Cricut Mini Giveaway!

I've been a pretty hardcore paper crafter for many years. I could roam the aisles of a scrapbook store and just gaze at the pretty papers and embellishments for hours. But only if there's a cushy hubby-chair, otherwise, after about 20 minutes I start feeling guilty that someone is going to rush in and strip the hubs of his man card.

That being said, I was dying, dying I tell you, for a Cricut. I knew I could make magic with it! I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money on it, but then hubby got me one for Christmas one year. I cried. I really did. I actually cry a lot, but still...

Now the weird thing. That Cricut I begged for, desired, neeeeeeeded to have? It sat in the box - unopened - until the next Christmas. No lie. Why? I was intimidated by it! Then my friend Gina convinced me I was being a nerd. She told me it was easier than I was making it out to be and just open the dang box and use it already! Did I mention this is the same Gina that finally got me to start selling on TpT? Yeah, BIG thanks to Gina :) A Cricut is basically an electronic cutting machine, so no more trips to the workroom to use the Ellison Press - bang, bang, banging the handle to get 30 dinosaur shapes. Now just stick the paper to mat, slide it in the Cricut, tell it what you want, and bingo - it's done! Here's my original Cricut. You can see a little leftover pink pig nose there. Look at how precise the cuts are - even the nostril holes are cut perfectly!

So, I took the plunge and then kicked myself (well, not really. I'm so not flexible) for not using it sooner! I use the heck out of this thing. At the beginning of the school year, it really gets a work out. I like to bring it in to school with me, because invariably, a friend will need something cut and it's easier to do it at school then remember to do it at home. A couple of problems with bringing it in - it's big and it's expensive. And I'm not exactly known for my grace. As a matter of fact, Recyclo affectionately (?) calls me Destructo, if that tells you anything. He did buy me this pretty carrying case, though which made me feel lots better, but it's still big and kind of a pain to pack up and roll in to work.

Now I don't have to! Enter my new baby, the Cricut Mini!  Ta-da!! Isn't she cute?

Now, look at the difference in size from mama Cricut and Cricut Mini. I can hold the Mini in one hand while moving it around. No way could I do that with mama.

Mini lives at school now. It's sleek and compact and the best part is that I can connect to the Cricut Craft Room and design things there without having to use any cartridges! Although I can use all the cartridges I already have if I want to, which is good news because I might be a little bit of a cartridge hoarder. (See cartridge storage case here)

When I got an email about reviewing the Cricut Mini, I replied so fast it was actually a little embarrassing. I was completely over-eager. I have no patience anyway, but I couldn't even fake it for this one. I'm so glad I did. I also had to ask very sweetly a few times if they would pretty-please offer a giveaway for my readers. I just can't bring myself to review a product otherwise...and they agreed. So yahoo for you too!

One lucky ducky will also get a Cricut Mini! By now, you know the drill. Just enter via Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway