I Need Advice

Okay, first of all let me tell you that I am a HUGE provocraft fan. I own all their machines and over 200 cartridges. This week I saw a friend using the sillouhette cameo. I really was very interested in their software and the Print and Cut feature. Since I am not allowed to talk about other machines on the cricut forum, I decided the next best thing for me was to post it on my blog. So I turn to you followers to get your opinion on this machine and see if it would be a nice addition to my cricut room. I would also like to say that I do like the CCR, but the cameo software looked much better. So please give me your insight and opinion. I need to make sure since this is a heft purchase. Thanks in advance!


UPDATE

Based on all the comments I decided to start saving my money and get one! Narelle you will have to keep me updated on how you lie it! I have a ways until I reach my 250 I need to get it! Thanks again for all the feedback!!

Ken's Kreations

30 comments:

  1. I just got my Cameo for Christmas so I'm not an expert. I prefer the Cameo over the Cricut. It just seems to cut better - crisper, I guess you could say! No little torn bits. I haven't had a chance to play much with the Designer software but I think it's much better than CCR, which I have a problem with using Windows 8.

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  2. I don't have a silhouette..... yet... But I have played with the Silhouette software. And I really like what I see. I do like CCR but it is missing some basic design functions eg. automatic and multiple shadows. I do see this machine in my near future, although not as a replacement for my cricuts. Good luck with your decision Ken. :)

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    1. Well, guess who finally pressed the buy button on the Cameo.....? Guess I'll have another toy in the craft room to play with now.

      I blame you Ken! :D

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  3. I find the Silhouette Cameo is a perfect complement to my Cricuts. The Designer Edition software is amazing (and I do like to use CCR). The Silhouette cuts beautifully and I love the ability to make personalized labels and tags. Cricut is the king of layered and detailed cuts so I think it is possible to make a case for both.

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  4. I agree with Sis. Both machines are great. The cameo does cut better, but keep in mind you will be investing in a lot more than just the machine. The mats and bLades are much more expensive (the blades get clogged with paper and are a pain to clean!) I love being able to but individual images, but again...
    Invest in a subscription (more money up front, but worth it in the long run)

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  5. Ken, I love the question you pose, and I am in the same boat as you. I've seen the silhouette, and I'm torn. I'm trying to hold off and be content with what I have, but it sure is tempting!! I'm reading the comments to your question and wavering!!

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  6. I say go with a KNK Zing, it will cut just about anything you need, You will be limited to what you can cut with the other machines, I have had 4 different friends sell their silhouettes/cameo's to buy a Zing. I love my Cricuts too!!!! But my KNK Zing ROCKS! go to www.knkusa.com and check them out.
    Lynn (The Soap Lady)

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  7. Ken, like you and most others I have so much invested in PC products and had decided that I wouldn't buy another machine because I didin't feel like I was using what I had. But in October I won the grand prize at a crop and it was a Cameo. I recently just started using it and have been enjoying it. I just think that it is a personal choice and what you feel best serves your needs.

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  8. Ken, I have an Imagine, 2 E's, a Mini, and a baby bug so I'm a huge Cricut fan.:) I got a Cameo for Christmas and love it!!! It does make a nice addition to my craft space. If you decide to take the plunge be sure to get a subscription as you save so much money on cuts that way. The subscriptions do go on sale once in a while too. I got a subscription during a sale and I get 50.00 worth of cuts for 12.00 a month. It makes intricate cuts very well.

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    1. Yes, get a subscription. I originally got the $50 for $12 subcription, but shortly after that, Silhouette sent me an email offer and I upgraded to $150 for $14. At first I thought I would never buy that much but during their crazy Christmas sale I actually ended up using my whole month's allotment and then some. The 3-D artwork for the Cameo is great!

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  9. Plain and simple, the Cameo is a better cutter and the Design Software is much better than CCR. The only reason I have held onto Cricuts is that I really love some of the Cricut artwork.

    As for the expense, I have spent far less on my Cameo than I have on my Cricuts. You do not need to buy Silhouette mats. I use my old Cricut mats and you can use any size. There are great tutorials online showing you how to open your blade housing and clean your blade. I do that regularly and follow the Silhouette cutting recommendations for different materials and my current blade has lasted me almost a full year and my cuts are still precise and crisp.

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  10. Ken, I haven't tried this machine but have heard good things about it. As for me, I just have too much money invested in my Cricut stuff to even think about another system right now. And I know if I went with a new toy... I'd want to spend more money to get all the goodies! And I'd be afraid to sell my Cricut stuff first because what if I didn't like the other as well, so even though I'm disappointed right now I guess I'm going to tough it out with PC until the end and hope that things improve for them. Good luck with your decision!
    Southern Gypsy

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  11. Ken you must of been reading my mind!!! LOL I have been looking up every bit of info I can on the Silhouette Cameo for the last week. Hallmark Scrapbook has it on sale (it seems like a great deal). I love my Cricuts, but I too am looking for something more...

    I'm so glad you were brave enough to post. :)

    Chillysam

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  12. Also don't forget, you can download the FREE silhouette cut of the week and the software and play without owning a machine. I've been stocking up on the FREE shapes in the event that one day I have enough saved for a new toy!

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  13. I've been thinking about the same thing... It just seems easier, cleaner cutting and love that I can download a single image for a reasonable price!!

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  14. I have the baby cricut, expression, e2, imagine and a gypsy. I am now the new proud owner of a cameo. So far I Love it. I don't think I am giving up on my circuts but am not very happy with the direction they have been going in or the lack of answers they have provided

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  15. I got a Cameo on Black Friday. Haven't used it yet - the software intimidates me a bit! But, a LSS is offering a couple of intro classes over the next few weeks - that should help. I'm much better at being personally shown how to do something (and being able to ask questions) than to read about it or watch a video. I am not planning on ditching my cricut stuff. I think they can peacefully coexist! :)

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  16. Ken, I think I have all the Cricut products except the cakes and the Yudu and I love them. Saying that, I received the Cameo for Christmas and I love it. I use the print and cut feature a lot and it is simple to use. I also like importing other papers that I have on my computer. There are videos on all the different techniques if you look online. I am so happy that I have the Cameo. It is just a extra added bonus to my Cricuts. I do have the Designer Software, but have not subscribed to the monthly subscriptions. I think that I am going to watch for sales for that now, as I have been buying the cuts right and left so far! God bless, Smoochie

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  17. Ken I now will be following your blog.. I am also interested in feedback about the Cameo. I have thousands of dollars invested in my cricuts and carts but my Gyspy screen just cracked so I am heart sick right now

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  18. My new cameo just came 2 weeks ago. So far, I really like it but I haven't had too much time to dabble yet. I had one question for customer service there and I got a prompt, effective response. I am thinking that I will take Kerri Bradford's classes to get a good start on using the software.

    My Expression and my Cameo are sitting side by side next to my desk. They even share a usb cable. (The one that came with my Expression is much longer than that short one that the Cameo had with it) So far, they are getting along just fine.

    Leanner

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  19. KEN .... IF it were me ... I'd plan on getting it right when you can. The ONLY reason I don't have it already and won't be getting it is that, well, at MY AGE ... I've
    got ENOUGH, however, you have loads of time to use it and I'm certain you will be wonderful at it. Barbara Stewart

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  20. I have it!!! I love it!!! Especially the Trace feature!!! Ken you follow my blog, so get your butt on over there and check out my projects, 95% are made with the Cameo. Oh did I tell you it's cuts vinyl, like butter!!! Amazon had a sale on a few days ago fo 226.00. I'll keep a look out for ya and let you know when I see a good price.

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  21. Oh, I don't know why it won't post my picture and name..the above comment is from me, Danita of danitasdesigns.blogspot.com

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  22. Ken, I'm happy you made your decision. I've never seen the silhouette in person, but am intrigued by what I've read/seen in videos. I have been debating on adding another cutter to my collection, however, so far I've resisted.

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  24. OK I'm going to help you out and enable you a little ;) I've had mine for about a week and a half and I love it. I've used it more then I have my E2. I had posted on facebook on where to get one at a good price and our friend Sara helped me out by giving me this link to hallmarkscrapbook.com. It will show that it is $269 but when you put it in your cart it will be $229 with free shipping. Then I went to punkinpatchstamps.com and upgraded to the designer studio for only $32...it is only the digital card where they email you the number that you need to enter but it was $20 cheaper then anywhere else and they give you another code that you take to svgcuts.com for a $10 credit.
    Here are the links to both websites

    http://www.hallmarkscrapbook.com/silhouette-cameo-electronic-cutting-machinetool-p-4841.html

    http://punkinpatchstamps.com/silhouette/silhouette-studio-designer-edition-digital-download/

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  25. Hopefully mine will be here early next week. I'll let you know what I think of it! :)

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  26. I got mine about 6 months ago and love the way it cuts. The subscription is the best bang for the bucks. Lots of images for you to choose from and each week they have clearance images for $.49 Once you try it out, you will love it. The software has a learning curve to it but it's awesome what you can do with images. The print and cut feature is great too.

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  27. I am like you Ken, I have all Provo Craft machines and 351 cartridges, but I can tell you although I love my cricut stuff, the Cameo is the best crafting investment I have made thus far. What I say is GO FOR IT, you will love it, the software as no ends to what you can do.

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  28. Hi Ken, Have fun when you get it. I have had a Pazzles for a few years and love it. I still have 4 Cricuts and use both products. I went with the Pazzles due to at the time the silhouette at the time did not come with the software it was an additional purchase and the machines back then were $500. I did get a new Pazzles two years ago with they started the $99 deal/with Craftroom subscription. I love their customer service and free online classes to use the machine. I have not upgraded to their pro software the basic software works fine for me.

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