My Favorite Cricut Cartridge
Most seasoned scrapbookers have come to rely on the cricut for all of their di-cut needs. In order to appreciate all that the cricut can do, one needs to examine all of the creative cartridges that can be used with the machine. When buying the cricut, two cartridges automatically come with it. These include lettering and basic accents that can enhance any scrapbook page. I thought I had it made until I ordered the cartridge “A Child’s Year.”
One thing I love about this cricut cartridge is the artwork. The main characters are pictures of little children playing during important events in a child’s life. These events include birthdays, Christmas, Fourth of July, school time, summertime, wintertime, etc. Sharyn Sowell is the artist and has an interesting history. One day when she was confined to a fishing boat with her two energetic toddlers, she took a Swiss army knife and the children’s lunch sacks to cut various shapes to keep the children entertained. She had no idea that this simple activity would later make her famous for her paper designs. Her designs can be found on wallpaper, gift bags, greeting cards, mugs, fabric and more. To me, Sharyn truly captures the energy and innocence of children in her characters. As a mother who scrapbooks for her children, Sharyn’s artwork will truly enhance my pages.
When I bought the cartridge, I thought the tender artwork depicting energetic little children was the extent of options for the cartridge. To my pleasant surprise, I found the cricut cartridge had thousands of options. By merely pressing different keys, I could make cards, lettering, icons, monograms, and even phrases. I was even more excited than before. I’m always pleased when I feel I have gotten a better deal than I envisioned.
Before, when I would make a birthday card, I would need to cut each individual letter and then glue each letter on the card, hoping I could align them properly. Now, with “A Child’s Year,” cartridge, I can cut the whole phrase “Happy Birthday,” and glue it on all at once. I can make three cards in the time it took me to make one. I am happy when I can be more efficient!! I can also cut adorable cupcakes or balloons to enhance the card without switching out the cartridge. I just have to push the icon button and I have a whole different set of options.
The other handy item that comes with all cricut cartridges is a little notebook explaining the options and showing you what the characters look like before you cut them out. With thousands of options, it would be easy to lose track of which button cuts certain characters. However, the notebook is neatly organized and easy to read so I can cut exactly what I want without wasting paper.
I can’t wait to explore my next cricut cartridge, but for now I will find enjoyment and satisfaction as I continue learning more about the ones I have.