So What Is Wrong With Cricket Cake?

Decorating By CHoxie Updated 8 Nov 2010 , 12:53am by steffiessweet_sin_sations

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CHoxie Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 8:26pm
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Yesterday I went to my local Michaels store and saw the Cricket Cake on sale for $149.00. What is wrong with this picture? Is it that bad, or is something new coming out and they are trying to get rid of the old stuff? If I knew i would use the Cricket Cake, I would run right out and buy one, but now I wonder.....

40 replies
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brincess_b Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 8:43pm
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its that it was sold as 'any idiot can make gorgeous cakes' but then it was more like 'welllll, any idiot that knows how to use gumpaste and fondant, has a lot of patience for trial and error, cause, you know, it might be a little tougher than our marketing led you to believe'.
xx

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blissfulbaker Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 9:05pm
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I agree with brincess_b, your money would be better spent on cutters or a class. I bought the thing and hate it. It is sitting in my basement. Every time I look at it I want to stomp on it and kick myself for wasting my hard earned money on it. It works nothing like it is advertised. There are lots of tutorials here on CC with tips on how to use it, but that is not how it was marketed and that is what makes me so angry. It is not as easy as rolling out some fondant or gum paste, slapping it on the mat and feeding it through the machine. It takes a lot of trial and error and A LOT of TIME. I am much quicker with my old fashioned cutters.

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blissfulbaker Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 9:10pm
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I agree with brincess_b, your money would be better spent on cutters or a class. I bought the thing and hate it. It is sitting in my basement. Every time I look at it I want to stomp on it and kick myself for wasting my hard earned money on it. It works nothing like it is advertised. There are lots of tutorials here on CC with tips on how to use it, but that is not how it was marketed and that is what makes me so angry. It is not as easy as rolling out some fondant or gum paste, slapping it on the mat and feeding it through the machine. It takes a lot of trial and error and A LOT of TIME. I am much quicker with my old fashioned cutters.

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pmarks0 Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 9:14pm
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They're selling them for $249 up here in Canada too. I heard that Michaels is discontinuing selling them. They're selling off the accessories at a discount as well.

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tiggy2 Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 9:16pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blissfulbaker

I agree with brincess_b, your money would be better spent on cutters or a class. I bought the thing and hate it. It is sitting in my basement. Every time I look at it I want to stomp on it and kick myself for wasting my hard earned money on it. It works nothing like it is advertised. There are lots of tutorials here on CC with tips on how to use it, but that is not how it was marketed and that is what makes me so angry. It is not as easy as rolling out some fondant or gum paste, slapping it on the mat and feeding it through the machine. It takes a lot of trial and error and A LOT of TIME. I am much quicker with my old fashioned cutters.


It actually is that easy if you use the right product and prepare it the correct way. That's not to say their advertising wasn't deceptive. The machine itself works just fine if you follow Linda McClures procedures (she invented the concept of using electronic cutters with gum paste).

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yummy_in_my_tummy Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 9:36pm
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I think they are going to sell the Martha Stewart version of the Cricut Cake. They're not discontinuing the product, just changing it to have Martha's name on it. I have Cricut on my FB page so I get updates, class info, etc.

I got my Cricut for my birthday in September and I LOVE that thing. Other than using it for cakes, I'm also making my Christmas cards this year and cutting tons of pieces for my family tree thumbs_up.gif

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NatalieC923 Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 10:01pm
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I can only report on my experience - I took my Cricut out of the box, rolled out gumpaste according to the instructions (pretty thin), and cut a beautiful 5" intricate scroll pattern on my first try. I've since used it to cut a pretty detailed iron fence pattern out of black fondant with tylose mixed in. This wasn't as easy as the gumpaste because the fondant was much softer, but I froze it between cuts and that seemed to work pretty easy. Of course I do live in Denver with no humidity, so that may be a factor...

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blissfulbaker Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 10:34pm
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In response to tiggy2, the machine should work according to the directions it came with. I don't think I should have to spend more money on Linda McClure's DVD's. I was not as fortunate to have it work straight from the box. I have quite a bit of caking experience but no Cricut experience prior to purchasing the cake machine. I watched Carrie Biggers sell the machines on HSN and decided to purchase it. She claimed it would work with fondant but never mentioned adding tylose to it. I have had better luck with it using gum paste but I think my money would have been better spent on other caking supplies. Remember, in order to get all the different cut outs that Linda McClure shows on her cakes, you must also purchase many different cartridges (and unless you find them on sale they can be as high as $85 each). Again, I think MY money could have been better spent on other caking supplies or classes at Wilton (I live about 15 minutes from the school and headquarters). However, other CC's have had good luck and many others have not been as fortunate. For the price it should work for everyone equally as well. After all, Cricut did market it people with very little or no caking experience.

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grandmomof1 Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 10:43pm
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I also bought mine from HSN and sent it back to HSN. I used the nasty paper tasting icing sheets that came with it and my machine ate them up, made my own fondant. Anyway, when I got my credit back I purchased several cutters and silicone molds and love them.

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mommynana Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 10:55pm
post #11 of 41

my DH just bought me one for my birthday last week, he bought it at ac moore, they saw him comming he paid $400 when i saw it on my table i said , i love u for it, i appreciate it but it`s going back, i was`t going to have him pay $400 for a machine after hearing a lot of negative things about it

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blissfulbaker Posted 2 Nov 2010 , 11:46pm
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grandmomof1, you were very smart to send it back. I was convienced I could get it to work like they demo'd on HSN, Now it is too late and it sits in my basement. It was an expensive lesson, I should have sent it back the next day.

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Karen421 Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 12:12am
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Every tool isn't for every one. I personally love mine and would not trade it for anything. I find it very easy to use, but it did take practice. icon_smile.gif

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Ivy383 Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 12:15am
post #14 of 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karen421

Every tool isn't for every one. I personally love mine and would not trade it for anything. I find it very easy to use, but it did take practice. icon_smile.gif




Same here icon_biggrin.gif

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neelycharmed Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 12:22am
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I am happy with my buy, the only thing is that I dont have much time to play with it ... But when I do use it, its great! icon_smile.gif
Jodi icon_smile.gif

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tiggy2 Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 1:00am
post #16 of 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by blissfulbaker

In response to tiggy2, the machine should work according to the directions it came with. I don't think I should have to spend more money on Linda McClure's DVD's. I was not as fortunate to have it work straight from the box. I have quite a bit of caking experience but no experience prior to purchasing the cake machine. I watched Carrie Biggers sell the machines on HSN and decided to purchase it. She claimed it would work with fondant but never mentioned adding tylose to it. I have had better luck with it using gum paste but I think my money would have been better spent on other caking supplies. Remember, in order to get all the different cut outs that Linda McClure shows on her cakes, you must also purchase many different cartridges (and unless you find them on sale they can be as high as $85 each). Again, I think MY money could have been better spent on other caking supplies or classes at Wilton (I live about 15 minutes from the school and headquarters). However, other CC's have had good luck and many others have not been as fortunate. For the price it should work for everyone equally as well. After all, did market it people with very little or no caking experience.


Linda actually uses very few cartridges. You can get Make The Cut software for less then the cost of most cartridges and use images from anywhere. I search the internet and images for most anything I want.

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MBAbakesCakes Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 1:02am
post #17 of 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karen421

Every tool isn't for every one. I personally love mine and would not trade it for anything. I find it very easy to use, but it did take practice. icon_smile.gif




Me too! I love mine. Took me a while to break open the box due to all I'd read on here but it did an awesome job from the first moment and I was hooked!
I do personally recommend that while Michael's has the stuff so discounted to purchase plenty of the mats. Before starting I roll out my fondant colors that I'll need on the mats and prepare them, then have them sitting in the freezer waiting. I use regular MMF made with the easy recipes on here and it works perfectly when frozen. Once I cut I put it back in the freezer for just a few minutes so there isn't a chance of tearing intricate designs when removing. When decorating with cutters I tend to have such chaos of stuff laying around- this is so much easier to me because I only need the Cricut machine sitting there.
To those who hate the taste of the Cricut brand sheets- they basically bond to your icing or fondant covering on the cake so it doesn't matter if they're tasteless. I love them and wish they made more colors. While they're discounted, I've stocked up!

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tiggy2 Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 1:57am
post #18 of 41

I use the flexible cutting mats from the $ store to put my rolled medium on until I'm ready to cut it then transfer to the cricut mat. Much cheaper the buying a lot of cricut mats icon_smile.gif

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srkmilklady Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 2:23am
post #19 of 41

They came out with a new Cricut Cake Mini this week...so that is why I think they have discounted the original one. It has probably been discontinued.

The mini is supposed to sell for $199. so if you can find the original for less than that, it would be worth it for those that might be interested in purchasing one.

Like MBAbakesCakes, I bought mine a while ago and because of all the negative comments, mine is still sitting in the box! icon_redface.gif

Hopefully, one day I'll get the urge to open it.

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Molly2 Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 2:23am
post #20 of 41

I got a cricut cake for my Birthday last month and love it. Linda McClure's is on youtube and gives instruction on how to roll your gum paste and use this machine Im very happy with my circut.

Molly icon_smile.gif

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MBAbakesCakes Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 2:49am
post #21 of 41

srkmilklady- I'm rolling laughing at your avatar- very cute!

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srkmilklady Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 3:33am
post #22 of 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by MBAbakesCakes

srkmilklady- I'm rolling laughing at your avatar- very cute!




Thanks...I do love cake... icon_biggrin.gif

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melindak30 Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 4:38am
post #23 of 41

I want to kick myself everytime I look at the box. Doesn't perform anything like was claimed. SAVE your time and money!!

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srkmilklady Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 4:45am
post #24 of 41

Cricut cake mini tutorial...




Looks so easy!! icon_rolleyes.gif

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madgeowens Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 5:35am
post #25 of 41

I absolutely love my cricut cake.....I think you need to learn how to use it like anything electronic....and once you get the hang of it ...you will love it too...some don't pop it in the freezer, but for me thats the way I do it, and it works great...whatever works for you in your environment is what you need to do, too much moisture in the air can make things sticky and that goes for cricut materials too....this is why I always chill it so its nice and firm....this is what they say in the video from cricut as well....good luck if you get it, I love mine icon_smile.gif........oh but I hate their sheets....they crack and taste horrible

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cake_architect Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 6:27am
post #26 of 41

i really wish people wouldn't say such negative things about the cricut cake- i have had mine since it came out and i absolutely love it. you may have had trouble with it, but don't discourage everyone else from owning one! my cricut cake works amazing and like many have said, i don't know what i'd do without it now! if you're one of the people who hasn't bothered to take your cricut out of the box, don't be scared to do it now! everyone is different, it may become your best friend if you just give it a chance =D

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shearpamela Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 3:31pm
post #27 of 41

It was not as difficult as I expected, I also had success my first try and I am pretty new to fondant and had zero Cricut experience. I learned about the Cricut here at CC, not through Provocraft advertising.
I recommend the software as suggested in place of $$$ cartridges too, and you tube has a lot out there, including Linda McClure demonstrating her techniques and tips.
I used gum-paste rolled to 5 with KA pasta roller:
Speed - 1
Pressure - 3
Deep Cutting Blade - 5
She recommends letting the gum-paste "cure" for a while, covered to keep from drying out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpq_bXhD3c4&feature=mfu_in_order&playnext=1&videos=IfE7tw0D414


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhl50MMcyU0&feature=mfu_in_order&playnext=1&videos=0qiqz7jOJ64

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shearpamela Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 3:36pm
post #28 of 41
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grandmomof1 Posted 3 Nov 2010 , 3:45pm
post #29 of 41

In reference to manda_estrada's comment. I am really glad you like your cricut. I hate to see people spend that much money on something and really hate it like I did. Mine even came with the icing sheets and I thought they tasted like paper. I asked my husband to taste them and he spit it out. I would not want those things on any of my cakes. I made my fondant, gumpaste, placed in the freezer etc., adjusted the settings, even put crisco on the blade. I feel money spent on specific cutters would be more justified. The question was, what is wrong with the cricut cake. Everyone has an opinion. You love yours and I hated mine.

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madgeowens Posted 4 Nov 2010 , 1:23am
post #30 of 41

Yeah I use sure cuts alot.....so I dont hae to pay 90.00 per cartridge.....its great...love my cricut icon_smile.gif

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