Die cutting machines range in style and price. How do you know which one is right for you? Here are some quick views on prices and what machine does what, making it easier for you to decide.
Cuttlebug $75 (www.amazon.com)
This is the cheapest die cutting machine that’s out there on the market. You have to purchase different dies and embossing folders to get different designs. You can find them as low as $5 and up to $50. The Cuttlebug can cut out shapes using the dies, which is always fun to play around with. You can also emboss your paper when you purchase the embossing folders. The Cuttlebug cuts 1-4 inches and will cut vellum, cardstock and foil paper. The Cuttlebug is also portable; it folds up and has a carrying handle. The only problem that people find is it takes forever to cut out small objects, letters and numbers.
Sizzix Big Shot (www.amazon.com)
A little more pricey than the Cuttlebug and that’s because it does so much more. This machine cuts shapes as well as embosses. It runs you around $100 and each die and embossing folder will run between $5 and $60 each. This machine cuts 1-12 inches and will cut vellum, cardstock, glitter paper, felt, chipboard and magnet sheets. The one con about the big shot is the dies and embossing folders are large, meaning you will need a large storage space for these items if you plan on expanding your accessories.
Slice(www.amazon.com)
This machine is a little pricier then the Big Shot and it runs completely different. It cuts, embosses and as a bonus it also draws. It will cost you around $140 for the whole kit and the designs cards will cost between $40 and $50 each. One of the biggest cons of this machine is it only cuts up to 4 inches which doesn’t give you a lot of options. You won’t be able to complete any large pictures for your scrapbook page unless you can figure out a way to piece the shapes together. One of the pros is its very portable making it easy to take with you on your scrapbooking adventures.
Cricut Expression (www.amazon.com)
One of my personal favorites is the Cricut Expression. Its more pricy then the others running around $200 depending on what package you get. This machine will cut ½ inch up 23 inches. With a simple change in the blade and adjustments on the machine you can cut cardstock, vellum, chipboard, glitter paper, magnet paper, vinyl and even glass. You will need cartridges to get different shapes and letters which will run you anywhere from $20 to $90. You also need to have cutting mats to lay your material on that’s going to be cut. While this one cost more, it’s well worth the investment.