Q: What kind of paper did you use. I'm thinking the bazzil cardstock might not be the way to go since it is textured, I'm not sure it will print properly. Is here some thing in particular you like and where do you get it?
A: I used Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper. This is the exact same paper I use to print all my photos. I chose photo paper for two reasons:
One: when you print the images on cardstock they are more muted and not as vibrant because the ink is absorbed into the cardstock.
Two: I have been told that Presentation Paper will hold the ink colors and prints nicely but I wanted to use what I had on hand so I used photo paper. It's just a personal preference. :)
*I have tried the Print & Cut on cardstock and it does print and cut exactly like on the photo paper. I just like the vibrant color that photo paper provides.
Q: Do you have to buy the ink or it already comes with it?
A: You actually print the designs on your own printer first, then you load the printed sheet onto a cutting mat and cut the designs on the Silhouette. Sorry I wasn't very clear about that in the tutorial. :)
Q: Will this work on a mac? Do I need to download new stuff?
A: (this is from Kerri Bradford) "You can totally use the images for Mac, IF you use that parallel program that runs Windows on your Mac. With it setup that way, you can totally use the Robo Master software along with all it's wonderful image glory!"
I have an iMac and use it for everything...except my Silhouette. I still run it on my old PC laptop. I have considered trying out the Bootcamp program that comes on the Mac that makes it possible to run Windows on a mac but haven't taken the plunge yet. I will definitely post about it here when I do.
Q: I own the Silhouette but not the Sihouette SD, will the program look the same on it? I noticed you have different cutting mats, do I have to have the same ones to print and cut?
A: I own the original Silhouette, too. :) The images will work on both models.
A: You can use either style of cutting mat but I do think the newer style (clear mat) works better than the older style. That has been my experience, anyway.
Q: Do you use the Sillouette or the Sillouette SD? Which would you reccomend purchasing? Also, where do you purchase your downloads that you use?
A: I have the Original Silhouette. Because I don't take mine with me to scrap it works for me and I don't currently have plans to purchase the SD. However, I think if you like to take your supplies/tools with you to a crop or to scrap with a group of friends, the SD is a great choice because you can use it without a computer. HERE is more information on the SD model.
A: The downloads are all purchased through the software that comes with the Silhouette or Silhouette SD. HERE is more information on purchasing and downloading the die cut images.
Q: I was wondering after you download the print and cut designs they no longer have a 'p' by them how do you remember which ones are print and cut? Also do you always cut twice?
A: (This suggestion comes from Kerri Bradford and is also what I do to keep my P&C's separate from the rest of my designs). "I would suggest creating a folder of just Print & Cuts, select all the P&Cs that you've downloaded, and drag them into your new folder. Other than that, when you click and place it in your document, you'll immediately be able to tell which ones are P&Cs because they will be in color, whereas the regular diecut images will just be an outline."
You can create folders in your "My Library" in the Craft Robo software to make it easy to find designs.
I will try and do a tutorial on this next week for a step by step on how to organize your digital die cut designs. :)
A: I do almost always cut every design twice (unless it is really thin paper). The easiest way to do that is to import your design into your new document, resize it to your liking and then click "copy" and then "paste". It will layer the image one right on top of the other. Then just cut as you normally would and the machine will go over the design twice as it cuts. :)
Q: I was wondering, can you customize the print and cut images as far as color?
A: No, you can't. However, a little birdie told me that with the next release of designs there will be several choices in color for some of the P&C designs. :)
Additional information that you may find helpful:
- If your computer crashes or you purchase a new one, click HERE for information on recovering your purchased digital die cut designs. (This is an AWESOME feature. I had to use it last year when my hard drive failed.)
- (This comes from Erin Bassett) "Wanted to mention that to resize images in the RM software I right-click on the image & then click on "position settings"...I then put in the size I want it to be & usually tell it to hold the aspect ratio so the image doesn't get distorted."
Please feel free to email me or leave any other questions in the comments section and I will do my best to answer them. :)
Have a great weekend!