Cricut machine

[kmmd]

If you are only going to be doing card stock and small projects, then I don't think that you need to get an expression. I have the Create (which I believe is even more basic than the explore) and it is fine for all of my scrapbooking and card making needs. They usually come with one cartridge and a couple of blades and mats. So it is enough to get you started with the machine but the cartridge that it comes with is usually quite basic.

Having said all of that, I am going to look into getting a Silhouette for my next machine. I have heard a lot of good things about them and you don't need to worry about buying all of the cartridges, plus the online material is supposedly a lot better. I like my cricut, but I am really restricted to the cartridges and I often find that I would like to make something that I can't.

[BJ Dealer]

I'll just say I have a Silhouette Cameo and I love it! I do card stock and vinyl. Never used a cricut, though.

[meritsamomma]

So I have a problem and own the Cricut Create, Explore, Cake and now the Explore. Of all the machines, the Explore is hands down the best machine. There's new features that have been added (such as print then cut) which have made me love the machine even more. The design software is amazing and I highly suggest trying it out to get a sense of what projects are possible! I've saved a TON of money on cartridges since buying this machine as well and have a yearly subscription ($99) to the digital store. There are a ton of images and cartridges included in the cost. It's all free to try and design with, and if you choose you can pay per image or upload your own! This is my favorite part, as I previously had two different software programs to run my Explore off of.
GL with your decision!

[meritsamomma]

@unicornofthesea It depends. Did you buy a physical cartridge or buy a digital cartridge? The physical cartridge can be used with any machine and may be added to one account. If it is a digital cartridge it may only be accessed from the account that purchased it.

[cwiceangel]

I got an explore for Christmas. Still haven't had a chance to play. but yes you can use cartridges with it. I only did cardstock on my cricut expression but am super excited about the explore. I like that you can use your own images... And not HAVE to buy their cartridges. Saves a lot of money and there are so many free images.

[MsNicole06]

I am still using my expression and just recently (Nov.) downloaded their free software and find I love my machine even more. The explore is able to wireless work with the software and there is an app so you can use a tablet or i phone to get things done. I highly recomend if you can afford it to get the cartrdige subscritpion. I recieved the year one for Christmas and can't get over how many iamges and fonts I now have access to. I have my eye on an explore but since I hord craft supplies I feel I need to wait longer or for my expression to die.

[mackalack]

I use both a Cricut expression and a Silhouette cameo. I prefer the cameo, which is similar to the Cricut Explore. You can use any image as well as print and cut.

[SassyPants150]

I have the Silhouette Cameo too. I like the freedom to create as I please without cartridges and such. Sounds like Cricut now has a comparable? I love my Silhouette!