Cricut Explore at a glance

  Hello, friends!

 I wanted to consolidate some of the information I received at the Cricut Explore release. That way you guys can have a lot of information about it in one spot. 

Machine Specifics: 

It will be released Mid-February on HSN. The MSRP will be $299. Anna Griffin will be extending a special bundle that goes with this machine, so if you are an Anna Griffin lover, make sure you check it out. I will give more details if I get them. 

This machine will use new software that is called Cricut Design Space. It is super easy to use; however, it can only be accessed online, like the Cricut Craft Room. Its ease of use makes crafting much faster than usual. This fact alone is what has me most interested! I spend a lot of time crafting for the blog and would like something to make it a little easier and faster. This just might do the trick. I will get the new machine the first part of February and will be able to show you the ins and outs.  

There will be an app for your iPad coming in March. That way you have more flexibility when using your machine. A Bluetooth wireless adapter will also be available for the machine in March and will cost an additional $49.99. 

Cricut Design Space will come with projects that have full color photos and instructions. It kind of looks like Pinterest. If you want to make one of the projects, one simple click of a button puts the project on your mat. It does not get much easier than that. More projects will be available for purchase and will be designed by the industry's top people. There will be papercrafting and diy projects abound. You might even make something you never thought possible! This machine is designed to help you do just that. I have mainly only ever been comfortable with papercrafting, but I think this machine could push me into other fun areas. That is so darn exciting!

 What you get with the Cricut Explore when you open the box:

- Several samples of Cricut cuttables (vinyl, iron-on vinyl, duct tape sheet, cardstock). This is really great because you can get going straight away cutting various materials. Also, you get a first hand view of some of the things Cricut sells as cuttables. 

- A storage tote for your machine. It is light gray and ready to be personalized!

- A cutting mat - same 12" x 12" you have been using. If you haven't already, try the new mats which have a stickiness gradient. That way you always have the right mat for whatever you are cutting. I use the light stickiness the most with patterned paper and the regular stickiness for cardstock.


- Accessories ( metallic pen, usb cord, and power cord)

- A blade - Comes pre-installed and is made using German Carbite Alloy. You can still use your old blades, but they are not as good or last as long. 

- Blade housing - This machine has a metal blade housing. Yay! One for the blade and the other is for pens. There is one included with the machine, but will be sold in multi-packs starting mid-March for $12.99. The packs will be divided up into metallics and standard colors. I have already put in a request for a white opaque pen. Fingers crossed! This machine will only use PC pens as it has been calibrated so exactly.

What is included free with the machine:

- Access to Cricut Design Space
- 50 Free Projects you can start cutting strait away
- svg., jpg., png., and gif uploads

What can the Explore cut:
Provo Craft says this new machine can cut at least 57 materials, many of which were never possible on previous machines. This is due to the new blade and the machine motor strength. Below is that list!

- Plastic Packaging
- Cutting Mat Protector
- Copy Paper
- Office Paper
- Parchment Paper
- Construction Paper
- Foil Mulberry Paper
- Epoxy Mulberry Paper
- Vellum
- Light Printed Paper
- Printed Paper
- Washi Tape
- Vinyl
- Transparency
- Cricut Chalkboard Vinyl
- Adhesive Backed Foil
- Cricut Lite Iron-On
- Window Cling
- Light Glitter Paper
- Glitter Iron-On
- Duck Tape
- Glitter Epoxy Printed Paper
- Cardstock (solid core)
- Kraft Paper
- Silk*
- Flocked Paper
- Cardstock (white core)
- Fabric*
- Glitter Cardstock
- Poster Board
- Canvas
- Tight Woven Burlap*
- Polyester
- Denim*
- Shimmer Faux Leather
- Cork Board
- Faux Leather
- Burlap*
- Chipboard
- Cricut Stencil Material
- Light Leather
- Felt*
- Aluminum Metal
- Craft Foam
- Heavy Leather
- Acetate
- Heavy Chipboard
- Soda Pop Can
- Heavy Leather
- Cricut Magnet
- Glitter Craft Foam
- Birch Wood
- Balsa Wood


*with stabilizer


Here are some pictures of a few of the items the new machine can cut.

The above butterflies are cute with Felt and Aluminum metal.

The above are cut with Light Woven Burlap, Polyester, and Light Cotton Denim.

The above are Silk and Fabric

The above is Faux Leather, Cork Board, and Burlap!

Heavy Leather and Craft Foam

Duct Tape and Glitter Iron-on

Epoxy Mulberry Paper and Foil Mulberry paper

Exciting Features:

- Custom cut setting for various materials

- Tool Storage - After you are done crafting, there is built in storage in the machine, so you can save desk space or drawer space for glitter and ribbons!

 - Mat slides neatly under machine after you are done using it. This, believe it or not, is one of my favorite things. I never know where to put it in between cutting and assembling cuts! 

- Precise cutting - Cuts perfectly every time! No more wonky circles or scallops. I actually saw this for myself. Even when you multi-cut, the blade goes exactly where it is supposed to! I cut several circles and scalloped circles, but forgot to get them from Joy. I will get them photographed and post them and add them to this page as well.  

- Tool holder - This is a great place to keep your tools while you are working on a project. No more looking for your scissors or weeding tool! Also, notice the cartridge slot.

 Provo Craft will also have some additional perks for this machine. You will be able to buy images for $0.99. Also, you can get a subscription for $9.99 per month (you can easily cancel at anytime) and have full access to images from previous cartridges that are not licensed, (25,000 images). You can import all of your fonts from your computer and cut with those. Think of this as Netflix for crafters. If you do not have many cartridges and do not want to store them, this could be a good option for you! This machine is a great machine without adding the monthly subscription, so don't think that you have to have it to work the machine.

Here are some more pictures of things that we saw that were made with this new machine. Enjoy!

This dress is made out of felt that was cut with the Explore. Even the necklace was made using this machine!

This FABULOUS dress was made using faux leather pieces cut with the Explore! Can you even believe this? So fantastic!

This flower is made out of leather and is cut using the Explore. Is that not the most awesome thing!? I want to make tons of these in every color for belts, bags, and hair accessories! You could make these and sell them on Etsy!

I know this was a crazy long post, but I wanted you to get as much information as possible!

This week's prize is a Cricut E2 Machine! The winner will be announced on Sunday the 26th. 

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1) Follow this blog or subscribe via email.

2) Leave a comment under one or all posts this week for maximum chances. See HERE if you don't know how to leave a comment

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 Have a TERRIFIC Thursday!

Posted by Melanie Brown Subscribe to Courtney Lane Designs by Email