Create Vs. Expression

Hello, I'm pretty new to scrapbooking and I don't have any die cutting or even embossing machines yet. I was looking on eBay and found the Cricut Create with a Don Juan cartridge for $75. I was considering getting that but I have been talking to a few ladies about the E recently and they are making me want one.

What are the pros and cons of both styles? Is the Expression better than the Create or is it like getting a laptop vs a desktop, there is no real comparison?

Create is a 6x12 mat
Expression is a 12x12 or 12x24

All the other functions are the same ( i believe)

The Create lacks one or two of the functions of the E,,,,mix and match for one,,,,,multi cut for another,,,

mandy knows my opinion,,,and this was exactly where I was 2 years ago,,,,,,thinking I'd never need to cut larger than the Create could cut,,,,,,and of course, I wanted to,,,

however, I also think that if buying the Create is within your budget, and buying the E is way out of your budget, the Create is an awesome machine, it's far better than nothing,a nd you can ALWAYS upgrade in a couple years when your cart library is larger, your other necessary purchases are in hand, and budget allows!

You won't be disappointed with either,,,,but I DO think you will be wanting the E in a couple years

something to think about,,,,,,


how many carts could you buy if you spent 75 dollars on a machine instead of 175 dollars???


minimum of 3-4,,,,,maybe more.

See, one of the ladies that's selling me on waiting on an E. It's just another $100 that I would have to save. lol

I made a $40 bid on a used Create last night for just the machine. If I get it then I can get the spatula and mat and probably a few carts.

I'm guessing, due to lack of responses, that it is like a desktop vs. a laptop or as the ladies on the E demo video said a microwave vs. an oven.

ummmmmmmmmmmmmm kinda, only frankly, you really do not NEED both the smaller and the larger,,,,,

unless you go to crops frequently and want to risk bringing a machine AND your cartridges (I've heard of cases of carts being stolen and/or linked to someone else's Gypsy so you can never link it to YOURS),,,,,,,,then you really do not need both.

If you take one to crops, its' nice to have the smaller one for crops, but really, once you get used to the larger one, there's really not much going back,,,,,

PS,,,,,Provocraft would LIKE you to think you need both

I'd have to agree, if you have the E, then you really don't need the Create. The only thing it offers over the E is portability.

Once I started using my machine, I couldn't wait to get some more carts for it. Like Holly said, that $100 difference in price could buy you several.

That being said, I have the Create and would love to move up to the E at some point. But the Create is great and fits my needs 95% of the time, so I spend the $$ on all the other great scrapbooking things I just "can't live without"!

We all love our Cricuts, no matter which one but I have found from reading these forums that almost everyone who has the smaller machines ends up getting or at least wanting to get an expression. You may have to save a little bit longer but you might as well get what you want the first time rather than spend the money twice!

Thats what I think too, but it is soooo hard to wait.

haha exactly! It is hard to wait. My grandma gave me $200 yesterday for the heck of it though so I'm thinking about using it on the E.

I thought you said on another thread you'd decided on the Create?

That's what I meant. Oops.

it's ok,,,,,it's confusing

I just bought the Create (6 x 12) it was normally $179 or so andI got it for $79. It came with one cartridge and one mat. Of course you then have to buy all of the accessories which I found online for a good price. I ended up spending $200 total for the following:
The Create Machine
All the tools, 2 extra mats, 2 extra blades, two 6x12 cardstock paper packs, spatula, edger, and two cartridges (in addition to the one it came with).

I started using it the other day and I love it so far. Eventually I'll get the bigger machine because all of my stuff is 12 x 12 paper - but that's ok, I'll just cut it in half.

I keep saying I'll use everything I have before I buy anything else and then wham I have more stuff

I've been making a lay out almost every night so I've stepped up my game considerably, but until I use up my supply I'm going to hold off on the bigger machine ... I should print this out and post it on my mirror so I don't forget what I just said!

So cute!!
I like to see people excited about their new toy!
Enjoy and welcome to the addiction! Those carts will weigh heavy on your mind till they worm their little way into your collection! Beware!

I am using my Create right now because my Expression blew up and then fell apart. I am so lucky, lol. Two in a year. I think I got a bad lot number so please don't let that scare you away.

I love my Create. I love the portability of it. I do rely on it. I barely use the Expressions. I use it for large projects and 3D.

I have a BossKut Gazelle. I am seriously just thinking of scanning in my cuts when I need something bigger and letting the Gazelle be my large machine.

Yes, most do upgrade. There are times you need something larger like a box or doing the 3D projects.

If the majority of your paper crafting is scrapbooking then an Expression is very helpful. You can make your own customized paper and save a bundle.

Plus cutting out the character cartridges on the Create or Baby Buy can be a big hassle and headache. SCAL & MTC items cut out just fine. This is just a Cricut cartridge quirk.

I have the Create, & am SERIOUSLY thinking about the E, I am finding my Create just want do all I need it to do; ie: cut anything bigger than 5 1/2" & I really needed something cut 8" today.LOL I have the $ saved & they have come down so much in price.