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Post by scrapcat on Feb 7, 2022 20:57:46 GMT
I feel like we are going thru something in scrapbooking, seeing everyone talk about Basic Grey and older lines, finding it at garage sales. It's like the "what's old is new again", like happens in fashion.
I just want to share my excitement at resurrecting my Cricut Expression 2.
I had a baby Cricut, I had it early, maybe 2005/6?! I received a Cricut Expression 2 in about 2010ish?! with a Gypsy, I think it was a deal through QVC or somewhere like that. Then I abandoned paper crafting for a bit. When I got back into it I had moved and bought a Silhouette Portrait because I like the idea of using software and not messing with cartridges and all that. My baby Cricut stayed in my garage and I finally donated it thinking I wouldn't use it. But I hung onto a lot of my cartridges. Fast-forward years, I had left my Expression at my parents house for a long while and after moving some things around in my studio decided to get it back again. Yesterday, I hauled a container of cartridges back in from the garage and started playing with it again. I really miss and love the simplicity of just cutting from a cartridge and not messing with a computer! I figured out the Gypsy seems to be shot, tried all ways to reset it, but no go, so will probably get rid of that.
But in a couple minutes, I had cut a couple cute slide cards I can use in my storyline chapters books, and some letters just seeing if it worked. I went thru and set aside more of the kid-related cartridges as I don't have much use for them (may be off loading soon and will post here first). But I forgot how much stuff they would include on the cartridges, and I think they were even more generous with the earlier ones giving all kinds of shadows and outlines. I am excited to use it again and reduce my need to buy stickers/embellishments/diecuts. Maybe it's bcz I am in front of a computer all day, I appreciate not having to use it when scrapping.
Anyone still use the older machines? Is there a point at which I have to update the firmware? I am wondering if it will keep working, hope so. That's one thing I still have to locate is the usb cord.
Tell me all of your "old is new again" stories.
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Post by jjpeapea on Feb 7, 2022 21:49:06 GMT
I loved using the Expression. I have about 20 cartridges including some very versatile ones - fonts, Doodlecharms, some CTMH ones. I was one of the few who actually was sad when they discontinued the Cricut Craft room. I did get an Explore, which I enjoy using. I saved my Expression in case I want to cut without the internet, or cut the Paper Doll cartridge that didn't make it to my account. If you need a replacement blade with the red cap, let me know - I have spare you can have.
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auntmimi
Full Member
Posts: 471
Jun 22, 2018 18:55:37 GMT
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Post by auntmimi on Feb 7, 2022 22:34:31 GMT
I still have an old Quikutz machine I use with my old metal dies.
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Post by Linda on Feb 7, 2022 22:40:41 GMT
I'm still using my Expression - I've never used it with cartridges though...I guess at some point I should learn (I do have 2 or 3) - I've always used it with SCAL. Mine is yellow.
I still have and use my QK hand tool (the pink one) and occasionally use my Epic Six (the handle is loose - DH is going to try and fix it)
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Post by 950nancy on Feb 7, 2022 23:21:40 GMT
I just ordered a wood topper for my Raskog cart so I can put my Big Shot on it with my dies on the shelves. The cutting mats can go under the wood topper. I started out with a Big Shot, went to the electronic Big Shot (may she RIP), then went back to another Big Shot (or Kick). I have a Silhouette, an Expression, and a Scan n Cut. I just feel like I'll get some use out of a manual machine if it isn't hidden in my closet.
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,303 
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Post by lindas on Feb 7, 2022 23:32:25 GMT
Remember the sizzix sizzlits alphabet dies? I have about 8 or 9 sets and will on occasion pull them and use them.
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Post by refugeepea on Feb 8, 2022 0:18:50 GMT
I still use my Cricut Expression with SCAL software, so it's like a Silhouette. I keep thinking when it dies I'll replace it, but it keeps going. If I had a place to put it permanently, I would use it more. I think I have maybe 10 cartridges at the most.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Feb 8, 2022 0:23:27 GMT
I’ve been going through my crafting stuff with the idea of doing a purge and reset.
I found a number of the old thick cutting dies that say Ellison/Sizzix on them. What machine uses those or are they totally obsolete and destined for Goodwill? It’s been so long, but I think I might have used them with that old Red lever style Sizzix machine that weighed a ton. I gave that away ages ago!
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,446
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Post by scrapnnana on Feb 8, 2022 12:28:42 GMT
I doubt that I will ever get rid of my Expression or cartridges, although I haven’t used them in a long time. If the internet goes down, I can still use the old machines and cartridges.
I still have my numerous manual dies. I still have my hoard of stamps. I mostly do card making these days. I haven’t scrapbooked in awhile, but I am itching to get back to it, and I will use whatever I have that suits my fancy, whether it is out of fashion or not.
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Post by riversong1963 on Feb 8, 2022 12:32:16 GMT
I’ve been going through my crafting stuff with the idea of doing a purge and reset. I found a number of the old thick cutting dies that say Ellison/Sizzix on them. What machine uses those or are they totally obsolete and destined for Goodwill? It’s been so long, but I think I might have used them with that old Red lever style Sizzix machine that weighed a ton. I gave that away ages ago! You can definitely still use those with a Big Shot or Big Kick, and probably some of the other manual machines too. In fact, Sizzix is still manufacturing those thick, steel-rule dies. Tim Holtz has a whole line of them. I have quite a few of those old dies, and I love using them for thick materials. Those dies should cut "anything up to the thickness of a nickel," according to the manufacturer. |
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,766
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Post by anniebeth24 on Feb 8, 2022 14:02:56 GMT
I have a "baby bug" original 6x12 Cricut. Still use it occasionally, though not as much since my Gypsy died. I really liked to link letters together on the Gypsy for a title.
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joyfulnana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,038
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Post by joyfulnana on Feb 8, 2022 14:16:39 GMT
I have a baby bug and expression. I use the small one much more often, and I don't have SCAL, just lots of carts. I never wanted a machine that I had to use a computer with to scrapbook. Once my machines die, I will probably not invest in another electronic cutter. scrapcat every time I look through a book for a cartridge I'm amazed at all the things I can cut. I really need to make an effort to use mine more. |
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Post by scrapcat on Feb 8, 2022 19:10:52 GMT
I have a "baby bug" original 6x12 Cricut. Still use it occasionally, though not as much since my Gypsy died. I really liked to link letters together on the Gypsy for a title. Yes, that was def the huge advantage of using the gypsy or the Cricut design software, I can't remember what it was called. I figure I will use this when I want just a few larger letters. It seems to work faster than my Portrait. I have a baby bug and expression. I use the small one much more often, and I don't have SCAL, just lots of carts. I never wanted a machine that I had to use a computer with to scrapbook. Once my machines die, I will probably not invest in another electronic cutter. papergoddess every time I look through a book for a cartridge I'm amazed at all the things I can cut. I really need to make an effort to use mine more. Right? For some every button has 6 options or more, and there are some great card base designs. I'm always wondering what to do with older papers, it would be good to just cut some envelopes or tags, something basic. For those with the old sizzix type dies, I think they still work in an manual machine, just have to be careful of the sandwich as not to break it. I won some at a crop once and used them in my cuttlebug. Yes, with the prices of scrapbook stuff lately, I am happy to use what I have. Also sometimes not making it so complicated with the computer linked and cords and software...bleh, easier to hit buttons! I will have to see how it goes in actual practice, but yes, having machines out in the open and ready to go is a big help in using them. |
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Post by Restless Spirit on Feb 8, 2022 21:22:52 GMT
I’ve been going through my crafting stuff with the idea of doing a purge and reset. I found a number of the old thick cutting dies that say Ellison/Sizzix on them. What machine uses those or are they totally obsolete and destined for Goodwill? It’s been so long, but I think I might have used them with that old Red lever style Sizzix machine that weighed a ton. I gave that away ages ago! You can definitely still use those with a Big Shot or Big Kick, and probably some of the other manual machines too. In fact, Sizzix is still manufacturing those thick, steel-rule dies. Tim Holtz has a whole line of them. I have quite a few of those old dies, and I love using them for thick materials. Those dies should cut "anything up to the thickness of a nickel," according to the manufacturer. Thank you for that info! I’m pretty sure I have an old Big Shot or a Big Kick type machine around here somewhere. It was brown and had a strange name like Vintag (whatever that means). I have quite a few of the old metal dies (the dog one is super cute) and a set of shadow alpha dies. Those old style metal dies could cut through so many of the thicker materials. I won’t know if I have the proper plates until I find the machine. Ummm. I wonder if plates are still available for it??? I also have quite a few unlinked Cricut Cartridges. I have a Cricut Air 2 and linked a few to my Circut account years ago, but I thought I read you can no longer do that using the machine. |
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