| Cricut Expression 290300 Personal Electronic Cutter |
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Overall Rating: |
| Retail Price: $299.99 |
| Amazon Price: $183.99 |
At first glance, with its capability of cutting letters and shapes up to 23-1/2" in size, it may seem like it does more than most crafters would need. However, it handles other paper crafting projects that the two smaller machines cannot, including cutting cards and coordinating envelopes, adorable gift boxes and food containers, three-dimensional paper houses, grids for handmade calendars, and borders for 12x12 scrapbook layouts. Although many people get started with one of the smaller models, after making the investment in cartridges and accessories, it is usually not long before they upgrade to this model.
Fortunately, the Expressions machine has cross-over compatibility with the smaller bugs, using the same cartridges and mats as the Personal Electronic Cutter and the Create. However, with its exclusive 12" x 24" mat, it can cut fonts and shapes ranging in size from 1/4" to 23-1/2"!
No computer is necessary to use this top of the line cartridge-based die cutter. However, it does arrive with a USB port, which means that for those looking for additional design options, they are available! By purchasing Provo Craft's Design Studio Software or a handheld Gypsy, or by using the popular SCAL software, this machine can make literally almost any die cut you can imagine.
The Cricut Expressions typically comes packaged with two cartridges - Accent Essentials and Plantin Schoolbook. However, there are several different bundles available. For example, the infomercial bundle featured on television comes with Plantin Schoolbook. However, instead of Accent Essentials, it comes with Potpourri, an exclusive cartridge featuring die cuts from ten of the most popular Cricut cartridges. To save money, and if you are upgrading, you can even find it for sale with no cartridges at all.
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 Cricut® Pink Cricut Expression Machine-NIB-Great Price+Free-Shipping 2001310 $153.00 (38 Bids) Time Left: 38m |
 RECONDITIONED CRICUT EXPRESSION Die Cutting Machine Ready 2 Ship 29-0733 $101.00 (18 Bids) Time Left: 2h 4m |
 CRICUT EXPRESSION Machine 24" w/ 12x12 mat, Brand new FREE SHIPPING! $152.68 (37 Bids) Time Left: 2h 10m |
 CRICUT PINK JOURNEY BREAST CANCER EXPRESSION MACHINE + DVD - MACHINE & MAT ONLY! $175.00 Time Left: 2h 46m |
 Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter Expression Machine w/Plantin New $149.99 Time Left: 5h 8m |
 Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter Champagne Expression Machine HD RARE New $149.99 Time Left: 5h 53m |
How does this machine work? It's very simple to operate. Simply plug in the machine, place the keyboard overlay on top, load the cartridge, and turn it on. Use the dials on the left to adjust the blade pressure and speed. Load the cutting mat and paper into the machine, select the design and size you want, and press "cut". It really is that simple!
It does come with an instruction manual that goes into more detail about operation and use. Each cartridge also comes with a booklet with design ideas and showing the functions of each button. Here's a video that goes into a little more detail...
This large model die cutter retails for $499.99, but you can find it here for significantly less. By comparison shopping online, it's easy to find great Cricut Expression deals, without having to wait for the big box retailers to put their machines on sale. If you are looking for the best pricing, we have found some great bargains for you - make sure to check them out above before you leave!
Finally, if you just bought the Cricut Expression and are looking for tips and tricks to maximize its capabilities, make sure you take a peek at our blog before you leave!
