Dec 30, 2016

NewYears Resolutions, trying new things for me with my Cricut Explore

I bought my Cricut Explore machine in Oct 2014, to use the Print then Cut feature.  I have really enjoyed using it for that. ( http://sippingtea.com/tuts/cricutexploreprintncut.html )   But now 2 years later, I really want to begin to learn to do other things with this very versatile  machine.  So I've made up a listing with links to youtube videos that I hope by posting here on my blog, I will refer back to and try some or all of them during 2017.  I'm not going to feel guilty if I don't try them all or even succeed, its more "gentle suggestions" to myself to get out of my comfort zone of mostly working with cardstock and making cards, tags, and magnets from magnet sheets, and embellishments from cardstock paper.  I believe using my Explore should be fun and relaxing, if I find any of these projects to be frustrating or difficult to master, I will most likely give up on them - LOL...I'm not into trying my patience.  

Excerpts may be quoted from the linked youtube pages:



Printable Vinyl using Print then Cut by Troy Young on Troy Tube

Cricut Design Space full page print then cut trick


Super Size a Print then Cut in Cricut Explore Design Space
Published on Dec 23, 2016  by L.A. De Valk  This tutorial will teach you how to enlarge your images for Print then Cut in the Cricut Design Space.
This is a sequel to the tutorial I did last year on how to Super Size a cut image in Design Space.

Super Size on Cricut Explore Tutorial  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl5b8Xghzyw
Published on Mar 4, 2015  This is the computer screen view of how I super sized an image on my Cricut Explore in Cricut Design Space. The image example is in my first video found here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANAOE_NEEFQ
other tutorials on doing oversized images

Creating Oversized Images in Design Space by Debbie O'Neal  Published on Feb 2, 2016

Larger than cricut mat - 33" Cheshire Cat

OFF THE MAT: 26" Double sided Mickey Mouse Published on Jun 26, 2016

36" Die Cut. Bigger than the Mat #2  Published on Jan 31, 2016


This is a process video making the white rabbit form Alice in Wonderland at 36" tall
 

Cutting Off the Mat with my Cricut! Elmo  Published on Mar 9, 2016

Cricut Rolled Roses Published on Mar 15, 2016 by Lori Huhn

Paper flower tips and tricks using Cricut Explore  Published on Feb 10, 2015 by Ameroonie Designs

Cricut Paper Rose Bouquet Tutorial  Published on Mar 3, 2016 Stormy McCall   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62H1bhZxYuk
This rose pattern is from Design Space on the Cricut website. It is to demonstrate how to assemble a large rose pattern

Close ToMy Heart 3D Cricut Flowers Published on Aug 23, 2014 Jayma Malme
I'll show you the 11 different 3D flowers on CTMH's Cricut cartridges -- Art Philosophy, Artiste & Artbooking -- and how to assemble them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl9mqYa7QBo

Watch my video on how to make a paper flower wedding bouquet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FAdlNwsswo&feature=youtu.be

How To Make This Elegant Coffee Filter Rose QUICK - no machine required

DIY Coffee Filter Roses (free template) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRbhwU_t0Sk

How to make a coffee filter rose step by step. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBJvZjwezSk

Using HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) with Cricut Explore

Iron On Using Cricut Explore by MayMay Made It Published on Jan 26, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkDKS1S2fcg

and Heat Transfer Vinyl on a Sweatshirt and Cricut Explore

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYMXd5DscZQ


3 Monogrammed Gifts Using Cricut Explore and Design Space  Published on Dec 14, 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fmt57dKAU8

Fast, Affordable Christmas Gifts using Vinyl by May May Made It Published on Nov 30, 2016

How to Cricut Episode 8: Iron-on t-shirt / Official Cricut Channel   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5gS_WLiAOg

Tips & Tricks Using Iron On/HTV with the Cricut Explore by Lorrie Nunemaker
Published on Dec 4, 2016  Learn a few tips and tricks using Iron On with the Cricut Explore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXx7hk4prLQ

HTV Basics - Getting started with Heat Transfer Vinyl and the Cricut Explore by Troy Young / TroyTube Published on Apr 2, 2015    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwn5SJkXc_w

How To Make An Iron On With Your Cricut- How To Cut HTV With Your Cricut-How To Cut HTV Tutorial  by Brooke Allen Published on Dec 9, 2016   

How to Cut Iron on Heat Transfer 

You Can Jingle My Bells Shirt | Cricut Iron On Foil by Off Kilter Crafter Ian
Published on Dec 10, 2016   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVWq9Qf3sRY
I used the new Cricut iron on foil to create this really awesome and funny holiday shirt. I cut this on my Cricut Explore Air and ironed it on using an ordinary iron that you may have around your house.

Cricut Explore Creating a Personalized T-Shirt with Lettering by Jo-Ann Hudson Published on Mar 8, 2016  Learn to create a t-shirt with lettering using Cricut Explore in Cricut Journey Episode 8.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l36jRi2S4_I

Cricut Explore Tshirt with a Stamped Image by Lorrie Nunemaker Published on May 19, 2016  Create a custom tshirt with your Cricut Explore and a stamped image   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFvJonp4T1I

How to cut fabric with the Cricut. Christopher Alan Design Published on Apr 23, 2014  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ7_ZfoJPGc&t=24s

How to Cricut Episode 11: Fabric pennant banner  by Official Cricut Channel
Published on Dec 14, 2015  In this video, see how to make a heartwarming pennant that cheers for L-O-V-E. You’ll learn how to make a stencil using vinyl, to use and cut fabric, and the best Cricut® cutting mat to use with different materials.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTvEr11raYw

ULTIMATE - Fast and easy way to cut felt using the Cricut Explore. Tutorial Published on Jun 24, 2014  Sassi's Scrapbooking    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCoXQseL1TM

Cricut Fabric Cutting Success by socre8hive  Published on Apr 29, 2015  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U72hItGe2EM


Creating layers using basic upload and hide contour - Cricut Design Space by Two Hearts One Love Designs  Published on Sep 3, 2015   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUwN6ev8UXw

Cricut Window Cling  by Troy Young / TroyTube Published on Dec 13, 2015In this video I make some simple Christmas decorations for our front window using Cricut Window Cling and the Cricut Explore with Design Space.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3AjvhLP2QY

Cutting Cricut Window Cling - Halloween Fun Published on Oct 13, 2015 by Crafts by Two https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHCmtQ8gAGM

Using Inkscape
Learning Inkscape for Design Space by Troy Young / TroyTube Published on Oct 2, 2015   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjL2nWR1Ftk

Converting images in Inkscape for Design Space - Cricut Design Space by Two Hearts One Love Designs  Published on Sep 10, 2015   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfRZXTsC-hk  

Basics of Creating Text Designs with Inkscape for Import to Design Space by TroyTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vl7YqNywx0

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Cricut Design Space Cheat Sheets


What Materials can the Explore machines cut and what Blade should I use?
See listing and suggested settings.
https://help.cricut.com/help/cricut-explore-materials-settings

 


Oct 4, 2016

Cricut Explore Air 2 - debuts on HSN Oct. 5, 2016

Cricut has decided to release another version of its popular Cricut Explore line. On Oct. 5, 2016 the Cricut Explore Air 2 will debut on the Home Shopping Network > http://hsn.com

The new model supposedly cuts and/or writes up to 2 times faster on some select materials and settings.  Other than that - the machine is the same as other Explore Air machines (the Explore ONE model only has a single carriage, and requires an adapter to place the pen or scoring tool) All Explore machines use the online software of Cricut Design Space. For owners of an iPad and/or iPhone, there is an available free app, that allows for some offline capabilities of Design Space.  There currently are efforts to develop an app for Android devices, but it is not a sure thing that the Android app will ever have an offline capability.  And no dates are being offered up as to when the Android app will be available.  Also Cricut is working on changing up Design Space to eliminate the use of the troublesome plugin of Adobe Flash to change over to HTML 5 programming.  That is a most welcome switch that I personally look forward to (no dates given for that completion, but hopefully before end of the year).

Visit Cricut.com for the latest information on the Explore line and visit your favorite Cricut themed blogs and/or Facebook groups for more info, reviews and comparisons. Many outlets will probably being offering deals on the original Explore Air over the coming months, so look for deals.  Personally I don't think having the machine cut at a faster speed on some materials, is going to be a reason for me and many others to buy the latest model, but I will be watching HSN for the demonstrations throughout the 24 hour Craft Day on Oct. 5, 2016.

I'm sticking with my ole (bought Oct 2014) Lilac Cricut Explore that I also have the Cricut Bluetooth adapter on it and have paired it with each of my 4 laptops (I collect laptops, not cutting machines)  

Note: here is  a link to the Current 2016 minimum system requirements for running Design Space for use with your Computer or iPads


2016 September Cricut Explore system requirements
Cricut Explore machines Recommended minimum system requirements

https://help.cricut.com/help/system-requirements-design-space
  
Note to help future proof your systems, it is best to Exceed the minimum requirements when considering buying a Cricut Explore machine.

See: Debbie O'Neal's videos dated Oct. 7, 2016 (she is the Admin and moderator of the Facebook's group >> Lets Learn Cricut Explore )
Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Explore Air Overview by Debbie O'Neal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JGUgLM4eQY 

Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Explore Air >> Cutting and Writing Comparison https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHosmBBrVIM

See also:
Setting Up Cricut iOS App with Cricut Explore Air 2 (for those who have an iPad or iPhone)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjk5jMUATP8  


Happy Cutting and Crafting.

Sep 30, 2016

Not much new going on...but put up another webpage for Cricut Explore - Print n Cut folks.

It has been a year or more since I have posted anything on my Blog. I seem to spend more time on Facebook - telling friends and family, what I have been up to.

I did make a new webpage about a month or so ago. I first posted a link to it on Facebook in one of the Cricut Explore groups I belong to. It was in response to a question someone asked - that was, "Has any one Print and Cut elements from Digital Scrapbook kits with their Cricut Explore machine".  I had, a month earlier posted in a Crafting messageboard - that information about how I did print then cut elements from a free Christmas themed digital kit. So I took that information, and made it into a web page, and gave the person asking the question the link to my webpage.  Well the moderator and creator of this particular Facebook Group, had responded as well to the person asking the question, that she would be covering just that "Topic" in an upcoming class she would offer on her website (she offers both Free and Payfor classes on all things Cricut machines as well as Photoshop Elements, and a scrapbooking layout class).  I thought the link to my simple webpage that easily showed the person asking the question, that Printing and Cutting digital elements was as easy as any other Print then Cut action of graphics or clip art.  But the moderator must have felt that I was usurping her ability to answer or help people in the group, as she ended up removing my post, and as far as I know possibly the entire thread.   If anyone is interested in seeing the webpage, you are welcome to link on over to:
 http://sippingtea.com/tuts/printncutdigielements.html

Recently I went out to California for a wonderful 2 week adventure - first to attend a Family Wedding in Southern Cal, and then a trip up the coast with my younger sister. We had such a great time, visiting friends and family, touring Hearst Castle, watching the waves crash on several beaches, &  taking tons of photos.  My older daughter and grand daughter also came out for the Wedding portion of the trip, and my grand daughter loved seeing So. Cal and the Pacific Ocean etc.  We live in Florida, so she is used to Beaches :) , but this was her first trip west to California. She hopes to visit again soon.


Life Is Good!!   

Might be a year till I post again. Folks who know me, know where to find me ;)