|
|
Post by PEArfect on Jan 15, 2015 3:48:39 GMT
I'm considering purchasing a Cricut. Not just for scrapbooking, but for other projects too. I rarely use my Cuttlebug, so I'm wondering if I would use the Cricut more. What should I know before purchasing? Tips? Do Michael's or Hobby Lobby ever let you use their 40% off coupons on Cricut products? TIA!
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,456 
|
Post by scrapnnana on Jan 15, 2015 13:51:25 GMT
Michaels does NOT let you use coupons. Hobby Lobby lets me buy mats and blades for Silhouette with a coupon, but I haven't checked the fine print regarding Cricut products. JoAnns lets you use coupons for Cricut accessories IF they aren't on sale, but it seems they are on sale for 25% off every time I go in, so I can't use my coupon to buy them anymore. No one lets you use a coupon to buy the machines.
As to whether or not you would use it more, it depends on you, what you want to make, and if you are willing to deal with the learning curve of an electronic cutter. I love my manual AND electronic cutters. Both are useful to me. However, a manual cutter is a lot easier to learn to use than an electronic cutter. You are, of course, limited to dies with a manual cutter, which may be the reason you don't use your Cuttlebug much. Dies can get pricey, and if you have only a few, it's not that useful.
You don't say which Cricut you want to buy. The Expression 2 is probably easier to learn to use than the Explore, but you are limited to cartridges with the Expression. The Explore has more capability, but the software is somewhat limited (although that may change), and you have to be online to use it. Reportedly, they are going to make it possible for customers to use it without being online......but not sure how soon. I refuse to even consider buying it unless they do.
I am happy with my Silhouette Cameo. I have used my Cricut Expression only twice since I got my Cameo a little over a year ago. The Cameo is a far better machine than the Expression. However, as much as it pains me to admit, the Explore reportedly can cut better than the Cameo. I don't know how the learning curve compares between the Explore and the Cameo.
The learning curve intimidates a lot of those who buy an electronic cutter. If you are willing to take the time to learn and work through the inevitable mistakes new users tend to make, go for it.
|
|
iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,319
|
Post by iowgirl on Jan 15, 2015 14:25:55 GMT
Great info from ScrapnNana!
Cons:
You are somewhat limited with the Cricut. With the Mini and Expression (E1 & E2), you can only cut with the cartridges or "digital cartridges". You can go online and use their software called "Cricut Craft Room" and design and cut - but you must purchase the cartridges/designs. I don't know that there is the ability to purchase just a single part of the design - if it is on a cartridge - you have to purchase the whole bundle (and I could be wrong on this!) You can not cut any of your own designs or fonts. Not at all.
Cricut's new machine, the Explore will allow you to cut your own designs, designs that you get free online or purchase from other places like Miss Kates Cuttables, My Vinyl Designer, etc. (SVG format). You can also access your system fonts and cut those. You can find thousands of free fonts online to use. You must use their software, and only their software, for this machine. It is called Design Space. You must use it online. It is not something you can download and run on your computer. So if you do not have a strong and reliable internet connection, you can not use this machine at all. If their site goes down or your internet goes down - you can not cut anything. You can purchase a subscription and access many of the Cricut cartridges through the Design Space software (but the licensed cartridges are not available; Disney, Creative Memories, Hello Kitty, etc - you must purchase those) The Design Space software is not a great thing to work with. It can be very frustrating at times. VERY! You can purchase something like Sure Cuts A Lot or Make The Cut and design with those, save as a SVG file and then open that file in Design Space and cut it there. (SVG is Scalable Vector Graphic). Like Scrapn'Nana said - there is a possibility that the Design Space software might change, so that you don't need to be online to use it -but I would not buy the machine thinking this was going to happen soon, if ever.
Pros - the Cricut Explore cuts nicely and can cut very small designs. It can also cut heavier things, since it has more downforce.
Look into the other machines.
I love my Silhouette Cameo. You can cut your own designs, freebies and other designs you purchase online. If you want to cut "SVG" files, you do need to upgrade the free Silhouette Studio software to the Designer Edition. You can often find it on sale for $25. The Cameo can cut very small and intricate files nicely. It will not cut heavy things like very thick chip board or leather. No matter what machine you have from the first machine they made way back when to the newest Cameo2 - they all use the same software and blades. So you aren't stuck with a machine that they no longer support. There are a lot of Facebook boards dedicated to the Silhouette machines. You can get almost instant help (I think there are some Cricut ones now too).
There are also some other cutters - Pazzles and the Brother Cut N' Scan are two that I can think of.
My thoughts - if you already have a lot of $$ invested in Cricut cartridges, buy the Explore. If you don't - stay away from the Cricut machines.
|
|
|
|
Post by Restless Spirit on Jan 15, 2015 14:58:59 GMT
Even though I don't own a machine yet, I'd like to chime in on this subject.
I've been going back-and-forth between the Cricut and the Silhouette for a couple of months now.
Thanks to Scrapnnana, I *think* the Silhouette is the best option for me. My decision is based on a couple of factors. It sounds like the Silhouette is going to be a little easier to learn. Another big factor is the Cricut Explore needing to be connected to the Internet in order to use it. I have recently been streaming a live photography class and I can't begin to tell you how frustrating it has been because my Internet connection sometimes just cuts out. I live in a city that is not really all that small. It has about 250,000 people . Plus my Internet is Verizon FIOS which is a fiber optic high-speed Internet connection. But I'm still having a lot of trouble. I can't imagine that I will be able to use the cricket explore because of my Internet connection.
But I have to admit I'm having some reservations about the Silhouette. I keep reading reviews and watching YouTube comparisons and reviews. It does sound like the Explorer is a much better cutting machine. In my situation, if I could use the Explore off-line that would be the machine I would buy.
I've been so hesitant on which electronic machine to invest in, that I have actually bought more dies for my Sizzix Vintag BIGKick.
|
|
|
|
Post by PEArfect on Jan 16, 2015 2:59:27 GMT
Michaels does NOT let you use coupons. Hobby Lobby lets me buy mats and blades for Silhouette with a coupon, but I haven't checked the fine print regarding Cricut products. JoAnns lets you use coupons for Cricut accessories IF they aren't on sale, but it seems they are on sale for 25% off every time I go in, so I can't use my coupon to buy them anymore. No one lets you use a coupon to buy the machines. As to whether or not you would use it more, it depends on you, what you want to make, and if you are willing to deal with the learning curve of an electronic cutter. I love my manual AND electronic cutters. Both are useful to me. However, a manual cutter is a lot easier to learn to use than an electronic cutter. You are, of course, limited to dies with a manual cutter, which may be the reason you don't use your Cuttlebug much. Dies can get pricey, and if you have only a few, it's not that useful. You don't say which Cricut you want to buy. The Expression 2 is probably easier to learn to use than the Explore, but you are limited to cartridges with the Expression. The Explore has more capability, but the software is somewhat limited (although that may change), and you have to be online to use it. Reportedly, they are going to make it possible for customers to use it without being online......but not sure how soon. I refuse to even consider buying it unless they do. I am happy with my Silhouette Cameo. I have used my Cricut Expression only twice since I got my Cameo a little over a year ago. The Cameo is a far better machine than the Expression. However, as much as it pains me to admit, the Explore reportedly can cut better than the Cameo. I don't know how the learning curve compares between the Explore and the Cameo. The learning curve intimidates a lot of those who buy an electronic cutter. If you are willing to take the time to learn and work through the inevitable mistakes new users tend to make, go for it. I was thinking that the stores probably didn't allow you to use coupons. Thanks for the info. Honestly I'm not really sure which machine I want. I just started researching and thought I would start here for opinions. I also posted at another scrapbooking site and they are also suggesting the Cameo. Most preferred the Cameo. Now I'm more undecided then I was before. lol |
|
|
|
Post by PEArfect on Jan 16, 2015 3:05:30 GMT
Great info from ScrapnNana! Cons: You are somewhat limited with the Cricut. With the Mini and Expression (E1 & E2), you can only cut with the cartridges or "digital cartridges". You can go online and use their software called "Cricut Craft Room" and design and cut - but you must purchase the cartridges/designs. I don't know that there is the ability to purchase just a single part of the design - if it is on a cartridge - you have to purchase the whole bundle (and I could be wrong on this!) You can not cut any of your own designs or fonts. Not at all. Cricut's new machine, the Explore will allow you to cut your own designs, designs that you get free online or purchase from other places like Miss Kates Cuttables, My Vinyl Designer, etc. (SVG format). You can also access your system fonts and cut those. You can find thousands of free fonts online to use. You must use their software, and only their software, for this machine. It is called Design Space. You must use it online. It is not something you can download and run on your computer. So if you do not have a strong and reliable internet connection, you can not use this machine at all. If their site goes down or your internet goes down - you can not cut anything. You can purchase a subscription and access many of the Cricut cartridges through the Design Space software (but the licensed cartridges are not available; Disney, Creative Memories, Hello Kitty, etc - you must purchase those) The Design Space software is not a great thing to work with. It can be very frustrating at times. VERY! You can purchase something like Sure Cuts A Lot or Make The Cut and design with those, save as a SVG file and then open that file in Design Space and cut it there. (SVG is Scalable Vector Graphic). Like Scrapn'Nana said - there is a possibility that the Design Space software might change, so that you don't need to be online to use it -but I would not buy the machine thinking this was going to happen soon, if ever. Pros - the Cricut Explore cuts nicely and can cut very small designs. It can also cut heavier things, since it has more downforce. Look into the other machines. I love my Silhouette Cameo. You can cut your own designs, freebies and other designs you purchase online. If you want to cut "SVG" files, you do need to upgrade the free Silhouette Studio software to the Designer Edition. You can often find it on sale for $25. The Cameo can cut very small and intricate files nicely. It will not cut heavy things like very thick chip board or leather. No matter what machine you have from the first machine they made way back when to the newest Cameo2 - they all use the same software and blades. So you aren't stuck with a machine that they no longer support. There are a lot of Facebook boards dedicated to the Silhouette machines. You can get almost instant help (I think there are some Cricut ones now too). There are also some other cutters - Pazzles and the Brother Cut N' Scan are two that I can think of. My thoughts - if you already have a lot of $$ invested in Cricut cartridges, buy the Explore. If you don't - stay away from the Cricut machines. I do not have an electronic cutting machine, just the Cuttlebug, so no money invested. Can the Cameo cut vinyl? |
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Jan 16, 2015 5:31:53 GMT
I have had a Cricut Create, Expression 2 and for Christmas got an Explore. Since I have invested many cartridges, it made sense for me to get an Explore. I am loving the Explore. I'm in Canada. I have shopped online on Amazon.ca for things like blades and mats for my Cricuts. I don't know if Amazon.com is the same in this aspect. I keep track when things go down in price for Cricut and have also gotten some cartridges at a really good price. I only buy from Amazon themselves. I only have a Michaels and they do not let me use a coupon on anything Cricut. I have only bought cartridges there when on a really good sale. With my Explore I got a bundle set and it came with 3 months free of their subscription. It's too bad the liscensed carts aren't included though they do have a BIG library. I hope to learn how to use other images with it soon. I joined a group on Facebook and they awesome videos about Cricut. It helped me learn what was new in Design Space since I have used Craft Room. I do have good internet. I was able to try out Design Space before hand to make sure my internet could handle it.
What I really like about the Explore is that it is way more quiet than my E2. The print and cut feature is just so cool to me. I like that there is a spot for your blade AND a spot for a pen or stylus at the same time. The holders make it easier to switch out your pen colours to use different colours. The cuts are very smooth and I can't wait to try to cut out something small. I do have the deep cut housing and blade which came with my bundle. I have cut magnet sets with my Create and E2 before with no problem.
Though as a Canadian I am not allowed to buy Disney cartridges anymore UNLESS I buy them in the USA. I'm guessing they are not to be sold in Canada anymore. I do have several Disney carts but was assured since they were bought before this new thing between Disney, I will have no problem using them in the design programs. So if I want "Frozen" when it comes out in the cartridge, I'd have to get someone in the USA to buy it there for me.
|
|
iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,319
|
Post by iowgirl on Jan 16, 2015 14:07:34 GMT
Yes. Wonderfully.
|
|
|
|
Post by karensay on Jan 18, 2015 7:09:46 GMT
I have the Cricut Create and it does everything I need it too. I haven't needed to cut anything bigger than 4". I use mine MAINLY for alphas, rarely shapes. I have 13 cartridges that I use. I have 4 that I have never opened. I am content with what I have, I bought one cartridge last year on Ebay for under $20.
I have a Big Kick and many fonts, but each font can only be made in the size it is. That is why I got the Cricut. I can cut any cartridge font I own in 1/2" - 5" or 6".
I am happy and content with my Create!
|
|
iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,319
|
Post by iowgirl on Jan 18, 2015 13:46:08 GMT
One thing to mention -if anyone is reading this down the road.....
If you buy used cartridges and plan on using them on the Explore, they may not work. If they have ever been "linked" by the previous owner, they will not be usable with the new Explore. This has diminished the value of a lot of cartridges also.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on Jan 18, 2015 14:47:17 GMT
I love my cricut expression 2. Wish I had the new one you can do your own designs with. I use it quite qa bit. There are times I don't do anything with it then there are times I cut for weeks. Depending on what I am doing. I use it to cut everything even my mats for photos and cards. I also use the online craft room so I can create my own things with different shapes on different cartridges
have a great day,
dori
|
|
|
|
Post by cmpeter on Jan 20, 2015 6:08:59 GMT
The internet issue is the deal breaker for me. I have a Cameo and really really really love it. I was just at a 5 day crop at a location without wifi. A couple ladies had the Explore. They were using their hot spots on their phones to connect in order to cut. One ran out of data and then their hot spots were bumping each other off line periodically.
I did like that the Explore is a lot quieter when cutting vs. the Cameo. The Cameo can be pretty loud and annoying (sort of sounds like it's singing loud and bad).
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 26, 2024 22:39:22 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2015 7:05:58 GMT
One thing to mention -if anyone is reading this down the road..... If you buy used cartridges and plan on using them on the Explore, they may not work. If they have ever been "linked" by the previous owner, they will not be usable with the new Explore. This has diminished the value of a lot of cartridges also. ok, maybe a stupid question...but if they were linked to my Gypsy then what happens. Lots of my carts are linked to it. |
|
beth44
Junior Member
Refupea #328
Posts: 70
|
Post by beth44 on Jan 20, 2015 14:02:32 GMT
One thing to mention -if anyone is reading this down the road..... If you buy used cartridges and plan on using them on the Explore, they may not work. If they have ever been "linked" by the previous owner, they will not be usable with the new Explore. This has diminished the value of a lot of cartridges also. ok, maybe a stupid question...but if they were linked to my Gypsy then what happens. Lots of my carts are linked to it. Do you still have your gypsy? If so then you can directly link the gypsy to your design space account and upload all the cartridges. If your gypsy is broken, cricut will do it for you, you will need to call them for instructions on what to do. |
|
beth44
Junior Member
Refupea #328
Posts: 70
|
Post by beth44 on Jan 20, 2015 14:13:01 GMT
Just a suggestion, if you are unsure about the software, you can create a Design Space account without owning a cricut, just to see what the software does, and try out the features.
People that cut and design a lot of their own SVGs have usually been using alternative software like Make the Cut, etc, and them just uploading the completed image to Design Space just to cut. It is good cutting software, especially for the cricut images, but not great designing software. For cutting, it lays out all the layers for you on separate mats automatically. Really makes it easy. There is a learning curve if you want to manipulate a lot of your images. I find that for the most part, I cut the images as is, so the whole design thing is just not a big deal for me.
So you really need to know what you want to do with it before you buy one.
Just my opinion, but unless your internet connection is complete crap, the Explore cuts so much better than the old cricuts (quality, shapes, round circles, even scallops,etc) I would never buy an old cricut.
|
|
iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,319
|
Post by iowgirl on Jan 20, 2015 14:16:58 GMT
If you have linked your cartridges to your Gypsy - you need to link your Gypsy to Cricut Craft Room. If you want to use the Explore - you then open Design Space and the cartridges will be listed under your account. Design Space is the software that the Explore uses. It's only a little confusing... LOL
But cartridges that you have linked to your Gypsy or any other device can no longer be linked by anyone else if they have the Explore. They could be used in the older machines, by inserting them in the machine. But the Explore only works by accessing stuff online via the Design Space app. You can't insert a cartridge into the Explore and use it directly from there. There is a port, but it is ONLY for linking "unlinked" cartridges to your account.
So if you had a cartridge and you linked it to your Gypsy and your friend had an Explore - they could not use that cartridge with their Explore.
|
|
gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
|
Post by gloryjoy on Jan 20, 2015 15:26:23 GMT
The internet issue is the deal breaker for me. I have a Cameo and really really really love it. I was just at a 5 day crop at a location without wifi. A couple ladies had the Explore. They were using their hot spots on their phones to connect in order to cut. One ran out of data and then their hot spots were bumping each other off line periodically. I did like that the Explore is a lot quieter when cutting vs. the Cameo. The Cameo can be pretty loud and annoying (sort of sounds like it's singing loud and bad). It's a deal breaker for me too. Once I buy and pay for a Silhouette image/file then I don't need the internet to cut or design. But I do agree, it is a quieter machine than the Cameo. However that isn't an issue for me with my scraproom downstairs in my house. And at a crop there is usually so much chatter and noise going on that no one notices the Cameo cutting. |
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Jan 21, 2015 17:35:24 GMT
If you have an Ipad 2 or higher, there is an app for Design Space. Currently it is very limited. However they are working on a way for you to be able to design off line and not just use the Make it Now projects. If they do this I know what I want for Mother's Day... an Ipad. I loved my Gypsy.
Design Space is also being worked on for improvements. I belong to several Facebook groups for crafters. This has been posted. Also the Explore Air will be coming out and it is just an Explore with a built in Bluetooth. That's it. All Explores will be able to use the new and improved Design Space. ETA is sometime in February for everything. I believe the Explore Air is to appear on HSN first.
|
|
|
|
Post by tracyarts on Jan 23, 2015 21:51:04 GMT
Even though I don't own a machine yet, I'd like to chime in on this subject. I've been going back-and-forth between the Cricut and the Silhouette for a couple of months now. Me too. I don't own a die cutter of any type but have watched many tutorials online with both the Explore and Cameo and have been putting off the purchase because I can't make up my mind. I read all the comparisons and for me they both have about the same amount of pros and cons. I'm leaning towards the explore right now, internet access isn't a big issue, I'd only use it at home anyway. And they are in stock at a store not too far from my house. **Edit** I went with the Cricut Explore. The software is very similar to programs I have used before to make cards and other projects so I was able to plug it in, set it up, and start working right away. |
|
|
|
Post by PEArfect on Jan 25, 2015 21:53:09 GMT
Thank you for all of your input.
|
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Jan 26, 2015 1:47:40 GMT
I have had a Cricut since the first week it came out. You could use the 40% off that weekend! I have since had two Expressions and last June got the Explore. That dang machine still hasn't worked. Now, it is a computer error (probably me!) and I got so frustrated I put it away and am punishing it. My Silhouette worked from day one and I use it for home, work, and cut things for friends. Both machines will make you happy once you figure out the design program. I personally found Silhouette much easier (and I loved my Gypsy). If you get one and learn it, you will love it. Buy one! It makes scrapping/crafting so much more fun.
|
|
