Cricut, Cuttlebug, etc., etc....I am so confused!

ladysunkissed

Can anyone explain the difference in these machines to me? I've heard of them, but never used them. I was at Michael's last night and they had a floor sample personal Cricut on clearance for $129.99. I wanted to buy it, but then I remembered I didn't know exactly what it did (my usual impulse buy feelings got shot down). LOL.  If anyone has advice (and samples of work they did with one), please let me know.

Thanks!

Gwenwhyfare

They're die cut machines. I know that JoAnn's is running a special on the personal cutter (the smaller one) online for $84.99 + shipping right now.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2064&PRODID=xprd810738

[edit] Sorry, I read further. A lot of people use them for DIY projects or scrapbooking. The one above only comes with the basic cartridge, so if you want other things to cut you need to purchase their other cartridges.

I've never used it before (been waiting for them to go down in price), but I think there are a few girls on the board who have though.

HTH!

boogerbearoriginal

Here's a link that may help: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-die-cut-machine.htm

cmkuno

What are you planning to use it for?  I've never tried one, but I believe they cut out shapes and are mainly used by scrap bookers.  Which is cool, but I personally have no use for that.  If you're just looking for something that does straight line cuts, there are much cheaper options.  I got a Fiskars rotary cutter (the big one) for $30 at Michaels (I waited for a 50% off coupon) and it has worked GREAT!  I also hear that Kinkos has cutting machines you can use for free, but I've never checked it out.

You might try posting this question on the DIY board, those ladies are very crafty and I'm sure they can tell you everything you need to know!

ladysunkissed

Thanks, Jen and Erin...those links were VERY helpful! I didn't know which one did what...now I know.

Thanks, Carolyn...I actually have a phenomenal paper cutter...an industrial one my brother got at a yard sale for $5...the thing is incredible!

thecatsfancy

We used my mom's Cricut to make the tags for our favors...sure saved A LOT of time!!  That thing is freakin' cool!

HiggyFan42

I have a Cricut and I absolutely LOVE that thing.  I also do a ton of scrapbooking.  It's great for cutting out letters for titles and such.  You have to buy the actual machine then you have to purchase various cartridges to cut what you want.  It can actually get kinda pricey..... but worth it if you scrapbook a lot. 

leeshab1982

I have a Cricut Expression and LOVE it!  I am big on scrapbooking, so I get a lot of use out of it.  Also, you can buy computer software for about $75 and hook your computer up to your Cricut.  That way you don't have to buy the cartridges that cost like $80 each. 

ladysunkissed

Thanks for the tips...I love that I can get the software for the Cricut. Thank you!