Fabri-tac is a glue that will work on fabric, lace, leather, and even wood! When you use it to glue fabric, it is washable after 24 hours.

I’ve used this to hem pants, affix scouting patches, apply appliques, and more! It’s just one of those things that I like to have around.

I am not being paid for this post nor did I receive this product for free. I just love it.

I actually get asked this question a lot and the answer really depends on what you are going to use it for. I’m going to do some pros and cons on what I consider to be the top 3 personal cutting machines (Cricut Expression, Silhouette, and eCraft) and I hope that will help Lisa (or you!) make an educated decision on which one might be best.

When you’re looking for a machine there are a few things you want to consider:

• Price-not just the initial cost of the machine, but what will it take to continue to use your machine.
• Size
• Images-can you use your own images or are you bound to pre-selected images or fonts?
• Computer compatibility-do you need other equipment to make the machine work?

The Big 3

Cricut Expression

This is the machine that I have the most experience with. I’ve used all of them but this is the one I have in my home (disclosure: I did not have to purchase this machine). You can find other Cricut machines that are bigger or smaller, more expensive or less, but the Expression (in my opinion) is the most versatile and user-friendly of their line.

Silhouette

The Silhouette cutting tool is one that I have used just a few times while attending the Craft & Hobby Trade Show. While I won’t be able to attest to all of its features, I can give you a good run down of what it is like and the basic features.

eCraft by Craftwell

I’ve been following this machine since it first debuted at the CHA trade show in 2009. In fact, I’ve already written a few blog posts about it which you can find here and here. Now that they’ve hit the market, there are a lot of improvements and I got to mess around with their latest version last summer. Again, I don’t own one of these machines so all of my comments are from minimal usage and general knowledge of the genre of machines.

Price

The price varies greatly and the thing to look for are bundles. The more extras, the more it will cost. Usually these bundles can save you a lot of money. However, make sure they are things you would actually use (like images, extra mats, blades, etc…).

Expression $200+

Silhouette $189+

eCraft $289+

Ongoing Costs $$$

Mats

The Cricut Expression and Silhouette use mats. These mats don’t last forever. You can find packs of 2 (Cricut)on sale regularly at craft stores or online for $6-7 (great sale price) on up.  The mats come in two sizes: 12 X 12 or 12 X 24. The larger sizes cost double. Silhouette mats are smaller and more expensive ($20 for 2). I’ve heard some people cut down the Cricut mats to use in their machines.

The eCraft does not need a mat.

Blades

Each machine needs blades. For the Cricut, the cost isn’t too bad (around $5 for 2) and they don’t need to be replaced too often if you’re not cutting out super thick items like chipboard or fabrics. The Silhouette blades are more expensive to replace ($30). eCraft packages their replacement blades in 10 packs that cost around $15.

Images

Cartridges are a big expense for the Cricut. You can find some for around $25 but most will be in the $40-$80 range. I discuss cartridges and other image options more in detail below, but know that they can add a major expense.

Silhouette uses downloadable images (free or small fee) or you can design your own.

eCraft uses SD cards that are pre-loaded with images and can be anywhere from $25-$40. They also have downloadable images available for a small fee.

I go more in depth on the images in that section below.

Raw Materials (paper, vinyl, chipboard, etc…)

Those costs will vary. However, because Lisa is specifically looking to cut vinyl, I will say that not all vinyl is created equal. There will be some trial and error involved. I’ve always had good luck with the Provo Craft vinyl but it is one of the most expensive. It comes in two 12 X 24 sheets (convenient to use with the Cricut mats) but the color selection isn’t that great. I have a hard time finding it in stock at my local craft store. It retails for around $10. You’ll also need vinyl transfer tape which also costs around $10 for four 12 X 24 sheets.

The Silhouette is a smaller machine so any 12X12 paper or vinyl will be too large and need to be trimmed. They do sell their own vinyl and heat transfer (9″ X 10′) but it isn’t always available in the larger craft stores. However, they have an amazing selection of colors and features (flocked vinyl!) at their online store.

The eCraft isn’t held back by a mat so it can cut any length. They sell long rolls of paper and vinyl (12″ X 10′) for around $16.

Size

Expression 21″ X 7″ X 7 3/4″  You will also need an open space of approximately 2 1/2 feet so the mat (more for the 12X24 mats) can go in and out of the machine during use.

Silhouette 16 inches long by 5.5 inches deep and 4.5 inches tall This machine is small but it has to be connected to a computer to work. Keep that in mind!

eCraft 24″ wide by 8.5″ deep by 2.5″ high (18″ deep with paper tray) The thing I love about this one is that it is flat.  Even though the overall footprint is the largest of the machines, the fact that it is “short” makes it seem more sleek.

Images

Expression

The Expression is a cartridge based system. You buy preloaded cartridges full of images and/or fonts. Cricut has some really talented designers because their cartridges are full of great images for a variety of different styles and occasions. For someone that doesn’t want to worry about designing their own images, they most definitely have the best selection.

If you like to work with your own images and custom fonts, you aren’t totally left out if you have a Cricut. There are a few software programs you can buy that will allow you to cut images and fonts not found on Cricut cartridges. The most popular is Sure Cuts A Lot. It retails for around $75 and you need a computer to be able to use it with your Cricut. You also need to be able to hook up your computer to your Cricut to cut the images. If you use software like this, consider your Cricut warranty null and void. This is 3rd party software so consider yourself warned. However, I know a lot of people that use this program and have had no issues.

Silhouette

The machine comes with computer software that you can use to access their online store. You can download designs there iTunes style or use your own fonts and images from your computer. If you’re computer savvy, this could be a great way to get images. With the plethora of free fonts and images to be found, you can get a lot of bang for your buck using this machine.

eCraft

eCraft images come pre-loaded on SD cards (like you probably have in your digital camera). In my opinion, they have the worst selection out of the three and their images aren’t that great. But, they are a newer company and I’m sure they’ll be adding more designs in the future.  One thing I do like is that they test all of their images. It won’t let you cut an image too small for it not to work.

If you want to use your own designs, you need to use their software.  It seems fairly easy to use and they are also coming out with a mobile app soon so you can even design on the go!

Computer Compatibility

The Expression is designed to be a stand-alone cutter. You need a plug and a tabletop. Should you want to use the 3rd party software, you will need to hook up your computer to your Cricut (it has a usb port).

You need to have a computer to use your Silhouette. From their website, here are their specific requirements:
- Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7
NOTE: The Silhouette software is not compatible with Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows versions earlier than Windows 2000
- Pentium III 600 MHz or faster
- 128 MB of RAM (256 MB recommended)
- USB 1.1 Port (or higher)
- Approx 186 MB of memory (not counting additionally purchased images)

If you don’t have a laptop, you’ll also need space near your computer for your machine.

The eCraft doesn’t need a computer unless you want to use the software to add your own images. It is similar to the Cricut in that regard. One added feature is that they are adding a rechargeable battery so if you want it to be even more portable (crops, ease of use at home), you can add that.

Recommendations

I commend you all for reading this far! Phew. That’s a lot of info. You can see that they each have their pros and cons. Here are my quick and dirty recommendations.

Get the Expression if:

• you aren’t very computer literate
• you don’t want to design your own images
• you want products and ideas readily available

Get the Silhouette if:

• you are good with a computer
• love to design your own images
• will be doing a lot of custom work
• you don’t mind that it only cuts up to 8″ wide

Get the eCraft if:

• you hate cutting mats
• you don’t mind shopping online for accessories and images
• you are computer literate enough to use their software
• love the idea of unlimited cutting length

Which one would you get? Or, would you use one of the other options available? I’d love to hear your comments on the subject.  If I didn’t already have a machine, can you guess which one I would buy?

Speaking of under wraps…I have something I can finally announce! I’m one of the bloggers for the Creativity Club.  It’s the blog for Creativity for Kids.  I’m sure you’ve seen their kits around. They are in most craft stores and I think I’ve spied them in Target and Wal-Mart as well.

The kids and I painted some Diva Puppies the other day. It was so much fun! I’m really looking forward to trying out the Designed By You Fashion Studio.

I’m going to break out my inner Santino or Mondo and go to town designing little gowns.  They do mention that they are for kids of all ages!

My turn to blog on the new site won’t be for a few months now but I wanted to give you all the heads up about what is going on over there. Each week there will be a new post by a guest blogger. You can get to know all of us on this page and you can see that our profile pics are of us when we were kids. We’re a good looking bunch of bloggers, if you ask me!

Will you be creating with your kids over the Christmas holiday?

I will be receiving product and compensation for my work with the Creativity Club. All content and opinions are my own.

If you’re looking for a book full of craft patterns, how-to’s and inspiration…this isn’t the book for you. That doesn’t mean that Simple Times doesn’t deserve a place in your library!

Amy Sedaris’ quick wit and creativity shine through in the book and even if you’re not really going to make that rusty nail wind chime (page 101), you’re going to enjoy reading about it.  Just check out this author video from her Amazon.com page.

Maybe you’ll want to make some marshmallow stars (page 155) using glitter-covered toothpicks and marshmallows (or not). You may want to rabbit proof your home (page 184).

This would make a fun gift for that crafter with a sense of humor–so long as they aren’t expecting to make crafts that aren’t made out of beans, rock, and peanut shells. Warning: this book is definitely PG-13. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving this book out for my young children to look at.

Congrats to Sandy for winning a copy of this book during November’s craft challenge!

I’ve had almost a week with my Cricut Imagine now and I’m still figuring out some things but I thought I’d share my first thoughts.  The video is a little long.  It includes a bit of a tutorial on how to use the machine and then shows how I made some paper dolls.

The beginning includes a basic overview of the machine. At around the 2 minute mark, I start adding images and using the screen. At 6:26, you’ll see loading the mat, printing, and cutting. The finished items are shown at 9:20.

The GOOD

• High quality printing using HP technology and inks
• Touch screen is intuitive and easy to use
• Perfect for cartridges that have a lot of layering as it saves time since you don’t have to change out your papers
• Quick way to make your own scrapbook paper and embellishments to match
• Uses the same blades and cartridges as other Cricut products

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

• Ability to save your work
• More design flexibility (across all Cricut products)
• Mats, mats, mats!
• Could use more designs and images on the Imagine Art cartridges
• SIZE! This thing is really big
• Cost. I have yet to price the printer cartridges  and find out how long they last. But, that will be an added expense

OVERVIEW

Should this machine replace your Cricut Expression? Probably not. The ability to print and cut is a nice feature but for me, it doesn’t justify going out and getting a whole new machine. This could be just the type of machine that avid scrapbookers would want but for the crafting I do, it is a bit redundant to have this and an Expression.

For the ease of use and high quality production, I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. It lost points on the size, my mat problems, and the fact that for me, it isn’t quite different enough from the Expression to make it worth the upgrade.

What do you think about the  Cricut Imagine?

The Cricut Imagine was a gift for attending their gala during the Craft & Hobby trade show. I have not been compensated for this post and the opinions are my own.

You can use Cards Direct for all different occasions.  They have some really cute baby announcements that any friend or family member would love to receive!

Cards Direct offers free personalization and has an easy online ordering process.  I can’t wait to give away this gift certificate to someone.

HOW TO ENTER:

Comment.  Just leave a comment with your favorite craft(s) and a way for me to contact you (email).

You have until Friday to enter and I’ll choose a winner at random and announce next Monday.

Good luck…and those Holiday Cards are on me!

I was given a $50 gift certificate to use for myself and have not been compensated by Cards Direct any other way.

Working with these Canvas Corp tags was a lot of fun.  I like the fact that they are a blank canvas, just waiting for you to create.

The design and products that you use are all up to your imagination.

This was a fun and easy project.

My supplies included fabric, mod podge, black paper, & my cricut machine.
I measured the fabric to fit on the canvas tag and then glued it down using mod podge.

While this was drying I cut out the letters in the word family using my cricut machine.

Next I put each letter on top of the fabric/canvas tag.

I covered the letter with Mod Podge and left to dry overnight.

I tied several pieces of black fabric together and clipped on the canvas tags using the tiny clothes pins from Canvas Corp.

I love the way the project turned out.

I would recommend these canvas tags to anyone that enjoys crafting.

These products were provided to me (Christy) to try out.  I was not paid for this review.

These are Gingher 8″ Spring Action Dressmaker Shears.  I love them.  They cut fabric like butter.  They fit my hand beautifully.  Eight inches is a great length for shears.  They look as beautiful as the day I bought them–even after many, many uses.  Made of high grade steel and covered with chrome over nickel, these bad boys are made for a lifetime of use.  The spring action makes repetitive cutting actions not so damaging to your hand and wrist.  The flat blade allows for straighter and more accurate cutting of fabric.

I can’t imagine sewing without them.

What is your all-time favorite sewing tool?

I love my Gingher scissors and I was not compensated in any way for this post.

The movie was cute.  It had the right amount of poop jokes, burping, bumbling villians, and animals to keep the kids happy.  It was a little long for my taste but I wish there would have been more Ewan McGregor (hubba hubba).  They’ve got to keep the moms happy, right?  Some things that did make me happy were the costumes and accessories.

This picture shows some prime examples.  Check out the button necklace.  The colors are amazing and the mixture of sizes and textures make it work.  You can’t see them too well in this shot but she has on the most amazing flower hair clips.  And…don’t get me started on the knitwear!  There was so much colorwork and it all looked so amazing.

I have a feeling I’ll be trying to make my own version of that necklace soon.

Do you love Nanny McPhee?  Will you be seeing the movie?

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive complimentary passes for my family to see the movie.

It is a small and portable scanner with a lot of capabilities.  You don’t need a computer to use it.  It uses an SD card to store the scanned images and then you can use that to upload to your computer, take to the photo kiosk, or put in your digital frames.

I rarely scan in my old photos because my scanner is so big and clunky.  Not only that, but it is connected to my old desktop that I never use anymore.  This could easily solve that problem.

I also would like the option to scan in some of my projects.  I’d like to make a greeting card and then just pull over my scanner, plop it on top, and grab the image.  Nice.

I can see so many uses for this and I really want to get one.  They are taking pre-orders at this time and the first 100 orders before August 16th receive a free (additional) 2 GB SD card.  Watch the video to see it in action.

I have not used this product extensively but I did get a chance to use it a little bit at the trade show.  I have not received any product or compensation in return for this post.  However, the links included in this post are affiliate links and if you do decide to purchase one, I would receive a few dollars.