Cricut and Cuddlebug?

Hi - I've been addicted to this particular forum and amazed at all the creative ladies here. You all are a true inspiration. I am not typically the artsy, crafty gal but seeing the pretty OOT bags, labels, STD etc, I'm inspired to try the DIY route and I love the personal touch to it as well. Some ladies on this forum talk about using a Cricut and Cuddlebug tool. There are so many Cricut models - which model do you use or is most practical? Is Cuddlebug mainly a embossing and tracing tool? I'm really clueless when it comes to arts and craft - luckily I have a few months to experiment.

Thanks,

V

I would also like to know more about this Cricut and cuddlebug? When you buy it does it come with different cricuts? Where is the best place to purchase one? Michaels?

I have the Cricut Expressions, it is the larger model. The only real difference between the two Cricut models, is the Cricut Expression can cut 12x12 pieces of paper where the Cricut can only cut 6x6 pieces of paper. Normally your local arts and crafts stores hold classes on how to work a Cricut and little tips that are handy.

If you get a Cricut Expressions I would look for a package deal where you can get a couple cartridges included since they can be quite expensive. Also keep your eye out at your local arts & crafts stores for Cricut cartridges sales since they can run $80 a cartridge. Here is the company I bought mine from, they seemed to have the best deal I could find and they let you pick your cartridges whereas most places don't let you they just give you what they want.

Custom Crops - Cricut Expression Machine & Any 2 Carts

Michaels is actually quite expensive in terms of circuts and cartridges they don't often have sales. But I would check out local scrapbooking stores in your area that may have them for cheaper or ordering online where they don't have to support their overhead costs !

Don't know anything about the cuddlebug sorry!

Jessica - Thank you for this information. Wow - this is quite an investment. Is Cricut for cutting or for printing images and cutting? What are the cartridges for? Sorry for sounding so clueless - I'm really not a arts and crafts person and this will be my first DIY type project. Good time to experiment right?

The cheapest everyday location to buy cricut stuff that I have found is at ohmycrafts.com. If you register on their site, almost everyday they send out a 20%off coupon. I love my cricut almost as much as I love this forum!!!

I love my cricut expression and cuttlebug! The cricut is not a printing machine it is a cutting machine that works with cartridges to make different shapes, letters, and just about anything. The cuttlebug is an embossing machine. I purchased my cricut on ebay with 2 cartridges it usually runs about $350 with one cartridge I won my bid at $220, the cuttlebug runs about $65 I got mine at Michaels with a 40% off coupon. I would suggest you go to youtube and type in cricut or cuttlebug and watch some of the tutorials. You will be amazed. I'm addicted!!!!!

We use our Cricut at school, a LOT! I planned on just buying the cartridge I want and using the schools.

I don't know where you live in Massachusetts, but you could search local want ads. They might have a machine for cheaper.

Oh - Thanks so much for the clarification. I guess I should just go to Michael's this weekend and take a look myself. The closest Michael's is about an hr away but I guess it's worth the trip if I'm going to spend $200+ on it. Thanks everyone.

Just got back from Michael's and the cricut was on sale for $329 which was a great price for Canada (usually $499). There is a sale on May 8 here for 4 hours and it's 25% off your whole order including sale merchandise. That means the cricut is less that $250!

Might be worth it to check your local Michael's if you're considering getting one.

i love both the cricut and a big shot (similar working as cuttlebug)

the cricut is great for letters and more intricate designs. the cuttlebug and big shot can do embossing and also cuts dies. besides wedding stuff, i find i use the cricut more for scrapbooking and the big shot for card making.

if you only want to get one, i say go with the cricut. have fun!