The create is supposed to let you do everything that the expression can do but be more portable. I personally would like to upgrade from my original cricut to the expression. If I want to do something on my original cricut that I can't do, I use design studio. If I want an 11 inch letter I can use DS and just turn it longways. You can use the end cap feature in DS to make word books.

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I wouldn't say that I need an expression but I would like to have one. I don't feel limited by the original cricut, especially with having DS. I can live the rest of my crafting life quite happily with the cricut that I have now. I guess it just depends on your preference and the price. Whichever one you decide on, get it on Black Friday for the best deal.

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I am happy with my cricut.

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Frndly1 says Lets Get Creative.

Okay so seasonal deals are up..

Big L-ots is having create for $99 and WM is having the Expression for 188 in 4 different colors. I'm eyeing the black one.

I can't decide which one to get in line for.. I understand the create is wonderful but then the expression would let me cut 12x12 diecut pages. Hmmmm choices

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Fiskateer #5734

I agree with Janine.

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Frndly1 says Lets Get Creative.

I didn't think you were going to be here. If you are I will meet you in Columbia....lol

I am going to post an article about black Friday in the Just Chat Section.

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Frndly1 says Lets Get Creative.

This was posted over on 2peas about the decision and now I'm really excited about buying one and I also found out that it's available online soo guess who will be setting the alarm for 430 so I can click checkout at 5 am..

Hope the poster won't mind:
Working in a craft store and being the resident Cricut expert I get asked this question all the time. My standard reply sounds something like this:

I have an Expression (I wavered between the two choices when I bought my machine two years ago... and I am glad I made the decision that I did.) I can not tell you the countless number of times I have encountered a person who has the Baby Bug (the original machine) who wishes they had gone bigger and/or wants an Expression.

The biggest benefit of the Expression involves size... I like being able to cut at a 12X12 size. I can cut full page accents for scrapbook pages (Large scalloped circles, decorative edged paper, the possibilities are endless.) I also like that I don't have to cut paper down to fit on the mat... the less work I have to do to prepare to cut the better!

There are also several very nice cartridges that produce better results (more varied results) with the E. Any of the cartridges that make cards (Wild Card, Hello Kitty, etc...) seem more useful, to me, with the bigger machine as you can create larger cards if you want (you aren't restricted with size.) If you are going to use the cart Bags, Tags, Boxes, and more the E is the better choice as the boxes and bags you can make using the baby bug are so tiny!

Furthermore, if you plan on ever making wall-art using the Cricut Vinyl the E is the better choice, as you can cut up to 12X24 with the larger mat.

Of course this doesn't even bring into play the additional feature keys of the Expression (the Create also has these features... If you go smaller I would go with the Create vs. the original bug.) These features are a really nice addition that Provo Craft has included... I use these keys almost every time I use my machine... I couldn't imagine using the baby bug and not having these keys available.

I also inquire to their "crafting habits". Those that exclusively make cards may find that the little bug suits them just fine (except for the card/envelope features on certain carts are best on the big big as mentioned above).

Finally, I do bring up the issue of portability. I generally ask my customers if they see themselves taking their Cricut to a lot of crops or if they are going to be more prone to using it at home. If portability is a factor they may like the smaller size of the create; but they do make bags for the Expression now, that allows for easier portability.

Normally, I find that customers are generally more intrigued by the Expression after I have pointed out it's benefits. There are still those that choose the Baby Bug... ofen they later return for a bigger bug.

So I say don't waste the money on the Baby Bug, go for the Expression now, you'll end up wanting it later anyhow!

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Fiskateer #5734

LOL

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Fiskateer #5734