This review assumes that you have at least some basic knowledge of the
Cricut line from ProvoCraft. If you do not, I highly recommend that you
do two things. 1) Visit the product line website through Provocraft
and 2) Visit any number of scrapbooking clubs or just general
scrapbooking message boards or websites. You can use your favorite
search engine to locate one. The ProvoCraft site will introduce you to
the product line, give technical specifications, and show you
applications through pictures and graphics. The message boards from
scrapbooking fanatics will provide you with real world usage ideas and
give you a real feel for how the machine may or may not work for you.*
ProvoCraft
introduced the Cricut Expression, meant to be an expansion of their
smaller, more mobile Cricut Create product. The idea was to create a
product, not meant for transport, that could do what the Cricut does,
but on a larger scale. The improvement to the LCD screen is meant to
further enhance the product, and now "shows" better than the original
screens.
Is bigger better? Well that's only a question you can
answer. Is it worth the extra money? (as much as $200 more?) and
further, what to do with your existing smaller Cricut?
First, for
non-scrapbooking uses, you may find that the larger Cricut Expression
has real application in a wide variety of settings - schools, school
projects, promotions, etc. The fact remains, being able to cut larger
sized letters and artwork has big advantages when you're creating large
items for people to view from a distance. But you cannot ignore the
added advanatages of a larger machine in the scrapbooking world either.
While you might not choose to create huge letters for every project,
the ability to do so can really only be viewed as a positive.
Additionally, as the Cricut cartridge library expands and becomes more
complex, you will find the larger cuts to be somewhat freeing. Cutting a
"character" for example, can be a frustrating thing when it comes time
to assemble very small parts on a page. Having the larger option allows
you to really give some pop to a page.
The good news for all
Cricut clients is that ProvoCraft had the good sense to make a product
that accepts the same cartridges as older models. Can you imagine the
furor if you had to go back to buying the same type of cartridges at
upwards of $50 each in order to get the same results on the Expression.
Here, ProvoCraft is banking on enough people wanting to make larger
items that folks will end up owning both. The secondary market for the
smaller Cricuts is now booming. And by the way, replacement blades fit
both machines. Another plus.
And yes, selling your other,
smaller Cricut is certainly an option. You may create a real
opportunity for someone to own a Cricut that otherwise couldn't afford a
new one. Donation to a school or church makes sense too. Or, keep
it......
See, the original Crucut was made to be portable. And
you will find that it's far more portable than the Expression. Not to
mention, the Expression takes up considerably more table top space. No,
it doesn't look like it will, but wait until you get it out of the box
and put it on your craft table, especially if you put it next to your
smaller Cricut. And think about this: When you head off to a crop,
what is the one thing that's usually somewhat at a premium when you get
to your "spot" at the crop........ space.
They do make rolling
cases for the Expression, and these are probably a worthwhile investment
if you intend to own one Cricut machine and you intend to tote the
thing around. The cases offer protection and ample space for cartridges
and accessories. The Expression is heavy, so you'll enjoy the wheels.
Yes, there are people that tote their Expressions to crops, but you may
find that keeping it at home for your projects works best in
conjunction with transporting your smaller unit to crops.
Expression
cuts on mat sizes 12 X 12 or 12 X 24 (sold separately). Mats come in
packs, usually 3 per, and the purpose of the mat is to hold the piece
you are cutting, firmly in place. These mats do lose their tackiness
over time, and you will need to replace the mats with more frequent use.
(Note, tackniess in this sense means stickiness, not fashion faux
pas!) With the Cricut Expression, you can cut in Portrait or Landscape
mode.
Now about the price. Amazon's price is pretty good (the
vendor), and far better than you will find from ProvoCraft itself.
Shopping around for this item will be beneficial to you.
Note
that the Expression can be utilzed with a computer (as can the older
model). The new Gypsy, now out ($299 or a bit less online), promises to
revolutionize scrapbooking - and will work with any of the Cricuts. I
shudder at the $500 retail pricetag for the Cricut expression. $300
range seems reasonable for all that the machine will do, especially for
the avid scrapbooker. Price drops to at least the $299 level are
frequent. Coupons generally do not work on ProvoCraft items at places
like Michaels. If you want to purchase a new one on EBAY, do your
research and select sellers that offer NEW IN BOX (abbreviated NIB) and
have nothing less than excellent seller ratings.
Don't overlook
the other applications, now that you have a larger size. Science Fair
displays, sineage, multitude of craft projects and even pumpkin carving,
and yes, that's right, I said Pumpkin Carving. I've seen folks
transfer some of these Cricut images onto the face of a pumpkin.
Is
bigger better? In this instance, it is - IF you're inclined to create
larger fonts and images. But, if after considering your scrapbook
needs, you don't think you'll really have the need for larger anything,
skip the product, head to a crop, and borrow a little Expression time
from someone who toted theirs along. My guess is almost every group
will have one.
And there's another idea... if you've got a group,
maybe split the cost and rotate it month to month to the host house,
letting the host enjoy it for a month and allowing the group to use it
communally at each crop.
Pricing Assistance: Do not pay more than
$299.00 plus tax for this item. The retailer at Amazon actually has it
for less, AND at retail places like Michaels, wait for the sale. Unless
you have money to burn, paying $499.00 for the Expression is entirely
too much.
Product Description
Now shipping, the Cricut Expression is the newest addition to the
Cricut family of products. The new Cricut Expressions is a much larger
unit, meant to stay on the table or in a media room. The good thing is
that BOTH models use the same cartridge and the same blade housing and
blade.
Introducing Cricut Expression, an exciting new way to cut letters,
shapes, and phrases in impressive sizes using the 12" x 24" mat or the
12" x 12" mat. The possibilities are endless with this larger machine,
allowing you to create bigger die cuts for classroom decor, scrapbook
layouts, signage, and so much more.
Mix and match creative features in the same cut
Use the entire library of existing Cricut cartridges
Cut portrait or landscape
Mat sizes 12" x 12" or 12" x 24"
No computer necessary
Change settings such as language and units of measure
New LCD screen that shows exactly what you're typing for your next cut
Includes
Plantin Schoolbook font cartridge
Accent Essentials Shape cartridge
1 12x12 cutting mat
If you must have crafting tool, you should buy this product Cricut Expression w/ 2 free cartridges included Lowest Price!,
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