********THe winner has been Chosen thanks for all the comments. see 2 posts above if it is you*******
*****BIG INFORMATION UPDATE i received later today from Northridge media that really changes my pricing issue I have in the review below: print subscriptions for the Cricut Magazine are as low as $6.25/issue, digital subscriptions $4.95/issue, and month-to-month print subscriptions are at $9.95/issue. You can find out more on the subscriptions here: https://northridgepub.securesites.net/shoppingcart.html?Category=Cricut%20Magazine Wow!! That price is totally worth everything you get in the magazine.....thanks for informing us of this Northridge******
Hi Paperlifers! I have a new magazine review for you today. The fun creative people at Northridge Media have teamed up with the cutting edge techie's at Provo Craft and launched the new magazine called...well...Cricut. They got ahold of me here at the Paperlife and asked that I review it for you.
I am excited about this as, I have always loved the Northridge magazine style...you know breathe taking photography, little advertising, and a smaller "throw in my bag to read in carpool" kind of size. And, well the cricut, I mean that was my first major purchase as a scrapbooker, and I continue to use my cricut to this day almost daily in my crafting.
So, lets begin, first I am going to tell you, because I have to be honest with you paperlifers, the few things that I think can use some work with the magazine. The first is price, $14.99 is steep, even though, to me personally it is worth it for the low amount of advertising I have to sift through to get to content and ideas, and you get a whole lot of high quality ideas and inspiration for that price, I know for some of you this magazine is priced out of your monthly latte budget. And I hate that, because it really is top notch, jam packed with great inspiration. The other thing I think could be added to the magazine to help beef up its appeal a bit more is some content on technical or "feature" aspects of the machines. I know I only use a fraction of the features my machine can do, and so many out there have tips and tricks they have come up with to help make the cricut and other provo craft machines a little less overwhelming and I would have liked to have seen some of those featured for us in the magazine each month. Also along those same lines I would like to know that stuff about other machines, ie the imagine, that I don't yet own but, I am curious about just feel really clueless and even intimidated to find out.
OK, enough of that, now I want to tell you what I love about the Cricut Magazine, and yes I loved it. I want to shout this from the rooftops "The Cricut, its dies, designs, and what you make with it does not have to be "Cutesy" and "juvenile!!!" And, I love that everything in this issue that was shared, showed that. Northridge, Provo craft, and the designers gave a clear sampling of how the more design savvy and even slightly artsy scrapbooker and crafter can use the machine to make amazing layouts and home decor. I hope you know what I mean. Cutesy ducks and cartoon characters are great for some (and even me on occasion), and totally a lot of people's style but, prior to this magazine I always felt like the artsy and design savvy scrapbookers and crafters were never represented when showing off what provo craft products could do. Well, no more, after you see what the designers have done to make amazing layouts with their cricut machines, if you don't have one and you fit into a little more "advanced" design style, you will start thinking about getting one.
I also love how each machine has a section in the magazine. The cricut, the imagine, the cricut cake, all have their own sections of designs that were made using them. Another hugely helpful thing that was done under each project was the listing of what cartridge the designer used to accomplish the project. So helpful when, you "HAVE to HAVE" that cartridge after seeing what it can do.
Another thing that makes this Magazine valuable is its "out of the box" displays of how you can use your cricut. Things like, home decor, canvas, and party decor are just to name a few. I also thought it was really cool that the cricut cake section even gave recipes for you to use. How cool is that?
So I have to say, this first edition of Cricut Magazine really made me smile. I have looked at it and re-looked at it quite a few times. If you are a cricut owner you are going to want it.
And of course, Northridge and Provo Craft sent me a copy to give away to you so leave me a cricut comment here, you know like do you own the cricut? the imagine? your fave cartridge? your fave way to use it? just anything cricut and I will pick a winner on Friday to send a copy out too.
That's all for today paperlifers. Tomorrow the fabulous Papergirl Wendy Smedley will take over the blog so be sure to check in for that. Until Friday from me, go make a beautiful mess of your paperlife!!
Hugs,
Amy
I thought the magazine was priced high also but after reading your review might have to give it a second thought. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1609268983 | 01/12/2011 at 01:18 PM
Thanx Amy! I have been trying to decide if I wanted to subscribe or not, you have totally sold me!! I love my Cricut, I don't think that I could scrapbook without it. Right now I am really into the Cindy Loo cartridge!!! Pam :)
Posted by: Pam Welch | 01/12/2011 at 01:19 PM
Thanks Amy, I thought the magazine was on the pricey side.
I got a new Cricut for Christmas, my old one died on me so now I can finally play with the paper doll cartridges I bought
Posted by: madeline St onge | 01/12/2011 at 01:41 PM
I agree with everyone that it is on the pricey side but I am going to check it out again. My Hubby says to just get it because I will defiantly use it but I just don't know. Thanks for the review.
Posted by: Amy Schario | 01/12/2011 at 01:43 PM
I do own a Cricut! This magazine would be fun for inspiration for it! Thanks!
Posted by: Kelly Massman | 01/12/2011 at 02:00 PM
We just wanted to note that print subscriptions for the Cricut Magazine are as low as $6.25/issue, digital subscriptions $4.95/issue, and month-to-month print subscriptions are at $9.95/issue. You can find out more on the subscriptions here: https://northridgepub.securesites.net/shoppingcart.html?Category=Cricut%20Magazine
Posted by: Northridge Publishing | 01/12/2011 at 03:01 PM
Thanks for the review, Amy! You hit on the things we love about it, too -- gorgeous pics and showing what a wide variety of styles the Cricut can support. Such a great tool. And thanks for the suggestions, too -- we're finishing up the second issue right now and it will have tutorials for several of the projects we're showcasing. Definitely nice sometimes to get a break-down so you know better how to make something -- or just pick up a new technique! Keep the feedback coming, we're listening! :)
Posted by: Tammy Morrill, Editor, Cricut Magazine | 01/12/2011 at 03:44 PM
I have the original baby bug! I love it!! I'm looking forward to seeing the magazine.
Posted by: tammyb | 01/12/2011 at 03:57 PM
OH how exciting!! I can't wait to see it. I have a project published in it!! Glad to know it is one to read. I have an expression and right now my go-to cartridge seems to be Caligraphy. I know an oldie, but goody!!
Posted by: Heather C | 01/12/2011 at 04:25 PM
I have an expression and an imagine, and I couldn't live without them. I do think the price of the magazine is a little steep, but I think it is good to mention that you can get an online version for half the price, which doesn't allow you to take it to carpool, but you can be inspired on a budget =).
Posted by: Janette Childs | 01/12/2011 at 05:30 PM
I own the expression and a gypsy. I don't even use my carts anymore except to load them on the gypsy. :D I'm interested in seeing the magazine, but the price point is a bit steep for me for a magazine subscription!
Posted by: Karen Sheffer | 01/12/2011 at 05:47 PM
I have the original Cricut and have thought about getting an Expression (just to get bigger cuts for projects), buy haven't bitten the bullet. The price of this mag immediately makes me back off of it, but I'm very curious now that I've read your review. I haven't bought a cartridge in a long time, but my favorites (Graphically Speaking and Oppostes Attract, to name two) get used again and again.
Thanks for the chance to see this new publication!
Posted by: Cynthia B. | 01/12/2011 at 06:37 PM
Very excited about this magazine, as well! I, like you, am also hoping that they will add more technical info because I know the Cricut does so much more than I know how to do!! I am so glad to see someone else who is tired of all the cutesy stuff! Thanks for a great review Amy - I think I need to get this!!
Posted by: Cheryl Warren | 01/12/2011 at 07:48 PM
I own the original cricut and am a new owner. My favorite cartridge is probably accent essentials. I would LOVE to check out this magazine as I think there is LOTs to do with the cricut that I am missing out on. In other words, I think I need a little "cricut inspiration" and this could be just the help I need. Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Dawn W. | 01/12/2011 at 07:48 PM
I own the Cricut Expression and the Imagine. I LOVE Create a Critter right now :)
Posted by: Mandie Wade | 01/12/2011 at 07:53 PM
That was a very nice review. I would love to get a copy of the magazine. I have a Cricuit and love it!!
Posted by: Justy | 01/12/2011 at 08:02 PM
I'm extremely curious about the Cricut magazine especially because I'm going to get a Cricut soon. Haven't decided yet between the "baby bug" or the Expression. I only make cards so I'm not sure if I "need" the 12x12 option, plus the larger footprint of the machine could be an issue. Thanks for the chance to win and for the great review!
Posted by: Jessica Canham | 01/12/2011 at 08:05 PM
Great review and thank you for letting us know about the price change. I'm a new follower, I follow you on facebook and just got the link to your blog. TFS!!! -Sam :-)
Posted by: Samantha | 01/12/2011 at 08:30 PM
I love my Cricut, especially with the Gypsy! TFS the info about the magazine!
Posted by: Charity Donaldson | 01/12/2011 at 09:19 PM
Thanks for this awesome review!
I am a cricut lover and soo can't wait to finally see this first issue!
I use my Cricut almost daily and right now with winter, I'm getting a ton of use with the Winter lace seasonal cartridge!
Posted by: Andrea Amu | 01/12/2011 at 09:44 PM
I just got a cricut and love it. The mag sounds cool and I would love to win one.
Posted by: Buckeyecub | 01/12/2011 at 09:53 PM
I purchased a cricut expresssion a little less than a year ago, but last weekend was the first time I've ever used it!!! I have seen amazing things done with the cricut, but have always been too intimidated to try them for myself (even after I purchased the machine). Well, one of my goals for 2011 is to push myself out of my comfort zone and do things that I really want to do, but have been too afraid, busy, lazy, intimidated or whatever to do! So hello, Cricut! You Tube videos have been an amazing help for info on the cricut, but I'm a little old school and would love to have paper in hand to learn...Cricut Magazine!!! Thank you for the very helpful review and the giveaway!
Posted by: n.griffin | 01/12/2011 at 10:27 PM
I love my personal Cricut. It is so cute an so much fun! One of my fave carts. is "Sweethearts". It is filled with so much love! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Renee J. | 01/12/2011 at 11:59 PM
I have been curious about the new mag. Thanks for your review. I will probably check it out on-line. Although I am still a tactile person and would love to have a hard copy in hand to peruse while I sip my tea.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Good luck to all.
T.
Posted by: Tambur | 01/13/2011 at 12:38 AM
Thank you for a great review:) I too, think the price is too steep. As I live in Europe, I have not even bother to check out the subscription price to have the mag. sent here. I`m also very tired of all the "cutesy" I see everywhere. I so much would like to get some inspiration and help to use my Expression in, as you said, Amy, more "advanced" design style. Maybe I should get a digital copy to try the magazine and give it a chance:) Thanks again:)
Posted by: Maria | 01/13/2011 at 05:05 AM