Die-Cut Review | Cricut Create

Overview


The Cricut Create is a great machine for cutting out letters, numbers and shapes without the aid of a computer - great for those who are not so computer savvy!  These die-cuts can be used to make insane scrapbook pages, cards and other crafts.

Cricut Create Die-Cutting Machine MSRP $269.99

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.


Like other Cricut Electronic Die-Cutting machines, the Create is a completely cartridge dependant system.  Therefore, it is up to you if you want to use a computer with the Design Studio software or not.  However, unlike other machines, you will always need a cartridge - even if you have the computer based Design Studio software.  Therefore, this adds to a users cost of scrapbooking as it is required that they 'own' the images they are cutting.


Some great features available to Cricut Create users:


- ability to adjust size and weld letters, images together, or blend images from different cartridges
- portability (although it is larger and heavier than other 'portable' products on the market)
- works independently of a computer
- not only cuts but can draw too
- cuts material such as cardstock, chipboard, vinyl, and sheet magnet


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:
- somewhat portable and light weight
- 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


Cons:
- significantly expensive
- does not cut metal, 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.