Would You Benefit From the New Cricut Expressions?

If you are a person who is into scrapbooking and arts and crafts and still haven't heard of the new Cricut Expressions, be sure you are being left behind. This machine is a state-of-the-art personal cutter that allows you to quickly create various designs for all crafting ideas. You can create different designs, shapes, letters and numbers for various crafting uses in a matter of minutes. People who are into paper crafting will love this machine since it can cleanly cut these shapes and letters from a variety of materials, not just your average card stock paper. This machine can cut soft plastics, poster board, window cling material, vinyl, thin chip boards and even thin magnets. These are some of the pros and cons of this great machine: PROS Can cut sheets in impressive sizes, up to 12' x 14' Dial controls make it easy to handle speed and pressure variations It's easy to use: pretty much plug and play No computer required, but it's versatility can be expanded with third-party software Loads of cartridges with professional designs, including both fonts (alphabets) and shapes CONS Not very portable: needs a large, clear work area Many cartridges contain mostly 'cutesy' images, geared towards children and education Not the cheapest die cutter around In case you are wondering whether or not the Expressions is worth the money you shell out for it, the answer usually depends on what you will be using this machine for. If you are simply someone who enjoys scrapbooking every now and then however and you do not see yourself using this machine that often, you might be better off buying the few pre-cut shapes and letters you get from crafts stores. However, for those who are serious about scrapbooking and often make lovely scrapbooks as gifts for friends, you might find the Cricut Expressions very useful and it will pay itself over time. If you are running a specialty store where you make handmade invitations, scrapbook souvenirs for parties and special occasions or if you have a desktop publishing company that also specializes in making these things for people who need them, then you may find this machine well worth the investment.