Discussions

I’m thinking of maybe getting a cricut. (Specifically the explore air 2.)  
 
Is the cricut worth it? You have to pay a large price up front to get the machine, then any tools and then to use it you need to pay a monthly fee! (I know cricut access is not a mandatory option but without it there are very limited images or font you can use).  
 
Do you have a cricut? Do you love or regret it? Or do you have other machines like the brother scan and cut or silhouette cameo? What is your preference?  
 
I’m also wondering if I should just go with a big shot. It’s manual not electronic and you have to buy dies as you go. But it seems cheaper too bc you can use coupons at Michaels and you can’t on cricut.  
 
I’m open to ideas and opinions. Would love any feedback!

I am on my 3rd Cricut (Explore Air 2). I have purchased physical cartridges for my older models and have linked them to my new one. I’m primarily a card maker and an occasional scrapbooker. I haven’t bought anything through the online store as I have a good variety of images already on the cartridges.  
I like being able to change the size of the images or fonts, which is something you can’t do with a manual die cutter. The selection at Michaels isn’t huge for dies, but you can certainly find more online.  
I haven’t looked into the other electronic machines, so you may want to do some research.

I love my machine!! I have the explore 2 and use it for personal use. There are many many free fonts and images on the app. You can purchase the extras on the app for $9.99 a month and cancel anytime. I use it to make gifts, cards, labels for all my kids stuff, I use iron ones to make labels and cute baby gifts. I really enjoy it! I only use mine probably 1-2 a month. But I use it in spurts too when I create 5-6 items at once. Mine is used mainly with vinyl and iron ons

I believe they have one at the Brandon maker Space ( Creation Nation )  
if you would like to try one before spending a big bunch on a purchase.  
 
I think right now memberships are only $50.00 a month and I would imagine you could do a lot of learning in a month.  
 
You would also have access to all the other stuff they have as well.

I like that you have more options and ability to customize with a cricut more so than a manual cutter.  
 
I see all these cute projects on social media and would love to be able to make crafty items like that too! Do you find it hard to use vinyl/ iron ons?  
 
Interesting about the Creation Nation. I forgot about that place. I’d probably be too intimidated to go on my own though but might go check it out.

I have the cricut explorer air2. I love it. I did do the monthly fee on line for the first couple months, but found I didn’t need to. As for discounts, sissor and orcal vinyl and heat transfer work in cricut machine, and they are discounted with Micheals coupons.  
There is lots of tutorials on you tube as well for learning how to do different things. If you think there is something you want to do and don’t know how just type it in you tube there is likely a video

Do you make your own svg files?  
 
I’m glad the coupon applies to some of the items. I’ve heard good things about the oracal brand!  
 
Youtube has a ton of information! Youtube/ google is a little bit overwhelming at the same time but definitely a good source.

Do you install a program on your computer? Or is it ran off an app on your phone?

I don’t have one but I believe you can use a desktop or phone/iPad. But that the app on the phone/iPad doesn’t have all the capabilities as your computer does. Then you use the cricut to make whatever you designed.