Well I finally got the Cricut Expression I wanted, although used, I love it. It was plug_and_play right out of the box, after getting a new blade and mat. I wanted one when the personal cutter was introduced but it was not in my budget>>> (forward) several years later budget states ok Cricut available
! I explained to DH what it does before I explained why I wanted it, all he heard was Scrapbook... "You don't even scrapbook or even have one", me to him "I have two scrapbooks, one is in progress (ex-MIL bought me 15 years ago) and the other is brand new"! So I went on the the Cricut Website and read off what they all do and explained that I wanted the Expression (not E2) for vinyl wall decor, that we have spent loads of money on, and I could find one for a decent price, he said ok fine. One week later I was playing with my new to me 'Plum' Cricut Expression, knowing it was used, I wanted to try the blade that came with it and see what happened- horrible- next day new blades and mats, I was off and cutting. The first two things I made were for a friend of ours daughters, I cut out their names and pasted them on cute pages- they were so happy and he could see how happy it made me to make it and give it to them.
I love vinyl wall decor whether words or pictures, I think it makes a room. We have spent quite a bit on vinyl wall decor due to him being in the Military and we have had to move every three years, every time I put up vinyl decor and try to take it down, it tears so once I explained to him that I could do this with a Cricut- he was all for it.
I have read several forums about the E2, some love it and some don't based on what I have read I did not want to connect to my computer, I wanted the option of having a stand alone or connecting, and as much as I love my touch screen phone, I am not ready for in crafting. Maybe one day.
I do love the ideas from here and the tips on mat cleaning and recycling. I have ordered 4 more cartridges (mine came with Don Juan) that I cannot wait to try out. I am sure I will have lots of questions but so far I use the videos from here and youtube, which is a huge help, but I will ask when I come across something.
Traci