When selecting machine cutters for scrapbooking and crafting, consider function, convenience and quality, as well as the extra accessories you will need to buy for the machine to function at its best. Although the Cricut Expression and Cuttlebug vary dramatically in function, you may find both to be excellent resources for your hobby.
Function
With the touch of a button, the Cricut Expression cuts out letters, shapes and words in various sizes using your choice of Cricut papers. The Cuttlebug goes one step further. With the turn of a handle, the Cuttlebug also will cut out shapes, letters and pictures on your choice of paper, but it then will emboss your shapes with the three-dimensional design of your choice. Both machines can be used for card making, scrapbooking, signage, classroom decorations and paper crafts.
Features
The Cricut Expression is larger than the Cuttlebug, allowing for larger cuts to be made, ranging from 0.25 inches to 23.5 inches. You can do several cuts at the same time on the same piece of paper. The Cricut Expression uses electronic cartridges that are preloaded with different designs. Once you choose a design, the machine cuts it into the paper. The Cricut Expression also has an LCD display screen so you can preview your cut.
The Cuttlebug's embossing ability is its most popular feature. Adding texture and a three-dimensional design to your cuts makes them more attractive and interesting. The Cuttlebug does not use electronic cartridges but instead uses cutting dies and embossing folders. For this reason, the Cuttlebug requires slightly more work than the Cricut Expression since you need to line up the designs on your own.
Materials
Cricut Expression's cartridges contain multiple shapes and pictures to choose from. You can choose the size of your cutout and preview it before you make the cut. Cricut offers a wide variety of papers and materials made specifically for Cricut cutters, including vellum, card stock, vinyl and thin chipboard, are of which all available for purchase from Cricut.
The Cuttlebug requires cutting dies, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Single dies are sold in a 2-x-2-inch size and cut one specific shape. You also could select the 3-x-3-inch dies, which contain multiple shapes. Die sets include bundle sets, with up to three dies sized 2 x 6 inches each, or themed sets of four dies that are 2 x 2 inches each. Alphabet dies are 2 x 6 inches. Embossing folders are available in two different sizes: 2 x 2.75 inches or 4.25 x 5.5 inches. The Cuttlebug can cut through any material that is not thicker than the white foam on the die. For example, you could use corkboard, thin metal, thin wood, fabric, felt, cardstock, posterboard, chipboard, paper or foam.
Accessories
Cricut offers several accessories to enhance your experience with the Cricut Expression. The Cricut Jukebox allows you to plug in six different cartridges at the same time, so you can mix and match designs from the different cartridges. Cricut offers a wide variety of print cartridges, including letters, shapes, holidays and licensed cartoons. You also can buy papers, cutting mats and blades through the Cricut website.
Other than the cutting dies and embossing folders, no additional accessories are available for the Cuttlebug. However, the company soon may offer a tote you can use to carry the Cuttlebug around.
Considerations
The Cuttlebug is quite a bit smaller than the Cricut Expresion, which doesn't allow you to cut larger shapes. The smaller size, however, makes it quite easy to move the Cuttlebug around. The machine weighs about 7 pounds and folds up compactly for storage. A handle is built into the machine for easy carrying.
The Cricut Expression is quite large and should be kept in one place on a desk or table.
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