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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Thanks to electronic precision and easy-to-use design, the Cricut Expression personal cutting machine makes it a snap to create beautiful cards, displays, scrapbooks, signs, and labels. Great for home, office, or classroom use, the machine features a generous range for small or large shapes and can accommodate materials from vellum to cardstock to vinyl. Creating a cut requires simply inserting a cartridge, loading the machine, making a selection, and pressing “cut.” Results are ready in seconds and can be tailored with personal, creative touches so that every product feels and looks unique and expressive. Cricut offers an enormous library of cartridges, ranging from alphabets in various fonts to sets with themes like wedding, new baby, animal friends, and sports. No computer is required for operation, and switching out cartridges is fun and simple.
A larger model in the line, the Cricut Expression allows you to create characters ranging from 1/4 inch to 23-1/2 inches and displays cut information on an easy-to-read LCD screen. Other features include six modes, four functions, portrait or landscape orientation, and adjustable language/measurement settings.
Cricut includes a 12-by-12-inch self-adhesive cutting mat, a spatula, an instructional DVD, and a quick-start guide with this model. For the larger cuts, a 12-by-24-inch mat will need to be purchase separately.
Product Description
The Cricut Expression Personal Electronic Cutter is an innovative die-cutting machine from Provo Craft. As the largest of the Cricut machines, the Cricut Expression allows cuts from a tiny 1/4 inch up to an impressive 23 1/2 inch tall. Its 6 modes and 4 functions offer greater customization of cuts, and new settings and menus add functionality to the machine. Unlike traditional die-cutting machines, the Cricut Expression is portable and cuts quickly and easily. Just select the image you want and press cut. You won’t have to worry about storing expensive and bulky dies. A single cartridge for the Cricut Expression is the equivalent of hundreds of dies from a traditional die-cutting system, but Cricut cartridges can fit in the palm of your hand. You’ll be amazed at everything the Cricut Expression machine has to offer. Includes instructional DVD and 12 by 12 inch cutting mat. Measures 21-1/2 by 7 by 7-3/4 inches.
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
262 of 263 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cricut Expression vs. Personal vs. Making Memories Slice,
By
This review is from: Cricut Expression 290300 Personal Electronic Cutter (Kitchen)
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
305 of 308 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read some discussion boards for tips & tricks.,
By
This review is from: Cricut Expression 290300 Personal Electronic Cutter (Kitchen)
The Expression is an awesome machine! I have no cons about the machine itself. About the cutting mat, if it's too sticky, press a clean t-shirt down on the mat & peel it up to remove some stickiness. Simply pressing your clean hands on the mat will also remove excess stickiness and woks just as well. If the mat has lost stickiness, wash thoroughly with dish soap (Goo Gone might be needed) and dry thoroughly. Spray with Krylon Easy-Tack, let the Krylon dry thoroughly and, if needed, press & peel a clean t-shirt (or hands) to remove excess stickiness. Use a lint roller after cutting especially "linty" paper and after each session with your Cricut. The mats will last a really, really long time this way.
I'm sure Provo Craft does not recommend doing anything other than buying new mats, but those who've been using the Cricut since the beginning have found ways to work around the mat issue. There are also software programs that are compatible with the Cricut that will allow you to cut the True Type fonts installed on your computer, as well as many other file types and designs. (Not Cricut Design Studio, but other, non-Provo Craft programs such as Sure Cuts A Lot and Make The Cut.) Google is your friend. ;) I wish Provo Craft would release their own software that will allow Cricut users to cut our own fonts, but it hasn't happened (despite begging from customers). Search the web for discussion boards with Cricut topics. There's a wealth of info out there, as well people who are excited about their machines and eager to help. :)
121 of 122 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love this product, but not the pricetag,
I first used the Cricut Expression cutting machine at a weekend scrapbooking retreat. My friend had recently purchased one and brought it along with several cartridges. I already have a sizzix with a few alphabets and other dies.
The Cricut is SOOOO much faster to use than the sizzix. And the versatility you get by being able to choose any size (from about.5" to 11.75" in .25" increments) is amazing. It really opens a whole new world of possibilities. Most cartridges also have alternate versions of the alphabets as well such as italic, bold, tall, etc. Or even being able to place the text inside a tag or other object. Most cartridges also allow you to create a shadow of the letter with a different color for matting purposes wich really adds depth to the scrapbook page. There are a few cons. First being the price, not only is the machine itself VERY pricey, each cartridge will run between 60 and 90 dollars pre-tax/shipping. This makes each new phont or shape set a whole new investment. Second con is how quickly the cutting mat loses it's "sticky" over the course of that weekend retreat we had to move onto a second cutting mat and that had begun to lose adhesion as well. Without the stick the page will slide around during the cutting process ruining the letters. We resorted to using repositionable adhesive on the back of the paper to make it stick to the mat. Definitely not ideal. I just ordered one for myself and am very excited to start using it.
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