Cricut Expressions machine? Anyone familiar?

[WriterofWords]

The Crochet Club has been such a big hit we are going to try doing scrapbooking in our 6th grade group and try and get family stories and pictures for them to make and bind a keepsake scrapbook.
I saw a Cricut Expessions machine at Wal Mart Sunday and it would sure save a lot of time and make the kid's books look nicer. Has anyone used one before and can tell me if it's worth it? I found one on Donorschoose but it was about 400 and the one at Wal Mart is less than 300, and I think they are the same machine. But I don't want to do a fund raiser and spend our money on something we may not be able to use.
Any ideas or pros and cons?
K

 

[TheReidHomestead]

I have the Cricut Create, which is a smaller version of the Expression. The expression allows you to slide in 12" wide paper/fabric/vinyl etc for cutting, the Create is only 6" wide. I only paid $99 for it on sale at Joann's. If you are into scrapbooking/stamping/quilting/glass etching and other crafty things, it is definently worth it in my opinion. It cuts a lot more than paper. My kids also use it a LOT of school projects such as posters. Also for 4-H, when they do their Public Presentations and posters for fair. If you go to the www.cricut.com website you can get more ideas on what this machine can do! Have fun!

 

[ChickenToes]

Oooh boy I want a Cricut! My MIL and I are thinking about splitting the cost of one and sharing it. I'm not really into scrapbooking, I want one because it can cut fabric, so I can make my own throw pillows and blankets with cute designs on them. Also, I want to make my own stencils for decorating around the house.

 

[WriterofWords]

Wow I didn't know they could do so much!

 

[seismic wonder2]

got one for my wife for christmas. It's really cool.
Also I got the "Sure Cuts A-Lot" software. Unless you want to pay $30.00 to $40.00 for each new set of cricut shapes the $70.00 for the software is worth it.
the software allows you to download almost any shape you want to cut out, VIEW IT on the computer screen than cut it. Being able to SEE what you're going to cut BERFORE you cut really helps.

 

[WriterofWords]

I'll have to check out the websites and see what we can find. I appreciate the input very much, I didn't know there were so many types of the these machines and the patterns and such!

 

[Krysstyllanthrox]

I have a Cricut Expression and love it.

HOWEVER, it is more expensive than just the machine; buying the machine from Walmart won't get you as much useability as you would like. The machine itself can't cut shapes, you have to have cartridges and can only cut the shapes on those cartridges. Each cartridge retails for around $80 for a full one and closer to $50 for a Solutions (not as many images) cartridge. No computer required with this method.

There is a 'bootleg' (not officially recognized by ProvoCraft and if they find out you have it it automatically voids your warranty) software called Sure Cuts A Lot 2 that is sold by Craft Edge that is about $70 bucks that allows you to use .svg files and true type fonts. There are tons of free true type fonts and many free .svg files out there. You must use a computer with the cricut to cut with SCAL.

I have a Cricut, about 4 cartridges, and SCAL2. My christmas present was a laptop to load SCAL2 on so that I can do all of my scrapbooking with it. I love it and sing its praises.

There are other die-cutting systems out there, though I am not familiar with them. There are also embossing systems out there.

I'm willing to answer any questions you have. PM me if you need.

 

[WriterofWords]

What's the main difference between the Cricut Expressions and just the Cricut machine? The website doesn't go into details!

 

[TheReidHomestead]

The main difference is the size. The Expression allows you to feed in 12" wide material, the smaller one only takes in 6" wide.

 

[WriterofWords]

oh ok, thank you!
ETA: I guess if I had read a little more closely you had answered that!