Cricut FAQ

[southgirl]

I remember my first purchase of a Cricut. I watched the DVD that was included in it and felt very threatened. But then I jumped in and found it to be very easy. Now that said...The Expression2 has a bit of learning curve. But not to bad. I would call it an UN-learning curve because it does work a bit differently. Just remember..."It is only paper" and you will do fine.

[lovetostamp3]

I am in love with my E2, then again, I never had a prior Expression, it was my first.

It's been easy for me to use, videos on the internet have been great, and my personal experience with ProvoCraft has been wonderful. Yes, I may have to be on hold for awhile, however, when a company has a number of products they are supporting, I expect that to happen. Every Cust. Service Rep has been very polite and helpful, then again, I've never been rude to them. If I've had an issue, they have been quick to send out a replacement part at no cost, so I can't complain.

I'm not a computer whiz, so I like the variety of cartridges, and have fun changing/altering them thru the CCR and it works great for me with my E2 as well. So, I'm a happy camper with the products, and they work for me and my crafting needs and I've had great success!

[Bahb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovetostamp3

I am in love with my E2, then again, I never had a prior Expression, it was my first.
, and they work for me and my crafting needs and I've had great success!

Ahhhh! Bless you, you give me hope. FINALLY I got registered today with no idea why twenty tries over a week didn't get me registered. This is my first electronic cutter too, a gift from my children. Otherwise I would have returned it because a struggle just to get it registered seemed a very bad omen.

Thanks to all for your replies,
Soon-to-b-happy E2 User

[Diana stamps]

Working with my new Cricut Explore. I love love love it!!!! I am not a computer whiz or anything close to it but so far after three days with the explore I have cut from the image library and svg images without any trouble. It is so quiet when cutting and so far no wasted paper...... hope the good times continues

[smokiesgal]

I too am loving my new Explore. It cuts vinyl like "buttah"!

[mycattracks]

for those that have the explore, does it only work if you are connected to the internet? and have you tried it with MDS?

[gails]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mycattracks

for those that have the explore, does it only work if you are connected to the internet? and have you tried it with MDS?

Yes, it only works if you are connected to the internet.

Yes, I have used MDS with the Explore. That being said, I only exported various images as SVGs and then sized and cut them on the Explore. I added a card to the gallery here this afternoon which included little birds. The birds were exported from MDS, uploaded to the Explore Design Space and cut. The bird image is saved to my DS. So when I go to search my images, it is there for me to use again and again.

[smokiesgal]

Explore only works when connected to the internet. I have a new Dell using windows 8.1

I am not sure what MDS is. Please clue me in.

[gails]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokiesgal

Explore only works when connected to the internet. I have a new Dell using windows 8.1

I am not sure what MDS is. Please clue me in.

MDS is Stampin' Up's digital software program, My Digital Studio.

[smokiesgal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gails

MDS is Stampin' Up's digital software program, My Digital Studio.

Thanks for clueing me in. I don't have that program so I can't compare with the Explore.

[sewflake]

For those ladies that have the new Explore, please let me hear more!!
I need to decide if I really want one but since they are so new.......my past experience with Provo Craft has not always been the best, but that was a couple years ago. I have since fallen back in love with Cricut and they seem to have made all the updates to all their devices that will allow them all to work together again, IE; Cricut, CCR, Gypsy.

[smokiesgal]

Sharon,
I am really enjoying my new Explore. I work during the week so have limited time to spend using it. However, this past weekend I created a birthday card and used the marker to write my sentiment. That was pretty slick and love the new markers too! I also created another project linking two entirely different images together (one was all words) where I was able to take the sentiment image and place it over the other image (rectangle) and create a project to frame. I did it to understand how to create invitations. I am so excited about being able to use it for this!!! There are many things I will be exploring with this machine and every week I learn something new. I go to bed thinking about what my next project will be and super excited to use it with my scrapbooking! It does require you to be connected to the internet but I am so happy I purchased my machine. I also have a few other Cricut machines (long time user) and a Silhouette and I plan to keep it as well. However, I have to say my Explore is my most favorite machine in the house right now!

I hope this helps with your decision making process. Let us know what you decide to do.

[sewflake]

Dell or anyone, have you posted any cards of layouts with cuts made using the Explorer?? I did take a look at yours Gail. Pretty neat how you can export an svg file then cut it with another program, (MDS cut with Explorer) if I understood that correctly.

[pa stamper]

After buying new mats , I learned that if, you wipe your mat on a regular bases with a baby wipe, it will stay sticky longer. Its awesome.

[smokiesgal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sewflake

Dell or anyone, have you posted any cards of layouts with cuts made using the Explorer?? I did take a look at yours Gail. Pretty neat how you can export an svg file then cut it with another program, (MDS cut with Explorer) if I understood that correctly.

If you go to my blog you can see the St. Patrick's Day card I cut and a vinyl piece I put on my machine. I have cut other items but haven't had time to post them yet. I love my machine!

[smokiesgal]

Here is a card I created from the ready to make projects in Cricut Design Space.

[lovetostamp3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokiesgal

Here is a card I created from the ready to make projects in Cricut Design Space.

Your card is just beautiful!! So intricate.

[smokiesgal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovetostamp3

Your card is just beautiful!! So intricate.

Thank you!

I plan to use the Explore this weekend to cut some vinyl and make a few other projects. This machine is so quiet and I just love all the features it has to it.

[TLINDLEY]

Does the MDS work with any other cricut machine yet? I have the gypsy and mini. ;(

[darlasxm54]

I hope to get plenty of info from all of you.

[Jill with a G]

I thought I was going to get a Silhouette Cameo, but now that I've watched a few videos on the Cricut Explore, I am thinking about that option!
I have a Cricut Imagine. I really like it. However it is now a discontinued Cricut machine and not much to support it anymore. I still use it because I like to take regular Cricut cartridges and print out pretty paper and color my fonts with the Imagine colors and designer papers.
I really like the idea of the Explore though, but I still need more info.
Will the Explore cut fonts and images from your computer? That would be cool.
Can I use Imagine cartridges with the Explore?
If anyone knows, I'd appreciate your response!

[smokiesgal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jill with a G

I thought I was going to get a Silhouette Cameo, but now that I've watched a few videos on the Cricut Explore, I am thinking about that option!
I have a Cricut Imagine. I really like it. However it is now a discontinued Cricut machine and not much to support it anymore. I still use it because I like to take regular Cricut cartridges and print out pretty paper and color my fonts with the Imagine colors and designer papers.
I really like the idea of the Explore though, but I still need more info.
Will the Explore cut fonts and images from your computer? That would be cool.
Can I use Imagine cartridges with the Explore?
If anyone knows, I'd appreciate your response!

Jill,
I have both Silhouette and Explore. Love them both and was an original Cricut user. I have an Imagine too. You cannot use Imagine cartridges with the Explore (the only down side). However, you can use regular Cricut cartridges and upload and cut .svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, and .dxf files absolutely free. You can also use fonts that you have installed on your computer.

There is a lot of versatility with the machine. If you go to the Cricut.com site you can learn more and visit the forum to hear the pros and cons of the machine.

I am very happy with my purchase.

[mycattracks]

thanks to a winning lottery ticket I am the new owner of the explore! anyone know of any videos to watch that use the explore with mds? I have only found one so far

[smokiesgal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mycattracks

thanks to a winning lottery ticket I am the new owner of the explore! anyone know of any videos to watch that use the explore with mds? I have only found one so far

Congrats to you! You will love the Explore! You can go to Cricut.com as they have videos to walk you through various cutting techniques. Have fun with your new machine!

[robann]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mycattracks

thanks to a winning lottery ticket I am the new owner of the explore! anyone know of any videos to watch that use the explore with mds? I have only found one so far

I just receive my Cricut Explore and you need to check out Caramiller.com. She have a lot of video's. Also, Melody Lane on you tube. If you are on Facebook, there are two groups you can join Let's learn cricut and Let's learn cricut explore. The ladies in these groups can answer any question. I have learned a lot from them. Good luck!

[caterinafmig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mycattracks

thanks to a winning lottery ticket I am the new owner of the explore! anyone know of any videos to watch that use the explore with mds? I have only found one so far

Hooray for you!

[lovetostamp3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mycattracks

thanks to a winning lottery ticket I am the new owner of the explore! anyone know of any videos to watch that use the explore with mds? I have only found one so far

Congratulations!!! I got an email from Cricuit saying they were on YouTube. It seems to be all about the Explore......... Good luck!!

OfficialCricut - YouTube

[2CuteCats]

Hi everyone,
I have a Cricut Expression I and have had it for about 3 years. I have always had a hard time getting it to cut out small images. I bought new blades and put them in last night. I read in the book where it said to check your pressure, blade depth, and speed. I checked the blade depth and I did have it at 6. I slowed the speed down to minimum and put the pressure on maximum. It did work better but still has some problems with small images. I bought mine for card making and not scrap booking, so I want small images. I have lots of cartridges. :rolleyes: LOL Does anyone else have this problem? Or is this just the way it will always be with a Cricut Expression?

[caterinafmig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2CuteCats

Hi everyone,
I have a Cricut Expression I and have had it for about 3 years. I have always had a hard time getting it to cut out small images. I bought new blades and put them in last night. I read in the book where it said to check your pressure, blade depth, and speed. I checked the blade depth and I did have it at 6. I slowed the speed down to minimum and put the pressure on maximum. It did work better but still has some problems with small images. I bought mine for card making and not scrap booking, so I want small images. I have lots of cartridges. :rolleyes: LOL Does anyone else have this problem? Or is this just the way it will always be with a Cricut Expression?

I have the same problem with small and intricate cuts. Very frustrating.

[Shayshe]

Yep, same problem.

[jeffnval]

In know for a while some of the cartridges that had intricate cuts (like Art Nouveau) there was a suggested MINIMUM size to cut the image at. I understood this to mean that the machines were not able to handle cutting the intricate cuts at smaller sizes.

I was kinda surprised to see that the suggested minimum size was rather LARGE to me, like 8in. or so.

This was several years ago. I do not know if the new carts still off that info. Nor do I know if the new machines have the capability to handle to small intricate cuts. It is my understanding that the new Explore is the only one that can handle it.

I have the baby bug, Expression, and the Gypsy.

[lovetostamp3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffnval

In know for a while some of the cartridges that had intricate cuts (like Art Nouveau) there was a suggested MINIMUM size to cut the image at. I understood this to mean that the machines were not able to handle cutting the intricate cuts at smaller sizes.

I was kinda surprised to see that the suggested minimum size was rather LARGE to me, like 8in. or so.

This was several years ago. I do not know if the new carts still off that info. Nor do I know if the new machines have the capability to handle to small intricate cuts. It is my understanding that the new Explore is the only one that can handle it.

I have the baby bug, Expression, and the Gypsy.

I know they have this on some cartridges, I too have read it. And yet, when you see the machine being advertised on places like HSN, they always show a board showing sizes, stating, i.e. "You can cut as small as 1/2" all the way up to 24", or something to that effect. So, it seems like you should be able to do them smaller. I have made smaller sizes on my E2, but have not done real intricate cuts, so not much help........

[2CuteCats]

Thanks for all your replies ladies. At least I know it's not my machine. Or me! LOL
Have a good evening!

[craftyteaspoon]

I just read you can get a Bluetooth adaptor for the explore so you can be wireless. Anyone have it? Pros? Cons? Then it said you could design and cut from your iPad -- true???

Building my case as to why I need the explore and get rid of which ever one I have.

[ladybugstamper2]

Hi!
I've had my explore for a week. The blue tooth adapter works with the iPad. Sort of. Right now you can only cut make it now stuff from the iPad. It's not like a gypsy, so I'm still waiting for it.

I need the blue tooth adapter for my computer and that will be nice for that connection to be wireless

[eboyd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovetostamp3

I know they have this on some cartridges, I too have read it. And yet, when you see the machine being advertised on places like HSN, they always show a board showing sizes, stating, i.e. "You can cut as small as 1/2" all the way up to 24", or something to that effect. So, it seems like you should be able to do them smaller. I have made smaller sizes on my E2, but have not done real intricate cuts, so not much help........

I have the new Anna Griffin cartridges which I use in my Cricut Expression. They cut well but no where can I find instructions that clearly explain how to make the medallions. I don't know If I can make them really small or not. But it cuts out a square with a design on the top and you have to cut four and score and fold them. They don't come with a score line.

[eboyd]

I sold mine and stuck with the origional Expression. Expression two was too complicated for me.

[TheOtherMeg]

Right now I'd love a Gypsy content update.


Of course, PC could absolutely thrill me with a machine that cuts like the Explore and has the dual heads, but works with the Gypsy and can be used without an internet connection. (Think Expression1 with the cutting precision & dual heads of the Explore.)

I'm all for new tech, but I need one machine that has real portability. It's the only reason I bought into the Cricut system years ago. I had/have machines that cut great with with awesome open design programs (that require a computer), but I specifically bought a Cricut so I could cut without a computer and/or an internet connection. I'm disappointed that PC is getting away from true portability, which was, at one point, their strongest selling point.

[Mzteaze]

I really don't have a NEED for a Cricut machine but occasionally need some cuts. Is there any dealers online that will cut a specific figure or item for a small fee?

[eboyd]

I expect anyone who owns one would cut some. You can get some on ebay once in awhile. I would be happy to cut you a few free if I knew what you wanted.