Cricut at Michaels

Set Up

Manual shows picture of what is in the box, it doesn't mention the blade. Blade was packaged in a tray wrapped in red bubble wrap. Couldn't figure out what it was at first.

If you follow the instructions exactly you will find that it doesn't cut. They forgot to mention that little green metal thing in the red bubble wrap is the blade and it must be installed before it can cut. Follow the directions for changing the blade. (btw, the blade looks like it might be expensive)

The paper can't be larger than 6" x 12". It is placed on the mat and the mat is sticky. I can tell already that it will be needed to changed regularly because it will pick up dust and hair etc. like a piece of scotch tape.

The cartridge that comes with it only has upper case letters. The cartridge and the keyboard overlay and manual are housed in a sturdy and attractive heavy cardboard case that can go on a bookshelf.

From opening the box to making my first cut it took 10 minutes and I read the manual. The power cord is long enough, it is two pieces and each is about 6ft long.

It is much heavier than I expected, I would not be able to carry it too long or too far. I guess that is why they sell the tote.

I set the cutting blade at 3 because I cut a piece of cardstock. I wrote Cathy and set it to cut at 1.5 inches. The manual says to use the lowest depth necessary because it affects blade life. It cut it out very quickly and the cuts were perfect. I chose paper saver and then cut out Birthday Blessings at 1 in and then Cathy again at 1.5 using the charm option. I then cut the word Prom with the shadow option. I was very pleased with the cuts and the paper saver option made effective use of the paper. Removing them was a different story. They sell tools at Michaels (39.99) but I didn't buy them thinking that whatever I needed would be in the box. I had a hard time removing them with a set of tweezers. I will be using my extra 40% off coupon to get the tools this week.

I really like it so far, it is faster than using the sizzix or zip'emate and the fact that you can choose the size is icing on the cake. The cartridges are $89.99 at Michaels and with a 40% coupon it brings it down to $54. I can get 4 different alphabet sets with shadows for the cost of the sizzix shadowbox set and with the sizzix you can't make the cuts any size you want.

I got one too and am enjoying playing with it. There is a bit of a learning curve to adjusting the blade depending on what you are cutting. This is one machine I will be using a lot.

It's not any louder than an inkjet printer

The mat is really sticky, had some trouble removing the smaller cuts. I didn't get the tools but will probably pick up a set with my next 40% coupon. I think replacement blades and mats are about $10 each.

I love the sillouette (outlined letters) over blackout letters (solid shadow).

ttfn, Lenora

I haven't seen the blades yet, I will be thrilled if they are only $10. I want to try to cut chipboard but I am going to wait until I get a spare blade first.

Congrats on your purchase! I have not seen one in person yet. I will have to see if it is at my Michaels. I wonder if they would demo it???

--Tammy in TX

If they don't do the demo in store for you, you can look on the cricut website - their demo is quite detailed:

Think it's worth that kind of investment? It looked like a Really Neat Toy, but like all RNTs it costs a fortune :(

Using a 40% off coupon I got it for $190. My zip'emate and an alphabet cost me about the same. To me it is worth it because I don't like to cut letters out by hand.