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Gynergy
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 225,338
September 2005
Posts: 2,378
Layouts: 418
Loc: Georgia
 |  Posted: 2/4/2013 3:47:08 PM
I'm curious about the benefit of the size of the cameo over the smaller portrait. How often would the average scrapper need the larger size? I like the smaller size (since I have limited scrap space & enjoy crops), not to mention the lower price. But I'd certainly rather save longer for the cameo than end up regretting a smaller machine. Thanks for your thoughts, peas! |
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naby64
Made 5000, now what?
PeaNut 180,263
December 2004
Posts: 7,595
Layouts: 154
Loc: Arkansas
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tinaev
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 370,270
April 2008
Posts: 2,326
Layouts: 14
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 4:05:24 PM
I haven't bought either machine yet but my thought process is that the only reason I would need a Cameo is when I want to cut out the cute folding boxes and 3D items they release in the store. Sometimes to get those at an appropriate size you do need the full 12x12 size available.
But for my actual scrapbooking, I would never need the 12x12 capability. When I decide to buy I will get the Cameo unless there's a big price gap between the two machines. | |
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anandirc
PeaNut
PeaNut 559,779
July 2012
Posts: 307
Layouts: 0
Loc: Seattle, WA, USA
| Posted: 2/4/2013 4:15:43 PM
I've had the Silhouette SD for 2 years and have never needed the wider size. The only annoying thing is that I have to cut down 12x12 paper before running it through the machine.
Note that it's just the width that you're limited - you can cut really long things still, even with the narrower width.
So if you're looking for an even better deal, you may want to look for a gently used Silhouette SD. I've seen them for around $120. |
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irishscrappermom8
AncestralPea
PeaNut 220,508
August 2005
Posts: 4,536
Layouts: 52
Loc: IL
| Posted: 2/4/2013 4:35:18 PM
I have the cameo and I like that I don't have to cut my paper down. I can also fit more stuff I need to cut out on one sheet with the 12x12. I also like the ability to cut 12x12 borders. |
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momocarly
PeaAddict
PeaNut 169,727
September 2004
Posts: 1,872
Layouts: 57
Loc: Houston, TX
| Posted: 2/4/2013 4:35:24 PM
I bought the larger one but I make locker decorations for the kid's teams every year and really appreciate the larger size when I do those. I also use the bigger size for sports party decorations for the MS and HS. So.. it all depends on what you are going to use it for. I rarely use the larger size for scrapbooking. |
Debbie
Mom of Carly (16) and Nathan (14)
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bgpa
BucketHead
PeaNut 53,649
October 2002
Posts: 896
Layouts: 40
Loc: NorthCentral PA
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 7:45:03 PM
I had my SD for YEARS, and used it just for scrapping. Then, I bought my Cameo, thinking it would just be for scrapping too...
Once I saw what it could do, I changed my mind quick. With the 12x12 size I can make boxes, bags, holiday decorations...my favorites are the 3d haunted house and the 9 inch hat box-which I use when I'm gifting a cake.
If you want to limit youself and KNOW that you won't ever make any of the 3d stuff, you'll be fine wtih the Portrait. However, once you start finding all of the cool things you can do with the Cameo, you might change your mind. |
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twinkle22
PeaNut
PeaNut 161,671
August 2004
Posts: 351
Layouts: 6
Loc: Scarsdale, NY
| Posted: 2/4/2013 8:00:30 PM
I recently purchased the portrait and love that I chose the smaller size....I already have the cricut expression though for larger items like schoolprojects with the kids on posterboard, but just for my PL and card amking...I don't think I'll ever need the larger sizes....hope this helps....am totally LOVING this machine!,! Sooooo small and compact! | |
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~Toby~
EncycloPEAdia
PeaNut 195,415
March 2005
Posts: 3,009
Layouts: 618
Loc: Rolla, Missouri
| Posted: 2/4/2013 9:51:51 PM
Love seeing all the different opinions! Thanks everyone! |
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Scrapn Nana
PEAring through my camera lens
PeaNut 272,954
August 2006
Posts: 6,974
Layouts: 19
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 6:16:40 AM
While my machine is a Gazelle rather than a Cameo, it's somewhat similar, and it will cut the same size. I also have a Wishblade, which is a "sister" machine to the Silhouette. I had my Wishblade first.
I prefer using a larger machine. I like to make the large shaped backgrounds for my 12x12 pages. I like to make 3D projects. I can put more images for cutting at once on the mat, and position the paper/cardstock in such a way that multiple colors can be cut at the same time. I can do more with the bigger machine, so for me, it has been well worth it.
Yes, the Cameo is going to be a bit bigger, but we're only talking a few inches wider than the smaller machine. It's not that much. The price is a bit more, but if you want the added capability, I think it's worth the difference in price.
If you scrap 12x12, you are a little bit limited by the smaller machine. I scrapped for years with my
Wishblade and loved the machine, but I frequently wished I could cut wider than my machine allowed. Once I got the Gazelle, my poor Wishblade has been gathering dust. I kept it because I have literally thousands of designs for it, but the bigger machine meets my needs better.
Every crafter has different needs and wants. Only you can figure out if you will want the bigger machine or be happy with the smaller one, but a lot of people who scrap 12x12 and make 3D projects are happier with a machine that cuts up to 12 inches wide. |
My Scrapn' Blog
Photographers are violent people. First they frame you, then they shoot you, then they hang you on the wall; but if you're real good, they will scrapbook you! | |
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Simply_Lovely
PeaFixture
PeaNut 463,295
April 2010
Posts: 3,290
Layouts: 3
Loc: New York City
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Tashak
PeaFixture
PeaNut 223,381
September 2005
Posts: 3,403
Layouts: 79
Loc: somewhere over the rainbow
| Posted: 2/5/2013 11:17:32 AM
I have had a Silhouette SD for years and so far I haven't had a need for a larger size. I still want to eventually upgrade to the cameo but I can't actually explain why.
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papergoddess
PeaNut
PeaNut 529,899
November 2011
Posts: 179
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 11:19:57 AM
Thanks for asking this question and for all the great replies. I've been pondering this myself. I'm currently a cricut expression user, but find I don't use it all that much & get frustrated with it easily. Since I mostly scrap on a small scale, mini books & divided page protectors, I have been considering the Portrait. I don't have a lot of space, hence having to "get out" the expression. Hoping the Portrait is something that could fit more easily on desk with computer. Still deciding if I really "need" it tho...
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htstepper
PeaNut
PeaNut 553,072
May 2012
Posts: 195
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/5/2013 3:20:42 PM
If you decide to get the Portrait, here is info on the Valentine's Day Portrait bundle and coupon code. I have a Cameo, but I mostly like to do 3D projects, cards, boxes, etc.
Silhouette Valentine's Day Sale and Code
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Heidi
www.bargainshoppermom.com
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