Thanks for the reply, sboxx. I've been doing some looking around on the internet and think the deal at Costco is the way I'm going to go. You mentioned a good price from Walmart on the Expression, but I have to think that's for the machine only. At Costco, I would also be getting 3 cartridges, which I'd have to purchase anyway because what good would the machine be without cartridges? Also, in looking around and reading reviews on several sites on many of the different Cricut products, I found out about a site that seems to have the best prices on cartridges. It's cricut-central.com.

AMG-roadter, I know your comment was to snowbaby but I had to chime in. You are so right the practical side is that Snowbaby is moving for an opportunity. This means she can make a beautiful kitchen in the next home. And in time can let these feelings go. The new owners can and should be allowed to do as they wish. But my sensitive side really understands snowbaby. I believe (I could be wrong) that Snowbaby accepts she is leaving the house to someone else. This is all part of moving. But she loves her kitchen so much, it has become a part of her. The sad part is the kitchen has become her baby. The planning, nuturing, excitement with each new peice, creating changes, colors, searching for the perfect granite, wood, cabinets, lighting, trim and the deep personal investment (not money) will be hard to part with. She enjoys just drinking a glass of juice and looking around her kitchen with happiness. Will she ever have a kitchen as wonderful as this again? Will someone love her kitchen the way she did and still does? The memories of her kitchen will always be with her. It may sound silly to some. It does not to me. When I look back at my first move ever. I was devastated to learn the people who bought my house changed everything I did. They ripped out the brand new carpet, hated the flooring, wall colors, and shared this with my old neighbors. I was sad but my DH reminded me we made a great profit and to let it go. I really loved all my old homes. I moved countless times. And the first move was the most painful. After that I became more practical. And now before I sell a home, I take out my favorite lights, or window treatments pack them all up for a new place and replace it all with a standard set for the new buyers. I would do well to live in Europe where I could pack up my kitchen every time I move. Maybe this explains a little how she might be feeling. I do not wish to speak for her just to sympathize with her position. ~boxerpups

I started with the smaller Cricut when they first came out. I upgraded to the Cricut Expression when that came out (got it for a steal on black Friday at Walmart). Since then they have released the Cricut Make Machine. It does what the Expression does (larger cuts) only in the size of the orignal Cricut. I would highly suggest that one. It is MUCH more portable. I use it all the time to make bulletin boards and posters at work. I have done custom sign work of both business and homeowners. They have come down in price quite a bit. I really like the site ohmycrafts.com they are always having sales and coupons. Also eBay is a good source. If you can wait until Black Friday there are always good deals if that is something you like to do. My sisters are crazy for deals so they love to take my list and run on that day. As far as mats and needles. I can't tell you how long the mats last but it's a long time. Maybe 6-8 months (depending on the deep cuts) as long as you keep them clean you can re-sticky them with spray adhesive. The needles I have replaced maybe twice. I use my machine at least once a week if not everyday some weeks. There are some many tips and tricks out there on YouTube don't think that you can just do a certain few cuts on one cart there are hundreds on every cart. It may not be for everyone but I would think it would be a teachers dream! Any questions please feel free to ask!

I think if she begins to like it she will want the larger one. If she wants to make something 24" tall she can with the large one and it can be 12" wide or 12" tall either way with the larger one. She can also cut multi times on the large one and put a quantity in. The large one has more functions and since she is doing a wedding she will probably need the larger one. Cartridges can be expensive and she probably got 2 good ones with the larger one. The best place ito buy cartridges right now is Ebay under scrapbooking then cricut cartridges,,,or on a site called customcrops.com. They have good prices. Micheals and Hobby Lobby charge 89.00 per one where these places you can get one as low as 20.00 - 35.00 and they have a really neat wedding one that just came out. Hope this helps you some.