What is the best way to get the tacky junk off of the mats? I have seen two or three different methods and I think I am getting confused. I just got my Expression this week and have played with paper. I can't wait to try it for gp/fondant, especially since I have a wedding cake to do this week.

I don't have the Cricut but the Silhouette SD....... I used some plastic file folders from Walmart to make a carrier sheet for mine. It is the same width as the 'original' that comes with the machine and works great. Can't beat the cost....I got the plastic file folders at Walmart on School supply closeout last year for 50 cents, and there are probably 5-6 sheets in each folder..... I originally got them to hand cut cake design stencils for my airbrush and can still make stencils but MUCH easier on the machine! I did try a bit of Crisco and gumpaste on them and worked just as good as the 'expensive originals' so that is all I will ever use!

That sounds interesting. Did you just substitute the file folder for the mat?

That sounds interesting. Did you just substitute the file folder for the mat?

I cut the folders into single sheets that were 'just about' the same width as the original.... they fit under the rollers just nice but are about 1/8th inch smaller. Nice thing is I have a LOT of them and can roll out my gumpaste on each one and set aside till I'm ready run them thru. Don't have to worry about taking them off the carrier to do the next! They can stay on the carrier after I 'clean' them up and I can either cover them to keep them soft or let them air dry right on the sheet and not worry about distortion. And....you can't beat the price even if they are on 'regular' price! WAYYYYY cheaper then the official carrier sheets.

Bisbqueenb - thanks for the info on the file folders. I have the Sil SD, too, and have found it to be quite user-friendly with replacement mats. I have used blank stencils as a mat, too. What settings and paste thickness are you using?

Seems we are the 'odd man out' as far as Cricut vs Silhouette SD! Any others using the Silhouette ? Mine is new to me so still experimenting but can see the possibilities! I like the fact there is no cartridge system or extra program to buy and I can use what I already have to design with!

I found slow [ 2-3 ] speed and 9-11 thickness working yesterday, but then it was humid here not usual for SE Arizona, but we are in mid monsoon weather....so I'm sure things will have to be adjusted as I work on projects. That is what is nice with the gumpaste....no waste...try it at a setting....if it isn't right roll it out again and try an adjustment!

I am joining you in the "odd man out" club. Got a Sil SD from ebay at a good price. It just came yesterday, so am playing with paper to get to know it. It is a nice unit, was up and cutting in no time.

Hey Ladies, I was reading the home page and this topic peeked my interest. I have a cricut, my husband bought me one last year, for x-mas. I love it, but i never put gumpaste in it. How does it work like this?? I have new blades, just need a new mat. Can some one guide me threw a how to . I don't want to mess up the machine. Thanks girls!!

Here area couple threads you can read up on:
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=640768&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=613921&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopic-640769-0.html

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=639855&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

This should get you started seriously thinking about using the machine!

ATCakes Lindas DVD said to rub crisco all over it and then use your spatula to scrape it off. I soaked mine for about 20mins in really hot soapy water, got the scrubby brush on it rinsed it and all clean, a lot easier than scraping and scraping.

I just put waxed paper on mine so I can still use the mat for paper if I want to.

Plus, no elbow grease. LOL

Cakepro, that's brilliant! I was hoping there was a way that I didn't have to scrape down the mat! Thanks for sharing!

Wish I could take credit...but LeahS recommended it.

I just got my Cricut & I'm practicing with paper 1st. (I also cut some fabric today!) When I get my deep cutting blade, I'm going to start cutting gp. I'll probably try wax paper. You could probably use Goo Gone to get all the adhesive off. Just let it set for several min before washing it off.
I may just get an extra mat & use one for gp & the other for paper.

Goo Gone is petroleum based and should never be used on items which food will touch.

Stick with dish soap or something FOOD SAFE please.

Yes..I read from Leahs just to use wax paper.That is what I am going to do cause I plan to use the machine for some scrapbooking also and I don't want several mats.

I can't stand the smell of the adhesive on the mats! I just spread a light coat of crisco on the mat and let it sit a few minutes then took a Bounty paper towel and used a circular motion and the sticky came right off. Then I gave it a quick wash and dry. No more irritating smell.

I just opened a new package of mats an hour ago and you are right - they STINK. It smelled just like a skunk to me.

Blech.

Glad everyone likes the waxed paper trick. Leave the sticky on your mat!

Leah your so smart, thats a brilliant idea

If you use Eucalyptus Oil it removes the sticky from the mat. Just like removing sticky labels and then wash in hot soapy water.
Leahs I tried the paper on the mat over the sticky but I found that it wrinkled when it sat for a while but it was actually baking paper and I see you say waxed paper. Does that make a difference? Also it seemed to cut the paper as well as the gumpaste.

Meh, the waxed paper wrinkled on me on several occasions too, despite being applied very carefully. Guess I'll have a sticky-free mat for GP and a sticky mat for paper.

Sweet Southern Ladies (formerly Two Sweet Sisters) said that peanut butter works great for removing the sticky. My machine is still sitting in the box, but I thought I would pass their helpful hint along.

I got a three pack of these thin silicone cutting mats at walmart. They are 12" so perfect for the Expression. They are about the same thickness as the circut mats. Also, they are made for food prep so I feel good about their safety.

hockeymomnh are those the ones with a coloured outer ring and a small picture of what each one is used for? If so careful the colours come off very easy. I bought them for doing small gumpaste projects and was very disappointed.

Jennifer and Tobias Atwood recommend using 190 proof alcohol to remove the sticky and it works like a charm. It only took a few seconds and there isn't a trace of sticky left. Check out their website for more info http://www.cuttingedgecakeart.com/blog.php They have been testing and comparing the two cricut machines and are sharing their findings. They will also be using it on Ultimate Cake Off on 3/15/10.

The ones I got are just plain white and pretty thin and flexible. They are sort of placemat size. I have been using them for rolling out fondant and have had no problems at all.

has anyone used thier cricut to make stncils to use for an airbrush on cakes?