Overview
The Cricut Expression is able to cut a wide range of letters, numbers, shapes in a larger size than it's predecessor the Create and original personal cutter by Cricut. It is also able to cut a wide variety of materials (cardstock, chipboard, sheet magnet, foam, felt, balsa wood, vellum, cling vinyl, fabric and more); however using heavier materials may wear out the machine faster or even damage it.
The Cricut Expression is able to cut a wide range of letters, numbers, shapes in a larger size than it's predecessor the Create and original personal cutter by Cricut. It is also able to cut a wide variety of materials (cardstock, chipboard, sheet magnet, foam, felt, balsa wood, vellum, cling vinyl, fabric and more); however using heavier materials may wear out the machine faster or even damage it.
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| Cricut Expression, MSRP $249.99 |
As many people are not computer savvy, being able to draw and cut from a variety of shapes on pre-purchased cartridges is more desirable. However, there are those who can create their own designs, and therefore the Cricut product is limiting to them. Even though there is a limited connectivity to the computer through Cricut's DesignStudio software, cartridges are always needed to cut. Advantage Cricut - there are tonnes of graphics available, so there is not the 'requirement' for someone to sit and design their own graphics. Furthermore, DesignStudio allows users to manipulate all the graphics to their desired look (ie welding images, and letters together to become one image, stretching/slanting images, etc).
Another advantage of the Expression was the addition of features that allowed users to save paper, rather than waste it. An example of this is the autofill feature which allows users to fit as many units of a given image on one page as possible for cutting. Furthermore, the Expression increased the cutting area from 6" x 12" to a cutting mat that was 12" x 24". This allows for larger cuts.
What it does lack in comparison to the personal cutter and Create machines, is that it is not nearly as "portable". It is HUGE. So for those of you who enjoy going on retreats...you can bring it....it just will take a lot of room and a lot of lifting.What is fantastic about Cricut products is that the user has complete control over size of images, blade depth and pressure (for different thicknesses of paper), and cutting speed.
Another great benefit - Provocraft, the creators of Cricut, have FANTASTIC customer service. Their site is professional and eye-catching, yet simple and easy to navigate. Not only is it informative, but they have inspiration for your projects.
Pros:
- doesn't require a computer connection
- cartridges can be shared throughout the full line of Cricut Electronic cutting systems
- extensive selection of cartridges continuously being added to
Another great benefit - Provocraft, the creators of Cricut, have FANTASTIC customer service. Their site is professional and eye-catching, yet simple and easy to navigate. Not only is it informative, but they have inspiration for your projects.
Pros:
- doesn't require a computer connection
- cartridges can be shared throughout the full line of Cricut Electronic cutting systems
- extensive selection of cartridges continuously being added to
- included cartridges: Plantin Schoolbook, Accent Essentials
Cons:
- significantly expensive
- does not cut heavier materials such as metal, etc.
Cons:
- significantly expensive
- does not cut heavier materials such as metal, etc.
- does not pierce, emboss, etc.- the cost of purchasing cartridges to increase your library of shapes is expensive
Bottom Line
Overall, we have found Cricut machines to be the most popular among scrapbooking groups as they are extremely user friendly - especially if you don't like computers. The unit is best for those looking to only create scrapbook pages, projects and cards. However, there are better, less widely known, units available from other manufacturers.
