What a whirlwind trip this was! I was home about 30 hours and am now headed to HSN - but I wanted to tell you all about the AMAZING second day of the Cricut Explore launch party!
The morning began with breakfast and training sessions that walked us step-by-step through how to use the Explore, focusing on the Design Space (which is the software) and some potential opportunities for DIYers moving forward. I'm not sure if we are allowed to share the details of that yet but I was just blown away by the possibilities!
In my first launch party post I shared some videos I took (from the back of the room) - Cricut has since posted them on their YouTube page as well as some additional informative (and one funny) videos that are a MUST if you are curious about this new machine.
The rest of the day was filled with inspiration and fun - the creative team at Cricut is incredibly talented. They took three plain ol' hotel conference rooms and transformed them in to gorgeous destinations! Each room had special make-n-takes, snacks, photo ops, Cricut staffers on hand to answer questions about machines, and EVERY piece of decor had either been made with or decorated with the new Cricut Explore. Just take a look at these stunning scenes!
The New York room was all about fashion. The make-and-takes included jeweled collars and headbands made from felt, a very dashing man in a suit wandered around the room serving delicious covered apples of every possible flavor, and all of the clothes and accessories on display had been made with the Explore!
It was also in the New York room where someone decided that Anna Griffin and I could be unsupervised. Clearly that was a mistake. Here she is doing everything BUT making a jeweled collar!
The California room was all about fun! We decorated our own beach bags and made drink umbrellas while sipping virgin pina coladas and eating popsicles. The centerpieces had live goldfish in them! There was a bicycle built for two on display and uhhh...Anna and I tried to ride it. It was shameful. ;)
It was here that Anna and I got to spend some time playing with an Explore. I am pretty skeptical (and also technologically challenged as we all know) but I was SO impressed with the quality of even the tiniest cuts (the "old" blades will fit this machine but they have also come out with a new higher quality blade that is AWESOME) , how easy the software was to understand and all the new functionalities and ways to create that the Explore will offer. I also got a sneak peek at the EXCLUSIVE content Anna will be offering when she launches the Explore on HSN on February 12th (I will be on air with it in March)...if you love making your own party decor then you are going to FREAK OUT!!
I want to share a little bit of the excitement of the launch party with you! Leave a comment here telling me what excites you most about this machine and one lucky winner is going to receive a box filled with some of the goodies I received on the trip - including the decorated beach bag, a few small Cricut items, some of the fun treats we got from local businesses, a present from Anna, and I may throw a few other little surprises in there as well!
Also - please feel free to post your questions and I will try to get them answered as best I can. I should have my machine in the next week or so so anything I don't have the answer to now I will answer as soon as I get to play with mine! :)
If you missed my first blog post you can find it here - and check out more great photos/blog posts/recaps by checking out #ExploreCricut or find Cricut on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram (officialcricut). THANKS CRICUT for a wonderful 48 hours!
The morning began with breakfast and training sessions that walked us step-by-step through how to use the Explore, focusing on the Design Space (which is the software) and some potential opportunities for DIYers moving forward. I'm not sure if we are allowed to share the details of that yet but I was just blown away by the possibilities!
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| power point slide from the morning training |
The New York room was all about fashion. The make-and-takes included jeweled collars and headbands made from felt, a very dashing man in a suit wandered around the room serving delicious covered apples of every possible flavor, and all of the clothes and accessories on display had been made with the Explore!
The Utah room was a comfy cabin filled with gorgeous home decor pieces that were stunning. We made mounted deer heads out of paper and birch and decorated water bottles, then sat back with a cup of hot cocoa and some s'mores.
Also - please feel free to post your questions and I will try to get them answered as best I can. I should have my machine in the next week or so so anything I don't have the answer to now I will answer as soon as I get to play with mine! :)
If you missed my first blog post you can find it here - and check out more great photos/blog posts/recaps by checking out #ExploreCricut or find Cricut on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram (officialcricut). THANKS CRICUT for a wonderful 48 hours!
It looks like this was a fantastic event and the two of you are adorable with all of your antics. I am most excited about finally being able to cut truly symmetrical shapes (I never liked the "wonky" circles and scallops) and the range of materials that the machine will cut. I can't wait to try the Design Space since I love to make my own designs. Thanks for the update and the chance to possibly share in the excitement with your goodies!
ReplyDeleteYa'll look like you were have an absolute blast! Ok, I CANNOT WAIT! I am saving my spending money and I am buying on the 12th...I have the imagine. I love it, but it is so heavy and bulky, and I take it to all of my crops...I am also an accountant with 2 children that keep me soooo busy that the only time I get to play with it is at crops and I don't have that time to REALLY dig in, so the explorer looks so much easier. I have an ipad mini that I take everywhere and am super excited to use the APPs for the software. i think that my husband will also be excited because it is "techno". I CAN'T WAIT. Thanks for the pictures and sharing your fun!
ReplyDeleteI feel so excited about the new Cricut Explore because, I will be able to cut SVG files, and be able to draw/ emboss and cut at the same time!. I just can't wait until February to get in on HSN! :-)
ReplyDeleteSo fun, wish I could have been there!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I like this new machine.
I love my gypsy and cricut expression,
but want to do the svg thing too. Love
the write and cut feature. How is the
embossing and cut going to work?
Carla from Utah
the easiest way to explain is with a photo! :) if you go here - the second photo down shows you what the new housing looks like. there is one portal for the blade (on the right) and then one that will fit a cricut pen or embossing tool (on the left - there is a pen in the photo) so it can do two things at once!
Deletehttp://www.cricut.com/home/cricutblog/cricutblog2013/2014/01/23/have-questions-about-the-cricut-explore-system-we-have-answers
Looks like it would be really fun and easy to use. I appreciate any machine that doesn't take forever to learn how to use.
ReplyDeleteWhat excites me?? What doesn't excite me about this machine?? I'm uber excited that I will be able to use it with my iPad!!
ReplyDeleteMachine looks great for the most part! Liking the SVG cutting capabilities :) I will be interested in the software, as I am also not real techy.... Looking forward to seeing the embossing capabilities. Another HSN party is in my crop groups plans for Feb 12... :)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun you and Anna had! How exciting to have been at the launch! This looks like it would do just about anything and everything I need! Thanks for all the information!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to being able to cut SVG files - and the new blade sounds interesting too!
ReplyDeleteThis Cricut machine looks amazing! I love that you can emboss and cut at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing about the new cricut explore. I am looking forward to seeing all that this machine can do.
ReplyDeleteI don't like that I would have to sit down at the COMPUTER to create before I just plug in a cartridge, pick the size and cut. But I will be watching to see if the HSN debut is convincing. I would like to know if there is a way to plug the gypsy into the Explore. I sometimes design when with friends but am unlikely to take my computer with me. Another question...once you purchase an image will it be yours to use anytime or is it more like a design once and done purchase?
ReplyDeleteKita - there will be a blue-tooth accessory that will allow you to use the software wirelessly from your ipad - so you won't be tied to your computer! While you won't use your actual gypsy with the Explore, when you buy the new machine your username and password for the craft room will still be the same so all of the cartridges you've linked to your gypsy will automatically be linked to the Explore. Also - once you purchase an image it goes in to your "library" so it is yours to keep!
DeleteThe whole entire machine has peeked my interest! Then you have Anna G throwing her twist with something that will take it over the top. It will be a miracle if they don't sale out on HSN first thing after airing. Then there is so many things about this one that is up graded over their earlier models. It will be awesome to have cutting & embossing in the same pass together! Many other features as well!
ReplyDeleteWow! So much to take in, so much excitement over endless options! I am gobbling up any and all news on this newest member to the Cricut family...thanks for being so informative! WooHoo!!!
ReplyDeleteYou two look like you had lots of fun! And that is what it is all about. The new Cricut sounds very exciting!
ReplyDeleteYou girls are having so much fun!! Can't wait to see you on HSN!! Looks like there is nothing this machine won't do!!
ReplyDeleteI am excited about all the different materials you can cut, the fact that you can cut SVG's, the dial settings that are pre-programed--Just really everything!!! LOL! I have already started begging my husband so I can buy it at launch :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all the news and fun with us! I can't wait to see this new machine. The best part is Anna's designs! I am thinking that's gonna put it over the top for me! Can't wait ntil launch time. Thanks again for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou girls had WAY TOO MUCH FUN!!! While everything looks shiny & new and certainly interesting,I am going to need more convincing so that I don't click my credit card for the "OTHER" cutting machine. I LOVE my Pink Expression and it's worked perfectly, just not sure about ALL these charges and proprietary rules by Provocraft. Once you take away the bells and whistles, are we still "OWNED BY PROVOCRAFT" like some of the girls are saying who want to sell their "linked" carts and can't?
ReplyDeleteThank you for trying to explain as much as you can with the videos.......my charge card is READY!
thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us!! it is almost like being there too! I am most excited about the capability of using svg's!! that is exciting!! even though not so happy about paying a monthly fee to use other cuts...but it is still exciting!! thanks for the chance to win a bag of goodies!!!
ReplyDeleteso very excited...cannot wait to play.....so many creative possibilities...thank you for sharing....even more excited that I could be a winner of some goodies
ReplyDeleteWhat excites me most about this? EVERYTHING!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, it does so much..Looks like so much fun,
WOW!
ReplyDeleteI was not going to even consider the cricut explore, but now I WANT ONE!!
what excites me most is to buy it, it's amazing what we can do with it!
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you can do two things at the same time, like cut and draw. It would add so much to my crafting.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow and WOW! I have always loved and used my Cricut personal, Expression and E2 and endured the comments from the others about not needing cartridges, using their own software and images... but could never afford those machines... now I am so excited for the Explore... so sleek and creative and I hope affordable!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with the Explore. But how is a simple scrapbooker supposed to afford another machine. I guess I'll have to win one somehow. Thanks for sharing your weekend.
ReplyDeleteLoving you account of the event and all the hjinks you and Anna had together! The new Cricut looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteWOW look like you had so much fun best 48 hours and you got to spend it with Anna too so jealous I <3 you both can't wait to see what happen with this new machine on HSN .. Royal Hugs TSQ
ReplyDeleteI love everything about it. No way I could pick just one!
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is WOW! Looks like you had a blast and the event looks amazing. Then to get to play with the new machine - BONUS. I am looking forward to seeing even more...I am most excited about being able to use my carts, svg files and design my own...and then emboss too? So cool
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see this machine in action on HSN! I just may get it! My question, why is PC waiting to release the app & print & cut features? They are HUGE features of this machine & one would think PC would want them ready to go & not just promised future features.
ReplyDeletePatricia - it isn't going to be print & cut like the Imagine was, it is draw & cut. Cricut just wrote up a little blurb about the different features here - hope that helps explain it better than I did! :)
Deletehttp://www.cricut.com/home/cricutblog/cricutblog2013/2014/01/23/have-questions-about-the-cricut-explore-system-we-have-answers
Oh my gosh! What a fabulous and fun new machine. Endless possibilities and the best part is: NO BUYING CARTRIDGES. Which is probably why I never bought a bunch of cartridges (other than lettering) for the Cricuit I was given. Now, I just might have to put the new one on my wish list. Hate buying cartridges for one or two things. Love all the things that it does. Looks like you had way to much fun while you were there learning all things new with Cricuit.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that we will be able to cut out svgs with the Cricut Explore. It sounds like the features of this machine are going to be amazing and fun to use. Can't wait to see you bloggers in action with it!!
ReplyDeletesherri_braun@hotmail.com
This is one fabulous machine, most excited that it can cut and draw at the same time, how fun is that. It literally will change how we craft from now on. Such a sleek piece of crafting technology:-)
ReplyDeletekailashn2003@yahoo.com
I love the idea of it cutting and embossing at the same time! And Beth...it looks like you had WAY too much fun! Thanks for all the info!
ReplyDeleteI am super stoked about this machine. I have the cricut mini and love it but this can do so much more! I love that it can draw and emboss and do multiple things at the same time. My question is, when is the ipad app coming out and will it work with the cricut mini too or just the cricut explore?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand the ipad app will be available in March. It will work with the Cricut Explore software (Design Space), so won't be compatible with their other machines unfortunately.
DeleteI'm excited about many things. the new dial, no more guessing, it's quiter then the other cricuts, cutting svg's all of it.
ReplyDeleteSo excited about EVERYTHING with the new machine! So glad Cricut got you to present it.
ReplyDeletethe embossing is my fave
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a ton of fun! I find it interesting that you can use your iPad with it.
ReplyDeleteI am excited about everything this new machine has to offer! I may have to take a vacation day on Feb 12 so I can watch you guys on HSN all day!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am excited that you can do anything and everything with this machine!!! YEAH CRICUT!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth for sharing all the news about the Cricut Explore. I will be watching on Feb 12 on HSN.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it was crazy fun, I'm a little jealous! You guys were certainly treated like crafty royalty!! I can wait to give this machine a try, I can't believe its wireless!
ReplyDeleteI love that you can emboss and cut with one machine!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this! I would love to win. I am excited for the flexibility in images. No more cartridges for just one image! The world of images will be our oyster!
ReplyDeleteI love that I will be able to use my own designs
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of seeing something and copying it. Takes all the guess work out of creating. Oh and a beach bag, good for the girls "sunday funday" beach day, lol.
ReplyDeleteOh my, you and Anna sure had fun it looks like. I love the fact the Cricut Explore has a better cutting blade that can cut so many materials ! Just think of all the possibilities ! I just LOVE Anna's designs and cant wait to see what she offers with this new Cricut Explore. thanks for chance to win goodies ...almost as good as being there :)
ReplyDeleteWhy couldn't they make the kind of additions that could be added to the CE2. I feel it is just too much to buy another machine after already making 4 to purchase.
ReplyDeletearg0006 at Verizon dot net
Using SVG's and cartridges is a great marriage. I just wonder about the program. PC has never done well with updates. It took me a long time to try CCR. I got used to it and then one day my E2 and CCR wouldn't play together anymore. We'll see.
ReplyDeletethis machine looks cool. ive ben a silhouette fan having a portrait but i may have to invest in one of these. the fact that it can do both at the same time. AND has a spot to keep tools. wow.
ReplyDeleteI love the cricuit updates and information! I'll have to set my calendar for HSN!! I'd love to see more on how it works with the iPad- that will be so awesome for cropping events! Keep sharing the fun! :)
ReplyDeleteI started saving my pennies as soon as I heard the whispers about the new machine. Sooooo many ideas already running through my head. With 7 grandbabies...oh the possibilities!!!
ReplyDeletewow! Those dresses are amazing!!! This looks like an awesome machine and so happy they came up with something like it!
ReplyDeleteWow , this machine looks amazing!!! The possibility a are truly endless.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a great time!! You two on the bicycle is so adorable .
Thank you so much for a chance to win.
Your laughter is infectious! It looks like you had so much fun! I remember meeting Anna and can vouch that she is a very fun lady, too! Am loving the idea of this new machine because I have so enjoyed all my Cricut machines, and will know that I will love this one even more. Am looking forward to the Explore because of the new awesome shapes, and it making true circles, scallops and have less inconsistencies as in the past. Thank you for your generosity!
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting! I love all my Cricut machines.....and I will have to add the explore to my list!!!! It looks like you all had a wonderful time and I can't wait for the HSN show!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I am most excited by the apparent improved cutting quality. They got me with those pics of the tiny confetti sized cuts next to the quarter on the cricut website!
ReplyDeletewow, it looks like you girls had a blast! everyone was so beautiful, I am amazed that the cricut can cut it all! I am so excited by the fact that cricut explore more has endless possibilities! amazing! I can wait to get my hands on it!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for the launch. Looks like a winnerr with so much improvement! Can't wait. Glad you had a blast. :)
ReplyDeleteI am excited about the detailed cutting. The tiny cutting. I also like the SVG ability available with it. Great posts about it. It looks like you and Anna had a great time. :)
ReplyDelete