Cricut Expressions FAQs
Is the Expression difficult to learn how to use?
Not at all, the Expression cutting system is as easy as 1-2-3. Select your image, select your size and press cut. You will receive a special How-to DVD and even a user manual for reference as well as 2 special Project DVDs to get on your way to creating fabulous projects for you, your family and your friends.
What creative modes are available on the Expression that are not available on my original Cricut?
You can choose from "Portrait," "Mix n Match," "Quantity," "Fit to page," "Fit to length" and "Auto Fill."
What creative functions are available on Expression that are not available on my original Cricut personal electronic machine?
You can choose from "Multi Cut," "Center Point," "Flip" and "Line Return."
Will I waste paper trying to get just a few images cut?
No. The machine has a paper saving option that cuts letters/shapes/phrases in an arrangement that minimizes the amount of waste from every cut.
Are the Creative Features the same for each cartridge?
Only Shadow and Blackout tend to be the same for each set. The other Creative Features are handpicked by the artist and design team and can be different for each cartridge.
How long will the blade last?
About 1000 image cuts, this varies depending on what type of material you are cutting and how deep you're setting your blade.
How long will a cutting mat last?
Each mat will last anywhere from 30 to 40 full-page cuts, depending on the size of cuts and what type of material you are cutting. This also may vary depending on how much you pull your material off the mat and reposition it when cutting. We recommend that you use and rotate many mats at the same time. This will extend the overall life of each mat. Your mats will also last longer if they are kept clean and covered with your clear cover in between uses.
What can the Expression cut?
Expression will cut a wide variety of materials: paper, card stock, heavier card stock, some chipboards, vinyl, window cling material, thin magnets, wall paper, pre-pasted wall paper and boarders, poster board, some fabrics (treated with heat and bonding fusible backing), fabric papers, metallic papers, Shrinky Dinks™, and the list goes on and on...
What is the New Deep Blade and what will it cut?
The New Deep Blade has a special blade housing and a special blade that allows you to cut through thicker chipboards, stamping material for creating your own stamps, most fun foams, thicker Shrinky Dink™ material, all of the materials that the original blade will cut and more...
What are the Cricut Inks?
These are great wide tip markers that enable you to create great layout titles, larger journalizing and labels of all sizes. You can also outline and accent your cut images prior to cutting them or you can even create your very own embroidery and crewel patterns with Cricut inks.
How many images come in a cartridge?
Our Cricut cartridges come with a wide range of images from 2300 to over 6000 on just one cartridge. You receive up to 100 uniquely different images on your main keypad overlay. You then receive up to 7 different creative versions of each image per cartridge. You can also cut up to 11 different sizes on the Cricut personal electronic cutter and over 50 different sizes on your Cricut expression machine. This provides you with almost unlimited image options.
What is the glass etching solution? Is it toxic?
The glass etching solution is manufactured by Armour Etch and is a permanent glass etching solvent. This is not intended to etch large surfaces but is great for creating special gifts and mementos for yourself and loved ones. The glass etching solution is an acid. You should wear protective clothing. Remember to also protect your furniture and counter tops. Read and follow warnings and directions on the bottle.
Is the glass etching permanent, or will it rub off?
Glass etching is permanent. It has chemically etched your glass.
Is vinyl permanent? Where do I get more vinyl?
You can purchase many different types of vinyl and Expression will cut most of them. You can purchase vinyl for wall phrases, furniture embellishing, stenciling, accenting walls and special boxes and bins... at most of your local, larger chain craft stores. You can also purchase many types of vinyl at local vinyl distributers in your larger towns and cities.
Who do I call if I have maintenance or repair questions or concerns?
1-877-727-4288
Where do I buy more paper, cardstock...?
You can buy paper, cardstock and other supplies from many of your national large craft chain stores (ie. Michaels, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, Wal-Mart and more...).
How do I cut fabric on the Expression?
After applying necessary Heat and Bonding, you will want to play a little with your machine, since each blade and machine varies slightly. However, we have found that setting your blade on 3 or 4 and setting your pressure dial to medium or high and placing your speed on low to medium are the best ranges for ensuring quality cuts. We show you this again in your special Project DVD which comes with your package.
How do I create stamps with the Expression?
With your special Deep Blade, you can cut stamp material as well as a wide range of thicker mediums (Iike chipboards, fun foams, magnets, ...) You simply purchase a sheet of stamp material from your local craft chain store and place the sheet on a new Cricut cutting mat. Set your deep blade to 4 and your pressure to high. You'll want to set speed to medium or low. These directions are identified on your special Project DVD that comes with your expression package. Then you place your cut stamp on a clear acrylic block and begin stamping.
What is the Cricut Design Studio?
This is an awesome program which allows you to use your computer in conjunction with your Expression and your cartridges to create special images that are uniquely you. In this kit, you get the software for downloading to your computer, the mouse pad, and USB cord. The Design Studio is created for downloading to one computer only. So you'll want to select your favorite computer or laptop to download your software to. Then play with all the images in our Cricut library to create new looks—weld, tweak, join... your favorite images, place your cartridge into Expression so it can read your cartridge and then you are ready to cut your new special creations. Great for creating boards, frames, joining letters together from any font and so much more.
Can children use the Cricut Expression machine?
Yes, this is a great resource for children. We do recommend that all children under the age of 8 be assisted by an adult.
If I return my machine, will I receive a refund?
You will receive a FULL refund of funds paid minus a $33 restocking fee, the $24.99 shipping and handling costs and any extra shipping and surcharges charged.
When will I receive my order?
Standard delivery is generally 2-4 weeks, via UPS Ground.
How do I contact Customer Service?
To contact customer care regarding your order, cancellation of your order or credit card charges please contact Expression customer care at 1-800-326-0401 or
expressiontv@provocraft.com.
