The Cricut

There is this amazing new machine out there that is a complete spoiling to any of us who scrapbook or create cards ~ it is the Cricut by Provo Craft.  It is an electrical die-cutting machine that cuts letters from 1" - 5"!!! 

So, I got this for my birthday, and, just finally got to play with it once (most) of my boxes were unpacked.  If you are looking for something to put on your Christmas list - here it is!

With the cost of the machine and cartridges a little higher than I am willing to spend on myself, I have searched for the best place to purchase the supplies.  I thought I'd share the info ~ so, all you have to do is pass on this link to your gift-givers, and, they will know where to get the best deal :)

Here are the best contacts I have found:

• QVC has the machine and it comes with an extra cartridge that is only available through them.  I got mine through QVC, to be honest, only so I could get the extra cartridge.  Since it is one of those "limited" things, I figured I'd get it while I could.  Once I paid shipping, not sure I really saved more than a few dollars, but, at least I got that limited cartridge :)
• There is another supplier I have found through the web that seems to have the some of the best prices of both the cartridges and the machine.  I am on a yahoo group of "Cricut groupies", and, I have seen only positive comments concerning Kim.  I will be getting my cartridges through her as well.  I am including Kim's email address since she has requested to be contacted directly for ordering information.
• I have seen JoAnns cartridges on sale for as little as Kim's only once, so, if you are patient, and a regular lurker at your local JoAnns or other craft store, you may be able to find a great sale.

If by some chance you are lucky enough to already own a Cricut, or, talk someone into getting it for you, I do reccommend you get on some Cricut community.  I have only been a reader, but, I have learned TONS.  There are major Cricut Junkies out there that know everything there is to know about the Cricut.  I am also including a couple links for you to join.  I actually joined a couple of these before I purchased to be sure I really wanted to make the investment and gather any other info I could.  (And, no, I am not a paid representative of Provo Craft, just a crazy scrapper that loves gadgets!)

• Cricut Cheat Sheet ~ This is awesome if you are trying to figure out which cartridge you want, or, if you happen to be lucky enough to own a few cartridges
• Cricutcutter ~ This group is pretty chatty, therefore, I have learned so much from them. I just put myself on a daily digest, and, then I can scroll through the subjects I need to read.  These women are amazing at what they can do with this machine!
• Cricut Chirp Newsletter ~ Again, lots of wonderful info and updates, directly from the manufacturer.  You can see past ones here
• Cricut Message Board ~ Wow, if you have the time for message boards, this one looks awesome!  I have not been able to spend time on it, but, I know it is there, is very active, and, I would imagine it would be very helpful.
• Just a few project pictures ~ While all of these groups I have listed have lots of pictures, here are just a few to get you hooked :)

So, hope I have sparked your interest - I know you will love this machine!  Be sure to contact Kim and get her prices info before you purchase any product.  I do think she may be, simply, the best deal.

If you do have a cricut, or, have any comments, be sure to list them below - I am sure there are plenty of you out there with your own "little bug" :)

Comments

[Gena]

Thanks for the info! I saw the "debut" demo on QVC a few months back and was impressed! I like to hear what other people say in order to make an informed decision before I invest a lot of $$$! I've been SB since '96 and you have to be careful about what is a "fad" and what you put your $ towards!

[Gena]

I am still drooling over this little gadget as I cut out letters from stencils....I saw it at my local Wal-Mart under $200!