Brother ScanNCut CM100DM Home and Hobby Cutting Machine with a Built-in Scanner
I’ve been hearing about this cutting machine for awhile from crafters.
At first I wasn’t understanding the significance of it . . . plus the price knocked me off my chair. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but you decide whether it is worth it to you. If it saves you time from fussy cutting and the cutting of your pieces without effort on your part, then it may be well worth it.
I’m warming up to it. It all depends upon how you want to use it. For me, if I have a printed out image of a printable I got online or purchased, I want to get going on my project instead of spending so much time cutting out. That’s why we purchased cutting machines or dies for die cutting machines. It’s a time saver — especially if we’re going to make several.
Yes, you can do the same thing on the Silhouette Cameo which I am doing . . . so why am I looking at the Brother ScanNCut machine?
I’m reviewing it for you . . . and if you haven’t bought a cutting machine, it is worth knowing about.
It is easy to use right out of the box. It’s easy to set up and has a user-friendly interface. It was originally designed with fabric cutting in mind . . . but paper crafters found it was a time saver for them as well.
You won’t need design cartridges or your personal computer. There are over 600 built-in designs plus you have the ability to scan anything. Many people stamp and color those stamped images and then use this machine to cut it out for them. So I can see the value of using this machine for stampers who are making dozens of cards.
I am interested in seeing what users of this machine have to say about it. I’m wavering a bit while reviewing this machine. I see the value for certain projects and the ease of getting your images scanned and cut out . . . It makes sense to me. Time is valuable and some people just don’t like fussy cutting . . . and at times I can’t blame them.
The reviews are mixed. I think some people have legitimate complaints while others haven’t taken the time to experiment with the machine . . . and there are positive comments where people haven’t even tried it out yet. So . . . all I can really say about this machine is to do your research . . . check out YouTube videos to see it in action and decide if this cutting machine is right for you and the projects you work on most.
I do like the ease of use. The mats are expensive and don’t retain their stickiness to hold the paper in place. Some have solved the problem by taping their paper on the mat with painters tape.
As with any cutting machine, you have to take the time to learn how to use it. Each machine has its pros and cons. Yes, and they all have quirks. The thing is, get a machine that is within your budget and works with the products you use the most. One person made a valid point when she said that she wanted a cutting machine that didn’t require more purchases in order to use the machine. Yet, if you’re a stamper, you’ll buy more stamps . . . and you’ll always want more designs of some sort to create new products . . . so, that it is bit of a stretch for me.
There are people who love their Silhouette Cameo, then there are the Cricut Explore and Cricut Explore Air people who love their machine . . . then the Cricut die cutters people and the Big Shot die cutters people . . . now there are the Brother ScanNCut people.
I’ve concluded that it isn’t necessarily the machine, but the people . . . those who take the time to learn the machine they’ve purchased . . . or return it, if it doesn’t work as they thought it would or should. And, there are defective machines . . . so get it checked out, if it isn’t working properly.
For me, I’m sticking with my Silhouette Cameo . . . yes, I’m one of those people. It does what the Brother ScanNCut does only differently. The Silhouette Cameo does have a bit more of a learning curve . . . but I have found it well worth it.
Let me know what you decide. I’m really not pushing any product. I’m here to check things out, tell you about them and allow you to make up your own mind. I know it does take time to decide. All machines cost money . . . even the Big Shot plus the die cuts or the Cricut with the cartridges . . . It is all an investment. Only you know what is best for your crafting and your budget.
Here are some links you may find helpful . . . it’s all part of your research:
I hope this review was helpful. I wish you all the best in your crafting endeavors.
If you don’t have a popcorn popping machine, don’t you think it’s about time you got one?
I don’t want to be pushy, but the microwave popcorn bags ones don’t work as well with this recipe. You can always pop corn kernels on the stove, but a popcorn machine is so much easier.
As quickly as your family and friends will eat this up, you’ll want to make it as healthy as possible knowing exactly what ingredients you’re putting into this fun and delicious snack.
So, let’s get you set up with the ingredients and the popcorn machine and we’ll move ahead with the recipe.
Take a look at this Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper.
Pops faster than a microwave. Do you believe it? It pops up to 18 cups of gourmet corn in less than 2 and a half minutes.
You save 70% by using regular or gourmet popcorn instead of microwave bag popcorn.
You’ll be saving 42% of the calories by popping without oil.
There are no artificial flavors, saturated fats, preservatives or added salt when you pop your own popcorn instead of buying the microwave bags.
I don’t know about you, but I like to know what I’m eating. I gave up the microwave popcorn several years ago and bought one of these. It’s going strong!
You’re also going to need popcorn kernels. Here are a couple of links that will get you started. And while I’m looking around, I’ll give you a selection of candies you can add to your homemade chemical free popcorn snack.
I did get a bit carried away. You have your popcorn, candy melts, square pretzels, chocolates and I thought I’d throw in the jelly beans . . . can Easter be Easter without jelly beans!!!
All right, enough fooling around. Let’s get this recipe going. You may have already figured it out from the picture and have already made your first batch of it.
Easter Snack Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 a cup of popcorn kernels
12 ounces of plain vanilla candy melts
1 and 1/3 cups of pretzel squares you’ll want to break into pieces
12 ounces of M & M chocolate pastel candies of your choice
Multi-colored sprinkles, about 2 ounces
You can add your own ingredients. You can have mini marshmallows, jelly beans, even a candy of your choice . . . it’s your Easter snack!
How about melted marshmallows instead of the candy melts? Just an idea you may want to consider.
Let’s put this together:
Pop popcorn in a popcorn popper and put in a large bowl.
Get rid of any of the unpopped popcorn kernels.
Add the broken pretzel pieces and the candy. Don’t add the Sprinkles yet.
Melt the candy melts in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds. Stir and put in the microwave for another 30 seconds, stir until the candy melts have melted and is smooth.
Drizzle about half of the melted candy melts over the popcorn mixture.
Toss gently with a rubber spatula.
Then drizzle the remaining half of the melted candy melts over the popcorn. Toss again for even distribution.
If you’re using sprinkles — Empty your bowl into a single layer onto wax paper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly with sprinkles before the candy melts set.
Let it cool and harden before breaking it into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
There you have it. A fun Easter snack with variations to make it your own.
I’ve been thinking of Easter and have already given you some crafts to do.
I do love winter and all the fun things associated with special holidays . . . but spring has Easter and some fun activities to do. It is nice to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
When I was growing up, I loved playing croquet.
It was fun for the whole family and to play with the neighborhood kids. I would sometimes set it up and play by myself. Before long someone would come and ask to play. I know it isn’t usually a solo game, but it works when you want to practice.
This is a quality set that will last for years. It’s from Crown Sporting Goods and is a set for 6 players. It comes with:
2 21 inch hardwood stakes
9 vinyl-coated wickets
6 polymer balls
6 32 inch hardwood mallets with rubber caps
A black zip-up carrying case for storage and easy transport
This is great to play at home or on a picnic or at the park. It’s family fun in the sun. I do like this set.
Here are some other games you may find fun to play:
Bocce Ball, Horseshoes and Ring Toss are all best sellers for outdoor sports. Having these games, plus croquet set up will make a fun day of activities for your next backyard bar-be-que.
This truly makes spring wonderful . . . getting a head start on firing up the BBQ.
I do hope this review was helpful and gave you some ideas to share with sunshine with family and friends.
You’ll need a Sizzix machine and some other items. To get started with scrap booking or creating your own cards and invitations . . . even whimsical gift boxes and tags . . . these birds could be your signature piece . . . they are so cool and will accompany you throughout the year . . . for every holiday and celebration.
Aren’t they adorable!!! They each seem to have their own personality . . . I don’t know if the designer Tim Holtz named these birds, but you can . . . They can be guys or gals . . . they can be all guys or all gals . . . once you buy them, they’re yours to embellish however you choose.
Are you excited?
I hope so. This is a wonderful adventure into die cutting, embossing, stamping, coloring and adding some creative touches to your new “friends.”
Like I said, you’ll need some other items to go along with this die set, but it is all well worth it. And, if you’re just beginning on your journey into scrap booking, paper craftings, etc. this is a great place to begin.
You’ll need a Sizzix Die Cutting Machine
Here are some examples. They will get the job done . . . I prefer the easier the better . . . but some people like to go for something a bit more fancy. It all depends upon what you want to do with your Sizzix. I’m into paper crafts and I don’t mind cranking the handle.
The Vagabond is electric with a forward and reverse button. Many people like it, especially those with shoulder problems. Now the BigShots, the gray and white one is The Sizzex Big Shot Pro Plus. It has a wider platform which accommodates more materials and saves time by using multiple dies at once.
It’s all a matter of taste as to which Sizzix cutter you need. I’ve found I cut out images individually because I’m using different paper for different parts. But, when I have several dies to cut out using the same paper, it would be nice to have a wider cutting area. Just as with the need for a wider printer . . . but that’s on my wish list.
And Now For The Fun:
There are stamps and another die cutting set of balloons, hats, ties, glasses . . . one or several of your birds could be a witch or an Easter Bunny . . . you can have some fun with this collection.
You may want to check out more cutting dies, ink pads, stamps and paper. Or just have some fun with these birds. It will spur your imagination in delightful ways.
Many people take their die cutter/embosser to crafting parties. They also take it on vacation to get in some relaxation and creativity. It’s always fun to have family projects that are enjoyable for all ages. You’ll be amazed by how creative your kids truly are . . . and don’t discount the adults . . . even seasoned citizens . . . it is a good activity for them to join in, too.
My friend, Julie has a thing for birds. She finds pictures and puts them in various settings. She’s going to flip over this collection.
Enjoy!!! I hope this was an informative post for you . . . and maybe got you moving forward with your craft projects.
It’s not the best quality, but it is a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.
It’s an Amazon Best Seller for good reason. It reminds us all of the True Meaning of Christmas.
It’s a delightful conversation piece that would be excellent on a buffet or dessert table.
This is a 24″ Lonely Tree with a blanket inspired by Charles Schultz Peanut characters. One red ornament and Linus’ blanket is included. This is for indoor use with some assembly required.
Here’s a video you may enjoy:
Yes, this lonely little tree is a delightful remembrance of what Christmas is all about and may it brighten this Christmas season for you and yours.
Witches Brew Scented Bleeding Skull Candle by Wicked Wicks
The skull is filled with red wax, when lit “bleeds” out the eye sockets. This is truly creepy which makes it perfect as a centerpiece for your Halloween bash.
The candles are Flamable and should be set on a flat non-fammable surface. Be sure to trim the wick to no more than 1/4 inch. And be sure to keep the candle away from anything that could catch fire.
As always never leave a lit candle unattended. And keep out of reach of children.
I know I am full of warnings, but candles are not toys. This is a novelty item that would be good to light when your guests have arrived to give them the full affect of this creepy candle. Then snuff it out and enjoy your party. Safety first.
You may also like:
Thanks for stopping by. Please leave me a comment below.
I did get a bit carried away. You have your popcorn, candy melts, square pretzels, chocolates and I thought I’d throw in the jelly beans . . . can Easter be Easter without jelly beans!!!
Witches Brew Scented Bleeding Skull Candle by Wicked Wicks
