Craft Edge

What do you think I am doing wrong?
Tried to cut about 12 smallish images-loaded paper and cut via DS.
Went back and used Cricut markers after hitting load again. Design on some ok, some off cutting marks in parts of image.
Did again using mini gel pens and grip. Now about 1/4" off all designs.
Only pushed Cricut buttons to load and unload.
Did the cut first method due to seeing a U-tube that recommended it.
Help pls!!

You aren't unloading the mat are you? Sounds like on the second time you might have bumped the carriage when you were changing over to the pen. Not sure what might have happened the first time. Anyway, be really careful not to move the carriage (it's not easy)

Don't unload between cutting and using the pens. Just hit cut in SCAL and it will move the pen to the top. Also make sure you don't move the pen holder carriage when you load the pens. There is an excellent video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/CustomCrops.

Hope this helps

Hi-thnx for inputs--youtube video excellent--good hints--(using multi-cut on marker part, and glossy paper, lower pressure for pen.)
Just did again and forgot to lower pressure so pen point squashed--oops..
Plus only glossy paper I have is white, so that limits things...
I haven't been unloading paper between cut/draw attempts, but no doubt was bumping as I tried to get gel pen with fat grip in...my husband thinks it is a mistake to squash it in that it will loosen the black holder part. Now I am afraid of busting it and looking for a good buy on the holders, but boy are they expensive (separate for micro mini, sharpie, gel pens=3....) and I just got lots of gel grips.
If I leave the gel grips as they are meant to be used, they don't fatten it up enough. If I double it is really fat and I have to agree won't do anything nice to the holder....
Latest attempt following all inputs looks good--thnx for help

How about adding some duct tape or electrical tape to the gel grip so that it is just snug? Also, I find that if I press Load Paper that it returns the blade carriage to the start and I am less likely to move it by accident.

Heather-is this what you do or do you use a special holder or does it fit fine with your style gel tips? Thx-

We have so much electrical tape, I used that since it was available. (Shhh...don't tell my hubby ) I only used it on one pen since I haven't done much with the pens and markers, certainly not enough to spend a lot of money for a holder. If I used them a lot, I might consider it though.

Heather-thnx for admission! Am looking for cheap way to get holder-would be nice to not worry about damaging black grippy thing that holds it and know I am not hurting it. Though I think I may very well "borrow" some tape from workshop and try, try again....those holders are costly.