Cricut/Sizzix Question

[hquinzelle]

I have a question because a lot of places are having specials on cricut machines tomorrow.

I don't scrapbook, although I could see myself possibly getting into it someday -- I only make cards right now. Is there any point to buying either a cricut machine or a sizzix if I don't scrapbook?

A follow-on question, is which do you like better?

Thanks!

[letmecrop]

I scrapbook, make cards, and altered art.
I have the sizzix and the big kick. Also have the cricut and the cuttlebug.

I love the cricut for being able to program what letters I want to cut and walking away and letting it do its job. This comes in handy for me because I teach Scrapbooking and I have to cut alot of Titles. However, you can only cut paper and cardstock with this cutter.

I have had my sizzix and most of their dies since they came out several years ago and still use it regularly - love their variety of dies for Scrapping and Cards.

But, I love my Cuttlebug the best. With it you can cut paper, cardstock, thin foam, thin metal, thin cork, chipboard, fabric, etc with it and you can use all the dies - thick and thin from all the other manufacturers with it and the best part is that it has great embossing capabilities.

IMHO - go for the cuttlebug and don't limit yourself to just their dies - choose the ones you like and would use from any of the companies.

;)

[CatHouse]

If you have the $$$, the Cricut Expressions (the big 12" cutter) CAN cut chipboard using their multi-pass feature. I wasn't going to buy a Cricut until this one came out. I was considering the RoboCut, a true vinyl cutter with a total computer interface for Mac or PC, but pricey. I probably wouldn't have shelled out for this one, but I got a pretty sweet deal on it, and it comes with two cartridges, not just one, and they are much better than the George cartridge, IMHO. I would purchase either of these cartridges separately, but I wouldn't buy George! They also have vinyl for this one and I believe you may also be able to cut decal material as well. This unit has a USB port on it and I hear a rumor that there may be a computer interface cartridge in the works so that you can use it with your computer. Don't quote me on that, just a rumor. I may know more about that later. I have a chipboard fetish, so when I hear this one would cut it, I was all in. I also teach paper craft classes and I have found that I use it more than I thought I would. I have the Cuttlebug as well, I posted on the Cuttlebug thread about it. Worth every squeaky penny!

[NJsharon]

My sweet DH just bought me the Cricut Expression from ACMoore today!! $299 & it came with 4 cartridges! Yes it can cut through chipboard & also you can insert special markers so it can draw the shapes instead of cut them!

I have the original cricut & love it, but the ability to cut chipboard made me want the Expression. It can also cut up to 12" in size, so you have the ability to cut a 12" chipboard flower as a base for a scrapbook page! Very cool.

I also have the original sizzix & the cuttlebug.

If you are into cardmaking I would get the cuttlebug. Like a PP said it can cut through chipboard or other thin materials & can use other companys dies or embossing folders. Only limit is that the size it can cut is a standard card size & also if you have a die that has a 3" flower that is the only size it will cut. No way to program it of course to cut that same flower 1" or 4". But the embossing folders are so cute & great for cardmaking. I use all my sizzix dies on that now & will be selling or giving away my original sizzix.

HTH!

[Craftytaz]

I make cards and have the cuttlebug and have just ordered the cricut expressions as well. They both have great features to compliment each other! Go to a local scrapbook store and see if they will demo both for you!