Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Cricut Cartridge, Wild Card- Table of Contents and Overview


I have had the Cricut cartridge, "Wild Card" for several years and while it isn't my go-to cartridge when I make the quick card, I certainly have enjoyed working with it.  As with most of the card-centric Cricut cartridges, Wild Card takes a while to get familiar with.  Because the projects are so very detailed, expect to do a few rough drafts before you get the final product.  But once you get it right, you will be pleased with your creations.

Here are a few tips before you get started:
  • Use scratch paper for your first pass (a single sided pattern is best - see next tip).  I wasted many sheets of nice paper while I was still in my learning curve. 
  • Use single sided pattern paper for all of your envelope test cuts and take note which side needs to face upwards on your mat when you cut the layers for your envelope.
  • If you want to have a pattern on the outside of the envelope and a pattern on the inside then you will have to use the flip function for one of the cuts.
  • Make sure you cut your envelope before you cut your card.  You don't want to cut your card at the largest size possible and then not be able to cut an envelope large enough for the card to fit inside.
  • Use the "fit to page" function to find out the largest size the envelope can be cut.  You will want to jot that size down so when you cut the card you can turn off the "fit to page" feature and enter the same measurement as you used for the envelope.
  • Cut both the envelope and the liner with regular scrapbook paper instead of cardstock so the envelope isn't too bulky. Bulkiness will distort the creases and the overall shape. 
  • Make sure you write down all your notes when you cut out card projects. You should write the size inside of your cartridge handbook so the next time you want to make the card you already know the largest measurement option. Write down which layers need to be flipped when you work with pattern paper. This is a fabulous practice to get into when ever you use your Cricut but with project and card cartridges, it is especially important.
Wild card really has a lot to offer if you take the time to look at it closely.  I don't know about you, but I have a tendency to overlook many of the features on project-specific cartridges because I am looking at the primary content.  Wild Card offers cards and envelopes plus 2 phrases, 2 icons, a liner, a blackout for both the card and the envelope and an upper and lower case alphabet for each key/ handbook page.


The frames can be used in a variety of ways other than with the cards.  They are darling and really versatile.
I like the phrases also! They are relevant and practical and they come in nice fonts too. 
The blackouts are a great but, again, beware of bulkiness.  With each layer of paper, the fold expands.  This will prevent your outside layer edges from lining up with your inner layer edges.
The font is really pretty but I think I could only use it if the letters were welded together. 
Actually, I'm hoping you can help me with this.  I have such a hard time using cursive letters individually.  I find that the angles and sizes do not mesh when I am putting them together to create a word.  Do you run into this problem?  How do you keep your words and titles looking neat and purposeful when you lay cursive letters down individually?

Below is a list of all of the images and phrases on this cartridge with their page numbers.  If you find any errors in the spreadsheet, please let me know so I can correct it. If you would like to share this information on your blog, instead of copy and pasting this info, please paste a link to my site.

5 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this information as I have this cartridge along with many and haven't touched the surface of what it can do.

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  2. I can not believe the amount of work you have done, and this isn't even the first cartridge you have done. Thanks so much

    1 I bought this cart eons ago and I do not think I have done anything with it ezcept redeem the points.

    Now to go and use it!!!

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  3. Thank you so much for sharing this information! I don't have the Wild Card Cartridge but now you have made me want to get it!! Happy New Year!!

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  4. It is just so great of you to share all of this awesome info with us!! I love your blog and will be coming back to it quite frequently for inspiration and for reference! Thanks again!!

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  5. What is your go-to cartridge for making quick cards?

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