Newbie looking for cutting system advice

Hi everyone. I've only been scrapbooking a little while and am not very elaborate with my pages. Most of my pictures are square or rectangular, except once I borrowed a friends Creative Memories cutter and oval template. ;-)

I recently bought a Fiskars Ultra Shape Express starter set, but I haven't opened it because I'm not sure it's what I really want/need.

Maybe I should get a Cuttlebug. Or a Cricut. Or a Slice. Or something.

I'd like something that will cut my photos, and maybe make some shapes, and cut out letters and numbers. That's about it. I don't know how to emboss or anything else. I also don't have a lot of time to scrap with two young kids. I just squeeze it in when I can go to a crop at a store.

Any recommendations for a newbie? Would any of the machines work just as well as the Fiskars cutter?

Thanks much!
L

I have the original cricut, the original sizzix, and coluzzle templates for cutting pics and mats in many shapes. I just bought a We R Memory Keepers circle cutter that cuts circles up to 12inches in diameter. I also have a Fiskars paper cutter with interchagable blades for making decorative edges. I like and use them all...I would like to upgrade my cricut and sizzix but what I have does what I need.

In the past I have tried several circle cutters that I did not like. I also have a coluzzle template for letters that I do not like. The alpha set I have for my sizzix is a pain but I used it until I got my cricut.

Sorry, I have never tried the Fiskars set you referenced.

I have a Sizzix, Cuttlebug, & Coluzzle templates. I love them all but my favorite is the Cuttlebug. The Coluzzle templates are good but there is somewhat of a learning curve. The Cuttlebug can be used with a lot of the other brands of dies such as the Quick Kutz, Sizzix, Nestabilities & lots of others. I would love a Cricut or one of the other electric die cutting machines but can't afford it. The Cuttlebug is very versatile & very easy to use. I would definetly recommend it.

Thanks for the tips/info. I also read the other post about members best/worst purchases, and the cuttlebug seems to appear in the best category for many others. At the price it's being offered right now (on sale), it looks like a worthwhile purchase. Even for someone just starting out.

Thanks again!

I have a Slice and absolutely LOVE it. It's perfect for what you mentioned--shapes, letters, cutting photos, etc. I don't own any other die cutting machine, so I can't compare for you.

I did not even consider buying a die-cutting machine, though, until I had been scrapping for a while and discovered my style and knew my own routine and process well. That way I really knew how and what I liked to do and that helped me decide what machine to get.

The Slice, in my opinion, is perfect for a beginner or as a first die-cutting machine. You can wait for sales on it or you may possibly be able to still use Coupons on it at certain stores (my DH got mine for me for Christmas and used a coupon at HL, for example, which made it only cost $90).

You can check out this thread for lots more info and reviews and discussion from other Slice users.

Also, there is a special Slice website by Making Memories with lots of info, demos, videos, etc., http://whyslice.com/.

Hope that helps, and good luck with your decision!

I haven't been scrapbooking long, but would love to find something to cut words and shapes. I am a stay at home mom for the first time in my life and have more time than ever to scrapbook now! I am loving it. I still cut everything by hand. This is very time consuming and I don't know where to start looking when it comes to any type of cutting machine...

About a year ago I bought the entire creative memories cutting system. I love it, couldn't live without it now. I can crop so much faster and save so much time. I don't buy from CM b/c I dont' like to spend that much, but I love the cutting system and think it was worth it. That won't get you everything you're after though. I dont' have a die cutter yet, but have been researching them.

One of the mistakes I made when I first started to sb was to buy lots of stuff that I thought I NEEDED but ended up not using at all or enough to warrent the cost. So here is my question - what do you want to cut and how quickly. I personally don't cut my photos into shapes anymore. I love being able to cut letters and shapes/borders etc. So my advice is to not keep the Fiskars . I haven't tried that one so I don't know how it works. But I would decide between an electronic cutting machine and a die cutting machine. I have both and they each serve different needs.

Die Cut machine - I have the Sizzix Big Kick and adore it!I love using Cuttlebug embossing folders and making dimension to my die cuts. I love being able to cut multiple media (paper, felt, foam, chipboard). I love being able to use just about any manufacturer die. Con - you are limited to the dies that you purchase and to the sizes they come in. Other options are the Cuttlebug and Wizard.

Electronic Machine - I have an original Cricut. I like alot of things about it. I like being able to adjust the sizes of my shapes. I like that cutting titles is quicker than with the Big Kick since I just type it in and don't have to place each die individually. Con - it can take longer to figure out the right size in that I cut one then go back and decide to see if another 1/4 inch bigger will look better and I spend too much time deciding - which is why I got the Cricut vs a machine that lets you use whatever is loaded to your computer - I would spend forever finding the PERFECT letter or shape online. Another con - it really only cuts paper well.

Is there somewhere you can try some of these in person to see what you like? whatever you decide - have fun with it!

HTH Andrea

I have a Cricut Expression and love it. It is perfect for me because I don't have to hook it up to my laptop in order to operate it, but I can if I want. I also have the Creative Memories circle cutters...along with the ovals and some other shapes. Before I bought my Expression, I used them all the time. I've not used them as much since I bought it, but I do still get them out. They're just so quick. I think that would be a good start. They're relatively inexpensive compared to the Expression.

While I agree that you shouldn't just run out and buy everything when you first start, I think that with a little research you can make an informed decision. Although I did not buy my Expression for several years after I started scrapping, they didn't HAVE those when I first started. To me, that is the best asset to my scrapping I have ever purchased.

Sorry that I wrote a book...I just get excited about scrapbooking!! Like I said, I would consider something like the CM circle cutters to start, then move on up to an electronic cutter...and just a little research can help make sure you spend your money wisely on a machine that fits your style and life best!

Good luck!!!

I just bought a slice, haven't received it yet but i'm so excited! Like you Ami, I didn't buy any die cutting machine right away so now I can see how I will really benefit from it's capabilities. Can you advise me on the purchase of a design card? I know it comes with basic shapes 1. I'm considering basic shapes 3.
What would you suggest? Kathy

• REHAB LADY Said:

I have Basic Shapes 1, Noteworthy and Fa La La. I think Basic Shapes 3 is a good choice. I want that one, also. If you check out the Slice website, you can see all the design cards and the individual designs on each, so that might help you choose which one(s) are right for your needs. Here's the link:
http://whyslice.com/Products/categories/design-cards

I want the new Words and Expressions and Calendar cards, too. I think that both of those would really come in handy.

Hope that helps!