Cricut Explore Comes To The UK

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited up to London to try out the new Cricut Explore that is being launched in the UK imminently. It was launched in the US a few months back  with lots of fanfare and excitement and the UK  launch is hot on it’s heels!

First things first (and this is important) ‘Cricut‘ is pronounced ‘Cricket‘. I know, I know, every bone in your body wants to say ‘Cry-Cut‘ but that’s just not the name. It’s wrong. Protest as much as you want. The little green bug they have as a logo is there for a reason!

Paper Flower Embellishments 

Secondly if you don’t know what a Cricut machine is it’s an electronic die cutting machine which (depending on the model) cuts the most amazing shapes out of paper, card, vinyl, chipboard, fabric, thin magnet board etc … amazing huh? Have a look at this video to get a better understanding.

I came away from the event buzzing. The room was crammed full of wonderful projects all made by the Cricut Explore (there was something for everyone).

Brilliant use of Vinyl to Decorate Wellies, Towels and Bags

Gorgeous Dress Embellished with Paper Butterflies

The Butterflies had been embossed with a similar texture to the tulle

Plus dotted around the room were work stations where we could have a play with the machines and get creative! Never one to miss an opportunity I made this fabulous bag logo with  black iron on glitter vinyl! What do you think?

Key things about the Cricut Explore …

• It’s super easy to set up
• The new online Design Space software allows you to up load your own designs
• You can still use your old cartridges with the machine
• You can buy individual Cricut stock images (some are available for free)
• It can write as well as cut … seriously!
• It has a ‘Smart set’ Dial which means you don’t have to adjust the depth and pressure of the cutting dial separately
• You can cut a wide range of sizes and a wide range of materials!
• You get access to pre-loaded projects. Great for learning how to use the machine or knocking something out quickly when you’re short of time. The project tells you what materials you need and you can even tweak it if necessary
• There are preset canvass shapes (t-shirts, bags, baby grows etc) to lay your design projects against.

It’s more expensive than the Cricut Mini (you can see some of my ‘Mini Projects’ here) retailing at around £249.99 but it’s much more versatile and I for one am very excited to see it coming over to the UK. For those crafters who like to use their own designs this is an immensely versatile and useful machine.

With homemade items becoming more and more popular I can see Cricut playing an ever increasing role in crafty UK.

Disclaimer : I am being given a Cricut Explore to put through it’s paces and review … watch this space!