Cricut machine

My best friend and I scrapbook on Sundays afternoon. I bought the personal cricut machine for us to use as we do a lot of wording on our pages.I found that when you first use a new mat,it is better to use cardstock the first 7or 8 times.Do not press it to hard as even it will stick to the mat and will tear the paper.I push gently on the top that loads into the machine about a half inch and then a few areas on each side-and the bottom.I use all the paper I can by turning it around if need be.I have very little loss.
Once in awhile if it is left on too long without being used,it will go blank.Just shut it off and turn it back on.This doesn't happen all the time and if it does,contact the cricut dealer as there might be a problem.
As a Girl Scout Service Unit leader,I use the lettering for our signs in our GS House.Also for posters.I use a xyron sticker machine to make them adhere ,as it is so much easier then using glue,roll tape etc. I am making pictures for my daughters wall and my grandaughters rooms also.
After using the personal cricut,I bought the cricut expression.If possible,buy it instead of the personal.I paid 280.00 on okay for the machine and 2 cartridges.Saving over 200.00 just on the machine alone and getting the cartidges free.They would have cost me another 120.00 at least.This machine is worth every penny and more.Especially since it can be hooked up to your geputer and you can use any designs etc, that is on the web.Make sure to buy the connection for it and that your geputer is xp or newer.The vinyl that has the adhesive backing works great,but use an older mat to cut it on.The backing of the vinyl will stick to a new mat and you want it to remain on the vinyl until you are ready to attach it.
I have saved quite a bit by buying some cricut items on okay.But like anything else,watch for deals elsewhere also.Sometimes a craft store will have 2 cartridges for 99.00,or other items that go with the machine.
Make sure your seller has great feedback and will answer any questions before you bid or buy from them.
Cricut is geing out with new cartridges just about every month it seems.What is so great,they can be used on both machines.So simple to use and you get professional results-even if you are new to scrapbooking,one of these machines will make your pages snap and gee to life.
No,I am not a cricut salesman.But I have scrapbooked for over 20 years,long before the acid free items etc. came out.I have bought and used other machines,and this is the best by far.So easy,my grandaughters use it.The youngest is 11 years old and made a poster for her classroom.
Make sure that you supervise children when letting them use these.They do have a very sharp cutting blade,also you don't want them to misuse your machine.It has been a lot of fun for my grandaughters and I.
Mimi :)