I can't tell you how many times I have been at the store, picked up the Cricut ink cartridges, then put them back down. I wasn't quite sure what they did or even how to use them! However, I recently discovered that I was missing out...
The Cricut color markers can be used in several ways. My favorite way to use them is to outline die cuts, but you can also used them to draw details or even make your own patterned paper (that coordinates with your cutouts, or course!). Here's a quick tutorial if you are wanting to experiment with them:
1. Remove the green blade assembly and load the markers into its place. Make sure you remove the marker cap prior to loading!
2. Adjust the speed and pressure. I find that a speed of 3 and pressure of 2 works well most of the time. However, you may want to play with this depending on (a) the type of material you are drawing on; and (b) the desired thickness of the drawing.
3. Place your paper on the mat, making certain that it is lined up with the top right corner. Then, load into your machine.
4. Select the images you want to draw and press "Cut". Instead of cutting, your machine will draw the selected images.
Now, if you want to go back and cut the outlined images, do the following:
5. Give the ink sufficient time to dry to avoid smearing.
6. Do NOT unload the paper or turn off the machine. Carefully remove the marker and reload the blade assembly.
7. Reset the speed and pressure on your machine to cut the selected material.
8. Press the "Load Paper" button. That's right - you never unloaded the paper, but this will take you back to the beginning where you started your drawing.
9. Press the "Repeat Last" button, then "Cut".
Let the machine do its thing - when it's finished, you should have a die cut with a colorful outline!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your projects using the Cricut ink cartridges, I would love to hear them. Just leave a comment below...
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Help! I have a Cricut Expression, and I know there are tons of projects it can be used for but I don’t know what those projects are. Do you have any suggestions, ideas, websites ANYTHING to shed some light on what all I can use my Cricut for? Thanks!
Hi Tiffney,
Thanks for the question! My answer got a little too wordy, so instead of commenting here, I created a new post. Check it out and let me know if it helps…
http://discountdiecutcartridges.com/2009/01/looking-for-ideas-for-cricut-projects/
I am new at all this and could sure use some advice. How do I get the machine to go all across the page so I can write more words on one line. I did it the first time, must have been by mistake cause I can’t do it again. Appreciate any help. Sally
How do I get the ink cartridge to go across the page so I can get more letters on one line. Thanks for the help. Sally
Hi Sally,
Are you unloading the paper and then reloading it? If so, press “Load Last” instead of “Load Paper” when reloading. This will take you back to the point on the paper where you made the last letter.
If you have an eight-way directional blade on your machine, you can also use the blade navigation buttons to get you where you need to be.
Hope this helps!
I see that you can do an outline but how about creating a colorful disney character or sesame street character? Have you tried a multicolor image?
I would like to know how to create a verse for greeting cards using the Cricut Expressions and the ink cartridge. I adjusted for the paper size (set paper size), used the Center Point button, then started to write the verse (using Plantin SchoolBook). I had set the size as 1/4″ as well. Cricut Expressions would not let me type in more than the following: “Accpet my greetin” before popping up with the message “too many characters”. I have had my CE for about 2 weeks, and I am enjoying the process. I have found many sites that have been helpful, but have not quite figured out how to get help with this new challenge.
From an earlier post: I see that you can do an outline but how about creating a colorful disney character or sesame street character? Have you tried a multicolor image?” I would like an answer to this, as well as I have seem images from a link somewhere that the paperdolls had freckles, was this done with the ink cartridges?
I am interested in how to do the disney characters with
color. Please advise. I love your site!!
I have the expression and just got the ink. I am wanting to write something in the middle of a square that I cut out. Can you help me understand how to do this?
Thanks