Scrapbookers: Help....

[forHISglory]

If you do scrapbooking or paper crafts...

I'm interesting in getting some type of machine that can texturize paper and/or do some die-cuts. My cousin has one by Stampin-Up (I think) that does both. It uses no batteries, no electricity and seems pretty simple. But it costs $99, if I can find a Stampin-Up dealer.

Saw a machine in Walmart, Cricut (I think) that looks like it just does die cuts. It looked pretty complicated and cost $149.

Do any of you use something like this? What recommendations can you give? I have very limited cash. Also I want something that won't become dated.

Thanks for any advice you can send my way!

[scrap_candles]

I have the big shot from Stampin Up that you are talking about. The texture plates that you can get make give some great dimension to paper and you dont have to purchase all the dies etc from SU. Michaels, hobby lobby etc sell dies that you can use and texture plates they can all be used with it.

The cricut is not complicated but basically only cuts and you have to purchase different cartridges from about 30-$60 each for it. You would need dies for the other too but many places run great deals and most dies are fairly cheap. I bought a pack of texture plates that were double sided so 12 diff textures for about $8 at joanns.

I have both and I have a silhouette, which is like a cricut but you have to use the computer and can cut any font downloaded on your computer. It is much more complicated to use than the other two.

I really use my big shot the most. I love getting different textures on my paper, plus you can use sixxix, ellison, spellbinders, and pretty much ANY die with it.

The nestabilities that are really big in card making right now cut and emboss and work wonderfully in it.

[2ndGenGranola]

I have the Sizzix (Old big red). I scrapbook to relax and I don't want to spend my time with software failures, noise etc so I haven't bought any of the computerized machines.

[Mrs. Piggy Bank]

I have the cricut and love it. I purchased software online for about $50 that allows me to print any font / image (dingbat) from my computer. That has saved me major $$ because I don't have to buy all of the cartridges anymore. Cricut does not texture paper, it only cuts.

That being said, I have become addicted to the digi scrapbooking. Less mess, more bang for your buck (because you can get alot on-line for free).