Reviews | Scrapbooking Die Cutters

Cricut Design Studio Software: Reviews and Resources

cricut-design-studio The Cricut Design Studio software was created by Provo Craft to increase the versatility of the Cricut machines. It allows you to connect your Cricut to a computer and browse through the thousands of images in the cartridge library, using a simple and quick keyword search.

Of course you can only cut the shapes from cartridges you own, but it gives you a fantastic opportunity to browse all the content of other cartridges and even make designs using them.

Main Features

Preview your design before you start cutting
Move, reorganize, rotate, resize and skew shapes
Welding (link letters together to make words)
Select which part of the design you want to cut
Save and share your files with other users
Compatible with both Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista

Want to learn more?
Read my full Cricut Design Studio review published on goarticles.

Where To Buy

The Cricut Design Studio is available for discounted prices on several online stores. Here is the best deal I found when shopping around on the internet:

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Xyron Wishblade Digital Cutter Review

The Xyron Wishblade one of the most powerful and flexible cutting systems available today. You can effortlessly cut fonts and shapes in any size from a 1/2-inch to 8 inches wide and up to 39 inches long, from various materials: everything from vellum and paper to vinyl and textured cardstock.

But the number one feature that makes it so popular is the fact that it’s a computer-driven machine. This means it must be connected to a computer (either PC or Mac) and uses a program to handle machine operation.

You can use any true-type font available in your computer. Any clip art downloaded from the internet or swaped with other users through forums and websites can also be used. If you have drawing skills,you can use the Wishblade software to create your own designs.

Another great feature is the ability to send any image through the Wishblade machine to be cut. It means you can print something in your regular inkjet-printer and than have the Wishblade cut it. Or,you can replace the cutting blade with an ink pen and let the it draw instead of cut.

This system comes with two different software: the standard “Print and Cut” and the exclusive “Create and Cut”, which can be used together or alone. The first one offers regular print and cut technology and drawing tools, while the other enhances Wishblade functionality to include outlining (shadows), word welding and auto-trace feature.

Keep reading for some customer reviews or go find the best deals on this amazing machine.

Cricut Create Electronic Cutter Review

Cricut Create Electronic Cutter

The Cricut Create is a fantastic tool for many types of crafters. It combines the portability of the original Cricut with the functionality of the Cricut Expression: it is the same size as the original Cricut, yet allows cuts from .25″ up to 11.5″ on a 6″ x 12″ cutting mat.

Since you don’t need a computer, you can easily put it on any crafting table you’re using, or carry it with you for “crafting get-togethers”.

I buy blank recycled type cards/envelopes and make my own greeting cards, and can also decorate those inexpensive recycled brown paper bag gift bags. There are very many cartridges for shapes and many for fonts, and some do both. School teachers will find a variety of cartridges very suited to the classroom. There are also cartridges with businesses in mind. You can decorate walls, canisters, make paper dolls, etc. I recently made a hunting birthday card for my son-in-law using the Camp Out cartridge. Crafters will love this machine.

The lil adhesive pads loose their stick pretty quick, but a hint to make the mats last longer is to clean them when finished and to use temporary adhesive spray used for machine embroidery to keep them sticky.

It includes an 8-way directional blade, Portrait Mode, Fit to Page Mode, Auto Fill Mode to mass produce cuts, Center Point function, and Flip function.

Cricut Create Features

Same size as the original Cricut machine
Center Point function and Flip function
Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 18 x 11.8 inches; 16 pounds

Ready to buy?
Check out our selection of Cricut Create deals on eBay.

Cricut Personal Electronic Cutting Machine Reviews

Cricut 29-0001 Personal Electronic Cutting Machine

I was a little skeptical when I first saw the Cricut at Michael’s in the display case. I debated whether or not this machine was going to have a return on the investment. I have manual die cutters (Sizzix, Quickutz, ZAZ, etc.) and many dies that I have invested in to build my collection.

But I decided to buy it after seeing it on tv and reading alot of reviews, everyone seemed to just love this thing. And guess what: this product is fantastic! It is compact when closed, so it won’t take up unnecessary table space. It is also very light and has a comfortable handle for traveling and it can cut each shape in 11 sizes from 1 inch to 5.5 inches. Most cartridges are around $90; compare that to quickutz & sizzix alphabets which retail for $150, can only cut one size, and take up a lot more storage space.

Blades are easy to replace and the cutting mats seem to last longer than cricut suggests. You’ll get more life out of them by rotating the mat each time you cut and also storing it with the plastic sheet to keep dust from accumulating on the sticky surface.

I’ve heard of people having difficulty cutting thicker cardstock with this machine, but we have been able to cut bazzil easily by setting the blade depth to 6 and the speed & pressure to their max settings. I’ve used both the Cricut and Xyron Personal Cutting System extensively and would recommend the Cricut.

Yes, it is a bit of an investment, but it is honestly a better deal than many of the cheaper systems out there. The Cricut personal machine is great for those who just don’t have the room (or the money) for the larger version. The cutter is fast, accurate and user friendly. Now that everyone is after the new Expression, if you shop around I’m sure you get very nice deals on a gently used original Cricut.

Are you ready to buy? We have a nice list of some of the best deals on eBay.

Cricut Expression Reviews

The Cricut Expression is the newest addition to the Cricut family, ideal for cutting thousands of beautiful letters, shapes, or phrases in a variety of sizes and styles with just the touch of a button.

Cricut Expression Features

Electronic cutting machine ideal for scrapbook layouts, card-making, signage, classroom decor and more
Cartridge-based system (no computer necessary)
Easy-to-read LCD screen
Cuts from 1/4 inch to 23-1/2 inches, both portrait or landscape
Works with 12-by-12-inch or 12-by-24-inch cutting mats
Measures 21-1/2 by 7 by 7-3/4 inches

Product Description

This larger machine is meant to stay on the table or in a media room. Although it is bigger and heavier than the other machines, it is also by far the most flexible model and allows you to create much bigger die cuts in impressive sizes, using 12″ x 24″ mat or the 12″ x 12″ mat.

Luckily the Cricut Expression uses the same cartridges and blade housing as the previous models, allowing you to use the entire library of existing Cricut cartridges. So if you are upgrading, this is a neat feature! If you have never owned a Cricut before, don’t worry! There are tons of different themed cartridges available with various designs to suit most artistic projects.

It can cut a huge variety of materials, not only regular card stock paper, but heavier card-stock, vinyl, vellum, some chipboards, soft plastics, window cling material, poster board, thin magnets and even fabric. All you have to do is attach the material to be cut to the included self-adhesive cutting mat, load it into the machine, insert the cartridge, make a cutting selection, and press cut. The machine will quickly and electronically cut out the desired letter, shape, or phrase in seconds. The new easy-to-read LCD screen shows the typed-in information to ensure cut accuracy.

Other highlights include six modes and a variety of functions for enhanced cut customization, the option to cut portrait or landscape, and ability to change settings such as language and units of measurement.

But is it worth the money?

The Cricut Expression is definitely on the pricey side, the retail price being $499. But, if you consider the money and time saved by not having to hand cut your letter and shapes or buying expensive pre-cut designs, it’s clear that the Cricut Expression is a great investment for any scrapbooker or paper crafter. Also, if careful and patient shopper, and you can find great deals under $300 and bundles at discounted prices.

Best Buy on Criut Expression: check out our selected offers with greate bundles and the best deals on this amazing machine, or watch the Cricut Expression Introduction Video.