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Cricut

Cricut Expression Electronic Cutting Machine

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Condition: Used - Very Good
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Availability: Only 4 left in stock, order soon!
Fulfilled by Kansas City Typewriter
Arrives Aug 10 – Aug 12
Order within 18 hours and 42 minutes
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Features

  • Electronic cutting machine for scrapbooks, classroom decor, signage, and more
  • Cartridge system requires no computer; cuts from 1/4 inch to 23-1/2 inches
  • Easy-to-read LCD screen; 6 modes; 4 functions; portrait or landscape orientation
  • Comes with Plantin SchoolBook font and shape cartridge, and Accent Essentials mini shape cartridge
  • Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

Description

Electronic Cutting Machine Features You’ll Love on the Cricut Expression Machine Virtually limitless design possibilities are yours with the images and fonts available in the Cricut image library. You can also purchase additional sets of affordable digital images in different themes with the free Cricut Craft Room online design software. Cuts a wide range of materials—including cardstock, vinyl, vellum, fabric, chipboard, and even thin foils—in sizes ranging from ¼" to 23 ½" (12" x 24" cutting mat sold separately). No computer required. Just insert a cartridge into the machine, select your image, adjust the size, and press CUT. You can also design on your computer—just connect to the free Cricut Craft Room online design software and start creating with the Cricut images you own. Auto Fill and Quantity features allow you to cut multiples of the same image so you can quickly create a batch of invitations, place settings, party favors, or other projects. You also can maximize the size of your image without trial and error by using the Fit to Page feature. Comes with two cartridges so you have immediate access to 4 fonts, 16 borders, 24 tags, 16 3D images and 100+ layered images, all at a price that is easy on your budget. 250+ Free Images Included! Comes with two cartridges so you have immediate access to 4 fonts, 16 borders, 24 tags, 16 3D images and 100+ layered images, all at a price that is easy on your budget.Accent EssentialsWith 50 versatile images to choose from, this cartridge is perfect for any number of projects. You can use the images by themselves or layer them in a variety of ways so you can get just the look you want. Plantin SchoolBookUse the three classic fonts and assorted images on this cartridge for cards, scrapbook layouts, school projects, and other projects. Design. Cut. Create.The Cricut Expression Electronic Cutting Machine enables you to create things you never thought you could. Whether you’d like to make cards with a personal touch, beautify your home with crafted décor, celebrate holidays with custom banners and signs, or add polish to your scrapbook with meaningful elements, the Cricut Expression machine can help you create it all.The design possibilities are virtually endless with the vast Cricut image library. The image library contains sets of digital images at affordable prices for use in the Cricut Craft Room design software. You can also purchase physical Cricut cartridges that work directly with your machine. Cricut cartridges contain hundreds of professionally drawn and thoughtfully designed images, and some cartridges include fonts as well. There are over 350 Cricut cartridges available. They cover a wide range of themes such as weddings, new baby, animals, holidays, sports, and more. Simply insert a Cricut cartridge into the Cricut Expression machine, choose the images you like, select the size, and press CUT. Thousands upon thousands of designs are possible!If you prefer to design on a computer, the Cricut Expression machine allows you to do so with the free online Cricut Craft Room design software. With Cricut Craft Room you can design with and cut all of the Cricut images you own. Just select an image and drag and drop it on the virtual cutting mat. Then size, slant, rotate, weld, or flip images to create the perfect project. When you’re finished, connect your Cricut Expression machine to your computer with a USB cable (sold separately) so you can cut what you’ve designed. You can also use Cricut Craft Room to explore the entire Cricut image library (including exclusive digital images) and purchase digital images for immediate use.The Cricut Expression machine can cut a wide variety of materials at a whole host of sizes. You can cut images and fonts on cardstock, vinyl, vellum, fabric, chipboard, and even thin foil at sizes as small as ¼" and as large as 23 ½". Some images are very intricate and will cut best at larger sizes, while simple images can be cut at smaller sizes.With a vast library of professionally designed images and the ability to cut a wide variety of materials and sizes, the Cricut Expression machine enables you to create things you never thought you could. Join the Cricut product family, and we will provide you with inspiration to get you started and keep on creating everything from holiday cards and seasonal décor to gift ideas and home décor. Virtually Limitless Design Possibilities Simple, Easy, and Affordable! You will love how easy it is to create gorgeous projects with your Cricut Expression machine. Whether you want to create a unique birthday card for a loved one or capture the fun and laughter of a family vacation in a special scrapbook layout, the Cricut Expression machine and one-of-a-kind artwork make the process simple and affordable. Creating the perfect crafts has never been this easy! Celebrate Life's Important Moments Your special events—and the people you love—deserve the best crafts you can create. Whether you’re making a gift for a friend, watching a child graduate from high school or college, planning a loved one’s wedding, having a baby, decorating your new home, or creating projects with your children, the Cricut Expression machine can help you make the experience more memorable, creative, and fun. Make a Card for Someone You LoveRegardless of the occasion, holiday, or time of year, the Cricut Expression machine allows you to express the right sentiment in the right way—your way. The numerous images available in the Cricut image library let you customize your card however you like. The Cricut Expression machine allows you to make multiples of each card with the Auto Fill or Quantity modes. Whether intricate, simple, ornate, or classic cards, the Cricut Expression machine can help you quickly and easily give them a personal touch. Give Your Home a Personal Touch The Cricut Expression machine’s ability to easily and quickly cut vinyl opens up a world of possibility for home décor. Self-adhesive and repositionable vinyl can be used to beautify your home with custom images, meaningful quotes, or personalized arrangements. You also can add personality to a basic pillow or give dimension to a wall hanging by cutting images out of fabric. With the Cricut image library and the ability to cut a wide range of sizes, the Cricut Expression machine provides you with home décor possibilities that are virtually endless. Make Paper Crafting Easier and Simpler If you can imagine it with paper, you can make it with the Cricut Expression machine. Whether you want to make cupcake holders, gift boxes and tags, scrapbooks, banners, signs, invitations, table settings, party décor, school projects, or even a party of paper dolls, you can easily design it and quickly cut it with the Cricut Expression machine. Precision cuts and easy duplication allow you to produce paper projects that look professionally polished yet uniquely your own. Create a Better Learning ExperienceFreshen up your classroom and make more engaging visuals for your lessons with the Cricut Expression machine. It’s easy to be creative and save time and money by making banners, labels, and other school-related projects. Parents can also collaborate with their children to help them create displays for reports and presentations. Add Fun Details with Drawing ToolsThe Cricut Expression machine can draw any image, phrase, or font available in the Cricut image library. Simply remove the cutting blade and insert one of the Cricut Gel Pens or Cricut Markers instead. You can make coloring pages for children, add drawn images to a scrapbook page, and write sentiments on cards.And So Much More! Design Possibilities Are Endless! What's In The Box?Cricut Expression Electronic Cutting MachinePlantin SchoolBook and Accent Essentials cartridges which include 3 fonts and over 60 layered images!2 cartridge handbooks and 2 silicone overlaysCutting Blade12" x 12" Cutting MatAC Power AdapterQuick Start GuideUser Manual

Product Dimensions: 25.8 x 9.5 x 12 inches


Item model number: Grey83M


Item Weight: 20 pounds


Manufacturer: Provo Craft & Novelty


Date First Available: April 21, 2004


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Aug 10 – Aug 12

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews

    • I LOVE my Cricut!
I received my Cricut last week and I love, love, love it! On advice of others I also bought the SCAL program (not by Provo but by Sure Cuts A Lot) which allows me to use non cartridge images and since then I have cut out so many images that I don't really know what to do with them all yet. There are so many possiblilities and the Cricut is so cool that I turn it off only to turn it back on again to try something else. I've cut out Halloween images, made halloween coffin boxes, made gift bags, and just cut out images for the fun of seeing how beautiful they come out. There are also free SVG images (used with SCAL) and that's how I got my Halloween images. The one downside is that I can't stop playing with it so work and kids are getting neglected. Also, I can see my mat will lose the sticky soon with so much use but there is a youtube video out there showing how to make your mat sticky again - so when the time comes I'll give that a try. Yes it's kind of expensive but I used my credit card points to get Amazon gift certificates and I used those. I would definitely buy this again with or without gift certificates. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2009 by Living in Vegas
    • Cricut Expression
I bought this because I wanted to make my daughter's birthday party decorations. When I received the Cricut Expressions, I thought it was big! Yep, it's big. It requires 12 inches in front and back for it to operate if you are using a 12x12 mat. You'll need 24inches if using the 12x24 mat. The description was deceiving because it says that the spatula is included. But, the spatula is not included. I came back to amazon.com to make sure I read the description correctly and sure enough, it says it comes with it but it does not... Also, when I came to double check the description, I noticed that it was $80 cheaper than what I bought it for. But, it's amazon's policy not to match new prices even if I had bought it only three days before... I thought about returning it, but I needed it to make my daughter's invitations and the return shipping would be more hassle and $. So, I kept it. The machine is incredible. I absolutely love it. It is very easy to use and with a little creativity, the sky is the limit on creations. It comes with two cartridges. I made invitations for my daughter's birthday party using the Mickey Mouse cartridge and made the envelopes using one of the cartridges that came with the machine. About a week after I received the Cricut, I was looking for cartridges on other websites and found this same machine for half of what I paid here! So, if you are looking for this machine, look on other sites as well. Also, cartridges go on sale on other sites and are much cheaper than amazon. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2011 by Elizabeth Martinez
    • Love my Cricut!!!
I bought my 1st Cricut after Christmas this year-had 3 gift cards plus some rewards points so got the Cricut plus some accessories. It was easy set up and worked fine once I changed the blade (for some reason it would not cut at 1st-once I changed the blade it was fine) I've been having a blast making cards, doing decorations for my husband's school bulletin board and my dad's nursing home room-have a lot of projects I want to do. I find the Cricut is easy to use and understand-just read the booklets you get with the cartridges and play with the designs. I know some are complaining about the price of cartridges-but I have gotten a few on Amazon at great prices (do your comparison shopping) and also some on Ebay from reputable sellers. You do not have to pay upwards of $90 for a cartridge-the most I've spent was $40 on one I really wanted!! Most I've gotten were about $20 each. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2012 by D. Matthews
    • Cricut Expression vs. Personal vs. Making Memories Slice vs. Explore
Expression vs. Slice There is no comparison - if you can only get 1 machine get the expression - it's worth the extra money...why? I have the Slice - that was my first machine (I got it 2 weeks ago) only because it had the designs I wanted (tags) and also had some cool accessories and it's my first die cut machine. You have to hold it down to use it, there aren't that many cartridges and if you wait for sales - they are both about the same $. If you need a machine to cut a couple of things here and there and go for the slice. (Read my Slice review for more details). Expression vs. Personal The personal cricut only cuts to 5.5" - and it's pretty much like the Slice - around the same price point as well. It does NOT compare with the capabilities of the Expression. Expression cuts in larger sizes, more feature - the LCD screen is more detailed, it's a far more sophisticated machine (think of composition notebook vs. laptop) - also spoke with a cricut user at a store - she said that the Personal wastes a lot of paper Expression vs. Sizzix - I didn't even really look at the Sizzix, I get they're cheaper, and they have a lot of cartridges and they're cheaper...there's a reason why the machine and cartridges are cheaper - they're VERY BASIC (it's like comparing 3rd grade education to graduate school), reviews on the Sizzix weren't very "WOW" and if I'm going to invest $$ - I rather get something WOW - the functionality and capabilities of Cricut products (even the personal) is far superior than the Sizzix Expression Features that makes this machine SUPERIOR: Cuts 1/4" - 23.5 inches (most machines cut from 1/2" and at 1/2" increments - this is 1/8" increments - and about 7" max) Cartridges - very intricate shapes - when you find them on sale - it's WORTH IT! Plus they have the licensed shapes (Spongebob, Dora, Hello Kitty, Disney...) Each cartridge seems to hold ALOT of options and information. There are so many varieties Layering options available (exp - trees - it will cut the "bark" then i set another option to cut the individual leaves - a little bit of spray adhesive and tweezers, BAM - I have a fully functional colored tree) Design is clean, tight and slim, it's very light and portable (not that I intend on schlepping it, but if I had to, I will) you can leave it - program and walk away What I wish came with the machine: For the $$ - There should have been extra blades + 12" x 24" mat (it can cut up to that, so why no mat?) + spatula! It seems really silly to nickel & dime customers for equipment they need to make the machine useful - I have a spatula from my Slice tool kit (slice doesn't include that either) What I've done/thoughts so far (I've only had it for 2 days): AWESOME - I can program what I want it to cut and walk away! with the Slice, I have to hold the machine in place. SPEEDY!! It might be worthwhile to buy an extra mat anyways to load your next set of media while you're removing it off the first mat. (This would be important if you're into efficiency) MUST read directions of the machine first! Then load the cartridge and read those directions! YOU HAVE TO SET ASIDE A SOLID HOUR OF FOCUS TO USE THIS MACHINE! There are so many functions/features you don't want to miss anything. Had I read the directions first i'd figure out how to load the paper. It's aligned on the bottom left corner (DUR) You can use ANY size paper as long as it's 3" x 3" - just set the paper size and it'll know and plan for you to minimize waste Cardstock set blade at 3 - pressure at medium - speed (doesn't really matter) Paper - set blade at 1 - pressure low - speed (doesn't really matter) Foam (set blade at 6 - pressure max - speed SLOW) I feel like I need the deep cut blade (another accessory) - the cuts aren't very clean but it works (I'm using the "Printing 101" Cartridge - making alpha puzzle pieces to teach my kiddo letters) Speed - the slower the better it seems like but for thinner media it doesn't matter Make sure to have enough table space - you'll need space behind the machine for the feeder Projects in the future: Definitely making cards! More foam shapes (Spongebob cartridge) - and letters Cardstock animals to teach my kiddo (same with food / etc). (Animal Kingdom Cartridge) I want to try to use other medium - fabric, adhesive, magnetic sheets, stamp, embossing I want to get the design software to make my own "cuts" Helping my kiddos with their school project - making adhesives to stick on walls Getting sticky textured cardstock to make our own "stickers" FINAL THOUGHTS: If you get Expression - Buy spatula (unless you already have one) If you plan on doing projects larger than 12" buy the 12" x 24" mat Buy an extra set of mats anyways - it'll help keep your machine cutting while you're working =) Get a set of replacement blades if you intend on using this machine ASAP and ALOT (I've cut 9 foam sheets - 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and 2 cardstock sheets) and I feel like my blade is getting iffy - or it just might be foam DO NOT: ...Buy the Cricut bags (except maybe the duffel) most do not fit the expression - duffel will only fit expression if you expand it and it's not really "protective" - and doesn't hold much of anything, but if you're set on getting a bag - that's the only one that will work ...do this if you need silence - the machine is LOUD - think of your microwave running or the exhaust fan ...PAY FULL PRICE FOR CARTRIDGES - I got a ton for 60% off - really reasonable if you're willing to wait I'm going to be making friends with local people who use Cricut and maybe do a cartridge exchange (borrow) b/c not many of the cartridges are repeat use for me - and the ones that are I've bought - I wonder if this is an item that the public libraries have... ...PAY FULL PRICE PERIOD! Most of the national chain stores WILL NOT take their coupons on the machine, but if you are patient, the machines will go on sale - or scope out online venues. Most national chain stores will let you use their % off coupons on the accessories EDIT 10/2013: I gave away my E1 and got an E2 - I sadly - like most reviewers regret doing so before using an E2. Well the E2 is terrible and had glitch after glitch. I miss my E1. I have over 30 cartridges so I'm tempted to get another E1 - but probably won't. I'll just use that money to invest in more cuts with the Silhouette. DO NOT GET AN EXPRESSION 2 - or you might end up sad like me. However, My E1 went to a school so I don't feel as badly. They love it and are having a good time making things for their students. I've used a Silhouette for over a year and I actually love that machine more. It's a higher price point but the ease of use helps pays for itself. Silhouette's Design program is so much easier to use than CCR and offers a lot of flexibility. I think Cricut might have lost a customer (at least for their machines). They make the best mats hands down. I use their mats in my Silhouette. UPDATE: 10/2014 If you've followed my reviews in the past - you'll know that The E1 was my first love - then I thought newer must be better and bought the E2 - big mistake. The tech/software issues alone made me almost chuck it out the window a few time. I ended up upgrading to the Silhouette Cameo as it was easier to use, less tech issues, and more sophisticated designs and also their subscription plan was amazing. Apparently Cricut realized they were losing customers and has revamped the machine and created a subscription plan. I'm game to see if this actually holds up to all the hype. For those of you who have a cricut now - read this blurb (if not, skip to the next section) - If you have projects on CCR - Explore will NOT work with CCR. You can't export your CCR project files and upload them to Cricut Design Space (CDS). I hope this is a feature their software dev people can fix b/c I don't want to have to recreate what I have. Also if you have linked cartridges from CCR/Gypsy/Cricut account - it will load on CDS (small win). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CRICUT DESIGN SPACE vs SILHOUETTE DESIGN STUDIO - This is actually really important b/c no matter how fancy your machine is, if you can't create what you want - then what's the point. PRO-TIP - read the FAQ from the cricut page about CDS before you start - there are functionality that are the same, but the way to e is different than CCR. If you're used to the mat layout (which I am) - set your canvas "basic" and select the 12x12 or 12x24 mat so you can layout your items. SUBSCRIPTION PLAN: CDS's subscription is really affordable. For $100/year you have access to essentially the entire Cricut library minus a few license cartridges - which is fine for me - a cartridge is roughly $30 on clearance/sale, so for the price of a couple, I have access to tens of thousands of images. YES. PLEASE! I'm guilty of having to buy 1 cartridge b/c I needed 1 specific image. I'm happy "renting the images vs owning them" I loved SDS b/c you get a subscription plan that allows you $x/month to buy each design. They often have sales on their designs which makes those monthly allowance go very far. However - for Halloween, I burned through my allowance and then some b/c I had a zillion decorations to make. Total Bummer. CDS's option gives me access to everything and anything I can possibly want (except for a few licensed items). Those credits also disappear if you don't use them in the upcoming few months (which has happened to me a few times). ACTUAL SOFTWARE SDS is a program you download onto your machines, CDS is web based. This means you have to be on the internet to use it. I like that SDS is offline and I an do this if I'm stuck in a remote cabin. And it's not tied to the bandwidth of my internet - which can get patchy at times. There is a bit of a learning curve, if you have basic MS Word skills, you'll be ok. One thing I loved about CCR that SDS didn't have was the function to do layers on a project - CDS does have that feature but it's not as easy as just selecting tabs. I miss that. I guess you can do that on the ipad app. The software is also configured to lay your shape on a mat to maximize your paper. So you technically don't need to lay them on the mat perfectly. It doesn't have an algorithym to change the angle of the shapes so it fits between things. My workaround is to lay the shapes how I want it to be cut on the mat and weld them together - so I can minimize all the white space. CDS then treats that as 1 image and cuts as many as you want. SDS has grid lines but not numbered/ruled which can be a little tricky at times. I like the gridlines are consistent (inches) on the CDS which makes guessing the size of my outcome to be exactly what I want. (SDS also offers an upgrade version for their design software - for a price - which I've bought, but it's still not as robust at CDS). WHAT I WISH: I wish they also had another subscription program that you can purchase the individuals that aren't part of the subscription library at a discount. If only Design Space had all the buttons/functionality of CCR - then this would actually be perfect. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS MACHINE: Right out of the box - it worked. All I had to do was login with my Cricut account to Cricut Design Space. Suprisingly - I anticipated a 2 hour block to update firmware on the machine and the process of loading/reloading the app on my computer. It was a 5 minute setup time. Comes with a bag!!! For the price price point - it's really lame to have to drop $20-$50 for a cover/bag. I rather use the funds for more material or accessories. The bag isn't a cheap dustcover. It's actually a legitimate sturdy canvas bag, with pockets, and handles to haul this badboy out and about. The machine is surprisingly light especially since it's bigger than the cameo. It's really clear that some thought was put into re-creating this machine. I love the light (E2 has this, E1 did not, Cameo does not). It helps for smaller detail projects. And who doesn't love something shiny...There is a little cubby hole on the top for you to stick your pens/tools for when you're using the machine. Inside the door there are 2 compartments. One for extra blades and the deep cut housing unit. Another compartment for pens/tools. The machine may be made out of plastic but the parts that really matter are solid. The blade housing is heavy/sturdy. I love the mat guide - The silhouette is guilty of having mats slip mid project - which results in having to redo the same project b/c the cut was wrong. The smart dial takes the guess work out of the depth of the blade and the speed of the cut. I don't know about you - but I can't remember what setting I use for Martha Stewart Cardstock vs Michaels Brand vs Cricut if I haven't worked on a project in a while. My post-its don't stick on. The speed of this machine is also very impressive - I usually am able to take off projects off 1 mat while another is being cut - but this thing is so fast that my projects end up waiting for me THIS MACHINE IS EERILY QUIET...I thought the machine was just moving the mat around and not cutting until I looked closely - I no longer need to set craft time based around noise violation ordinances. The machine is lifted up a bit off the table which means my cords doesn't get in the way of the mat. I also don't need to make sure I have 2ft of clearance behind the machine. This used to be a must for all my machines (E1 and Silhouette) so it wouldn't get caught on something for projects. WHAT I WISH: The machine should come with a scraper tool - that's a necessity. If you don't have one, check out the Slice (Making Memories) tool kit. I still swear by mine - it's inexpensive and has almost everything you can possibly need. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OTHER TIDBITS: I was talking to a mom friend of mine who said she spent $200 on supplies to make a banner. She had to buy foam letters as a set - and if it didn't have enough of a certain letter, she had to buy another one. She was essentially stuck with what she could get her hands on at the store. When I told her about the Cricut, she about died. I could have made her banner for under $20. ACCESSORIES: Cricut by far have the best blades and mats. I use Cricut mats on my Silhouette Cameo. The adhesive is JUST RIGHT and doesn't kill my paper when I'm peeling off projects. I also use my label maker to make a sticker that says "top" which I tape onto the clear protector sheet - this way I'll know which side is meant to be on the sticky side - this might not be a big deal, but I'm a little OCD. Cricut blades are also 1/4 the price of Silhouettes and also more durable. My blades on the Silhouette would break if I used a thicker cardstock, and I had a project that went through 3 blades, I was a little miffed. The cricut blades are great on tougher material like thick cardstock and foam. Cricut is the only brand I've come across that carries the larger cardstock (24x12) which I bought on Overstock. If you need tools (tweezers, scrapers, etc.) - Making Memories Slice Tool kit is the best. Amazon has consistently better prices on blades/mats (you can get in bulk) and also tools. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Cricut's customer service hotline is mostly available during business hours - this was really annoying when I went through my crisis with the E2. Especially being a working parent - I too work those same hours their hotline is open. They need to expand those hours. BUT when you get in touch with a real person, they're super rad. Silhouette's customer service has always been fast on response via email and phone. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MATERIALS I'VE USED ON THE EXPLORE - apparently this is the mother of all machines and I can cut all sorts of material. Challenge Accepted. FOAM: (Do use a brand new mat - otherwise your foam will unstick mid cut and you will turn into a sailor). The nice thing about this software is that you can still customize your cut pressure. After you've loaded the mat, go to the "Material Setting" - then "Add Material" Name it foam, 235. Use the deep cut blade (I've tried variations of settings and deep cut and regular blade before I figured out that I could adjust the setting. DUR. Do know that on one side, it will leave roller marks. So mirror your cuts as necessary. VINYL: OH EM GEE!! This thing is a dream to cut vinyl with. I uploaded some designs that I liked through the program and it cut them perfectly! My kiddo is obsessed with Mario right now - so I cut out some Mario vinyl and stuck them onto a mason jar - made my own lid insert and voila - instant piggy bank that cost me about $1 to make. I'm thinking this would be a great way to make personalized party favors - fill little jars with candy, or trinkets. I struggled with cutting on Canvas and Burlap. The material would come undone - even on a new mat, I think I would have to use some type of a spray adhesive on the mat to make it happen. PENS: I figured since the pens were pretty fine point - that it wasn't able to make an significant drawings - I was wrong. You can set it to run a few times over so it makes a thicker line. I liked that a lot. And it's awesome to NOT have to switch out a pen for the blade - which you have to do with the Silhouette. The computer controls everything - and it's made doing a project effortless and efficient. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A SOLID MACHINE: I need my end projects to be of quality. ROI has to be solid (Return on Investment) - which means to me - the time I spend "designing it", cutting it, and if necessary, putting it together. The machine has to be easy to use to minimize mistakes - I hate wasting paper - or having to run the same project 3x b/c the mat slipped or a cut didn't go all the way. VERDICT...are you ready for it? I guess is really dependent on you. Is noise level important? If yes, go with the Explore. As much as I love the robotic symphony that my Silhouette makes, I'm pretty sure my neighbors don't love it. Are you limited on budget? If yes, go with the Explore - the subscriptions option really gives you a diverse group of cuts all for the same price. The machine is really easy to use as long as you have basic computer skills. If you do get an explore - I highly recommend getting a bundle, it seems like you get more for not paying a whole lot more. Am I going to part ways with my Silhouette - NO - but I did end my subscription plan with them and just buy as I need. Their library has many more "sophisticated" and "3d" projects that I really enjoy putting together/ If you were to go out and get a machine - since you've never had one before - I'd go with the Explore. It offers a lot of versatility that you don't have to get nickeled and dimed for - I like that I can do 1 project with little effort and get the kids excited to want to participate. There are tons of licensed materials too - so if you have kids - this is great. I have a feeling that now that they're done doing the development of the machine, they're going to be spending more time/focus on the software side. Which makes this a solid investment. Every time I've thought of something random to do - the machine has been able to make it happen for me. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2009 by Optimus Peach
    • SO glad I finally bought one
I finally broke down and bought my own Cricut Expression after borrowing the one my church owns and I'm so glad I finally did it. Amazon shipped it very quickly and I had it within 2 business days after ordering it (used Prime), and it was in great condition when I received it. THE ONLY THING IS... I was super frustrated with the machine the first time I used it because it wouldn't cut the paper properly! It wouldn't even give a clean cut on basic computer paper (and yes, I know how to use a Cricut I've used one before). I was so upset because I had been so excited to use it. I thought the blade that they sent me to use might already be dull, so I called Cricut Customer Service about the problem. They told me that this happens all the time when you first receive a Cricut, they said the problem was with the blade holder (not the blade itself). They also said they would send me a new one for free, but I had to wait 10 business days to receive it. Not wanting to wait, I went to Michaels and bought one so I could finally use my Cricut. The one I bought works perfectly, and it even works perfectly with the original blade they had sent me (which tells me that the problem I was having was not because the blade was dull, it was because the blade holder that Cricut sent me did not work properly). To make a long story short, I would suggest either purchasing an extra Cricut blade holder from Amazon or from your local craft store along with purchasing your Cricut so that you don't run into the same problem I had. I'm thinking that the blade holder that comes with the Cricut machine is not very good quality, so you may need an extra one. Other than this setback, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Cricut and would recommend it to everyone looking to purchase a die-cut machine! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2013 by MrsParke
    • Works...but cartridge bound
I bought my cricut a few years ago and was very happy with it at first. While it is true that the blades and pads need to be replaced fairly often I think this is true of most personal cutters. The Cricut cuts well. I cut chipboard, foam, and have even cut thick magnet with my machine without any problems. It is easy to use. It does not require any computer skills or an internet connection to get images. I make banners and all sorts of fun crafty items, including vinyl lettering. I was happy with it for a long time. However, after seeing my friends Silhouette machine and it's capabilities, I have buyers remorse. With the Cricut you are pretty much cartridge bound. Often I will buy a cartridge but I only want one or two images off the cartridge. I would much prefer to purchase single images that I actually want rather than an entire cartridge that I only use a few images from. Although the cost of the Cricut is less to begin with I think I spend way more money on images than my friends with other personal cutters. Even with their new software you can only cut images from cartridges that you purchased. I would like to be able to use images that I created and cut them on the cricut. . If you are considering buying a personal cutter and have rudimentary computer skills buy the Silhouette. Personally, I can't imagine why anyone would buy a cricut now that there are so many other options out there and Cricut is not changing how you can purchase images. I can't imagine they will stay in business very long if they continue on with their current trend. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2013 by Hausfrau
    • LOVE!!!
I've lusted after the Expression since they first came out. However, because my original Cricut (which I bought when they first came out to replace the temperamental Wishblade) not only did everything I needed it to, it never gave me a problem and the smaller original's also very portable, so I couldn't seen any reason I really, really needed it. (Want and Need are such a razor's edge apart, lol.) But then I started making blank inside greeting cards through Operation Write Home for deployed troops so send back home, and suddenly, the ability to adjust my sizes to smaller intervals than those original Cricut 1/2" margins became really important. When you're talking about an A2 card, having 1/2" margins around a double matted stamped 3" circle takes up too much room. So, I ordered it from Amazon, because I trust their return policy if it didn't work, and it was perfect right out of the box. I also chose it over the upgraded version that uses a touchpad because I have a full time job writing, so I don't have the time nor inclination to deal with a learning curve. The keypad on this is exactly what I'm used to, so I was able to make card embellishments right away. As for the price of the cartridges, there are always sales online. If you sign up for various sites' newsletters, you'll get updates when things go on sale. I hardly ever pay more than $14.99 for a cartridge and can't remember when I paid more than $20. Considering all the options on each cartridge, I consider it well worth the price to have such a no-problem, do-exactly-what-I-need-it-to-do cutter. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2012 by Just a girl who loves Orcas
    • Horrible product! Don't Buy
I have never been so irritated with a product before. The first week i got my cricut, i had to sit and stare at it for over a week because it didn't work. The new software wouldn't update, so my cricut was useless. After hours of trying to solve that problem, i finally was able to use it. Ever since then my cricut has been nothing but a pain. It tears when it cuts small cuts.The mats are also junk. You can only use them for a couple times before they have completely lost their stick and are useless and the new mats are too sticky and tear the paper. The cricut craft room online is horrible. I recently purchased one item that had different layers to it. My cricut would not cut the image. When i clicked cut, it didn't do anything and and then it would just say it was done. When it would cut it would cut the wrong image that I didn't even have on the craft room. Also, if you don't buy a digital copy of an image, the cartridge is pretty much impossible to figure out how to use. I had to guess on where the image would cut out on the mat and most of the time i had to repeat it several times because the entire image did not cut on the paper. Overall this project has wasted much of my time, and has made me VERY frustrated. I would not recommend buying this product. I wished i would have spent a little more money and bought the silhouette cameo. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2014 by Bryan Hauf

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