Hello: I'm new to this board and just starting to do cards and mini photo albums. I have seen an infomercial on the cricut. If you could buy machine you wanted what would you buy and why? Do I need something like this to make cards and mini albums? Thanks for the help and info.

Hi ggnok,,I am getting a cricut from santa thats how much i want a criccut! LOL
Alot of girls here have one and seem to really like them.

You don't NEED one but they sure do make it easier.

I own the hand cranked variety - a Sizzix, a BigShot, and the Sidekick. Reason? I like making a variety of embellishments from different materials other than paper media or thin film. I can cut embellishments out of plastics, cork, thin metals, magnet, thin wood, and more. An electronic cutter can't do that. But then on the other hand, an electronic cutter saves on space because you use a cartridge full of images instead of collecting dies.

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I have the cricut. I got a pretty good deal at $145. I have the small one, but I really like it. The things you can do with the cricut are endless. I like to watch the scrapbooking show on BYU, and they show you some pretty cool things with all sorts of products.

What is BYU?

Welcome!! I love my cricut!! I too have the smaller one and it is by far the best scrappy purchase I've ever made!!!!! I love it! I got mine on QVC when they had the easy pay option...where you get to pay for it in 5 payments. Mine came with 2 carts (cuttin' up and printing press), 2 mats, 2 blades, the cricut markers, and the machine. My fave cart by far is Storybook though. Not only does it have fonts, but all sorts of flourishes and things. Love it! Good luck!

I have the cricut and absolutely love it. If you don't mind spending the money on the cartridges, then you will love it. It does become a bit pricey when you are buying the cartridges - have to keep on the lookout for deals. But I rarely do a layout or card that I don't use mine.

If money is not a problem, I would definately go for the cricut expression. I've had both and absolutely love the more things I can do with the larger onee.

When i first started scrapbookin' i could not figure out why so many had at least acouple of the cuttin' machines, I didn't know anyone who did scrapbookin', but my SIL from out of town mentioned that Sissix was what she had so...I started w/ Sissix, then added the Cuttlebug, then onward to the Cricut...and I use all of them - like everyone else. My opion is if $ is a consideration, i'd start w/ a cuttlebug - if not, Cricut is great, the best for me, but the cartridges & replacement parts are more expensive. But they are gettin' cheaper! I would recommend goin' online checkin' out what you would use most, checkin' prices, etc. I believe for small cards, stuff, the cricut only cuts down to an inch.? right girls? For smaller alphabet's & number's i finally went out and bought the punches, they come in sets. Also, Cricuts are not always good w/ the coupons in the stores, but they are makin' cheaper cartridges. Boy, i think i really know what i'm talkin' about lol.......

Shimmerin Star I agree with what you said.

Just a note, the cricut expression will cut down to 3/4 "

thanks i didn't know that.......

Cricuts are great but, if you're more computer savvy you can get a Wishblade or Sillouette I've heard that there are websites where people trade files to cut. You can also download different images to cut. So that's a great option for you if you don't want to buy cartridges. Cricuts you have to buy cartridges for them to work. There are lots of great sales on carts though so I think both are great. I love my cricut I can cut out like 50 flowers in one page and my hands don't hurt! lol! Unlike the old days when I would cut them out by hand-yikes! Also when you are doing crafting like for a big event or invitations it really comes in handy. And letters-you will never have to buy a chipboard letter or sticker letter again!

Crisa - I agree with you totally.

I have a craft robo (wishblade). High learning curve, but there are tons of files out there. You can do pretty cool stuff, you can download fonts and cut whatever you want. Once you get through the cost of the machine--you don't have to buy anything else. I don't like using the same fonts and same diecuts over and over again, so I like being able to cut something a little more unique.

Personally--if you're just starting out--I think I'd stick to buying some stickers and stamps before making a big investment. You don't really 'need' any of these things unless you really get into it and want to save a little $ on embellishments by making your own.

Jess

I too have the small cricut. Got it from Santa last year. Hope he brings me cartridges this year.

Where do you get a cuttlebug and do you have to continue to but things to go with it like the cricut>

Marie

A cuttlebug is a manual die cut machine...and rather than cartridges, it takes dies.

deciding on a die cut system can be a tough decision...don't rush it...take your time and research various machines & decide on your budget.

I made my decision on the cricut because: I like portability, don't want to be hooked to a computer, I only cut paper/cardstock, space is an issue (small home), it has a very low learning curve, a variety of sizes in each cartridge, and the cartridges hold a lot of shapes without taking up a lot of room. (as compared to the thick Sizzix dies)

That was my decision...it works for me, but it's not the right answer for everyone....

choices, choices, choices....wait a year, and there will probably be more options/machines.