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While there are several electronic cutting systems available, I recommend and use the Cricut Expression $299. While the Wishblade and Pazzle machines will allow you to cut any shape, I found I didn't have the time or interest in designing my own shapes. But I have many friends who love the Silhoutte, since it will cut any font on your computer.
- Pazzle $499 -- hooks to your computer, you can design wonderful things with the pretty complicated software; you can purchase the CDs with images to work with.
- Wishblade $399 -- again, hooks to your computer, the software takes some getting used to.
- QuiKutz Silhouette $199 -- computer is required, but I think it has an option to store images on the unit, software is supposed to be easy to use; you can find free images on the internet.
- Personal Cricut $99 and new Cricut Create $199 -- computer is not required, but you have to purchase cartridges with fonts and images.
| The Cricut machine is an electronic device that cuts images using your paper. Individual cartridges allow you to cut images.
The Cricut machines come in a small size and a large size, and a new medium size:
- The smaller unit, Cricut Pesonal Cutter ($99), uses paper in a 6 x 12 size. Comes with 1 cartridge - George & Basic Shapes.
- The larger unit, Cricut Expression ($299), uses paper in a 12 x 12 size. Come with 2 cartridges - Plantin Schoolbook & Accent Essentials.
- Now Cricut makes a new machine called Cricut Create Personal Cutter ($199), it has the functionality of the larger unit, but it's more portable like the smaller unit. Comes with Don Juan cartridge.
If you check out cricut.com, you will find:
- a list of all the products from the machines, tools, cartridges, and accessories
- wonderful tutorials with tips & tricks showing you all about the machine and how to use it
- a community area with a message board, promotions, news, and sample projects
- locations of stores that carry their products
- faqs and knowledge base full of tips that you can search
You can also connect your computer to the Cricut. The software is called Design Studio. I love the following about the software:
- you can download a trial version for free (limits: you can only cut with the cartridges that come with the cricut machines, listed above -- unless you have a jukebox, then you just need to load one of those cartridges in the first spot!).
- allows you to see all the available cartridges (and mark the ones you have)
- you can see your layout what you want to cut
- save your work so you can re-use and share with others
- here's my summary of the features of this software
The cartridges let you cut fonts or shapes. Once you have several cartridges, you may want to get the Jukebox. It allows you to hook-up and store 6 cartridges inside. You can connect many JukeBoxes together so that all the cartridges are available to your machine. Works great with the Design Studio software -- you don't have to swap out the cartridges while you work!
- Ok, my new favorite deals are on CricutMachine.com, they have the Gypsy for only $89!
- Checkout Hallmark Scrapbook for specials, they include extra mats, extra cartridges, tools and sometimes free shipping in their deals.
- See CreativeXpress for deals on cartridges, that normally run $89, you can get them on save for $39. Sign-up for their emails.
- Another site is Scrapbook Farms, I've bought cartridges for sale on here too.
Another software that you can use with your Cricut, is called "Sure Cuts a Lot" ($90 MSRP). This software will let you cut with your Cricut, without using cartridges. You can cut using the fonts and images on your computer. Images can be converted to vector format using another software package called "Inkscape".
Now there's a new softtware program for the Cricut called "Make the Cut!" ($129.95 MSRP). What's nice about this software is that it combines the Sure Cuts a Lot features with the Inkscape compabilities all in one.
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