Is there a way to put up crown molding without doing the miter cuts? I have been told that there are "cheaters" - something that you put in the corners as decorative pieces so the molding has a straight cut and is butted up to the corner piece. If so, where can they be found?

I believe you'll find pre-made corner pieces at the home improvement stores. You can also make something to do the job using wood blocks and cutting bevels, etc. on them.

Recently I installed the pre-formed crown molding. The installation went very well. The inside and outside corners needed a little carving to fit the wall corners but after it was all painted the project looked great. I have installed wood crown molding and this was way too easy.