricut world since I got one as a random prize at a cosplay competition (a Cricut Expression specifically). I feel overwhelmed with the details and don’t know where to begin.

It seems like it would be a useful tool for me as a cosplayer but don’t know how well these machines would work for me. An example of what I’d be using it for is cutting out the flower design on this character’s dress (either iron-on or just fabric for satin stitching later): In short, I’m looking for a machine that can cut out intricate custom designs that can be uploaded to the machine and be cut on fabrics that range from general cotton up to silky thin fabrics and thicker suiting materials. (I’m even game for making my own custom clothes with the iron-on vinyl I keep hearing about.) Which machine do you think is the best for the job? And which model? I understand feeling overwhelmed. The best option for you is going to be the brand new Cricut Maker, which cuts fabric and other thick material.

The Cricut Explore, and Expression, are better for paper crafting and don’t cut other materials well. You could use the Cricut Explore to design and cut an iron-on vinyl design of the flower to apply to fabric, but I don’t think the Expression has the software or design capabilities you’re looking for. Check out their YouTube channel for videos! I need help, my dear sweet husband bought me a cricut expression 2 for Christmas when he overheard me saying I wanted a cricut machine. Problem is I wasn’t done researching and he probably just bought the first circuit machine he saw on a resell website.

I feel this machine is so outdated as there have been several circut machines that have been released since. I don’t want to seem ungrateful, so what are the main differences between my machine and the newer ones? Should I just invest in a new machine? Thank you, thank you! I just ordered my very 1st Cricut and my first ever machine.

Then someone told me I should have went with the other brand. I am waiting for delivery and of course then I start doing research. Your review makes me feel so much better and positive I made the right choice for me. I am a photographer but dabble in crafts and want to get more serious. Now while I wait I will get my office ready for me to start designing.

I am so excited. I am more excited I found your awesome blog. Hi Lia, I am new to the cutting matching world and am just trying to decide on what machine is best for me. I have been looking at reviews for the Cricut Explore Air and love that it is Bluetooth capable since I hardly use a laptop but mainly my iPad. But my main concern is that some reviews have said that the quality of the images or cuts -when using your own designs- is very low and pixelated.

Is this true in general or does it have something to do with the original quality of the design and what software is used to design it? I guess my big question is, what specific software would I need to use and what format would it need to be in (jpg, png, PDF?) to get good quality results and precision cuts? My main interest in any cutting & printing machine would be how easily I could use my own designs – which I love creating! Thanks in advance for any info you can give 🙂. Come Reinstallare Windows Installer Su Xp.

Lia, I have an older Cricut and I love it. I use the Sure Cuts a Lot program, but it is no longer working (I think the Cricut port that goes into the computer USB has gone bad).

I was able to download clip art from the Internet and cut whatever I want. I was also able to cut any font that is on my computer. Will I be able to do the same with the Cricut Explore?

I don’t really want to “design my own” projectsI just want to be able to cut the shapes I find online. Does it cost to download off of the Cricut design studio? Thanks so much!! Looking forward to seeing if the new Cricut is all I ever dreamed of.? Hi Lia, I am just starting to get into the whole craft thing and I have so many ideas of things that I want to do.

I have been doing a lot of research on both machines and I still haven’t made my decision as I have heard many good things about the Silhouette Cameo 3. I have a question about the print then cut option. Does the machine print out the images or do you have to use a separate printer? As I am just getting into this and have never had any machine I am a bit ignorant about the topic.

Thank you for your input! Morning, Thanks for taking the time to answer ALL those questions. I tried to read some of them before I asked. I have the really old first Cricut, but never got in to it because the cartridge part of it. I’m thinking of trying again.

As you said it’s an investment that I have been saving for months now so before I jump in this adventure I want to know if with the wireless one do I need to get cartridge too? I think the word software means that they would be able to have updates for sale (hope free) with out needed to purchase a new machine soon.

Thanks for a good post! I currently have an expression and use CCR and have been thinking of upgrading. I really want to be able to import and cut my own SVG files. I was hoping I’d love the Explore One – which I might like the machine, but I’ve been experimenting with Design Studio and I’m not sure I can handle it. Here are my concerns: #1: There is no unweld option.

#2: There is no offset option (I didn’t even know what this was until I started experimenting with Silhouette Studio and realized it was something I would love!). #3: When I want to cut, all my images and words get moved around the mat to “save space”.

I HATE THAT!! When I’m working on the mat, I size and center all my lines of words accordingly and then when I go to cut, I have to redo all my centering! (I create a lot of crafts with vinyl and the placement of things in VERY important.) I wish there was a way to bypass this option. I think it’s a good idea in theory, and there may be times when it would come in handy, but I would also like to be able to cut the way it appears on my mat (before hitting GO). So as of now, I’m leaning towards the Silhouette.

It’s more expensive, and I have to spend more money to build up my library of fonts and images, but the software is much more user friendly and it has more options. Maybe Cricut will be updating their software soon to include these features??? I don’t know, but I’m not sure I can wait around for Cricut to catch up to Silhouette. I’ve never owned a cutting machine so I literally have NO IDEA what I’m getting into. I have a few questions if anyone can answer for me.

Do both the silhouette and the Cricut charge to use the design space and get images? Do either have a free design and image space? I don’t want to particularly want get into something where I’m constantly buying stuff or constantly having to renew a subscription. I want to be able to create my own sayings for cups, kookier, shirts etc. Do both machines have program where I can type/create my own stuff-with no cost? (I really want a machine for myself.

I don’t have a business or anything so it’s all fun for me LOL). Are both machines compatible with the iPad mini? Does either machine allow me to scan stuff and them recognize it and cut it out (for instance, a picture I’ve taken or a saying I thought was cool and snapped a pic)? I seriously have soooo many questions!

Thanks in advance! Hi Ginny, The Design Space for the Cricut Explore is completely free. There are also some free images you can add and they have it set up so you can purchase individual images as well as a subscription.

But the space is free. I believe Silhouette is also free but you have to buy an upgrade to import images and use the software to the fullest. Same that they have some free images and some for purchase.

I don’t know if Silhouette is compatible with an iPad but Cricut does have the (free) app. The software for Cricut has the capacity to scan and prep the file for cutting. I am sure Silhouette does as well.

Again, as you read in my post, the Cricut is so much easier to use as far as software and the machine itself. I think you would be very happy with it. Sylenth1 Keygen Download here. Well it looks like I will need to have two machines. I want to add my own planner sticker creation to my store but Cricut it making that impossible. I have wasted so much valuable time just trying to figure out how to get all my self-created images to stay on the one canvas. Each time I go they move all around and no one can give me a direct solution — its extremely frustrating.

Im not as impressed as I thought I would be with the Cricut. It does not cut visually like I see others projects and mind you my machine is not even a month old and I have spent quite a few dollars on it.

Anyway I am glad I read this article it assisted me with making a decision. Unfortunately hand-cutting crepe will always work out better than using the Cricut. The material is just too tricky and flimsy for the Cricut to cut it accurately. The thing with crepe is that it will look best cutting with the grain in a specific way, and there is no way for the Cricut to exactly mimic this. Siigh, hopefully some time in the future! Best of luck with your wedding centerpiece!! Feel free to send photos of your centerpiece to so we can feature it on my FB page!

I love posting member success stories 🙂. Hi there, thanks for this post. I’m a Cricut new-bee! I’m excited at the possibilities of having my own. Santa was nice too me this year!

I’m a 20-yr graphic artist, proficient in Illustrator. I actually create images with cut lines for clients, daily. This process seems different, though. I’ve researched many ways to convert vector to SVG, most make me glaze over because it goes through the design process, too. Can you give me the down and dirty? I don’t need the step-by-step how to create paths, etc. Or could you point me in the right direction for advanced Illustrator users?

My cliff’s notes at-a-glance assessment is; I create my image in Illustrator, convert to SVG, import into a software I purchase that converts my SVG file to be compatible with Cricut’s system and follow the Cricut instructions to cut. Is this close? Thanks so much! SVG files are compatible with the Cricut! To change a vector file to an SVG, you simply have to “save as”.svg from Illustrator. You can then upload the SVG file straight into your Design Space.

What helps is using View >Outline in Illustrator, which will show your design with a black outline. The machine will cut where those lines are, which makes this a great tool to use when preparing your design. Anything overlapping needs to be either merged or knocked out to make a flat graphic, objects need to be expanded (this includes text), and clipping masks are a no-go for the Cricut. If you need your machine to score, you can have lines that are not expanded which you then “tell” to score while in Design Space. In our files, we have designated the score lines by color (magenta lines are score lines in our files). It is a different way of designing and might take some getting used to!

Thank you for writing a thorough review of what Cricut Explore has to offer. Your review of the Cricut is the best I’ve seen! I have the Cricut Expression(giving to my daughter) and just purchased the Cricut Explore Air, which I considered returning unopened and purchasing the Brother Cut n Scan2 because of the fabric cutting and rhinestone features. After reading your article, I’m definitely keeping the Cricut and hoping Cricut will add the rhinestone feature in the future.

Looks really cool in the Brother video, but who knows if they actually stay intact over time. Looking forward to exploring all the features and project possibilities on your website. Hi Lia, Thanks for the very useful information here.

I’ve been using Silhouette cutting machines for years, but was considering switching to Cricut Explore because of its superior cutting ability (particularly on thicker materials). Aside from the cutting issues I have with my Silhouette machine, I’m really happy with my current workflow. I use Adobe Illustrator to create my cutting files and set my cut lines with stroke 0.1pt and R 0, G 0, B 1. This means my file comes into the Silhouette software with the lines I want to cut already set and those objects I just want to print set with no cut lines. I actually do very little in the Silhouette software, its just a portal for me between the file and the cutting machine:).

Is it possible to pre-define cut lines for SVG files outside of Cricut’s Design Space? How does it handle intricate SVG files with multiple cut lines in combination with print only elements? I have read that SVG files containing just stroke and no fill objects are read into Cricut’s Design Space as a ‘black blob’? In short, I would like to continue using Illustrator to prepare my artwork rather than having to do a lot of set up in Cricut’s Design Space. Thanks, love your work! Hi Sophia, We also only use Illustrator to prepare our files for uploading into Cricut.

I am sure you are familiar with compound paths and pathfinder. Using these we can prep anything and often make our score and write layers in a different color to easily select once in the Design Space. I actually just filmed a Cricut 101 class with Craftsy and suggested they do a Designing in Illustrator for Cricut class.

I think you will love the Design Space software once you are familiar with it as it is so simple and quick. I think the designing with Illustrator for Cricut class is a great idea.

I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos on Design Space and can see how it would be easier to use than Silhouette for people not familiar with Illustrator. But, for people like us, who want to continue using Illustrator, some instructional/promotional videos may encourage design professionals to make the switch. I’ve read a lot on users having problems with purchased SVG files in Design Space, but I’m wondering if that might be down to the SVG designer not understanding how to set up files for Design Space?

Cricut Explore does not let you return their machines for any reason. I purchased one off HSN.

It did not work from the get-go. Arrived DOA (Dead On Arrival). I contacted them both HSN and Cricut and neither would take it back and send me a new one machine. It sat here unused for a couple months. Finally, I had to hire a computer IT person to come and fix it, and computer IT’s aren’t cheap. It still has problems, and it is frustrating at times.

I would say the Cricut Explore can be and probably is a good machine – the Cricut company leaves much to be desired. You can certainly purchase other’s designs from Cricut. In fact, Cricut features many of our designs! You can check out all the brands that they collaborate with if you follow this link: Personally I have found that Cricut offers many more options. We used to use a Silhouette but ended up switching to Cricut because it just created more possibilities for our crafting projects. If you do end up deciding to buy a Silhouette, make sure that you get the Designer Edition software. Otherwise you won’t be able to upload our SVG files (or any external files for that matter) 🙂.

I am in the same boat and really looking for more advance on which machine is easier to use for simple monogram, vinyl products. I am a working mom with 3 kids, so in need of one really simple and easy. I want to do small projects like cups, plates, waterbottles, etc, so which is best for items like these? I would like the wireless feature, but does it only work with iPad or iPhone?

I am a android user. Another thing, we are Disney fanatics and want to do so many Disney items. I have heard talk that one machine is better for Disney themed items than the other. Do you know anything about this? Thank you for your help!!!

We find that the Cricut Explore is much more user friendly than the Silhouette. Lia has a couple of videos explaining why she prefers the Cricut Explore vs. Silhouette and also on how to use it.

Even though we feel like the Cricut was made for us we actually don’t work for them, we are just a design studio. Their customer service team will be better equipped to answer any questions. If you do go with a machine from the Cricut family make sure it is the Cricut Explore, their older machines don’t work as well. Thanks for all your info.

I’m considering buying either the Silhouette Cameo or the Cricut Explore. I am an appliquer & don’t plan to use it for paper crafts.

I do needleturn & don’t want an adhesive on the back of my applique shapes. My next pattern to start is one that has 100’s of melon shapes in several different sizes. I will be wanting to cut the applique shape out of fabric & then a second out of stabilizer that is the same shape but 3//8″ smaller all around. Is this possible? & which machine would be better? Thanks so much!