Well… after much debate, I finally plunked down my cash for a CricutCake machine.
If you remember, I had attended CHA in January, and was supposed to receive one from Provocraft for free. (!!!) However, on the long trip home with kids and a side trip to Disney, I LOST my coupon for the freebie. I let the folks-that-be know, and I was assured it would still come. BUT, 6 months and many e-mails later, no Cake for me! Poo.
So, I plunked down my $299 plus tax and bought one from ConsumerCrafts.com. Yeah, I know, I work for them, but really it was the best deal, and I bought it when they were offering a free cart and free shipping promo. I even shopped around, and they ARE the cheapest!
The morning I opened the box, the kids (9 and 5) were bouncing off the walls. I think they were more excited about the Cake than I was! We even watched the whole video together on the couch before even plugging it in.
But, of course, the suspense was killing us and we had to get crafting! First we prepped the cutting mat with Crisco shortening. (I was told by Jinger herself at CHA that Crisco was THE best) I used a silicone pastry brush I already had:
Then, we put the image overlay sheet on the machine, and put down the silicone overlay to protect the buttons from food debris:
Then, we decided to use the frosting sheets I got “comped” from ConsumerCrafts.com. (I’m working on a post for them, and they sell these frosting sheets that are ready-to-use.) For my first try, I thought I’d go with what seemed easier and more successful.
Next, align the frosting sheet on the prepared cutting mat:
Then…CUTTING! (My kids almost fought world war 3 deciding who got to push the “cut” button!)
And voila! Awesome! I cut 2 snowflakes to start, and felt like it wasn’t really cutting all the way through- so I increased the pressure. This, however, was the wrong move. The next cuts were so firm that it dislodged the little pieces on the interior, an they got stuck in the cutting blade, and then it botched the rest of the cut. Meh.
I set it back to the original setting and was happier with that. All in all, I tried shapes and some fonts, some plain and some fancy. I got about a 50% success rate with my first sheet. I noticed that some of the cutting issues were because there wasn’t enough Crisco on the mat.
Also, I did lift the sheet after the first cut to remove those snowflakes- also a mistake. The next round, I pasted my frosting sheet down and then cut ALL my images- and got 100 per cent success! I’m so spoiled by paper and being able to lift the paper, remove my images, then lay re-stick the paper and cut some more. The frosting sheets take a little more planning.
For my first venture with the Cricut Cake, I was pleased. And these “monogrammed” cookies were the hit of the playdate we had later that day!
Coming up this week: a detailed post on Frosting sheets, trying out gum paste, and a Giveaway!
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So sorry to hear about you losing your coupon. I don’t really like the frosting sheets. I do like using gumpaste. So much fun!!
Thanks for the frosting sheets tips 🙂 I will have to try this brand
Bummer about the lost voucher! I’m having a lot of fun with the Cricut Cake- I think you got a good deal and will be glad you got it anyway! I’ve read a lot of people had trouble with frosting sheets so I haven’t even tried them, just fondant or fondant with gumpaste mixed in. I think the frosting sheets look too transparent, too.
Lol about the kids. My boys are crazy about it 🙂
Wow, that’s lousy to lose your coupon for a free cake. Our kids bought me a cake for Mother’s Day, and all the cake cartridges. Not as good as your price but it was a gift and I’m not complaining. We never tried the frosting sheets, I think we’ll stay with fondant.
Great post. The snowflake looks great!! That really stinks about your coupon! What a valuable coupon to lose- I bet you could have kicked yourself!! I really enjoy your posts- too bad they aren’t videos- I think that would really be “the icing on the cake… hahahaha” I know, corny! Anyways, off to the other posts!
I love the snowflake it is great ! I can’t believe they never honored your free circuit cake that is horrible and not very professional!
great post. Ne’er knew this, appreciate it for letting me know.
Thank you for sharing. Last month I got mine for 29.95!!! But as today I’m not working with that, when I cut the mat is cuting too…maybe you with more experience are you familiar with?
Check the depth of your blade, Gladys- it sounds like it’s dialed up too high. Otherwise, reduce the pressure on the blade to keep it from cutting your mat. Good luck!