I bought a cricut expression machine, but now I’m afraid that I won’t be able to use it for cards, like I intended to. Will it also make smaller designs, which would fit on a card, or will it only cut large characters and designs?

YES! Your machine can cut as small as it’ll allow .25" to as large as the sheet of paper you use.

(I own both machines, small one and the expression). Use it for card making; 3D paper craft & scrapbooking.

I have the Design Studio software free trial downloaded, and whenever I try to cut or update firmware is says "Your Cricut was not found"

Cricut.com/cds has DesignStudio Program Updates which should get you going. I would suggest you plug in your usb first, then turn on your Cricut. Maybe it just doesn’t like the hookup, mine does that sometimes too.

You want to update monthly anyway, as Cricut always has new cartridges, updates, etc. Good luck!

Verify in Walmart or in Ebay

I haven’t purchased anything from the Cricut Outlet, but it appears to be a good website. They also seem to offer a pretty good pkg. (or Cricut Bundle) 352.96 for the machine; 3 cart’s plus the design studio (the Design Studio is expensive in and of itself….like 55.00 to 65.00) The D.S. is a good tool to have, especially if you’re going to build up a collection of cartridges. It’s a good tool to weld and build words (except for what’s predesigned in the cartridges). This is not a bad deal at all, considering all that you’re getting.

In case you’re shopping for a cricut expression, and FYI only: A Cricut Expression has been going between $289.00 (at WalMart) but it comes with only 1 cartridge; or between $324.99 to 349.99 w/2 cartridges (also at WalMart); Also try A C Moore Craft Stores (available on the website too). They have sales periodically. When it’s on sale, they sell it as a bundle, for as low as $319.99* (*in store only). It includes 4 cartridges; ink w/standard items (cable/elec. outlet; mat board). The bundle is still available on their website, and shipping is minimal. Cost is $368.99 (best price if you want/need the 4 cartridges). Another source is www.ohmycrafts.com. (I just purchased my Expression in May by going into one of the A C Moore Craft Stores* in Florida)

Hope this helps you with your choice(s).

So I have the cricut expression and while it cuts it rips the paper. The sticky matt is new. It’s just ripping the paper while cutting and its not even card stock paper . I was wondering what am i doing wrong?

Sounds to me like you need to change your blade. Hope that fixes your issue when you do.

It seems to be all the rage these days, but is it a good investment for a beginner scrapbooker?

Hi Adriana!

I think the cricut expression is great for beginners because it’s really simple to use, unlike more advanced (and expensive) cutters such as the Wishblade, Inspiration etc.

One of the biggest advantages, in my opinion, is that you don’t need a computer to use it. It’s very portable and you can take it with you to a friends house or scrapbooking party.

And it’s really not that expensive anymore… I’ve seen online stores selling new bundles with 2 cartridges for as little as $279.

Just be careful if you shop on eBay, it’s easy to get scammed there if you’re not careful!

Do a yahoo search on "scrapbook ideas". There are also a few yahoo user groups for cricut users. Nice new toy! Good luck.

I am looking for a die cut machine and after all my research I am leaning toward the cricut expression. I’m curious what extra accessories I will need (or will want) for this, aside from the cartridges? And what the purpose of these different tools are. Thank you!

You will eventually have to buy new blades and cutting pads. I would get the pick and little spatula for getting your designs off the pad. I would wait on the other stuff, like the design studio softwar package.
If you are going to get one I would go with the Expression. Really check your prices. I have seen them at several different prices.

I need some advice from those of you who have used both the Cricut Personal and Cricut Expression. One costs quite a bit more than the other. Is it worth paying the higher price for the cricut expression vs. the cheaper Cricut Personal? Aside from being able to make larger cuts, is there any other benefits to the Expression?

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

I have the Expression and my friend has the Personal. I have never really used the Personal but I love my Expression. When making invitations you do not have to switch out the paper as often. My friend wishes she would have gotten the Expression. They both take the same cartridges but you can obviously do bigger things and more things at once with the Expression. I say go with the Expression.

Well, there’s always YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Cricut

Think I remember seeing in the Michaels ad this morning too something about a demonstration of the Cricut? So you could call to check that out too.

HTH,
Diane B.