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.