Silhouette or Cricut?

[MrsDopey]

I am having a REAL hard time deciding which to get!
Can someone who has used both point me in a direction?
Or even if you havent used both what are the pros/cons of each?

THANKS SO MUCH
Melissa in CT

 

[aroyer]

Well I don't have both, just the Cricut. So I can give you the scoop on it. I also should mention that I have the Expression (the larger Cricut) so my experiences and recommendations are based on that. I think the one downfall the Cricut has is having to buy cartridges. That being said, it can cut up to 24" (I have never actually cut that large, probably 10" has been my max), it has an LCD screen that shows you what you are about to cut, all kinds of cool features like fit to page, quantity (use this a lot). One of the most important things for me was the ease of use. Literally I took it out of the box and once I got the blade in place I was off and running. I skimmed the user manual to get the jist and to make sure I wasn't missing anything important and I was cutting like crazy! I use it for not only scrapbooking and cardmaking, but also for gifts, DD's school projects, party decorations and more. Good luck in your decision!

 

[TiggerFamily]

I have both Cricuts and love them both. I've never used a Silhoutte and have no interest in one. My heart belongs to my bugs.

 

[KerTggr]

I have both the little bug and a Wishblade (the xyron version of the silohette). It really depends on how computer savvy you are and what you want to do. If you just want to cut out titles and shapes from cartridges, go with the bug. I got the Wishblade because I have a TON of fonts on my computer I wanted to cut.

 

[Disneynut4ever]

I don't have either but want to know the details...


I thought the Silhouette would be better, because you don't need to buy cartridges. Is this true? Is it easy to just use the computer to find lettering and pictures, or are the cartridges really the better option?

 

[KerTggr]

I don't have either but want to know the details...


I thought the Silhouette would be better, because you don't need to buy cartridges. Is this true? Is it easy to just use the computer to find lettering and pictures, or are the cartridges really the better option?

It depends on:
1) how much time you want to devote to learning up front
2) how much money you want to spend in the long run
3) if you care about warranties
4) how mobile you want the solution to be

Regarding #1 above (learning time), the Silhouette will take you slightly longer to learn - even if you are comfortable on the computer and most image applications. If you just want to get something that you pull out of the box and start cutting - go with Cricut. However, a little bit of time up front and you can really start manipulating files and making new files for use.

Regarding #2 above (money), the Silhouette may be cheaper if you already have a lot of computer fonts. If not, you can still obtain these. Additionally there are some software solutions which bypass the need for cartridge when hooking to your computer. However these are all not supported by Provo Craft and thus voids your warranty (see #3 above).

Regarding #4 above (mobile), unless you have a laptop and a lot of space at crops, the Silhouette is not a mobile solution. This is the main reason I bought a cricut (as I often go to a friend's house to do my day-to-day album). When I go on other crops, for which I plan pages, or am scrapping at home, I never use my cricut. I always use my wishblade and love it.

One other thing to consider is that the wishblade & silhouette use up a bit more of your cardstock supply... I am not a scrap fiend - if large enough I usually just throw in a box and donate to my friend's class supply box (she is a teacher), or throw in the recycle bin. I know other people here on the boards love to use their scraps and really appreciate the paper save option on the cricut...

HTH! If you have any specific Q's on the silhouette, let me know & I will answer as best I can.

 

[cruisindisney]

I love my Silhouette. It allows me to cut any font I want and I've used it to cut out Disney fonts for my pages which makes me very happy. I haven't played much with cutting out shapes, but I know the ones it came with cut very nicely.

I decided against the cricut because I wanted to be able to cut whatever I wanted without having to buy a new font everytime.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mrs.Charming]

With the third party software Sure Cuts A Lot you can cut true type fonts and dingbats on the Cricut!

 

[labdogs42]

I vote for a Cricut. I had a Wishblade and after fighting with the thing for over a year I decided to sell it and get the Cricuts (yes, I have both sizes). With the SCA software, your bug can do what a WB or Silouhette can do. The mats and blades for Cricuts are also much less expensive (and accessible) than supplies for the other cutters.

 

[JandJ]

I vote for a Cricut. I had a Wishblade and after fighting with the thing for over a year I decided to sell it and get the Cricuts (yes, I have both sizes). With the SCA software, your bug can do what a WB or Silouhette can do. The mats and blades for Cricuts are also much less expensive (and accessible) than supplies for the other cutters.

This is what put me over the edge to get the Cricut instead of the Wishblade or Silhouette - the SCA software, portability of the bug, and ease of use. To be honest, I haven't used SCA very much at all yet but DH has created some detailed vector graphics and it cuts those beautifully! You can also find free vector graphics on-line. I'm looking forward to cutting words with the fonts I already have too, especially the Disney fonts.

 

[MrsDopey]

Thanks everyone for their opinions!
I have to say every one really is good at "selling" what they like!

I already have a revolution and sizzix and TONS of dies. But I think for now I am going to go with the Silhouette. ( I have $150 in store credit at a local sb store- from doing a tag sale there)
I dont remember who said that Cricut items were easier to find and cheaper, but that isnt a factor for me. Actually QK items are easier for me to get since i work at a scrapbook store that sells the entire line. I dont have a Jo's, Mike's or AC Moore within less than 25 miles of me.

I have a ton of fonts on my computer and dont really have the need for "clip art" kind of things that are on the cricut cartridges.
Qk has REALLY good directions on the website, so hopefully I will be able to figure it out.
As for portability- I have a laptop IF i want to bring it with me.
I am ok with cutting at home and adhering later!
Who knows- Christmas is only 6 months away- that might be the time for a cricut!

 

[logan&tylersmama]

Who knows- Christmas is only 6 months away- that might be the time for a cricut!

WELL PUT!!! you can never have too many scrapbooking tools!!!
Jennifer - also in CT

 

[MrsDopey]

Jennifer-
Where in CT are you!??

 

[disneydreamer98]

I LOVE my Cricut and I do not know how I scrapbooked before without it! All of the Disney carts they have available are a huge added bonus!