Cricut Explore

Hello Crafters,

I thought I would take a few minutes to talk about the Cricut Explore.  This is Provo Crafts' latest electronic cutting machine.

I have had mine for several months now and really think it is GREAT!

I must say I did have some problems with it at first having to do with the website kicking me off  and internet service failures.  There are days when the problems still do exist, but things seems to be improving for now...

But potential buyers do need to be very well aware that you cannot use your cartridges straight on this machine like we have been able to do with the older Cricut models.
It is online based only.  Meaning, you will need a computer and strong internet service/connection to use it.
This also means you cannot use your Explore at crops or anywhere where you do not have a computer and internet service.

We are able to use all of our cartridges.  You just have to link them to your Design Space account.

If you already have a Cricut Craft Room (CCR) account, you can use that information to register/go on Design Space (DS) and all of the cartridges you previously linked to CCR will automatically be available.

Although we can use the cartridges we have previously linked to the CCR, we are not able to transfer our files to DS.  Meaning, any projects you saved on your CCR will not transfer to your DS account. The two software programs do not seem to be compatible.  I can understand that issue, but I would think they (PC) would have been able to figure a way to do that.
But still don't understand why we cannot cut straight from the machine as well.  That is a huge negative for me.

Design Space is the new software that will work with the Explore. This software is free and downloadable.  It is fairly easy to download, but I do suggest doing so while you are on the phone with a Cricut customer service rep just in case you are not sure how to do it or run into any problems.
They are extremely friendly and most willing to help you through.
(Open Monday -Friday only  1-801-932-1144  1800-937-7686  then press 1)
-This is the best customer service team I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  I feel like I am talking with a friend every time I call them.  Great team!

The software works with both MAC and PC computers.
However, ProvoCraft does suggest you use Google Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.  It definitely made a huge difference on the MAC instead of using Safari (specially when using SVGs and other downloaded/uploading cutting files and your own design files).

The Design Space is a very user friendly software.  The colorful graphics are really beautiful. I feel like I have rediscovered some of my older cartridges again.  And I have also found more ideas and ways  to use them.  It's fantastic.

The  Explore cuts beautifully.  Even intricate lace cuts can be achieved.  I made some in small (2.5") size just to test.  I was very impressed.  Seeing that it would work this well, I went ahead and purchased the Splendid Soirée cartridge.  (I think it may be available only digitally.)

I have used the scoring tool to make fold lines for my cards, boxes and other projects. But remember, this is mainly a scoring tool and not necessarily an embossing tool.  I love using it.  Makes my crafting easier.

I have also used the pens and loved them. We can also use the fonts on our computer as well as Cricut cartridge fonts. Or even create your own and cut it too.  Love that we can write then cut too.

Used it to cut paper.  -There is a setting for this.  Just keep in mind that the mat you use needs to be of low tack. ( not too sticky.)  I used it with printer paper and I was impressed.  We can cut so much more now.

I have also watched some videos where others have tried cutting other thicker materials and I am looking forward to trying it out myself to see how it works out.  I am interested in thin cereal box cardboard.  I have done it with the Expression and it worked great.(Using the Deep Cut blade and casing -on both machines.)

The Print then Cut does work quite well.  The only thing about it is that I feel it does waste a lot of paper space as you have to stay within the reading marks.  -Or maybe I am doing something wrong.

Also, now, for those who have the Imagine and had registered it with PC, we can use all of the Imagine Cartridges for free with the Explore using the Print then Cut feature.  The images will show up in your account automatically.  This was a nice thing they did for those of us who bought it and were somewhat disappointed with it.

Well, now that I have been able to work/stay on it longer without getting kicked off the site, the more I  am able to use it, the more I seem to like it!!!

Although the Explore is a great machine...
I will never get rid of my Expression; it helped me out when the DS wouldn't work and I can take it with me anywhere I go. I just plug it in and use a cartridge right on the machine.

So, this has been my experience so far and I just wanted to say that overall it is a very good machine.

I am a happy Cricut Explore crafter/designer.  So glad I own one!

I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.  I really do enjoy using it to design and cut my work and all the great features it does have.
-The only reason I do not give it a 5 is because we cannot use it as a stand alone electronic cutter like the  Expression.

I would love to hear about your experience and any comments or questions  you may have.

Note:  Comments will be monitored and moderated before being published as this blog is intended to help make the experience with the Cricut Explore an enjoyable one not a venting venue.
-A happy site to visit.

Take a look at the post showing some of the cards I have made using the Cricut machines.
Please keep checking in.

Leave me a note below...

Smiles,
Madeline