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Epson SureColor F170 Dye Sublimation Printer Setup + Review

Epson SureColor F170 Dye Sublimation Printer Printing a Photo

This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Are you looking to purchase your first sublimation printer? Are you confused about what printer to buy? Should you buy a true sublimation printer or convert an Epson EcoTank? Check out my full review to help you decide!

Watch the full review video below!

Inspiration Photos

There are so many things you can make with a sublimation printer! Here are some of the projects I made during this review process.

Corgi Mug sitting on countertop (created using sublimation printer)

Canvas tote bag with orange good vibes image

Toddler sitting in fuzzy chair looking at a board book showing his dad and the words dad, dada, daddy

White tshirt with space satellites and rocket around a earth image

Ready to shop?

Shop Here for All Products:

✔️ Epson SureColor F170

✔️ Mug Blanks

✔️ Tshirt Blanks

✔️ Tote Bag Blanks

✔️ Sock Blanks

✔️ Board Book: FULL TUTORIAL TO COME

Have Questions or want to connect!?

Thanks so much for checking out this tutorial!

Happy crafting!

Karley

Hello

I’m Karley

Welcome to my blog! A place where I can share my love for all things crafting with you! If you are obsessed with your Cricut… I’m sorry to inform you that your obsession will only get worse while you’re here! I will teach you everything you need to know to get up and crafting with your Cricut. I am here to help! To reach me, use any of the social links below!

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How To Use Non-Cricut Pens with Your Cricut

by Karley Hall

Using Pens with Cricut Machine Karley Hall Cricut Craft Blogger Karley Hall

This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

One of my favorite things about my Cricut machines is that you can use them to write and draw. There are some times when printing isn’t an option! For example, I loaded a piece of acrylic mirror into my Maker Machine and had my machine draw on it to make a cute little sign. Some other ideas include decorating gift bags, addressing envelopes, or drawing with permanent markers on materials that ink would typically rinse off of!

People often ask me for advice on using markers or pens they already own. I hadn’t found any adapters that I loved… until now! These adapters work with so many pens and markers and allow you to experiment with all of the writing supplies you already have at home! I did quite a bit of experimenting and I’m excited to share my results with you!

Pens that work without adapters

Before I get to the adapters, I found some pens that you can use in both the Cricut Explore Air Machines and Cricut Maker machines without any adjustments. These fit in the existing tool holder in clamp A. The pen barrel is the exact same size as the Cricut pens and markers. According to the reviews, some people reported they received pens that were dried out. I didn’t run into this issue, but the caps don’t click on, so I could see how this may be an issue. I loved the way they wrote and will definitely be purchasing more in the future!

Pens that work in Cricut Machine Karley Hall

Pens Using Adapters

You may not know that your machine (Explore Air 2 & Makers) has a white adapter built into it already! I didn’t realize (even after working at Cricut), that this little piece pops out.

Before you take apart your machine, let’s talk about warranty. Cricut provides you a 1 year limited warranty if you purchase your machine from an authorized retailer. All over the internet, Cricut users will warn you against using 3rd party tools in your machine because it will void your warranty. I took a look at Cricut’s warranty policy and while I was unable to find any language that directly states this, if you are worried, I’d recommend waiting until your 1 year warranty is up! Of course, Cricut can update their warranty policy at anytime, so make sure to check it out so you know what’s included! I personally will not recommend products that I have not tested. If I feel a tool has any risk to your machine, rest assured, I will not recommend it!

Now that you’ve reviewed the warranty or have waited until yours is up, open the clamp on the left, and from the bottom, gently push up on the white piece to pop out the existing adapter. This will allow you to use the Amazon adapters that will accommodate so many pens and markers. Check out the video at the bottom of this post if you need more help removing this adapter.

This pack of adapters comes with 8 different adapters! It’s a great deal and I will share with you the pens that work with 4 of the adapters I’ve tested. The kit comes with a list of pens that fit each adapter, but don’t be afraid to test out additional pens!

Pens that Work With Pink Adapter

I think the Tombow Pens may be my favorite that I tested. These ones will fit in the light pink housing.

Tombow pens with Cricut Machine Karley Hall

Using Crayola Markers with Cricut Machine Karley Hall

The Crayola SuperTips also fit in this adapter. Although, there is a larger adapter kit that includes an adapter specifically designed for this marker. Since I was cheap and went for the less expensive adapter kit, I wanted to see if I could make it work. This one requires a little hack, but it’s not terrible. Place the pink adapter in the left slot, then place the marker in. If you let go, the marker will fall down and hit the paper. Adjust the pen to slightly hover above the page and then clamp it into place. This worked great for me, but if you want the actual adapter, you make want to upgrade to the larger kit. All of the other pens and markers I recommend will fit perfectly and don’t need this hack 🙂

Pens that Work With the Dark Blue Adapter

Sharpies Pens with Cricut Machine Karley Hall

Pen and Gear Felt Tip Pens with Cricut Karley hall

Dark Blue Adapter Cricut Pens Karley Hall

Pens that Work With the Red Adapter

Fine Point Sharpies with Cricut Machine Karley Hall

Pens that Work With the Yellow Adapter

Fine Point Sharpies with Cricut Karley Hall

Pen and Gear Permanent Markers with Cricut Karley Hall

How to Write with your Cricut

If you have questions about how to design your projects to work with pens, I have a full tutorial on how to use writing fonts with your Cricut! Let me know if you have any other questions– I am happy to help!

Happy Crafting,

Karley

Hello

I’m Karley

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Cricut or Silhouette?! Which Machine Should I buy?

by Karley Hall

Cricut maker vs silhouette cameo 4 Karley Hall-01

This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Are you in the market for a new cutting machine?! Are you overwhelmed with which brand or machine to choose?! I can help! The video below will walk you through how to choose which machine is best for you. Of course I have my favorite machine, but it is such a personal decision so before I tell you which one I’d choose, watch the video and let me know which one is best for you!

How to choose?

There are three questions I want you to think about!

1. What is your budget?

2. What do you want to make?

3. How comfortable are you with your computer/ design software?

Budget

The Cricut Maker retails for $399.99, but usually you can find it for $349.99.

The Silhouette Cameo 4 retails for $299.99, but does not come with everything that the Maker comes with! If you purchase the Rotary Blade, extra mat, and pack of pens, your total will be $354.97.

These are not the only machines sold from Cricut and Silhouette, so if these are out of your budget, don’t worry.

Below is a chart to show everything you are getting with your machine. This is what is included in the machine’s box, so if you choose a bundle, you will get even more than this!

Silhouette-cameo-4-vs-cricut-maker-price-comparison-karley-hall

Product Features

Most of the features are very similar. This chart is a good visual comparison to see which machine does what!

What do you want to make?!

Both machines have the ability to cut 100s of materials! More materials than I have ever tried! To see a comprehensive list of all of the materials, check out this article from Cricut. You can assume that if the Cricut Maker can cut it, the Silhouette Cameo 4 can cut it too.

It’s comparing apples to apples in my opinion! If you want to cut vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, paper… even fabric, either machine will be great for you. Let’s talk about what they can’t cut. You won’t be able to cut metal (thicker than an aluminum soda can), thick acrylic, glass, or dense, rigid wood.

If you want to cut heavy chipboard, thick wood, tooling leather, or acrylic, check out the Glowforge. The Glowforge is a more expensive option, but will give you the ability to laser cut through these thicker materials. Use this link to save up to $500.

Each machine has its strengths and weaknesses. Some matter more to certain people. For example, if you plan to open a sticker shop selling images you print and then cut with your cutting machines… the Silhouette Cameo 4 will be a better machine for you. Silhouette Studio allows for a larger “Print and Cut” area and makes it really easy to “kiss cut” your sticker and “cut” out the edge of your sticker sheet.

Or if you are planning on open a sign shop and need to cut super big images… the Cameo 4 would win again. The ability to cut without a mat allows you to cut up to 10 ft long!

But if you plan to cut images with several layers or colors, then the Cricut Maker wins hands down because the software will sort your colors out to the appropriate cutting mats and make the cutting process so easy. Check out the full video to see what I mean!

Does technology scare you?!

Back in 2012, I chose to invest in a Silhouette Cameo because of Silhouette Studio. Software makes a huge difference in how you interact with your machine. I was already using Adobe Illustrator, so Silhouette Studio didn’t scare me.

In 2016, I switched back to team Cricut with the launch of the Explore Air 2. But I felt the limitations of the software very quickly. Some basic functions were missing (still are) and I rely heavily on outside programs to design.

I want you to think about the type of person you are. Do you appreciate a challenge with the understanding that you will have more tools available to do more things? Or are you the type of person who easily gets frustrated with technology and are looking for someone to hold your hand as you learn a new techy skill?

Silhouette Studio is designed to give you all of the power when it comes to designing. Cricut Design Space is designed to make things easy enough for anyone to do it.

There is one caveat, you can use Silhouette Studio Business Edition, create SVGs, and bring them into Cricut Design Space and cut. I feel like you truly get the best of both worlds and personally, this is what I do! But if that is gibberish to you and you are already overwhelmed, get the Cricut Maker and stick to Cricut Design Space. For all of my tech wizards, use Silhouette Studio Business Edition with whatever machine makes you happiest!

Side by Side Cutting Challenge

Originally I was going to blog the side by side cutting comparison, but I decided I really want you to watch the machines in action so you understand how the heck these machines operate! Check out my video to see a head to head cutting comparison where I show how to cut cardstock and fabric using both machines. This is a personal decision and you really can’t go wrong. Of course I have my opinion, but I won’t be offended if you disagree with me. Having worked at both Silhouette America and Cricut, I do whole heartedly believe that Cricut has superior cutting machines than ANY of the competition, but Silhouette America has them beat when it comes to software!

Let me know which machine you end up with!

Have questions or want to connect!?

I know you are just itching to buy your machine! I get it! I was there too and my cutting machine completely changed my life! So much so that I now teach people to use their machines as my full-time job. If you found this comparison helpful and it led you to purchase a machine, I would love for you to consider purchasing a machine through one of the affiliate links below. Affiliate links show retailers that I sent you to shop and they may reward me with a small commission. Since prices are changing often, I have added my affiliate links to several retailers so that you can price compare! Thank you in advance for shopping through my affiliate links and supporting my blog!

Cricut Maker:

Silhouette Cameo 4:

If you are looking for a promo code for Cricut, join my Cricut Facebook Group for the most up to date code since it changes each quarter! Don’t forget to check out my social media sites below so we can be new craft besties!

Happy Crafting, Karley

Hello

I’m Karley

Have specific Cricut questions? Join Our Facebook Group!

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Cricut Explore Air 2 Giveaway

by Karley Hall

This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Update: This giveaway has ended and the winner, Kelly C., has been contacted and has claimed her prize! Congratulations!

I can’t believe it has been ONE year since I launched Karley Hall Creative. On July 3rd, 2019, I left my job at Cricut. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life. I remember that afternoon so clearly, leaving the office a complete blubbering mess thinking, “Did I just ruin my life?” Cricut, my coworkers, the machines, they all changed my life, but I knew that my dreams were so big and I was ready for the next chapter. Blogging, YouTubing, and teaching how to craft to anyone who would listen! I had nightmares, I cried, I regretted my decision. I thought that I would never be able to replace my income at Cricut and all those people who told me I wouldn’t make it… they would be right. Fast forward one year. 25k of you are subscribed to my YouTube channel. I not only replaced my income at Cricut, but I exceeded it. I have been fortunate to work with some of the biggest craft brands and have met the most amazing people. More importantly, I realized that following my dreams was much bigger than my paycheck. It’s the way I feel. I wake up each morning so blessed to be able to be here with you teaching you how to craft. I have the best support system and virtual cheerleaders cheering me on every day. I am so, so thankful for you being here, without you… this would not be possible. So as a big thank you, I want to giveaway a machine to help one of you follow your own dreams. Enter below and hopefully you will look back at this moment as page 1 in your crafting adventure!

Have Questions or want to connect!?

Happy crafting!

Karley

Hello

I’m Karley

Have specific Cricut questions? Join Our Facebook Group!

Join Now!

How to Make Hair Bows with Faux Leather

by Karley Hall

Faux Leather Bows Featured by Utah Cricut Craft Blogger Karley Hall_ Bows

This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

In this tutorial, I am going to share how to make these adorable hair bows (and 2 other styles) using Faux Leather from 651Vinyl!

Supply List:

Check out the full how to video!

Looking for the SVG mentioned in the video?

If you are looking for the SVG used in the tutorial– here it is! Agree to the terms and download the zipped folder. Once you unzip the folder, you can upload the SVG to Cricut Design Space. I recommend test cutting the file using paper to ensure you like the size. The size I used in the tutorial is 11.15″ x 7.3″

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By entering your email you will be subscribed to Karley Hall's email list and can INSTANTLY download this file. Your email will only be subscribed once and you may unsubscribe at any time. Image rights: Under no circumstances are you permitted to resell, give-away, or otherwise distribute any actual files associated with digital designs offered on KarleyHall.com. If you want to share the file, please direct them here! Privacy Policy: We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe. For questions, email karley@karleyhall.com

I agree to terms and conditions

If you need help with downloading the SVG, I have a few YouTube videos to help you out. If you are using an iOS device like an iPad or and iPhone, check out this video. Or if you are using a laptop/ computer check out this video.

Have Questions or want to connect!?

Thanks so much for checking out this tutorial!

Happy crafting!

Karley