Craft Central

[color=indigo]Hmm let me think the expressions for me of course!!

1.Cricut expressions
2 Capabilities and versatility
3 Card, chipboard, vellum, acetate oh yeah and paper lol
4 Make me a cup of coffee ... seriously though the only thing I wish it did was join the writing up so you can create banner effect wording
5 Initial outlay is soooo expensive and carts are £50 but the pro's are an endless list !! My fav is that I can make my own embellishments and alphabets in any size i want when I want.
6 £319 machine, £15.99 tools (i use a kitchen knife instead), carts £50, 12 x 24 mats 16.99 for 2 not sure about 12 x 12, blades 6.99 for two
7 I think the whole machine is really well put together if i had to go buy what I have cut so far and used on cards it (bearing in mind i would have had to buy a full set of alphabets in my desired size and I now make most of my own embellishments) I reckon I would have spent about £50 already and I haven't even had it that long about 3-4 weeks max.[*]Cricut expressions

I dont have any of the machines but have to say if I was going to get one it would be the big shot, it just seems the sturdier machine, it does embossing and diecutting and looks good in the pink and black. price varies as to where you look. it takes all of the dies and embossing folders from the different machines.

Hi Dawn

I have a CraftRobo and a Cuttlebug. I mainly use the CraftRobo for cutting out names/words. After you have bought the machine itself the only costs are for replacement cutting blades and mats but I've had mine for over a year now and am still on the first lot of blades (I don't use mine excessively though). I use the Cuttlebug for the embossing folders - 50 odd quid might sound a lot for something to do embossing with but I like the look of dry embossing and it saves my hands from aching by using the light box and brass stencil method!! Also, I have the option to use it for die cutting if I particularly like any of the dies that come out. I want a Cricut Expression too but will probably have to wait until September when we get our bonus in work for that - plus it will give me time to decide if I really need one or if I just want it because it's a gadget!!

The main problem with the Craftrobo is that you have to have it connected to a pc and learn a lot of stuff if you want to use it to it's full potential whereas the Cricut is, I believe, a lot more straight forward and has the advantage of being portable so handy if you want to move it about from place to place.

I bought a Bind It All as I told myself I'd use it all the time but have only used it twice!!! i really should get more use out of the things I've got

I have seen a demo with luelle with the cricut and it is really impressive and it appeals like you said vikki because theres no comp involved, so I'm not tied to it, this means I can be on the crafting table(kitchen table lol) but it is very expensive.

The fact that it can hold 12x12 is also appealing I just don't know I was very tempted to get the cuttle bug as more in my price range and I wouldn't feel so guilty, having boys at home it's just such a lot if I don't end up using it much.

Luelle you said that cirut embosses too, didn't you, i can't remember cuttle bug cirut mmmm think the price puts me off what do they cost £300+ mmm yes v expensive don't think my cars worth that much lol

I have a big shot ( unfortunatley not the pink one). I love it. It cost me about £60 and then the cost of the dies but most of these bought in sales and on good old ebay so cheep cheep cheep. It cuts every thing I have ever tried Paper card funky foam cork fabric felt thin tin chipboard etc. It also takes almost all dies I have lots of different ones and they all work well on the bigshot. You can also emboss using different makes of embossing folders. I love it !

yes the big shot is very versatile, I would also say it is one of the best machines out there, mainly because you can use all of the different cutting dies.

Hi every one I bought the cuttle bug in the end (just to begin with lol) bought it from a small local ish craft shop for a great price £55 so could buy lots of emboss cutting stuff lol will be showing the results in the card making part of the gallery.

big thank you to every one who replied and helped me decide xx

Hi Dawn

You'll love it - and it gives great, professional results with the embossing folders. I'm really looking forward to seeing the new cards you make.

Just to tempt you - there are more embossing folders due to be released later in the year so get saving your pennies as there are some great ones coming out!!

I have the dotty one think it is called swiss dots. It gives great results and is so useful. Think i got it on that great bidding web site.