Cricut Expression 290300 Personal Electronic Cutter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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. :)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cricut Expression 290300 Personal Electronic Cutter

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.

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Cricut Expression 290300 Personal Electronic Cutter

Read More...

Cricut Essentials Kit for Cricut Cutting Machines Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I didn't want to purchase this because of the price (by the way you can get this at JoAnn's for a lot less than the listed price here.) However, after I tried a cartridge that had tiny little pieces that had to be pushed out after the paper was cut, the blade tool and the stylus tool help you cut and push out any stubborn pieces that are difficult to push out with just your fingers because they are either too small or are part of a very intricate design with lots of tiny cuts. The bone folder is a bit flimsy, getting the extra spatual was nice since they gum up quickly and the scissors were nothing special, just cute as part of a "matching" set with the cricut logo (the rubber handle is very comfortable). It would be nice if all these items were sold a'la carte. The packaging is excessive but the tools are actually in a carrying case that can be zippered up if you take classes etc. Since the cricut machine is so expensive its hard to add to the cost by purchasing this kit at the same time, but if you have cartridges that have intricate cuts, the tools are very helpful to have. Its a nice little "starter kit" if you haven't purchased any tools already. But there are alternatives that you can purchase one at a time as you need them.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cricut Essentials Kit for Cricut Cutting Machines

This Cricut Essentials Kit lives up to its name, as it provides all the essential tools and accessories needed for creating successful paper crafts with one of Provo Craft's Cricut personal electronic cutting machines. The perfect companion to a brand new Cricut, the kit enables greater flexibility and dexterity for making unique paper scrapbook embellishments, fun bulletin board letters, and custom stationery. The Essentials Kit includes: a 12-inch paper trimmer; two 6-by-12-inch cutting mats; a spatula; one pad each of 6-by-12-inch paper and cardstock; and a seven-piece tool set. Stored in a zippered case for easy transportation, the seven-piece tool set comes with: scissors; a clear ruler; a bone folder; a scoop; a scraper; a knife; and a hook tool. These tools assist the user in poking out tiny details from intricate patterns, removing flecks of paper from cutting mats, and more. For comfortable gripping, all hand tools feature soft, green rubber handles. The paper and cardstock are well-suited for archival use with their acid-free and lignin-free construction. Should the paper trimmer\'s blade become dull for less precise cutting, the kit comes with two trimmer replacement blades. Covered by a limited warranty, this kit can be used with any separately purchased Cricut machine. The kit measures 17 inches long by 11 inches wide by 3 inches high, and it weighs 4 pounds upon shipping.

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Cricut Essentials Kit for Cricut Cutting Machines

Read More...

Cricut Cuttables Vinyl Transfer Tape 4 12-Inch-by-24-Inch-Sheets Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product is easy to use. I like the fact that you can use this over and over.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cricut Cuttables Vinyl Transfer Tape 4 12-Inch-by-24-Inch-Sheets

Move your vinyl cut outs from the cutting mat to your wall or window with ease! This transfer tape will make it a simple task to arrange and place your vinyl décor exactly where you want it to go. Use with Cricut Cuttables Vinyl. Contains 4 sheets 12-inch-by-24-inch transfer tape.

Click here for more information about Cricut Cuttables Vinyl Transfer Tape 4 12-Inch-by-24-Inch-Sheets

Read More...

Cricut 7-Piece Tool Kit for Cricut Cutting Machines Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received this as a Christmas present. I read the reviews on here and I couldn't decide if this was something I really wanted but left it on my Christmas list. Someone grabbed it for me and I couldn't be happier with it! Honestly I think it depends on the cartridges and the size of your cut outs that you use as to whether you will get use out of this. I use it a lot with puppy pals. The tools help with getting the scrap paper off the mat from the intricate cut outs. I will say I haven't used all of the tools yet and probably won't I think it would benefit cricut to make them more available individually then in a set. Otherwise, I would recommend these tools for anyone doing intricate cutting.
Update: 05/02/08 Since I wrote this review I have accumulated about 11 carts. And I still stand by this review. My fave tool is still the spatchula which you have to purchase separately. I use the other tools a lot with Accent Essentials, and Home Accents oo also Jasmine. For small cuts these tools work like a champ! My only complaint is a general complaint about Cricut. Cricut thinks their products are gold. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my bug and I use it regularly. But I think their products are way over priced.. So I would look to buy this when its on sale.. That's when its a real deal.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cricut 7-Piece Tool Kit for Cricut Cutting Machines

Aided by this Cricut seven-piece tool kit, it is easy to successfully create complicated scrapbook embellishments, personalized stationery, and other paper crafts with a Cricut personal cutting machine. The kit\'s tools assist in poking out tiny details from intricate patterns, removing flecks of paper from cutting mats, and much more. The tool kit includes: scissors; a clear ruler; a bone folder; a scoop; a scraper; a knife; and a hook tool. For comfortable gripping, all tools feature soft, green rubber handles. A padded, zippered pouch provide protected, organized tool storage, as well as easy kit transportation. Covered by a limited warranty, this kit can be used with any separately purchased Cricut machine. The kit measures 6-1/2 inches long by 12 inches wide by 1-1/2 inches high, and it weighs 1 pound upon shipping.

Get 24% OFF

Click here for more information about Cricut 7-Piece Tool Kit for Cricut Cutting Machines

Read More...