Image courtesy of Cindy PopeIf you’ve ever dismissed these machines as just for paper crafts, get ready to be surprised. Artists are creating amazing projects using computer controlled cutting devices such as those from and.One of the most surprising tasks these easy-to-use machines can do is cut unfired. Metal clay is a material that contains tiny particles of metal, each one smaller than a grain of salt, plus water and an organic binder.
The material is worked like a clay, fired in the kiln, where it sinters together and is a solid piece of metal.When the metal clay piece is completely dry but not yet fired in the kiln, it can be cut on the Silhouette or Cricut. Artists are using these computer controlled cutters to make custom pendants, bezels, (the metal that is wrapped around a gemstone to hold it in place), and more.is a tireless researcher on what the Silhouette can do. She shares this in her Facebook group and in classes for CraftCast. Photo courtesy of Cindy PopePotter and all-around crafter uses an electronic cutter to create durable, deep, reusable stencils from of all things, fun foam, that craft material for kids. She uses these to make deep impressions in clay.Photo courtesy of Pauline PurdumShe uses an after-market cutting blade upgrade, the, in her Silhouette which, according to proponents of this carbide blade, lasts longer and cuts more effectively. Comparing cuts by bloggers using the official Silhouette Deep Cutting Blade vs. The CB09 on the same material seems to show that the after market blade is indeed more effective.
Has anyone used the new Cricut Maker for quilting projects? I've been thinking about buying a Sillhouette or Brother ScanNCut until I saw an advertisement for the Cricut Maker. Apparently you don't have to stiffen fabrics before cutting as you do with the other machines and you don't have to buy dies like you do for the Accuquilt.
(Using it does violate the warranty on the machine.)The brand new ($400.00) has a rotary blade that allows it to cut fabric and comes with hundreds of sewing patterns and projects ready for instant download. While that’s pretty exciting, it’s tempered by the fact that the machine can only cut a 12” x 12” piece of fabric at a time.The Silhouette can also cut fabric, though for best results, it should be ironed to interfacing first, but it can be cut out on a 12” x 24” cutting matt, allowing for larger projects.And finally, if the Silhouette or Cricut machines aren’t enough for you, the next level up is the for $1,000.00 and up.