Customer Reviews

Cricut Expression 290300 Personal Electronic Cutter

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

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

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. :)

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.

I purchased the Cricut Expression after testing it with a friend that had just purchased one. I use it constantly! No more cutting out letters by hand for me!!! The letters are precisely cut without tearing. It also cuts designs, tags, and many more shapes too numerous to mention. I recently made Valentine Cards to share with friends using the cartridges that came with the machine and tried out the new color ink cartridges (purchased separately). The lettering was super fantastic! The ink did not smudge and the letters were precisely drawn. A big THANK YOU to this company for making my scrapbooking and card making easier!

The only downside was the $$$...however, if you do your homework by shopping around, you can save. I took a sale ad from a well known fabric store to a different local craft store that had the machine. Low and behold, they honored the other store's sale ad! This saved me lots of $$$. I plan to buy most of the cartridges at our local discount store that has them for less $$. The finished product makes it worth the $$$.

If you're considering buying one, you prolly don't need another review telling you how much fun they are. However, if you are looking at the different types of cutters and don't care for the cartridge system, you should know there IS software out there that makes it so you can use any font on your computer, etc. It's called "sure cuts a lot" and I wouldn't have bought the cricut if I hadn't run across that software. I hate the cartridge system and haven't ever bought another cartridge, and probably won't. But I LOVE my cricut!

The recent purchase of this machine has prompted me to become a papercrafting addict. I had not been into scrapbooking or papercrafting prior to my research and eventual purchase of this machine. With the simple touch of a button, the Cricut easily cuts out the most intricate of designs. My husband and I both watch in awe as the cutting blade zips around the paper. It is very user friendly and offers many cartridges from which to build your library. While this machine prefers a permanent workspace, it is not overly cumbersome to move wherever you choose to work.
Accessories such as replacement mats, blades and ink cartridges have proven to be readily accessible and reasonably priced.
There is definitely a wide price range on the machine, so research and shop wisely.
Con: Unlike the manual die cutting machines, the Cricut does not have the ability to emboss.
Overall: If you have an interest in papercrafting or are looking to be thrust into a whole new hobby, look for a good price tag because this is the machine for you.

Any quilter looking for a better way to cut those difficult applique shapes or multiples of one shape - hearts for example - and have them all turn out the same needs the Cricut Expression. Cutting material with it does require a few adjustments - fusible bond to make the material rigid enough to withstand the lateral pressure of the blade and keep it from pulling the material sideways, and increased blade pressure to help ensure that the blade cuts all the way through the material - but the results are fantastic. It can cut very intricate pieces in a wide range of sizes, and is going to add a whole new dimension to my quilting experience. I do recommend the tool kit, since the smaller or more intricate pieces can be a bit delicate to remove from the cutting mat without the proper tools, but my quilting buddies are all talking about investing in their own machines now that we know what it can do. Also, be sure to read the manual before use, not just the quick start guide - without the manual's instructions it would be very easy to incorrectly install the cutting blade and end up with the problems I've read about from other users who complained that the machine didn't cut correctly. Just 10 minutes of reading to make sure everything is set up correctly, and you can enjoy a lifetime of creative fun with this machine.

My husband surprised me with a Cricut for Christmas. I use it all the time for srapbooking. When I want to do small letters I opt to use stickers instead of the cricut because they are hard to get up with out ripping. When you first get the mat it's so sticky you need to use heavy cardstock or else the paper is really hard to get up. Once I figured out the little quarks it worked a lot better. Would definately recommend, all my friends come over to cut out letters for their own projects!

I got this as a gift for Christmas. I bought all the accessories, including the deeper blade. I found that the machine does not cut chip board as the product claims. It also does not cut quilting fabric. Both of which are demonstrated on the DVD provided. I spent another $40 attending a class at a local scrapbooking store using the Cricut Expressions. I am glad I did this because it reassured me that I was not a slow learner. The instructor also had problems trying to get the machine to perform, and the instructions provided were very vague and poorly written. When I have called the customer service at Provo Craft the "tech" did not know how to use the machine, and was not helpful. On the up side, I did buy the software package, on sale. The software has been essential for me to be able to use the cartridges. I agree that all the Cricut products are way over priced, especially when there is little or no customer support. Save your money and buy ready made die cuts.

This is one of those products that could have been soo much more than it is. Like adding a USB port to enable connecting to a computer, but then you would not need to buy the really expensive extra cartridges, now would you.

Bought this for my wife, she seems to really enjoy it. It does everything that it says that it does. The sheet of plastic that holds the paper down is not great, I am sure that they could have found a better way than a disposable plastic sheet, but oh well. The tool kit is very helpful to have in order to pull the cut pieces from the plastic sheet.

I got this for my Wife and Sister who both do this sort of thing, and that also enables them to share cartridges, thus reducing the number of needed accessories.

This is one of those devices that you just want and you know (or for your spouse). I looked at the other similar products out there, and they are just not as flexible as this machine (i.e. the Sizzix) becasue you can change the sizes to what ever you need, you do not need to buy an additional alphabet set just to get a smaller size. Has some nice features like being able to create a start tag, add as much text as you want, then an end tag to create one uniform looking tag.