Vinyl Plotter and Heat Press Review

This is long overdue, but I am ready to write a review on my vinyl plotter!
 
Two years ago I started to use my Cricut Expression for vinyl instead of scrapbooking. Then my hobby turned into a business and I was working my Cricut to death. Almost literally. I had largely outgrown my SCAL2 version, and the Cricut was starting to spaz out from my almost unrealistic expectations.

It was time to move on. And I had no problem saying goodbye to my bug and the entire Provo Craft company. I mean really, they shot themselves in the foot and I was ready to move on. That choice was easy. Now, what do I move on to?

Diving into the world of vinyl plotters was super intimidating. I literally went eenie, meanie, miney, mo and picked the first one I could afford.

My purpose in writing this review is to inform you  of MY personal experiences so you can be a tiny bit more informed when making your purchase.

What did I purchase? I went with the USCutter MH-Series VInyl Cutter. Specifically, the 28' cutter WITH the stand. It now comes with SCAL3!! Lucky you guys :)

I tried going on different forums to get reviews, but everyone on those sites were professionals who recommended $1,500 cutters - not realist for this hobby-turned-small-business-mommy. So I tried calling US Cutters - and they tried to talk me into a $700 cutter. Again, simply out of my price range right then. These were their negatives:

Loud - um...have they heard the Cricut??

Trouble weeding - um...I am used to the Cricut so anything should be better right?

Slow - um...again, I am used to the Cricut. My 4-year-old daughter makes decisions faster then the Cricut can cut out a single word.

So I went ahead and bought it, received it, and then got sick to my stomach. Again, almost literally. What have I done?? This machine is HUGE, it looks like it does not belong in my craft room, and oh my goodness how do I use it?


So there she sat. For two months. Unopened.

Finally my little bug got the best of me and I was forced to open the box. My sweet husband put the stand together while I cried in front of the computer trying to install the program to make my new plotter work. After he and I both stared at the instructions, I finally gave the guys over as US Cutter a call. Within minutes they had the machine installed and ready to run.


I was able to simply upgrade my SCAL to version 3 and it was compatible with my new plotter. I chose not to learn a more advanced program at that time because I was swamped with new orders and needed to use something I was familiar with. I drive that program to the limits and I know I would be better off with a more advanced program, but for now I still use it as a matter of efficiency. I would have to take time off from orders to learn a new program, and we cannot afford that right now as my small side business has become something we rely on each month.


Once installed, I quickly saw that my problems were just beginning! I was comfortable with my Cricut - knew it like the back of my hand. And I went into using the plotter with some old habits. However, vinyl plotters are made for professions, not just crafters, and it was going to take a lot to get used to! Here are some tips and tricks that will hopefully save you time, money, and tears.

1. Pressure - the Cricut blade has settings for the blade pressure. The vinyl plotter does not. Many, many, many, many trials until I found just the right pressure to give the vinyl the perfect "kiss" cut.

2. Clamps - The Cricut has a "load" and "unload" button that takes away any guessing. The vinyl plotter has clamps to hold the vinyl down with. You have to adjust the tightness manually. Too tight on one side and it drifts to the other. To tight on either side and it leaves lines in your vinyl. Too loose and the vinyl slips around. Oh the vinyl that was wasted, the things that were thrown, and the tears that were shed!

I finally came up with a strategy. I cut straight lines over and over and over again, making minor adjustments to the tightness until I fixed the drift. Ahhh life is good and there are actually smiles again!

3. Vinyl sheet sizes - The Cricut has a mat with set measurements. The vinyl plotter does not. I had to again use trial and error until I found the exact spot to place my vinyl before cutting in order to keep my images from being cut off the page.

I also found that if I am precutting the vinyl to a certain size before cutting, I need to allow for an additional three inches at the end to keep the vinyl from falling off. The amount of vinyl I go through anyway doesn't make a difference to me. However, I remember when I first started cutting vinyl and how big of a deal wasting three inches was.

So, do I like my plotter? Actually, I love it now! Some days it still seems to have a mind of it's own - but not as often!

Here is a quick list of Pros and Cons:


Pros -
Quick cuts
Clean cuts - super easy to weed (compared to the Cricut)
Large cuts - I can cut large orders at one time
Backed by excellent knowledgeable customer service


Cons -
Lengthy learning curve - don't expect to work on projects right away.
Sometimes has a mind of it's own
Drift - no matter how good you are at setting it up, there will always be a risk of drifting on larger projects


I would highly recommend this cutter, and the customer service from the company is outstanding! Even though they were abrupt on the phone, I really found them helpful and efficient. Maybe they aren't used to talking to simple crafters like me :)

If you don't have anything yet and are just looking to do some crafts - maybe some vinyl and cardstock - I would look into the Silhouette Cameo. Check out some of their forums and get opinions from people who have actually used one, but from what I have seen I think it looks like an excellent machine. I say stay away from companies that are too tight knit like Provo Craft.

Here is my favorite project with vinyl: floating frames! Look back soon for a tutorial!

Heat Press Machine

As if a new plotter wasn't enough, a month after I started to use the plotter I purchased a heat press machine. I went with the 15x15 clamshell press - mostly because it was in my price range.

Here are some tips and tricks that might be helpful for heat press machines:

Purchase an infrared thermometer to double check that your press is reading right.
Set your temp to 350 degrees.
Use a Teflon sheet unless the machine comes with one on in. Directly pressing will burn the vinyl.
Thermoflex heat transfer vinyl has given me no problems at all.

Use a mousepad underneath small shirts and onsies. That will raise the are you want pressed.
Make sure when you press, that the tshirt is flat. If there is a ribbed neck, make sure it is off the edge so you can press firmly onto the rest of the shirt.
Double check your pressure. Not enough pressure and the vinyl will crack or fall off. You can test the pressure when the machine is off by pressing a sheet of paper. If you can pull the paper out, then you need to apply more pressure.

Figure out how long to press - use an old t-shirt and do lots of samples!

I love meeting new friends, let me know 

if you have any more questions! 

 If you ask it under here, other people might 

get to see the information too!

"Give Me Seconds" Chicken Cordon Bleu

  ************

Earlier this week I made the best dinner yet in my crock pot! I even posted about it on my Facebook page saying, "You know dinner was good when you're thinking about making it again the next day!"

Well, sadly I didn't have any chicken to make it the next day. However, I got some and had it again the day after!

Oh, and did I mention that this gourmet meal is easy-peasy? Because I totally should!

Yummy and easy? Here we go!

Gather your goodies:

• 1 can cream of chicken
• Milk - I swished about half a can of milk in the soup can
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 6 thighs
• A slice of deli ham and deli swiss cheese for each piece of chicken
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 large handful of croutons (crushed) - can substitute Panko bread crumbs too!

Now glance at the clock - this should take less than 10 minutes to put together. Ready...set...assemble!

First - Pour the cream of chicken and milk into the crock pot and mix.

Second - Place chicken directly on top.

Third - Fold your deli ham and place on top.

 

Fourth - Lay a piece of cheese on top of each piece of ham.

Fifth - Cover with the crushed croutons. I found the ones pictured at Walmart and are delicious!

Sixth - Drizzle the butter on top.

Seventh - Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours or High 3-4 hours. Chicken should always be cooked to at least 160 degrees.

Eighth - Gobble up and repeat steps 1-8!

The only way this recipe could be messed up is if you forget that last step!!

Who is going to be the first to try this??

Rebekah Dawn Designs | Rebekah Dawn Designs | Image Map

My Command Center

How many command center examples have I pinned on Pinterest? I have no idea. However, none of them had everything I needed. So, I set out to make my own that fits all my needs for my household.

First, I  sat down and made some lists! I love lists so much that I make lists of lists I need to make! So, this was a fun process for me. I made sure to take my time and review everything until it was just right before printing out. However, the way I made my center I can just change them out if I need to make an alteration.

Next, I went to the Dollar Tree and purchased my frames. The frames at any dollar store are cheep quality - but they did not need to be heavy duty for me. By putting the printouts behind the glass, I am able to dry erase right over it! Making it perfect for checking things off and alterations. 

Here is a breakdown of my lists:
Daily Tasks - this list has a spot for each task I plan to do a day. I prefer to clean one or two things a day (like the bathrooms on Tuesday, dusting on Wednesday, etc). I also have a spot for a "10 Minute Tidy 3x a Day." That is when I round up the kids, set a 10 minute timer, and run around the house picking things up. Ideally, we do this before naps, before dinner, then again before bed.

Weekly Tasks - these are jobs that only need to be done once a month. I have weeks 1-4 with two things for each week. A couple examples are to clean out the pantry, wash out the trash cans, and sort through the kid's toys.

Once Every Six Months - this is a list of things that need done approximately every six months. I have a spot next to each task to jot down the date so I remember the last time I did it. A could examples are to dust the ceiling fans and wipe down the doors in the house.

Notes and grocery list - this is just a blank area for me to jot down things I need to remember or to add to my grocery list before I go shopping. Like when I use the last of the paprika in the middle of cooking!

Menu - I do a two week layout so I can plan and not have duplicate meals.

Daily Schedule - This is a general breakdown of the day. My older girls like to know what we are going to do next and it just helps set the tone for our day. This is not meant to be followed minute by minute, but just to be a guideline.

Extra activities for the day - doctor's appointments, phone call to make, or bill to pay. Pretty much just a place to jot down things I need to remember to do.

Odd Jobs - this is an area that I write down projects or honey-do's.

Rebekah Dawn Designs | Rebekah Dawn Designs | Image Map

Ranch Ham and Cheese Braid

Ranch Ham and Cheese Braid

2 Cups pre-cooked ham chunks
1 Ranch packet
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups shredded cheese
Crust of choice - handmade or pre-packaged bread or pizza dough

Roll out dough into a rectangular shape. Using a pizza cutter, cut 1 in wide strips on two sides of the rectangle, leaving the center untouched.
Melt the butter and mix in the ranch packet. Drizzle onto the center of the crust, reserve a little for the top.
Sprinkle a layer of the cheese on top of the ranch mixture then put a layer of ham. Alter until all is used.
Take the strips of crust and braid over the top of the layers. Take the butter/ranch mix reserve and brush on top.
Bake according to crust directions.

Rebekah Dawn Designs | Rebekah Dawn Designs | Image Map

Ham and Ranch Pizza Pinwheel Cookies

 Ham and Ranch Pizza Pinwheel Cookies

     One way to get kids to eat something is to call it a cookie! Another way is to involve them in making dinner. Even if it is just a simple thing like sprinkling cheese, kids can feel important and proud of their contribution.Take an extra minute during your meal prep and get those kiddos involved!

First, gather your ingredients and materials (depending on your child's attention span, you might want to get everything out before calling them to come help).

• Pizza crust - I used one from the refrigerated dough section                                                                 (I may have picked up some cinnamon rolls there too hehe).
• Ranch
• Ham slices
• Shredded cheese

Step 1: Flatten out your pizza crust in a rectangle.

Step 2: Spread ranch over the entire dough.

Step 3: Lay the ham slices over the ranch - overlapping as needed.

Step 4: Sprinkle the cheese over the ham.

Step 5: Starting at one end, begin rolling the dough. The tighter you can get it, the better later!

Step 6: Once all rolled up, grab a sharp knife and cut in about two in cuts. Lay each piece on your pan - this part gets messy, using a spatula to transport could be useful.

Step 7: Cook according to pizza crust directions and enjoy!

Be sure to play up the word "cookie" 

especially if you have a picky eater!

So, how do you get your  children involved 

in the kitchen?

Rebekah Dawn Designs | Rebekah Dawn Designs | Image Map

Chilly Strawberry Lemonade Slush

Chilly Strawberry Lemonade Slush

It was the hottest week ever here in the Antelope Valley...neither the swamp cooler nor the AC were doing it for me. Nursing twins, chasing a two year old, and keeping up with my five year old's active imagination was all making me horribly hot.

It was time for some refreshment!

I threw in the following to fill two small cups for my daughters and one large cup for momma!
2 Cups water
4 scoops lemonade
2 cups frozen strawberries

Whip that up in your blender and give it a taste. You can add more lemonade mix to make it stronger or add some sugar to make it sweeter.

Rebekah Dawn Designs | Rebekah Dawn Designs | Image Map

{Awesome} Homemade Laundry Detergent

     Pinterest is full of good ideas and I like to give them a try - not just leave them useless on my boards! This was my first venture into homemade cleaning supplies, and of course I chose to do it the week my husband got a new job and life was all sorts of crazy!

     However, we ran out of laundry soap and there was no way I was making a trip to the store with all four girls on the first week of my domestication. I was putting laundry off for a few days in hopes of getting a chance to run to the store by myself when life very quickly threw me a curve ball - well, several. Potty training accidents, husband's new work clothes, baby spit up all over the bed, and smelly dish towels forced me into action. It was time to give it a try.

     Due to my procrastination, I needed some detergent and I needed it right away. So I tucked aside my original recipe that called for boiling and shredding soap and went for the more daring choice. I found the recipe as follows on this lovely blog here. I then made it less concentrated, quadrupled the recipe, and gave it a new name.

{Awesome} Homemade Laundry Detergent

• 1/2 cup plus 1 TBS Borax
• 1/2 cup plus 1 TBS Washing Soda 
• 1/3 cup plus 1TBS Dawn Dish soap
• 12 cups Water - 6 boiled, 6 room temp

1. I first guzzled the last of my Minute Maid orange juice conveniently packaged in a nifty 1 gallon jug, and washed it out thoroughly (I was worried about my laundry smelling orange-y).

2. I then used a funnel to pour in each of the first three ingredients (do the Dawn last or you have to rinse and dry the funnel...just saying).

3. Next, I slowly poured in the boiled water.

4. Then I gently swished the mixture together to avoid excess bubbles. (This picture only shows a couple cups of the mixture). Make sure all the ingredients have been dissolved.

5. Lastly, I slowly poured in the room temp water.

All you need is 1/4 cup for each load. I went with it and held my breath! Not really, I set a timer as I am notorious for leaving wet loads of laundry in the washer for hours (dare I admit, days?) at a time.

My opinion? A-W-E-S-O-M-E-N-E-S-S! My clothes were sparkling {not literally} clean, oh-so-soft and fluffy, and didn't leave my clothes feeling heavy like my other detergent did. Oh, and it was fast, easy, and so cheap I celebrated by buying some containers to organize my pantry with the money I saved.

Just how cheep you ask? I'm no mathematician, but my calculations came to $0.024 per load! Compared to the $0.38 per load I was paying for my Tide Free and Clear. I figured a gallon would last me about 9 weeks and would only cost me about $1.53 vs the over $15 I was paying for the other stuff.

I've done at least 20 loads of laundry with my new {Awesome} Homemade Laundry Detergent and still get excited at how soft they are. It almost makes me not want to try making {Awesome} Homemade Fabric Softener...almost.

So, you're going to go give it a go now aren't ya?

Rebekah Dawn Designs | Rebekah Dawn Designs | Image Map