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Hi I know this question has been around before!
But this is from a senior crafter who desperately wants to try and make decent cards.:o I am looking to buy a miracle machine, one I can use and enjoy and will not stress me out too much and I can understand! So not asking for much:confused:
Money is an issue isn't always.
But I am prepared to invest if there is something out there that can make my cards look fabulous!!
Look professional. Not made by me!!
Please any help gratefully received. I am just not one of your gifted crafters I have to work at it!:-|
Thank you so much
Also I live in the UK.
So need to know where I can buy one from please?
I do not mind exporting from abroad....tks so much x
My vote is for a Cricut! I love mine! You can see some of my projects in my gallery or on my blog to give you an idea of what I do with it. I find it easy to make nice quick easy and great looking cards!
My other suggestion is that you find a few you are interested in and either find a local store that sell and demo them or a local friend that has one that you can play around with. Also, some require being hooked up to a computer (robocraft) and is that something that is important to you or not. This is what I did. It took me a while then I decided that the Cricut was best for me. I hope that helps! Good luck!
For complete ease of use, and to fit a tight budget, I'd suggest a Cricut. If you want more control of your designs, more advanced software, able to design and create everything you want to, you would want a more advanced machine.
In your case from the information you have provided, I would highly suggest a Cricut Expression and some of the cartridges that are on sale.
I'd suggest a Cricut too. It has the lowest price point, especially on sale, and the most help available as so many people have them. But a miracle machine it isn't. EVERY die cutting machine has maintenance requirements and a learning curve. It isn't as simple as choosing a shape, putting in the paper and cutting. It is a good machine but not a miracle. None of them are.
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
As much as I love my Slice, I'd probably recommend the Cricut, too. You want it for cards, and my friends Cricut Create (and the expression) can cut some really small letters & images, and my Slice just can't. I've also heard that learning it is fairly easily.
First one the Cricut. Has lots of tutorials, blogs and forums on the Internet. You will be a pro in no time. The cartridges will make you look like a pro and when you get proficient with your Cricut then you can upgrade to one of the third party software programs out.
The only downer to the Cricut would be the price of the cartridge. You can get them very cheap now but that is in the States. I don't know what UK prices are running. The other day in one of the British Crafting magazines I saw an ad for a Personal Cricut, four cartridges and other goodies for a decent payment plan. I am sorry I can't remember which name of the crafting magazine.
Your shopping channels seem to be a gold mine for Cricut items. You can check there too. I know it's gaining popularity so that means the prices will plummet.
My other die cutting recommendation would be for you the CraftRobo. This is a hugely popular cutter in the UK. There is a lot of help. Including going to SWARMS, Crops & Meetups I like to visit: Craft Robo - UKScrappers
There is a learning curve to the Robo machine but with all the help in the UK you can master it quite easily.
I am in the States but I admire UK paper crafting tremendously. One of the reasons why I got into the die cutting craze. UK girls and gals make the most beautiful creations and are not afraid to manipulate paper.
Thank you so much. apologies for not replying sooner! I have looked at your blog and everything else going.
I will take things into consideration ..Thanks so much
Mary
Thanks to everyone who replied your very kind and thoughtfull!
I will seriously think about getting one just got to look around at the cricut and now the craft robo.
I just wish there were some classes near me.!
Or I lived in the USA.
Thanks ladies very much
I had a pazzles. If you are not computer literate it is very hard to figure out. It has to be hooked to a computer. I could not get the knack of using it.
I just bought a cricut and absolutely love it. Several companies have had cartridges on sale for less than $20.00 with free shipping. It is very simple to learn. There are many websites with tutorials and the instructions in the box were easy to read and understand.
Mary,
I am a firm believer in YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
I use it for anything that I want to learn how to do. There are lots of videos on it for all of the types of recommended machines listed above. I have the Cricut Create and it is a great size machine for the cardmaker. I also have a Cuttlebug & Santa got me the Grand Calibur for Christmas. I suggest you watch some of the videos on Youtube and then make your choice based on what you like or have in mind to create. Have fun....
Hi I know this question has been around before!
But this is from a senior crafter who desperately wants to try and make decent cards.:o I am looking to buy a miracle machine, one I can use and enjoy and will not stress me out too much and I can understand! So not asking for much:confused:
Money is an issue isn't always.
But I am prepared to invest if there is something out there that can make my cards look fabulous!!
Look professional. Not made by me!!
Please any help gratefully received. I am just not one of your gifted crafters I have to work at it!:-|
Thank you so much
Also I live in the UK.
So need to know where I can buy one from please?
I do not mind exporting from abroad....tks so much x
I just got an eCraft, and am more than pleased. You don't have to fiddle with the software...there's a wide variety of images in the many SD cards.
Go the to site ( http://www.craftwellusa.com/), click FAQ, then scroll to the bottom of that page to find the list of vendors (UK, US, etc.). You can look at the videos on the site to see what the machine can do.
I recently bought a Cricut Expression and mainly because it seemed to be the best machine that fit my budget. Initially I was quite daunted by all the settings required but the more I use the more comfortable I've become. I guess all electronics will have some learning curve.
Also I got the Cricut E as compared to it's smaller sisters is because it has a cutting mat of 12 X 24 and I've always wanted to cut vinyl wall words (or so I claim my DH says )
I love my Slice. I've found that design cards can be found very reasonably priced on Ebay and on sale at Michael's and Hobby Lobby. I am primarily a card maker, so I am quite content with the size options that the Slice offers. Also, I love that I can take it anywhere and that it is cordless and rechargeable.
What die cut electric machine should I choose???
