Need help deciding on Cricut

[Stitchnut]

Hey all you scrapbookers - I have been doing books for years and now have my eye on Cricut. I know next to nothing about it and almost bought one during a night of insomnia from a home shopping channel. I seriously could use tips, suggestions, etc. Do you feel it's worth the money? Thanks upfront, I'm behind all you scrapbook techies.

 

[GrumpyMom25]

It is definitely worth buying. I started out with the original Cricut and had it for over 2 years. I didn't think I needed to purchase the Expression buy recently bought the Pink E when Michael's had it on sale and LOVE it. I would go straight for the E. I bought my Cricut because I didn't want to have anything to do with my computer when it came to scrapping. And believe me ... if I can use a Cricut anyone can ... it's very easy to use. Right now scrapbookpal.com has the E for $269.99 which I believe is a pretty good price. I've also heard (may be a rumor tho) that M's is going to have the Pink E on sale again soon.

 

[logan&tylersmama]

yes it is worth it - i use mine almost every day
jennifer

 

[PamCo88]

i love my cricut. I have used it for a few pages but even more for making cards and toy pieces (made magnets) for my son. Get the Expression if you can afford it. The size options are better.

 

[Stitchnut]

Thank you for your input. It helps to hear what others think.:

 

[ArielsBFF]

I got my cricut when it first came out and I love it!! Buying it for the Disney Character sets makes it worth it alone. Say goodbye buying the Jolee character packs. You can make as many and whatever ones you want. The princess cartridges (2) have SOOO many bonuses. I would definitely recommend looking at the cricut website and browsing the cartiridges if you haven't already.

 

[SharonLovesMickey]

Once you own one you will wonder how you ever scrapbooked without it!!! I will say that many times the best stuff (as ArielsBFF said) is not even listed on the back of the box, but are the bonuses that are included.

For example, on the paper dolls cartridge there are some great icons like the great wall, a horse, and other cool things that you could use in a disney album or just about any other album, but they don't show them on the back of a box.

If you are undecided see if there is a local scrapbook store near you that rents cartridges and then take a look at the instruction book for a few cartridges. Then, use my 3 time rule...if you think about using a cartridge three times then you MUST need it.

 

[CarlisleMom]

I love my small cricut but just ordered the Expression fron HSN. I feel I need the bigger cutting area, especially since I cut things out for my daughters teachers. Good for more than scrapbooking. We have used it for school projects, greating cards, decorating gift bags, etc.


HSN is offering different packages. I got the machine, 4 carts, mats, color pens, DVD for less than $300. I created an account first - gets you an email with a code good for 15% off - think 1 item. Plus received free shipping on the machine. I also linked thru Upromise which will get me 5% in my DD 529 account!

 

[PollyannaMom]

.....If you are undecided see if there is a local scrapbook store near you that rents cartridges and then take a look at the instruction book for a few cartridges. Then, use my 3 time rule...if you think about using a cartridge three times then you MUST need it.

I can rent cartridges!? How come I didn't know this?


OP - I just got mine a few weeks ago (when ACM had the originals on deep sale) and I absolutely love it! (But if you've got the money to put in, the expressions do cut in more sizes.)

I've used it on scrapbook pages, cards, and even DS's "specials" schedule for school (which days they have music, art, etc.)

DH was even impressed with it. (My cricut will apparently be doing some crossover work in poster letters for the Lodge.)

It came with one cartridge, and I got another on eBay - brand new and much cheaper than store price. You just need to be a little patient.

And don't hesitate to just experiment a little after you get it! Grab some card stock you don't care about, and just play.

Also, it seems to like card stock better than thinner paper, but you just need to adjust the speed and pressure wheels when you want to do thinner.

I'd definitely say buy it!

 

[Stitchnut]

Thanks again everyone for your vote of confidence in the product and the good tips. I'm excited