Author: Carolina Lara
Editor: Deb Ramsey
This time I would love to talk about Electronic Cutters. Now, many people have their opinions regarding the ease of use of this cute little robotic machine and others despise the use of them because they consider them cheats due to the assumption that little decorating skill is required to operate them.
Let's stop for a moment and truly think about this...
In order for you to work with an electronic cutter there has to be some technological background. In some cases your machine is not a stand alone device and if it is you may have the capability to use a computer and use a specially designed program to maximize the ability of the machine.
Now, if you use an electronic cutter, the software program is just as important as the machine. The program allows you to virtually cut anything you upload. But it's not that simple! You do have to follow some technical steps to achieve it. although, once the original design work is done, the program makes repeating the design a simple task. Yes, there I said it. Repeating it is "simple."
Let's elaborate..One of the many uses of an electronic cutter is to cut out words or fancy letters from an extensive letter bank.
Many of us have horrible handwriting and if you have seen my handwriting you would agree it may look like a 5 year old did it for me.
Let me create this scenario for you.. You have to write Happy Birthday and your choices are:
1. Piping
2. Tappits (Letter Cutters) or
3. An electronic cutter.
Now of course I'm choosing number three. These are the steps to complete:
- Decide on a font style on the virtual mat
- Figure out the size you need
- Cut with electronic cutter.
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| MTC Software allows you to visualize the image before cutting. |
That could take you over all 15 min. Now imagine you are going to apply the words to the cake and you realize it's to BIG or to SMALL! No problem just go back to the computer, re-size the words, cut and it's done in 5 min or less. As long as you know what your doing and know your program it should be relatively easy. It's a time saver and a more precise way of getting the job done!
Now to the real issue. Should a cake made with an electronic cutter be valued and recognized the same as a cake that did not? Does the machine require talent to use? Are you creative even when using an electronic cutter?
An electronic cutter is a tool just like a rolling pin vs. a sheeter, a brush vs. an air brush etc... it's efficient in speed and allows you to dedicate more time in those details that really matter. If you had no skill you would not be able to create a beautiful cake and that would not be the machines fault!
Many times people just buy the equipment and never unpack it because they don't know the technical part of using it to fulfill their fantastic ideas. Or, on the other hand, they are very technologically savvy but lack creativity to make it happen.
Now, I love shows where they dedicate a division just for the electronic cutters. I can still appreciate the art in it but also appreciate the craftmanship of a handmade piece and see the value of separating them.
However I don't underestimate the talent of a person who has to create something on a virtual mat using software and preparing them for cut. It takes time, effort, patience and creativity!
Useful links:
Tutorials on MTC Software for Cake Artists
Ready to cut frosting sheets"Cut N Frost" &
Zing electronic cutter with Make the Cut software available thru
www.photofrost.com Please mention Code CL5264
Make the Cut software only (NOT AVAILABLE FOR CRICUT)
Wow, thanks for this post, I learned from it. I follow your cakes on the Cake Theater. I love your stuff!
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