Articles | Scrapbooking Die Cutters

Using The Cricut And The Xyron… Together!

Truth must be told: scrapbookers do love to collect gizmos! If you have both a Cricut and a Xyron, you don’t have to choose one over another. You can use them together!

If you’re wondering whether or not the Cricut can be used on paper that has been run through the Xyron, the short answer is yes. I use my Xyron with my Cricut all the time. No problems to speak of.

But keep this in mind before you do anything: it says in the manual that it will void the warranty, so make sure the bug works great before you try it!

I have put my bazzill thru the Xryon and then on the mat and cut the tiny letters. It works great, but make sure that you use the repositionable adhesive. Even it becomes quite permanent in time, speaking from experience. Once I left a sheet of paper on it for a week or so and it was very hard to get back off. So once the letters are in your scrapbook for awhile, they will be permanently stuck to the paper.

Using both machines together is also especially helpful when you are cutting thin letters like Stamp Tall or Mini Monos curly letters. It definitely helps not getting glue everywhere when trying to apply it after the cuts have been made. When you try to Xyron the delicate letters or shapes after you cut them, they are near impossible to get off the mat without distorting them or possibly ripping them.

If you decide to try to use your Xyron, here are a few tips that work for me:

The waxy back coating of the Xyron paper does not stick well to the cutting mat. Use a bit of scotch tape along the edges to tape it down so it doesn’t move when you’re cutting.
Play with the settings. The best way to cut paper that has been thru a Xyron is to cut it just deep enough that it cuts the paper but NOT the waxy backing. This way it is more like a sticker and you don’t have to fight with getting your cuts off the backing and thus possibly wasting your paper, cut, time, etc.

If you’re nervous about the warranty then I recommend Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive. The small bottle has a tiny tip so you can control the glue a bit more than some of the other glues I’ve tried.

Cricut Expression vs. Xyron Wishblade: which is the best?

The Cricut Expression and the Xyron Wishblade are both among the top choices for personal cutters. They’re also the most expensive models out there. So if you are considering purchasing a high-end personal cutter, but can’t decide between them, keep reading!

The main different between the two models is that the Wishblade is a computer-driven electronic cutter, meaning it must be connected to a PC in order to work, while the Cricut Expression is a cartridge-based machine.

The Wishblade is great if you are very talented graphically and somewhat computer literate. You are able to use all the fonts already installed on your computer and you can download new designs for 1 or 2 credits each (10 credits are $15.00), or even for free. The downside is it only cuts paper 8.5 x 11.

The Cricut Expression, on the other hand, cuts larger papers (12×12 or 12×24). It’s fantastic for school or educational environment, to cut designs for bulletin boards, etc. Even the new cartridges seem geared for education. It’s much easier if you aren’t skilled at putting graphics together to make new designs.

If you want something that does not require a lot of practice or experimentation in order to see great results, the Cricut is a better option since it is very easy to use right out of the box.

The Wishblade could be difficult to use. I don’t want to scare you off, but you should know there is a learning curve. The good thing is you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on cartridges or disk: just use the fonts and clip art you already have, or download new ones from the net for free!

What Are The Differences Among The Three Cricut Machines?

The Cricut line by Provo Craft has three different machines: the original Cricut (also known as the “baby bug”), the Cricut Create and the Cricut Expression. Lots of people feel confused about the differences between them, so here goes a post that might help you compare Cricut machines.

The Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter is the original introductory model and is great for most needs. I have used & loved that for a couple of years, and only recently bought the Cricut Expression.

The Cricut Expression is the newer, larger model and has some features the first model does not. Here are a few:

Size

The Expression can cut not only larger images, but also smaller. The first Cricut (the “baby bug”) can cut images from 1 inch up to 5 1/2 inches, while the Expression can cut from 1/4 inch to 23-1/2 inches.

Page Layout

With the Cricut Expression you can turn your cutting image from portrait to landscape orientation, which will allow you to cut longer thinner images in a much larger scope.

Mirror Images

With the Expression you can flip the image so you can cut it either left-facing or right-facing.

Multi-Cuts

You can pre-program your Expression to cut over the same image multiple times, and to help cut through thicker material (foam, light chipboard, etc.).

Page Fill

If you want large quantities of one particular cut image, the Expression has an option to fill page with the image you selected, which will give you the most cuts of that image that will fit on your paper.

LCD Screen

The Cricut Expressions has a new screen that displays what buttons you have pushed and what your cut will look like. It also shows the mat size, speed, pressure, and what special buttons you have on at that time.

What about the Cricut Create?

The Cricut Create is the size of the baby bug, but has the extra features of the Expression (except for the larger size cuts).

You can use all the cartridges in any of the Cricut machines.

Whatever the model you have, my best advice is to just play with it. If you decide to compare Cricut machines with your friends, you will be surprised at what even the baby can do! If you’re just starting out, I don’t think you would need any of the features of the Expression. It is when you are comfortable with how to use the Cricut that you can really appreciate the extra features on the more expensive machines.

Cheap Cricut Machines: What You Should Know Before You Buy

Cricut Machines and Cartridges are high demand products and Provo Craft tightly regulates the pricing that retailers can use when selling cricut machines. Even large craft stores, normally well known for their great deals on scrapbooking and paper crafting items, such as Michaels Crafts and Hobby Lobby, have declined to include Cricut Machines in their discount programs. That can make it hard to find discount items and, as the suggested retail price for, i.e. the Cricut Expression, is $499.99, things can get pricey if you are not a carefull buyer.

Some online scrapbook stores will occasionally run discounts and sales on cutting machines, but these are sales for very limited time and usually only a few units are available, which means you will have to register for those annoying email newsletters and check back often in hope of catching a bargain.

To make sure you will get the best possible deal, keep these questions in mind when shopping around for your next cricut machine:

What other items are included in the package? Are you buying only the Cricut machine or is it a bundle that includes cartridges and maybe other accessories?
In case you have a problem with the merchandise, what’s the return policy?
What about shipping and handling?
What is feedback for that store? Read the store’s feedback profile to make sure it has positive reviews.

This next tips may seem obvious, but don’t underestimate their importance:

Always read carefully the auction and product descriptions to make sure you understand what you are buying. Make sure that it is a product that will do what you want it to do. If you are uncertain then look on YouTube for videos about the product you want.
Look for sellers offering a 1 year warrantee on Cricut machines, and a 30 day or better on cartridges, they have to supply support for you the customer, on items that they sold you. Quiz them on what the warrantee covers.
If you have any questions, email the seller and ask them!

Are you ready to buy your Cricut?

Blue Cricut Expression (Limited Edition)
$499 $249
On ScrapbookPal.com

Cricut Expression With 2 Cartridges (Out of Stock)
$409 $274
On ScrapbookPal.com

Cricut Expression
$499 $349
On Roberts Crafts

Cutter Types: Manual vs. Electronic

The personal die-cutting market is exploding and every other day there’s a new machine being launched. With so many options, it’s easy to feel lost, especially if you don’t know the lingo. That’s why I decided to put together a short overview of the different types of cutters to help you out. They are: manual, electronic, cartridge-based and computer driven.

Manual Cutting Machines

The first personal cutters were manual machines, such as the Sizzix and the Quickutz. With this type of machine, cutting is achieved by applying downward pressure on the die blades. This causes the desired die shapes to be cut out in a stamping action. Recently the scrapbooking industry adapted electronic versions borrowed from the sign-making industry, making personal cutters become more sophisticated.

Electronic Die-Cutters

Electronic die cutting machines use computer software to control their blades. They are visually similar to regular inkjet printers and are roughly the same size. Currently there are two main types: the ones that require cartridges and the ones that don’t.

Cartridge-Based Machines

These machines are stand-alone models, meaning they don’t a computer to work. But it is necessary to insert a cartridge before you can start cutting. Each cartridge contains a selection of fonts and shapes that you can use. You can buy themed cartridges with extra designs on the internet or at your local craft store. Operating these machines is pretty simple, and usually involves nothing more than inserting the desired cartridge, choosing the designs to be cut, and setting a few options such as cutting speed and blade pressure (used to determine the depth of the cut). Some of the cartridge-based machines available are the Cricut Expression and Cricut Create by Provo Craft, and the Xyron Personal Cutting System (or XPCS).

Computer Driven Cutters

Unlike the cartridge-based cutters, these machines need to be plugged to a computer to work. They are lightweight versions of professional cutting machines used in the sign-making industry. You need to connect to you PC via a USB cable and use a design software to load the shapes you want to cut. You can also draw your own shapes from scratch or download new designs from websites and forums. Any clipart can be converted into a die-cut, completely eliminating the need to buy more cartridges. Some examples of cutters that use this technology are the Xyron Wishblade Personal Media Cutter, Pazzles Creative Cutter and Craft Robo.

Now you that have an overview of the different systems used by the manufacturers, you may be wondering “Ok, but what brand should I buy from?”. Research is your best friend and can keep you from buying a product that doesn’t suit your needs.
Check out this brand comparison article to help you decide which die-cutter is the best for you.

Personal Cutters Brand Comparison

Are you considering to purchase a personal cutter to enhance your paper crafts projects? If you are, you may have noticed the huge variety of machines available on the market. But how do you decide which is the best for you?

Below you will find a selection of well known brands, along with a short description of each one and links to reviews of their most popular products.

If you don’t know what a die cutting machine is, make sure to read the article “Scrapbooking Cutter Machines Overview” before you continue.

Provo Craft

Provo Craft is the manufacturer of the Cuttlebug and Cuttlekids. These are manual cutters, that allow you to cut and emboss shapes in a variety of sizes and styles, using individual dies designed by industry-leading artists.

Provo Craft is also the leading creator and distributor of the most popular electronic cutting machines. The innovative Cricut machines feature specialized blades which can easily cut through a huge variety of materials, including any kind of card stock paper, vellum, vinyl and some types of fabric, giving you a nice clean cut every time. You though the Cricut machines are electronic cutters, you don’t need a computer to use them. Simply insert one of the many available cartridges and you are ready to go. Cartridges cost usually between $50.00 and $80.00 and each one comes with hundreds of different shapes.

Read more about the differences between the Cricut machines or click the product names below to learn more about each model and read customer reviews and ratings.

Cricut Create Machine
Cricut Expression
Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter Machine
Cuttlebug
Cuttlekids

Sizzix

The Sizzix are manual, die-cutting, embossing and texturizing machines. They cut through chipboard and other thicker materials, but are heavier and less versatile than the cutters from Provo Craft. You can probably get one a lot cheaper since so many scrapbookers are off to buy the latest Cricut. Instead of cartridges, they use dies that you can buy starting at $8 dollars each. So, if you are on a budget, this may be something to consider. Also, unlike the Cricut, they can cut up to 3 sheets of paper, the cutting pads last very long, they use no electricity (except the new Big Shot Express) and there are no blades to replace. If the die-cut gets dull, simply use foil to sharpen it.

Learn more about the different Sizzix cutters by clicking the links below.

Big Shot Express (motorized)
Big Shot Machine
BIGkick Machine
Original Sizzix Machine
Sidekick Machine

Xyron

In order to provide their customers with more choice, the Xyron manufacturers have two cutting systems available on the market, with significant differences between them. They are the Xyron Wishblade Media Cutter and the Xyron Personal Cutting System (XPCS).

The XPCS cuts heavy card-stock and has a lower initial price than the Cricut and the Wishblade, but offers less functionality. It is also cartridge-based, whereas the Wishblade is not.

Unlike the Cricut and the XPCS, the Wishblade is a computer-driven electronic cutter, meaning it must be connected to a PC in order to work. It can use any font or clip art you have in your computer or you can load the Wishblade software and create your own designs. You can also download and swap files with other users trough a number of online forums and websites.

The Wishblade has another great feature, which is the ability to print an image on your normal printer, then send that image through the Wishblade machine so it will cut out the image you just printed. You can also replace the cutting blade with an ink pen and let the machine draw instead of cut.

Even though the initial cost for the Wishblade is higher than for a stand alone die-cutting machine, it can be worth the investment since you have no additional font cartridges or dies to purchase.

Click the links below to read the individual reviews for the Xyron products.

Xyron Personal Cutting Machine
Xyron Wishblade

Other Brands

QuickKutz
- Silhouette SD Digital Cutting System
- Revolution Tabletop Die-Cutting Tool
- Epic Six
Pazzles
- Creative Cutter
BossKut Gazelle
Making Memories
- SLICE™ Cordless Design Cutter
Klic-N-Kut
CraftRobo

Scrapbooking Cutter Machines Overview

Personal scrapbooking cutter machines are the new buzz in town. They use use precision cutting technology to create cut-outs (die cuts) from card stock paper and other materials, without the need to struggle with razor blades, scissors and templates.

They are not just for scrapbookers, though. These machines are also popular among card makers, general artists and other paper crafts enthusiasts, both hobbyists and professionals. Some examples of what you can do with a cutting machine are greeting and thank you cards, invitations, home and birthday decor, wedding centerpieces, guestbooks, children’s school projects, scrapbook albums and page layouts, personalized gift sets, picture frames and whatever you can think of. Your imagination is the limit!

When it comes to models and makes, there are several different options to choose from. Some of them are electronic, others are hand held manual cutters. Some require a computer, others work as stand-alone models with cartridges. The most popular scrapbooking cutter machines today are the Cricut Expression and Cricut Create by Provo Craft. But don’t discard their competitors just yet! Other popular cutters also include the excellent Xyron Wishblade, QuickKutz Revolution and Silhouette SD, Klic-N-Kut, Pazzles Creative Cutter, CraftRobo and the Big Shot by Sizzix. Rest assured you will never run out of options!

Which cutter is the best?

To find the one that is best for your needs, a bit of research is necessary. Different models have different functions and, just as technology in general, expect the features of newer models to explode. Even though they are not exactly cheap, these machines justify their cost. You can save a lot of time and money when you use them to create items that you would normally have to purchase.

Owning a scrapbooking cutter machine is definitely a great investment. If you are interested in buying one, or upgrading from a previous model, this site can help you find the necessary information to make an informed decision as to which one suits your purpose.