Is The Cricut Expression Useful For Non-Scrapbookers?

The Cricut Expression cutting machine, as well as the other personal cutters by ProvoCraft, are imensely popular among scrapbooker. But what you might not know is that it’s also incredibly useful for non-scrapbooking hobbies, such as cardmaking and other paper crafts, school projects, teaching, promotions etc.

It still remains the fact that being able to cut larger sized letters and artwork has big advantages when you’re creating large items for people to view from a distance. But you cannot ignore the added advantages of a larger machine in the scrapbooking world either. While you might not choose to create huge letters for every project, the ability to do so can really only be viewed as a positive. Additionally, as the Cricut cartridge library expands and becomes more complex, you will find the larger cuts to be somewhat freeing. Cutting a “character” for example, can be a frustrating thing when it comes time to assemble very small parts on a page. Having the larger option allows you to really give some pop to a page.

Maybe you already own other cutting machines, manual cutters like the Wizard or the Cuttlebug, and you are having trouble conving yourself that you want – or even need – a Cricut Expression. After all, it’s huge may require rearranging things to make a spot for it. Or maybe you feel like “cheating” the other tools that you have and love. Also, many of the cartridges contain cutesy images, which you may not fit your style or line of work (in case you make cards and ATC’s). So would you be able to put an Expression to good use?

If you are in this situation, let me tell you one thing: I was in the same boat as you are in now. I had started out with the original Cricut and wasn’t all that jazzed about it. Then I got the Expression. And like you, I don’t usually create scrapbook pages. It totally changed my mind about the Cricut.

What changed my mind? The cartridges “Tags, Bags, Boxes & More” and “Fabulous Finds”. And then the cartridges “Wild Card” and “Just Because Cards”. Oh… and “Sweet Treats” is nice for parties. My collection is now huge, but I’m still kind of selective.

You pay for the convenience and quality of professional design and ease of use – and sometimes that is priceless. I’ve seen some of the downloads out there. Some are great; some… not so much. I’ve only ever purchased a handful of cartridges that I had a regret over; but I still use images from them, so I have gotten my ‘money’s worth’.

With the larger format of the Expression, I was able to make full sized cards (A2 and sometimes larger) along with their coordinating envelopes. It was also nice being able to cut usable boxes and over-sized embellishments that just wouldn’t work in the trusty 6″ machines (or the smaller Cricut).

I tend to use my Expression more for oversized stuff and ‘bases’ to use in conjunction with dies and punches. It also comes in handy for making quick and uniform large letters for monogramming projects. If you’ve ever priced and tried to store die sets larger than 3″, you really start appreciating the electronic cutters.

Truly, I think if folks have the funds and space, there is reason to have an electronic cutter along with the mechanical cutter(s) of your choice. They make great companion products. You can cut oversized items on the electronic machines, then add texture and layering with your traditional diecuts (which can handle a wider variety of materials).

It’s definitely a slippery fun slope. Also, Provocraft seems to be learning and has come out with some non-cutesy cartridges or cartridges that have a lot of non-cutesy on them. The cartridges aren’t that expensive when you look at all the different cuts that each cartridge can make, and compare with how much you would spend if you had to purchase all the dies. Plus, if you shop smart chances are you will never pay over $45 for a cartridge (it’s usually less).

If you are really worried about the price of the cartridges adding up, there’s also the option to purchase a Cricut software to allow you to download files from other users and even design your own from scratch. Should you go that route, you don’t ever have to buy another cartridge plus you can take advantage of other peoples creations from the MTC forum and MTC yahoo groups.

Non-Scrapbooking Uses For The Cricut Expression

• Card Making And Invitations
• Gift Bags For Treats
• Mask Making
• Decorative Frames
• Foam Stamps
• Seasonal Decorations
• Vinyl Wall Décor
• Fun Home Accents
• Kids School Projects

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Card Making with Cricut (Annie’s Attic: Paper Crafts)
What You Can Do With A Cricut
Ideas for Cricut Projects
Using Cricut for a School Project