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!
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.
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 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.
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. 
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.
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!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! For giving me a good starting point! I also have a silhouette and have been struggling with it. Its been two weeks (well ok several days over two weeks) and so far I've only made a mess and managed to cut right through one of the mats! How long are you letting it dry? And how thick? I've tried a few thicknesses with my Pasta roller. I think maybe I'm just changing too many variables.... At least now I have a starting point and can go from there.
Thank you - fingers crossed!
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.
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