Tuesday, December 11, 2012

To Cameo or not to cameo....

Hello, friends!

Today, I have something that might surprise you. I have a project I made using my new Silhouette Cameo.  There has been lots of talk about people switching over to that machine, and as such, there has been many questions on the pros and cons between the Cricut Expression and the Cameo. There was no way I could answer these questions truthfully with out actually getting one and using it. Besides, I craft so much that I thought the additional variety the Cameo would give would be a good thing.

One of my good crafting friends, Diane from Capadia Designs, has sung the machine's praises for quite some time. She very much likes perfect circles and scallops which the Cameo provides. Now, those things do not bother me at all, so I am ok with that aspect of the Cricut. Her stuff is beautiful, so maybe I should care more ;-) She advised me of the best deal going a week and a half ago, and while I was on the phone with her, I purchased it.

Price: I think the two machines are quite comparable in price. You can get them both on sale in the $200 range if you look. However, the price in images is different. The Cameo does not come with cartridges like the Cricut usually does. You will have to buy images or procure free ones online. Now if you buy individual images from Silhouette not on sale, you will pay $1 each where a Cricut cartridge has more images for the money. However, if you typically do not like each image on a cartridge you might like the freedom of buying images as you need them.

Out of the box usability: Everyone knows that the Cricut is out of the box ready. You do not need a computer to use it. Pop in a cartridge and you are off running. The Cameo needs a computer to work. Although, the Cameo is quite easy to use out of the box if you have a computer. I did not take one class and was ready to go with in minutes. Not everyone likes to be chained to a computer though. If you are used to using the Cricut Craft Room you may already be used to crafting with a computer. I personally like the freedom of not having to use the computer if I do not want to.

Quality of cuts: This is where the Cameo does shine. I was so surprised at how intricate the machine would cut, which will be great for those occasional projects. My type of crafting typically does not use a lot of delicate cuts, but it is nice to have the option.

All in all, it is really up to you. I do not think it is crazy to have both. That is what I am going to do. The more tools the better, I say!

Occasionally, I will post projects made with my new machine, but will still continue to mainly post Cricut heavy projects.


Here is the first thing I made using the machine. It did not take very long to put together. I just really liked the stars!
As you can see some of these stars are pretty small and they cut pretty well.

I used a Close to My Heart stamp set called Christmas Joy.

I added some rhinestones to make it sparkle a little more.

This week's giveaway is the Suburbia cartridge!
To win:
1) Follow this blog or subscribe via email.
2) Leave a comment under one or all posts this week for maximum chances. See HERE if you don't know how to leave a comment.


 December Specials

I am giving one Pink Cricut machine away to one lucky customer. To be eligible to win all you have to do is purchase something in the month of December! I will draw the winner January 2nd!




Second, everyone enjoys shopping the deals this time of year, and you’ll be tickled to learn that Close To My Heart is making more fabulous deals available to you. At 12:00 AM (MST) on December 1, Close To My Heart will add new items to the “While Supplies Last” section my shopping page. Among the new additions you will find a wide variety of paper and coordinating accessories, all with a substantial markdown. You will also find that most of the items that are currently available will also see a further markdown at that time. Click here to check it out ==> Close To My Heart SALE

Next, the December stamp of the month is a good one. It covers everything and it is a must have it you are new at stamping.  It is called Year Around Cheer and that pretty much sums it up!

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 (S1211A) when you place an order of $50 or more in products! 



 Lastly, don't forget that you can still buy the fabulous Artiste and Art Philosophy cartridges, so if you have not taken the plunge yet, come on in the water is great! Also, if you want one of these cartridges for Christmas send your husbands or family members my way. I will help them get what you want under the tree ordered. However, you can always order these things as a gift to yourself. That way you for sure get what you want for Christmas. You have been good this year, right?



To order click here ==> Melanie's Close To My Heart website


Have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!




Subscribe to Courtney Lane Designs by Email

97 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card. I'm one of those trying to decide if I want to add a Cameo to my crafting collection. I do not do a lot of crafting but seeing what the Cameo can do makes it very tempting.
Donna K U

Tammy said...

I am thinking of getting a Cameo as well. I really like to cut small and delicate items. Thank you for your take on this.

Manhattan Mandie said...

I'm glad you've done the comparison. The main reason I still love my Cricut is that I don't need to be chained to my computer! Thanks!!!

Texas Cricut Gal said...

Oh how I would love just to see the Cameo in person and in action. I have been with cricut for such a long time, and happy. But that is a very nice card you have there!

Busy Bee Vinyl Creations said...

This is a beautiful card. I would love to get the Cameo just for those really fine cuts I have seen on some of the blogs. But, I do love me Cricut.
Kathy:)


kathy.uger113@gmail.com

Ann said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
momma mo said...

Fantastic project! Cameo? Mmmm? Maybe next Christmas. It does produce some beautiful stuff though! Thank you for your comparison. Merry Christmas!

Ann said...

Very pretty card. I am good with my Cricut and Spellbinder as I just don't have that much room. Would love that cartridge!!
mstganen
Ann

Cheryl said...

I follow your blog every day and really like the card you did with the Cameo .. I've been contemplating getting one as I've been reading Diane's blog about it also. Cheryl G in Maine

Lin M. said...

What a beautiful card! I have only recently heard about the cameo and wondered how it was different. Thanks for providing this comparison!

Debbie said...

Interesting comments on the Cameo but I don't think I have the room for any more tools!

Caroline said...

WOW this is stunning. Caroline xx

TeresaK said...

I just got my Cameo delivered and have not had the chance to take it out of the box yet! I was so happy to see your opinion of it...I had been reading Diane's blog with the comparison and made me give it a try!
Thanks! The Joy card is BEAUTIFUL!

Anonymous said...

Im suppose to get the Cameo for Christmas but it hasn't even be shipped yet. I followed up on it and they were very sympathic, and they are filling orders by each order they get. I did get a good deal,, but my husband is going spastio because that was his gift to me. So hopefully I get it soon , I'll tell what I think.
Dawn RI

Houses Built of Cards said...

This is beautiful! One thing to consider about images, is you can sign up for a monthly "subscription" on the Silhouette site - I pay 19.99 a month (less than the price of one Cricut cartridge) and get I believe $150 worth of images. That makes it a WAY better deal! Also, if you are like me and don't want to be chained to a computer all the time, you can make a cut file, save it to an SD card, and insert that in the machine and cut it. This helps me out a lot! I agree though - I still have a Cricut and use it a lot - just wanted to give you a little helpful info for two of the things you didn't like so much!

housesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com

Sandy said...

I love your card! This gives such a peaceful and lovely presentation. Thanks too for you input regarding the cameo. I too have struggled with which one would be the optimal and am thinking I'm going to stick with the cricut for now.

1Happy Mimi said...

Thanks for the helpful comparison! The Cameo's cuts and free design options really have me torn! But I love my cricut.
Beautiful card!,

lmkindell1 said...

Georgeous card. I will stick with my Cricut.
linda
lmkindell1@verizon.net

jordanbev5@yahoo.com said...

Love your card and all your input. Other crafteres have chosen to purchase the Cameo or Silhouettes, but I think spending money every month on more images would be a hardship for some of us. I have enjoyed my Cricuts and have spurts of using them, and then don't though I craft all the time. I spend no money due to my supplies, and use images I "find" on carts I already have.

Aimee Kidd said...

What a gorgeous card! Love the colors and those adorable little stars!

Ok, here goes my two cents.....I just recently bought the Silhouette Cameo for the simple fact that I was tired of the Cricut tearing my paper and not being able to cut the more intricate cuts. I found myself not buying cartridges for that simple fact. I thought that I would hang on to my Cricut and have both. But now that I have had a good chance to play with the Cameo I can't quit playing with it. I used my $10 GC when they had their sale but I have so many cuts due to creating my own cuts. If you can find a shape online that is a JPEG file....it can become one of your cut files on the Cameo. Plus there are tons of YouTube videos of lovely women who have taken the time to show step by step instructions of how to make your own cuts. I have learned A LOT! I LOVE the Cameo and will be eventually getting rid of my Cricut. I almost hate saying that because I have been a Cricut user for the past 5 years but the Cameo has won me over!!!

If anyone reading this is on the fence.....and if you have the funds GET THE CAMEO!! You will NOT be disappointed! :)

Feel free to check out my blog to see a couple of recent projects I've made.....www.aimeekidd.blogspot.com

Tina Campbell said...

Sweet card, yep been trying to figure out if I want the Cameo or the Pazzles, still on the fence yet about it. Thanks for sharing your opinion on it

snappy scrappy said...

So pretty! Lee-Ann :)

Betsy said...

Love your card ~ those rhinestones are the perfect touch! Glad you're having fun with your Cameo!
Thanks so much for the chance to win this awesome cart!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous card, elegant yet classy. Don't particularly care for being chained to the computer, now if there were a way to connect with the iPad, may look into to it more seriously. So guess I'm still a Cricut fan (:

Thanks for the comparison, it's very helpful. Maybe I'll consider later on.

LST in Colorado

Joan Smith said...

Your project turned really..really gorgeous but I'm not surprised I think you could operate any machine or take on any project and voila a masterpiece. That's great that you took the time a spent your money to address your fans questions to give them precise answers you always have gone that extra mile and that's what makes you Marvelous Melanie the Queen of crafting!!!

Linda T said...

That's a great card, and a great machine.

Unknown said...

Thanks for taking the plunge for me...i wondered about the hype. i love your card! Thanks for sharing.

margret said...

I too bought it when Capadia Designs informed us of the sale. I can't wait to see what you do. I like the idea of being able to us free designs

Miriam Prantner said...

Thanks so much for this comparison! I love my cricut, but do wish I could cut some more detailed things....maybe for Christmas....

Diana said...

Thanks for the info! I do not have the capability of having a computer in my craft room :( that is why I LOVE, LOVE my gypsy. I wish the powers at be would not discontinue the gypsy for people like me! anyway, your project is beautiful!

bdcampers@msn.com

Debbyj said...

Love the card! I think I may have enough toys right now, but the Cameo looks great.

Arlene B. said...

Love all your idea's. I don't have room for the Cameo,but would like to get one someday.

CottageRose said...

Thanks for the review! I don't want to be chained to a computer, either, but if PC goes all-CraftRoom, I may try out the Cameo also.

Colleen said...

Great card! I would like to get the Cameo someday, I also heard from friends that it cuts like a dream, but because of the cost I will be waiting to purchase that item. I really love my Cricut. Thanks for the review!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the comparisons. I would love a Cameo. Because I use a laptop, I could use it anywhere as long as I'm near a printer.
Your card is great.
Thanks for the chance to win.

Mary O'Neal
redpupper@aol.com

Vanessa said...

Thanks for the helpful comparison! For now I'm happy with my Cricut products but it's nice to know what the differences are in case I ever decide to buy another cutting machine.

Debbie C. said...

Thanks for the info. It's always nice to have an unbiased opinion. And... thanks for the contest.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your opinion on comparison of the products. I do use the craft room, but so the transition would be okay, but sometimes the craft room can be slow. Maybe with the Cameo it would not be as slow if there are a lot of users on the computer using the software. The card is great!!

Josie0602 said...

I am tempted by the Cameo but I am still in love with my Cricut products so I wont be taking the plunge anytime soon.

Tracy

littlen said...

i still use my cricut because i have a lot invested in carts, but i love my cameo because it can make those intricate cuts without tearing my paper. i also think silhouette has better customer service.

Momof4inArlington said...

I appreciate the Cameo review. I have noticed greater prevalence of this machine in the previously Cricut centered blogs I follow. I am NOT tech savvy and in a household of 6, with one computer, the Cameo would not be practical for me. Also, sitting at the computer to be creative is not my idea of fun. That being said, I love many of the files available and have seen beautiful projects created, including your card!

Miranda said...

I appreciate your opinion, I am one of the many wondering if I should make that purchase. And unfortunately like you, I believe the more tools the better. Tee Hee My only issue is that you do have to use the computer, I do not use Cricut Craft Room much and I work on a computer all day so I don't really like getting on much at home. Also, I live in a rural area and internet is not always cooperative. However, your card is beautiful! So I may still take the plunge. LOL

Kerry T said...

I have always loved my Cricut but decided I would like a Cameo. My hubby bought me one for Christmas. Well, I couldn't wait until Christmas and I have been using to make some gifts, mostly with vinyl and I do love it. I won't get rid of my Cricut but I have just added to my fun.
Kerry
mommakcrafts.blogspot.com

Pamela said...

Thanks for the information. I am so happy that you will continue to have a Cricut Heavy blog. So many blogs have switched mid-stream after we have purchased Cricuts and cartridges and while that is their perogative. That said, I would love more delicate cuts and perfect circles but there are some on some of the cartridges and I own about 50 carts now, so.... Plus I am really happy with the original Expression and CCR also.

coolmommaweed said...

Beautiful intricate card! I have the original Cricut & bought the Expression 2 years ago. As soon as I think I've got all bases covered, out pops a new machine. I'm so reluctance to spend $200 again on another machine. I'll probably wait til the prices drop.

Kim B. said...

Thank you so much for your comparison, I have seen a few others but I feel like yours is aimed right to the kind of crafter that I am. That is why I love your blog so much!!!

Debbie (from Sugar Land) said...

Thanks for the review - I just think there is room in our lives for lots of different toys...

tndj said...

It looks like it does a great job but alas can not afford two machines and have lots of cricut cartridges. But do keep us informed on the cameo and how much you like it. Love the card and what you did on it. TFS

Margie said...

I love my Cricut!Beautiful card!

Denise Turner said...

Thank you for the honest evaluation of the Cameo. Two machines would be better than one.

HoneybeeKaren said...

Thank you for all your inspirations and the review on the Cameo.

Nanette said...

Beautiful card! I've been torn about trying the Cameo also. The intricate cuts are appealing to me plus I could use my Make the Cut without dealing with all the Cricut issues.

Unknown said...

Love the Joy card. Have wanted the Cameo, but happy with my Expression. Have also. Considered the Pazzles. I am considering retiring, which means more time paper crafts, but less funds for supplies.

The Suburbia cart has been on my wish list since it came out. I would love to see more samples of cards, etc. made with it.

Karen Sue said...

I've had a small original silhouette (the very first machine) for a few years and love it, but when the size started to be inconvenient, I could only cut an 8" width, I started shopping around for a larger machine, I wanted a cameo but it's pretty much impossible to get them in Canada and the shipping would be more than the product, I happened to find a good price on a used expression cricut and I love that thing, I can't understand why people say it wouldn't do a perfect circle, or indicate cuts, I haven't any problems with it yet, I love the convince of being able to cut thicker and a more variety of materials, such as chipboard, craft foam, etc. Which the cameo can't do, the silhouette is only capable of cutting cardstock, and a number of other thinner materials, but they do sell quite a few different cuttable
materials at the online silhouette store.
Not to discourage the cameo, the silhouette is one of the best machines out there, in my opinion,

KAT said...

i also purchased the cameo the same day...whoot whoot to us! i'm glad i'm not the only one to still feel the connection to cricut. i hope there will be tutorials on using the cameo as i'm not as computer savvy as some, i prefer hands on or a gentle teaching to use this. i just wanna have fun!

Elaine S. said...

Thanks for the objective - I didn't know much about the Cameo at all.

busylizzy said...

Thanks for the info on another cutting machine. Thanks for the giveaway too. I love the Suburbia cartridge.

wendy_liefde_is said...

before purchasing my cricut i tried a silhouette and a cricut. (I have co-workers who own those) and I choose the cricut for the readon that is suits me better. The onlye downside to a cricut is that i can't cut my own designs (like the logo of my choir) the upside is that i can use it without the computer and that the cartridges are very very nice.

greetz wendy

Gregsgirl's crafty corner said...

you can see the intricacy in this card, it's lovely I've been tossing up whether to buy one. I love my beloved Cricut though but maybe there is room for 2 machines in my life : )

Crhiga said...

Love the card. I only have the Expression, but the Cameo sounds nice.

Carol

rhonda said...

The card is beautiful. Thank you for your comparison comments on the two machines. It gives me a lot to think about. I sill love my cricut but maybe an additional machine as an option??? I think I will add the Cameo to my wish list!

Anonymous said...

The Cameo look great, love the card and the giveaway thanks
sekala45@roadrunner.com

TeacherMom said...

This is a beautiful card. I have been thinking of adding the Cameo to my scraproom. I know a lot of people are pretty mad at ProvoCraft. I still love all my Cricut stuff but am willing to try other things as well. Many of my crafty friends have switched over and they make the cutest stuff! I still look forward to seeing all your cricut projects and the occasional Cameo project will be nice to see as well. Thanks for all your inspiration!
TeacherMom

Jessica said...

Thanks for your review. I would like cameo, but I like my cricut too. I have three Cricut machines, but I would like the cameo in the future. But not now. Thanks for the opportunity.

www.withloveandscrap.blogspot.com
lopezjrivera@centennialpr.net

Nancy B. said...

Your card is beautiful! Thanks for information comparing the two machines.

Dianne said...

I just teceived the Cameo yesterday, registered it, and downloaded the instructions. I am not a computer expert, so there it sits waiting for the first cut. Guess I could say I am a little afraid of it. but I will give it a try and "master" it, I hope.....

Dianne Bell - Sewpro02@aol.com

carolyn's creations said...

I love the card! I don't have a laptop computer so the Cameo wouldn't work for me. I'm staying with my Cricuts. But thanks for the comparison!

Bobby said...

I'm so glad you'll continue posting mostly Cricut cuts. It seems more and more of the blogs are going with the Cameo and I don't plan to add one to my craft room.

Anonymous said...

Very cute. TFS.


M squared




fmuth3@charter.net

Cynthia Baldwin said...

Thanks to everyone for posting their insights. I have both a Cameo and a Cricut, and honestly have not used my Cameo as much because it's downstairs next to my computer, but my craft space is upstairs. You know I didn't even realize that you could save images to an SD card and use that w/ the Cameo (thanks, Houses Built of Cards!). Anyway, I need to make a conscious effort to use the Cameo more, because it really is an amazing machine and has so many crafting possibilities!

Jan Lynn said...

I guess I am just going to have to save me back some money. You all are makeing me want a Cameo sooo bad. I do love my Cricut though. Darling card and I love the crispness of the cuts. jlsateplusdotnet

Edwina said...

I am so glad you shared about the Cameo vs the Cicut. I love my Cricut, but I have heard so much about the Cameo. What you had to say helps a lot. Thank you. I love your card you made using the Cameo. It is beautiful. Edwina Brown

JustJules said...

Very beautiful card! TFS!

Brenda Moore said...

Beautiful card, thanks for sharing your insights

Sue D said...

Thanks for the honest review.

Heather said...

Thanks for the comparison! Love the card!
Ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Jeanette said...

I love your card. Just bought the cameo but haven't had time to play with it.

Marcia said...

Thanks for your review. I have been a Cricut customer for some time and have even purchased the E2, but I must admit that I am disappointed in not being able to use Design Studio with that particular machine. Craft Room does still have so many bugs that I get frustrated trying to use it and usually abandon my project before I finish.

Love your card though and am still tossing around the idea of purchasing a Cameo.

mb6464@hotmail.com
marciasmemories.blogspot.com

jkstiles77 said...

I also have been thinking about the Cameo, and appreciate your review. I like the fact that you can just purchase the images that you want.

Sunshine HoneyBee said...

Wonderful creation with the Cameo. I have a friend that loves the Cameo. She still has her Cricut but uses the Cameo more & more.
Melissa
"Sunshine HoneyBee"

D- said...

Thank you for the review.
Your card is wonderful. TFS.
dmcardmaker (AOL)

teachermom5 said...

Thank you for all of the information. I am really thinking of adding it to my collection of goodies. I love my Cricut, but the thought of being able to do more intricate cuts is really appealing. I also loved reading the comments of the other followers, very insightful. Thankyou.

Debbie said...

Love the card. It is very intricate & beautiful! Have never even seen a cameo but will look into it. I love my cricut & will always have that. Thanks for a chance to win!

ssnuce said...

Thanks for sharing with us. I am still holding out to using my small Cricut along with many cartridges & my design studio. Thanks for the opportunity to win the Suburbia cart!

Cheryl W said...

Congratulations on your Cameo! I wish you many years of happy crafting with it. Your first card is absolutely beautiful!

Loly Borda said...

I appreciate your honest comment. As I don't know anything about the Cameo I value your opinion,

Anonymous said...

Rose said...
Thanks for the infor. I live out in the sticks/rural area & we can not get fast internet we have dail- up internet but it is very very slow it can take up to two days to down load one thing & sometimes it will not work at all!Love your card nice detail cut.TFS
rosebud2222222222

Regina Andari - workinouttheinks.blogspot.com said...

Your card turned out so pretty! I, too, am a new Cameo user--just got my machine last month and stocked up on a lot of cut files during the Black Friday discount. The Cameo is easy to use and works well, but I still love my Expression. I'm one of those people who enjoys cartridges and never felt that it was a burden to buy them. Suburbia is on my wish list! Maybe a person can't have too many electronic cutters! :-)

Unknown said...

Love your card! Such a unique design.

Karen said...

Oh, between you and Diane....you are tempting me with that Sillouhette Cameo!
Karen L 1020 at gmail dot com

The Antonich's said...

i have only read 2 of your blogs tonight and learned something great both times! Lovin' it! thanks!

Marie said...

I would love to own the Suburbia cartridge! Thanks for the opportunity to win! I've been following your blog for awhile. Thanks for all the great inspiration!

Patty said...

Super sparkly pretty card!! Thanks for the Cricut/Cameo comp..I only own a Cricut & do not plan on getting anything else new in the future, but there are probably multitudes of people that do, and I'm sure they are grateful to hear from an experienced crafter the pro's and con's!!

Sandy said...

What a pretty card.

Marissa said...

Love your card! Thanks for the comparison!

rissaflor atyahoo dotcom

Luria said...

Love the card. But i don't have the space to add any more machines to my craft supplies. I will be sticking with the cricut for now.

Luria

LaurieD said...

I am so happy your experi.enting with a silhouette. Iknow I want one, but I''m so invested in Cricut, I can'tjustify another machine. Your experiments may help persuade me.

 
BLOGGER TEMPLATE BY DESIGNER BLOGS