Friday, September 9, 2011

To cut, or not to cut?

I've been pretty against die-cutting machines from the beginning.  I always thought they were too commercial and would make my pages look too cutesy for my style.  However...I'm seeing some designs using these machines that are really pretty and can be manipulated to look really modern and cool.  So now I'm considering getting one.  I'll probably be asking for it as a gift, but I'm doing some research.  I'd like some opinions.  Do you have one?  Want one?  Which one?  What's your experience like with them?  I'd love any feedback you're willing to give me.

Thanks in advance for your input!  We're heading to Phoenix this weekend to take my father-in-law to my sister-in-law's house and spend some time with them.  Have a safe weekend everyone!
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12 comments:

  1. BetsySeptember 9, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Sarah - I got a high end Klik N Kut Element about 4 years ago. I hate it. It is too hard to use and very sensitive and finnicky. I have used it less than 20 times. I would like to trade it and am considering a Silhouette. I like what these do, but have serious buyer's remorse on my KNK.

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    I have to say I understand your resistance. Seemed at first to take a lot of the creativity out of it for me too, but I broke down and got the Slice for a killer deal simply for some of the word designs where they are melded together and love it. I use it as an additional tool, not all the time, but it seems to fill needs quite often when I'm struggling to finish something. I have heard people having problems with this machine, but I haven't and really even for full price it's reasonable. So I recommend it. Feel free to email me if you hve questions. I have a friend with a Cricut who loves her diecutter too...

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    I have a Slice & a Silhouette. Got the Slice first and I rarely used it. I really like the Silhouette, esp. the fact that you only buy the designs that you want. I don't have a Cricut, but it seems to be pricey for the carts.

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  4. Jenny GSeptember 9, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    I got the Slice first because the Silhouette wasn't Mac compatible. I liked it but never really used it. I've had the Silhouette now for about 4 months and LOVE it! I reach for it for every layout. I love that you can buy just the design you want and use any true type font. :)

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  5. dawnaclarkSeptember 9, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Get a Silhouette Cameo when they come out sometime in October! I've already pre-ordered one, and have a Sil SD and it blows away the Cricut in terms of cut quality and price! I just bought several "clearance" images in the Silhouette store for 50 cents. Silhouette IS MAC COMPATIBLE, i have mac computers. The software it comes with is super user friendly, cut any font you have on your computer....amazing customer support (big deal to me!), and the list goes on! check you tube for "silhouetteeurope"and they have a nice video of the Cameo. cheers! :)

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  6. pattygSeptember 9, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    I have a Cricut Expression and am getting ready to sell it so I can get a Silhouette--probably will wait for the Cameo. I like the designs that the silhouette has--especially stuff by Kerri Bradford and Loni Stevens. More graphically pleasing and less cutesy. Definitely more economical to just buy what you want, not a whole cartridge for only a few designs.

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  7. CarolineSeptember 9, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    I had a cricut create then a cricut expression, i did love it but my main usage of it was for titles, then i discovered thickers lol and never looked back. I have about 20 carts but you know to get things you want you have to keep buying and they are not cheap. I have this week just ordered a Sill SD and i cant wait for it to arrive, I too am buying this for the fabulous shapes you see everyone using, mainly the melded circles. Oh and i was having a peak on there shop and the cards you can make for a 99c download is awesome, I am looking forward to not having carts and just buying what i want. good luck with what ever you buy

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  8. KimberlySeptember 10, 2011 at 2:53 AM

    I have a slice and silhouette SD. Like them both, but would definitely recommend the silhouette! No cartridges and an online store! The only way to go!!! I'd personally wait for the Cameo if you scrap 12*12, just to be able to cut out background papers and such, but you'd likely be happy getting a good deal on the SD as well.

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  9. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    I have a Cricut Expressions and would have never purchased it without Design Studio. The whole point for me was welding shapes together and I love it for that! You can also use shapes from different carts. on the same welded shape or page. My only complaint is that is is not Mac compatible and my PC is slower that mud! I save paper because I know exactly how much I need and I can cut multiples easily and save files for future use.
    I do want a Cameo, but that will wait for Christmas! =)
    Kirsten B in MN

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  10. YaritzaSeptember 10, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    I have both with the Cameo on pre-order. I love them both and I find that they each have their own advantages. I like my cricut for the convinience of not needing a computer so taking it to crops is more convenient. I also love all the Disney carts. Plus I have the gypsy so I can be planning paiges on the road. with the silhouette you can cut any font you have on the computer which I love, their designs are super cute and now they're starting to carry a lot of scrapbooking companies shapes which is nice if you have their paper line, plus you have the convenience of buying just one shape at a time instead of a whole cartridge. They have monthly plans so your shapes can end up costing considerably less. With both you have the up keep of mats and blades. The blades outlast the mats by a lot.

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  11. Ursula SchneiderSeptember 10, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    I have a slice elite and a silhouette SD. If I had it to over again I would have skipped the slice and just gotten the Silhouette. It makes a ton of sense to be able to purchase only the designs you'll actually use.

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  12. @JoyceCasaldiSeptember 12, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    I have a cricut expression that I use if I need a specific item I have on a cartride. I had a pazzles and got rid of it, and never had a sillhouette or slice. I find that I tend to use my cuddlebug and dies more and love that they cut fabric and felt easily. And the dies offered these days are awesome, so if you have an embossing machine you may want to check out Papertrey Inks dies, they are quite reasonable.

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