All About the Cricut

katrina6666 says:

I had the same question.

I did the research and decided to by a machine that cuts GSD files. Mine is called a silhouette. I can buy files in A CD format ( like a Cricut cartridge of themed items…) or I can design my own or I can buy off online OR best part… I can find for free online!!!!

I just bought mine before Christmas for about $150. It does require a computer ( cricuts don’t). Otherwise the cost to operate will run you about the same ( except you wont have to buy 50 dollar cartridges for each new theme of items to “cut”) You will have to buy blades and mats as needed.

There is a yahoo group for silhouette users and one for wishblades ( another kind of cutter) and one for gazelles ( another kind of more powerfu cutter… can cut chipboard) I did the research and found the silhouette was for me. You can join the groups ( most anyway) and do research on each one for yourself and decide) ((PS there are even more cutters out there but I’m not well versed in them so I won’t mention them here….)

GOOD luck and happy scrappin….

The SD is going to have limited memory. The chat clubs I’m with aren’t so sure it’s going to be much better than the Silhouette regular ( which is going for much cheaper!) My own opinion!

bexsie says:

First Q: DO YOU HAVE THE MONEY FOR IT? Bc if you dont, dont risk it. Its a lot of $ for it. Not to mention the cartridges that range from $49.99 (when on sale) to $89.99, the mats that it needs to hold paper while it cuts (the bigger mats for C.E are more $) you need the tools (the spatula-helps to remove the cut out)

I own the Original Cricut (& honestly I have only bought 3 cartridges!!). Ive had it for 2 years now. You can check eBay to see if you can find deals. Local stores like Michaels, JoAnns etc DONT TAKE COUPONS FOR Cricut ITEMS! Dont be fooled! Ppl say that they do, but they dont! You either get it on sale or regular price.

Is it worth it? I would think so. There is so much you can now do with them. Its shocking the size. I think it goes up to 23 1/2 inches!!!!!!!!! Thats huge. Not to mention, you can now do home decor with it. Such as cutting out Vinyl & using it for different things (phrases etc)

Stores like WalMart have the Cricut Expression & Original (& a few other Cricut items) very cheap in price.

What I find convinient is that you can no have all the cut out shapes in ONE die. Perfect! Not having to store away so many die blocks. What I think is the downside: You cant cut out multiple shapes *using the same die* like the Sizzix. W/ Sizzix you can cut out a stack of paper & the same shape will go through.

Also depends on how much usage you will put into it. If its mb once in a great while…why spend so much on it? If you are going to use it A LOT & have a budget that you dont have to worry about it…go for it!

But other wise if your budget isnt so great, & arent sure about if you will use it a lot…you might want to try the Original or the Cricut Create (around $200)

There are other die cutting machines out there besides the Cricut. I personally believe that it has become over rated already (hence why the price is still sky rocket!). People feel like this is the ONLY die cutter everyone should get. Look into the personal die cutters & see what meets YOUR needs.

Good luck!