Discount Cricut Machines

From LoveToKnow Scrapbooking

If you love to use die cut accents on your scrapbooking projects, investing in a discount Cricut machine is a smart move.

About the Cricut

The Cricut, pronounced like the bug “cricket”, is one of the newest scrapbooking die cut machines. It is made by the popular scrapbooking supply manufacturer Provo Craft and does not require a computer to operate.

There are three basic types of Cricut machines:

  • The Cricut personal electronic cutter currently has a suggested retail price of $299.99. It comes with the George & Simple Shapes cartridge and can cut accents in 12 different sizes.
  • The Cricut Expression currently has a suggested retail price of $499.99. The Cricut Expression uses the same cartridges as the basic Cricut machine, but can cut on a 12x24 mat. This makes the machine an ideal choice for large format projects.
  • The Cricut Create has a suggested retail price of $399.99. This machine cuts letters and shapes in the large format size of the Expression, but is just as small as the orignal Cricut cutter. This makes it a great option for taking to crops or storing in a smaller craft room. The Cricut Create comes with the Don Juan shape and font cartridge.

Is the Cricut an Economical Scrapbooking Tool?

Although the Cricut is quite pricey for a scrapbooking tool, the benefits of this machine make it a smart investment for the serious scrapbooker. For example:

  • You’ll never need to worry about purchasing a whole sheet of expensive alphabet stickers to make one layout title.
  • Adjusting the sizes and paper choices lets you create a number of different looks from one cartridge.
  • You can make your own simple embellishments from pretty patterned paper by using one of the machine’s shape cartridges.
  • Cutting letters and shapes in different sizes allows you to use foam adhesive to create dimensional layered effects on your layouts.

If you have children, the Cricut is also quite useful for helping with school projects and reports. The Cricut is so easy to use that even an elementary school student can prepare professional looking presentations!

Shopping for Discount Cricut Machines

Since the demand for the Cricut continues to remain very high, finding discount Cricut machines can be a difficult task. In addition, Provo Craft has tightly regulated the pricing policies retailers can use when selling these machines.

Large craft stores such as Hobby Lobby and Michaels Crafts, normally well known for their phenomenal scrapbooking sales and regular 40% off coupons, have declined to include the Cricut in these promotions.

Wal-Mart stores in some areas are starting to feature Cricut machines in their scrapbooking and craft sections. Although the prices tend to be quite reasonable, each store typically only has one or two models available at any given time.

Online scrapbook supply retailers such as Creative Express will occasionally run sales and promotions on Cricut products. However, since these sales are for a very limited time only, you’ll need to register for email newsletters from your favorite stores or make a habit of checking online often to avoid missing out on the best bargains.

When investigating sources for discount Cricut machines, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is included in the package? Are you purchasing just the Cricut machine or does the bundle include cartridges and other accessories?
  • What is the store’s return policy if there is a problem with your merchandise?
  • If you’re buying online, what are the shipping and handling charges?

Buying Used Cricut Machines on eBay

Since scrapbookers can be rather fickle and there are new die cutting machines being introduced on a regular basis, it’s often possible to buy gently used Cricut machines on eBay. These machines are generally in very good condition, but simply being sold in order to make room for the crafter’s newer purchases.

If you’re unfamiliar with eBay purchases, it’s helpful to remember the following tips as you’re looking for your Cricut machine:

  • Be patient in order to find the best deals.
  • Only buy from sellers with a track record of successful sales.
  • Read the auction carefully to make sure you understand what you are buying.
  • Email the seller directly if you have any questions about the product.
  • Consider shipping charges as part of the total purchase price.

Best Price for Cricut Accessories

Once you’ve purchased a Cricut machine, you’ll quickly discover that there are a number of accessories available to enhance your scrapbooking experience. For example:

  • Font cartridges
  • Shape cartridges
  • Cricut tool kit
  • Cutting mats
  • Replacement blades
  • Patterned paper packs
  • Storage tote

Discount Cricut accessories can generally be purchased wherever Cricut machines are sold..

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Comments

Cynthia,

A Cricut can be expensive, but they are well worth it if you are an avid scrapbooker. I love my Cricut!

If you're on a really tight budget, you may want to try buying a used machine from someone who has upgraded to a Cricut Expression or Cricut Create. I have one of the first Cricuts and it is just fine for my projects.

Dana Hinders

LoveToKnow Scrapbooking Editor

-- Contributed by: Danahinders

I want a Cricut

-- Contributed by: cynthia

Lisa,

I still have the original Cricut, but if I wanted to cut larger dies I'd go with the new Cricut Create. It's smaller than the Expression, but still cuts the large shapes. Plus, I personally like the Don Juan cartridge they are selling with it.

Dana Hinders

LoveToKnow Scrapbooking Editor

-- Contributed by: Danahinders
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