Soooo...I have been keeping this little secret for a while now - and tonight the secret is out! Cricut is launching a new machine called Explore - and I am in Salt Lake City for their Launch Party! I am practically bursting at the seams!
I won't ramble on - I've got some video snippets to share that I took during the key note address (and they aren't great quality - let me admit that now), but we have only been here a few hours and I have to say the event so far is AMAZING. We had the kickoff tonight and have a full day of fun tomorrow - I can't wait to share more!
with my HSN partner in crime and cool friend Anna Griffin. The two of us will be selling Cricut Explore on HSN! SO EXCITED!
with Ashish Arora - CEO of Cricut
Instaprint Booth at dinner tonight - we could take photos on Instagram, tag them with #ExploreCricut, and they would immediately print out! Fabulous!
This incredible wall greeted us as we arrived - one project photo from each of the attendees. Such creativity!
This thank you card (all the attendees received one) was created with ONE PASS on the Cricut Explore. You can draw and cut, emboss and cut, etc - all in ONE PASS. Amazing!
A little bingo before dinner with prizes ranging from ipad minis to trips to Disneyland!
Not your typical seating chart! We were each presented with an instagram photo with our table info on the back.
I know the next few days the internet will be SWAMPED with information about Cricut Explore - so I just want to share what I think makes it special:
Cricut Design Space - this totally blew my mind! It will be a library of HUNDREDS of project ideas (think Pinterest) EXCEPT you can literally click a button and create that EXACT project. "From inspiration to creation in just a few steps".
You will be able to use ANY SVG files, JPEGs, etc - including fonts on your computer! You will also have access to over 50,000 images that you can purchase for .99 each (or get access to 25,000 images for 9.99 per month - and you can cancel at any time) AND you can still use your cartridges!
MSRP will be $299.
Don't want to have your machine connected to your computer? You will be able to cut wirelessly from your ipad!
Did I mention I am EXCITED?????
Here are two snippets of the keynote address (apologies again for the quality) - the first one is the promotional video they shared, the second discusses image accessibility.
This tired girl is going to hit the hay...CANNOT WAIT to tell you about tomorrow!! Check out more great photos/blog posts/recaps by checking out #ExploreCricut or find Cricut on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram (officialcricut). WAHOO!
Hi Beth, will this cut ALL SVG files, or just the ones that ProvoCraft designs? As in files from a designer that only designs in SVG format? Any ideas on new carts? will ALL carts have to run through the online design thing, or can this machine work with carts that are plugged into the actual machine??? :) I have friends wanting to know this question!!!
Sara - it will work with ALL SVG files - ones from other companies, ones you create yourself, etc. There is a port in the machine for actual cartridges as well. Hope that helps!
This is exciting, but I have to know if it will work with my Gypsy. I absolutely love my Gypsy, and I'm not ready to give it up unless you convince me this is better.
Judith - the new software is actually going to replace the gypsy - so you will still be able to access all of your images, cartridges you've uploaded, etc - it will just be in the new Explore Software. If you are a member of the Cricut Craft Room your username and password will remain the same so everything will literally just transfer over automatically!
I don't want to be tethered to a computer and this is why I prefer my Gypsy. If it can't work with the Gypsy itself, I'm not going for this. It should be compatible with the Gypsy and online craft rooms/spaces.
Beth, This machine sounds AMAZING!! How exciting and I am so excited for you that you get to see it in action! Now another machine I'm going to have to have! ;-) Can't wait to see what else you have to share today! big hugs, Cristi
Beth- Wow ! I am excited to see more about this machine. Congratulations for working with Cricut , Anna & HSN bringing this machine to us. I am excited that they have a new one coming out. Also how nice for the crafters that will be able to keep & use their Cricut Cartridges & have access to SVG cuts as well. I am looking forward to your new posts! Awesome stuff & enjoy your time there!
I'm so excited!!!! I haven't given up my cricut expression sense I felt was the best one made...but with this new cricut explore! I'm ready for an upgrade!!!!
Oh my Gosh! I can't wait. When will it be available? I have the imagine and I have to say that I haven't even touched the tip of the ice of what it will do, but this machine looks like it is lighter and I can take it with me when i go to crops and such much easier.
Thanks Kim! Anna is going to release it on HSN February 12th - then I will have it on HSN a few times in March (dates TBD) and it will be released to other retailers in mid-March as well. I think it is going to be fabulous!
Do you know if you will have to be connected to the internet to be able to use your own cartridges? Lots of us go to crops that don't have the internet access? Thanks for a great post!
Richelle you will have to be connected to the internet to use the Explore. I just got an iphone 5 and can use my phone as a hotspot - so I'm going to give that a try and see if it works!
can you explain a little more about the comment you made about using it with the ipad please? do you mean you can design on your pad in the design software and then cut from there? and if so does this mean if i am out and about I could use my ipad like i would my gypsy and that i can design on my pad, save and cut the design as and when i want to. Also ( sorry to bombard you with questions ) do you have to have internet access to design in the new software - for example the silhouette design studio is downloadable software and images purchases also download so I dont need to be connected to the internet to use it? Thank you :-)
Hey Amanda - I am glad you are asking questions! :) Cricut is coming out with a bluetooth-like accessory that will allow you to have the app/software on your ipad and work wirelessly from your computer. So - for example - if you are going to a crop you could just take your ipad with you, don't have to lug your computer around. Or - like me - I have my computer on my desk and my cricut on the other side of the room, so instead of trying to move everything around I will just be able to do it wirelessly. That is a relief! I am not 100% sure about being able to use it when you are out and about (still waiting to see it in person) but I would imagine you can, because you can work on and save projects in the software - so it would make sense you could do that anywhere? You WILL have to have wifi access to use the software though.
I hope that helps a little - let me know if you have more questions. I'm happy to share answers as I get them!
Does the new Cricut Explore emboss? I can't find any information on this and don't want to buy a cuttlebug or other embosser if I will be able to do it with the Explore
Hey Debra! There is an embossing stylus that will fit in the same opening as the pen (see my photos above). I haven't received it yet but I know that it will be available in the next month or so. Hope that helps!
Hi
ReplyDeletePlease can you trll me if you know when this will be available in the uk xxx
Pam - their plan is for it to be available in the UK in May.
DeleteOh thank you xxx
DeleteHi Beth, will this cut ALL SVG files, or just the ones that ProvoCraft designs? As in files from a designer that only designs in SVG format? Any ideas on new carts? will ALL carts have to run through the online design thing, or can this machine work with carts that are plugged into the actual machine??? :) I have friends wanting to know this question!!!
ReplyDeleteSara - it will work with ALL SVG files - ones from other companies, ones you create yourself, etc. There is a port in the machine for actual cartridges as well. Hope that helps!
Deleteholy!! So exciting. The wireless thing caught my eye!! Very exciting... giving a silhouette a run for their money!
ReplyDeleteThis is exciting, but I have to know if it will work with my Gypsy. I absolutely love my Gypsy, and I'm not ready to give it up unless you convince me this is better.
ReplyDeleteJudith - the new software is actually going to replace the gypsy - so you will still be able to access all of your images, cartridges you've uploaded, etc - it will just be in the new Explore Software. If you are a member of the Cricut Craft Room your username and password will remain the same so everything will literally just transfer over automatically!
DeleteI don't want to be tethered to a computer and this is why I prefer my Gypsy. If it can't work with the Gypsy itself, I'm not going for this. It should be compatible with the Gypsy and online craft rooms/spaces.
DeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteThis machine sounds AMAZING!! How exciting and I am so excited for you that you get to see it in action! Now another machine I'm going to have to have! ;-)
Can't wait to see what else you have to share today!
big hugs,
Cristi
Beth- Wow ! I am excited to see more about this machine. Congratulations for working with Cricut , Anna & HSN bringing this machine to us. I am excited that they have a new one coming out. Also how nice for the crafters that will be able to keep & use their Cricut Cartridges & have access to SVG cuts as well. I am looking forward to your new posts! Awesome stuff & enjoy your time there!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited!!!! I haven't given up my cricut expression sense I felt was the best one made...but with this new cricut explore! I'm ready for an upgrade!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my Gosh! I can't wait. When will it be available? I have the imagine and I have to say that I haven't even touched the tip of the ice of what it will do, but this machine looks like it is lighter and I can take it with me when i go to crops and such much easier.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim! Anna is going to release it on HSN February 12th - then I will have it on HSN a few times in March (dates TBD) and it will be released to other retailers in mid-March as well. I think it is going to be fabulous!
DeleteWTG Cricut-I am excited to hear this and looking forward to more info.
ReplyDeleteOh my...this IS exciting! I cannot wait to see all the things it can do!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!
ReplyDeleteI may have to get a job! This looks pretty cool. I hope it's simple to use since I am not very tech savvy.
ReplyDeleteMarlene - I am not very tech savvy either! ;) This thing has been a dream to learn how to use!
DeleteI love my cricut E2. Now this? Super exiting but may take some convincing of the hubby to spend.
ReplyDeleteYou can only cut SVGs if you pay a monthly subscription.
ReplyDeleteOn the Cricut website it now says SVGs will be free...
Deletehttp://www.cricut.com/home/cricutblog/cricutblog2013/2014/01/23/have-questions-about-the-cricut-explore-system-we-have-answers
Do you know the date in February that this will be airing. I am very interested in purchasing a Cricut Explore
ReplyDeleteAnna is going to launch it on HSN February 12th! Can't wait!
DeleteCan you cut SVG files even if you don't pay the $9.99 a month or is that option only available with the subscription?
ReplyDeleteOn the Cricut website it says you can cut SVG files for free...
Deletehttp://www.cricut.com/home/cricutblog/cricutblog2013/2014/01/23/have-questions-about-the-cricut-explore-system-we-have-answers
wow is amazing
ReplyDeleteDo you know if you will have to be connected to the internet to be able to use your own cartridges? Lots of us go to crops that don't have the internet access? Thanks for a great post!
ReplyDeleteRichelle you will have to be connected to the internet to use the Explore. I just got an iphone 5 and can use my phone as a hotspot - so I'm going to give that a try and see if it works!
DeleteThis sounds like a really fun machine. I am not into cricut cutting yet but I think it is time to join the team.
ReplyDeleteI want to know if I have to pay the monthly fee to be able to cut SVG files.
ReplyDeleteRoseanne according to Cricut you will be able to cut SVGs for free...
Deletehttp://www.cricut.com/home/cricutblog/cricutblog2013/2014/01/23/have-questions-about-the-cricut-explore-system-we-have-answers
After the mess with the Imagine not sure if I would buy another machine from Provocraft.
ReplyDeletewhen will it be available on HSN
ReplyDeleteAnna will be doing the world launch on February 12th - and then I will be on air with it again in March!
Deletecan you explain a little more about the comment you made about using it with the ipad please? do you mean you can design on your pad in the design software and then cut from there? and if so does this mean if i am out and about I could use my ipad like i would my gypsy and that i can design on my pad, save and cut the design as and when i want to. Also ( sorry to bombard you with questions ) do you have to have internet access to design in the new software - for example the silhouette design studio is downloadable software and images purchases also download so I dont need to be connected to the internet to use it? Thank you :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Amanda - I am glad you are asking questions! :) Cricut is coming out with a bluetooth-like accessory that will allow you to have the app/software on your ipad and work wirelessly from your computer. So - for example - if you are going to a crop you could just take your ipad with you, don't have to lug your computer around. Or - like me - I have my computer on my desk and my cricut on the other side of the room, so instead of trying to move everything around I will just be able to do it wirelessly. That is a relief! I am not 100% sure about being able to use it when you are out and about (still waiting to see it in person) but I would imagine you can, because you can work on and save projects in the software - so it would make sense you could do that anywhere? You WILL have to have wifi access to use the software though.
DeleteI hope that helps a little - let me know if you have more questions. I'm happy to share answers as I get them!
Does the new Cricut Explore emboss? I can't find any information on this and don't want to buy a cuttlebug or other embosser if I will be able to do it with the Explore
ReplyDeleteHey Debra! There is an embossing stylus that will fit in the same opening as the pen (see my photos above). I haven't received it yet but I know that it will be available in the next month or so. Hope that helps!
Delete