As a crafter, you may have heard about the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cameo 4 Pro. Both machines are popular among crafters for their versatility and ease of use. However, deciding between the two can be challenging, especially if you're new to the world of cutting machines. In this article, we'll compare the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cameo 4 Pro, highlighting the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

Cricut Maker 3:

The Cricut Maker 3 is the latest cutting machine from Cricut. It's a versatile cutting machine that can cut over 300 materials, including vinyl, paper, fabric, and even balsa wood. The Maker 3 features a new technology called Smart Set Dial, which automatically adjusts the blade pressure and depth based on the material being cut. This feature makes it easier to use for beginners, and it also saves time.

Pros:

1. Versatility: The Maker 3 can cut a wide range of materials, making it ideal for different types of projects.
2. Smart Set Dial: The Smart Set Dial makes it easy to use for beginners, and it saves time by automatically adjusting the blade pressure and depth.
3. Wireless Connectivity: The Maker 3 can connect wirelessly to your computer, phone, or tablet, allowing you to design and cut from anywhere.
4. Compatibility: The Maker 3 is compatible with Cricut's Design Space software, which offers a vast library of pre-designed projects and fonts.
5. Easy-to-use Software: Design Space is easy to use, even for beginners. It also offers a wide range of tutorials and resources to help you get started.
6. Price: The Maker 3 is less expensive than the Cameo 4 Pro, making it more affordable for some crafters.

Cons:

1. Limited Cutting Size: The Maker 3 has a maximum cutting size of 12 inches by 24 inches, which may be a limitation for some projects.
2. Noise Level: The Maker 3 can be quite noisy, especially when cutting thick materials like balsa wood.
3. Only a 1-year warranty on the Cricut Maker 3 compared to

Cameo 4 Pro:

The Cameo 4 Pro is a cutting machine from Silhouette, known for its precision and versatility. It can cut over 100 materials, including vinyl, paper, cardstock, fabric, and more. The Cameo 4 Pro features a dual carriage system, which allows for two tools to be used simultaneously, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Pros:

1. Cutting Size: The Cameo 4 Pro has a maximum cutting size of 24” inches by 20 feet with a cutting mat of 610mm x 610mm, making it ideal for large projects.
2. Dual Carriage System: The dual carriage system allows for two tools to be used simultaneously, saving time and increasing efficiency.
3. Precision: The Cameo 4 Pro offers excellent precision and accuracy, making it ideal for intricate designs and small details.
4. Easy-to-use Software: The Silhouette Studio software is easy to use, and it offers a wide range of tutorials and resources to help you get started.
5. Unlike the Maker 3, the Camero 4 Pro has a 2-year warranty!
6. Can take 3mm material allowing for a variety of Acrylic Blanks including colours which is not available in 2mm.

Cons:

1. Limited Material Compatibility: The Cameo 4 Pro can only cut over 100 materials, which is less than the Maker 3.
2. No Smart Set Dial: Unlike the Maker 3, the Cameo 4 Pro doesn't have a Smart Set Dial, which means you'll have to manually adjust the blade pressure and depth based on the material being cut.
3. Limited Wireless Connectivity: The Cameo 4 Pro doesn't have built-in wireless connectivity, which means you'll have
4. Affordability: The Cameo 4 Pro is more expensive than the Maker 3, making it less affordable for crafters on a budget.

Where to use these:

Both the Cricut Maker 3 and Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro are excellent cutting machines for vinyl application on acrylic blanks for your small business. With their advanced cutting technology and precision, they can handle intricate designs with ease. However, the cutting width and thickness of the materials may vary depending on the machine. The Cricut Maker 3 has a cutting width of up to 12 inches and can handle materials up to 2.4mm thick, while the Cameo 4 Pro can cut up to 24 inches wide and can handle materials up to 3mm thick. It's important to note that the type of vinyl used also affects the cutting results, so it's always best to test cut before proceeding with your project. With these machines, crafters can create custom designs with ease and apply them to acrylic shapes to make unique and personalised items. If you are looking for ideas, check out our blog of top 10 Acrylic Blanks and how to personalise.

 

Summary:

In Summary, the Cricut Maker 3 and Cameo 4 Pro are two popular cutting machines for crafters. The Maker 3 offers versatility, a Smart Set Dial for automatic adjustments, wireless connectivity, compatibility with Cricut's Design Space software, and easy-to-use software. However, it is more expensive, has a limited cutting size, and can be noisy. The Cameo 4 Pro offers a larger cutting size, a dual carriage system for efficiency, precision, and easy-to-use software. However, it has limited material compatibility, no Smart Set Dial for automatic adjustments, and limited wireless connectivity. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Is a bigger vinyl cutter worth the extra cost? Which one would you prefer?

Acrylic shapes are a versatile crafting material that can be used to create a wide range of beautiful and unique projects for yourself or your small business. With their clear and colorful designs, acrylic blanks can add a touch of creativity to any crafters project. Here are 10 craft ideas using acrylic blanks that you can try today:

1. Acrylic Jewelry: Acrylic shapes can be used to create beautiful and unique jewelry pieces. Simply add jump rings and earring hooks, then decorate with vinyl or sublimation for a personalised touch. Alternativley glue to earing studs and package on your own card.
   
   
   
   
   

2. Cake Toppers: Add a touch of creativity to your customers next celebration with acrylic cake toppers. Use a variety of shapes and colors to create a customised topper that fits your party theme, then add a vinyl or sublimation designs to make it extra special. 
   
   
   
   
   

3. Wall Art: Use acrylic shapes to create a beautiful and unique piece of wall art. Arrange the shapes in a pattern or design and attach them inside a box frame or on to a canvas or wooden board, then add vinyl or sublimation designs to create a personalised piece. You can always contact Central Scotland Customs for personalised shapes and designs.

4. Christmas Baubles: Acrylic blanks can be turned into beautiful and unique Christmas ornaments. Add glitter, paint, or other decorations, then use vinyl or sublimation to add names, dates, or special messages which your customers will adore.

5. House Signs: Use acrylic house plaque blanks and standoffs to create beautiful and unique house signs. House numbers or names can be added with vinyl or sublimation to create a longlasting, modern house sign.

6. Acrylic Wedding Plaques: Create beautiful, modern and personalised table number or name plaques for any wedding reception using acrylic shapes by adding paint, vinyl or by sublimating. Compliment these with a A1 Acrylic Plaque with the seating plan vinyled on and present on a classic easel.
   
   
   
   
   

7. Seasonal Gifts: Create seasonal gifts for your loved ones and customers using acrylic blanks. Decorate them with vinyl or sublimation designs, add some ribbon or string, and they're ready to go! Some great ideas for seasonal gifts include tree decorations, wine glass charms, personalised gift tags and easter plaques.

8. Bookmarks: Create a range of beautiful bookmarks using acrylic shapes. Add a tassel or ribbon for a decorative touch, then decorate with vinyl or sublimation designs to create a personalised bookmark for those book lovers.
   
   
   
   
   

9. Coasters: Use acrylic shapes to create beautiful and functional coasters, forget the standard and mix it up using heart shapes, hexagons and circles or any other shape you can think of. Glue the shapes to cork or felt backing to protect your customers surfaces, then add vinyl or sublimation designs to create a personalised set.

10. Keychains: Create a unique keychain using acrylic shapes, like hearts, circles or arch shapes. Add a jump ring and attach to a keyring for a personalised touch, then decorate with vinyl or sublimation designs.

In conclusion, acrylic shapes can be used in a variety of crafting projects to create unique and beautiful pieces. By incorporating vinyl or sublimation, you can add a personalised touch to your projects and make them truly one-of-a-kind. If you're interested in selling your finished products, acrylic shapes offer a great opportunity to create profitable and unique items. So, pick up some acrylic shapes today and let your creativity flow!

Central Scotland Customs offer a variety of Acrylic shapes and blanks for your crafting needs, but if there is anything you cannot find, please do contact us via the contact form, or via Facebook and we will do our best to create it.

I get a lot of questions about sublimation on acrylic. So thought I would put a post together of the information I have received from various customers, and videos in which they have found helpful.

 

Type of sublimation paper to use on Acrylic?

Dye Sublimation paper, otherwise it just won’t work. Normal sub paper either does not transfer, or makes it really faint.

 

We all want our kids to explore the world of creativity and try something new. Creativity is an important aspect of brain development for young ones. Some of the key benefits of evoking creativity in children are that they help create self-confidence, solve problems, and improve concentration and focus. There are lots of ways to inspire creativity amongst your little ones. Here are some ideas to consider: 

Why consider craft kits? 

 

In recent times, we have noticed an increase in interest for Craft kits and DIY kits. These are nothing new and they have always been in the market. But with this pandemic, kids have been stuck at home for a longer durations, parents are looking for unique ways to keep them engaged and encourage their development. From ready to paint MDF kits to slime kits, there are several different options to choose from. Crafting kits are not just for the development of our children’s artistic hands, they are imperative for the development of children’s fine motor coordination too. When you let children create their own piece of art, it gives them a sense of fulfilment and boosts their self-esteem too. 

As children, you are training them to be patient for the final outcome, and teach them self-control while managing their emotions, even if something goes wrong through the process. Crafting kits are an exceptional way for children to explore their imagination, make the right choices and turn it into a masterpiece. There's a sense of achievement that this process evokes amongst little ones.

 

What are some of the craft kits to consider from Central Scotland Customs? 

 

We have crafting kits for all ages. From baby shapes, letters and signs to blank dream catcher with name personalised, we have a huge variety of crafting kits. Some of our customer favourites are: 

• Best Mum Plaque: Made with 3mm premium quality Plywood, this plaque is ready to be painted and accessorised by your little ones. They come unassembled and unfinished to get your little ones thinking. 

• Dinosaur and rocket children's crafting kit: What you'll love about this crafting kit is that it can be personalised to the taste of your children so that they can hang it in their room once finished. This crafting kit comes with a number of shapes that need to be painted. 

• Large letter children's crafting kit: This personalised name cut out includes paint pots and paintbrush too. This crafting kit can be chosen based on a given theme and can include additional shapes.

 

Encouraging children with crafting kits are not just a way to keep them engaged, but to advance their artistic skills and boost their self-esteem. Browse through our selection of MDF kits and get your little one a crafting kit from Central Scotland Custom that they are sure to appreciate. 

 

After a long day of work, don't we all look forward to settling down in a space that's both cosy and comfortable? Whether it's a rented house or a house you own, it's important to add elements and character that defines your personal style. It not only helps you create a welcoming space where you can de-stress but also creates an aesthetically appealing look for your home. Now is always the best time to make these subtle changes to your home decor. Start by eliminating all the clutter that's around, and create space for five of these must-have items that will spruce up your living room.  

 

At Central Scotland Customs we design and manufacture wooden and MDF craft shapes, embellishments, letters, kits and lots of Crafting Shapes.

Our shapes are laser cut from high quality Medite MDF or a quality Birch Plywood. If you would like them in a Vaneer, like Oak, let us know and we will custom quote you.

 

Acrylic blanks

We are an Acrylic blanks supplier to both small businesses and hobby crafters. We bring you craft blanks at affordable prices with a quick turn around.

 

 

We started out as a small business crafter and after seeing people struggle get hold of blank items at affordable prices that are available all year round, we decided to start producing Acrylic blanks through Central Scotland Customs in the UK. 

 

How to Paint MDF Craft Shapes

I have been asked many times how to paint our wooden MDF craft shapes.

I hope this post will answer the question with a few different tricks and tips which I have either tried myself, or had as feedback from my previous customers.

 

How & Why I Started my Small Business