Chalkboard Art with the Cricut Explore

I created this Chalkboard Art with the Cricut Explore!  Yep.. that's right.  A little Cricut Chalkboard Vinyl, A Chalkboard Marker and the Cricut Explore did all the work!
Here's a tutorial for you!

Chalkboard Vinyl Kitchen Labels with the Cricut Explore

I used the Cricut Explore, Chalkboard Vinyl and Chalkboard Marker to make new labels for my canisters.  This was super quick and really fun!!

Here is a video tutorial:

Cricut Iron On Shirt and April - Tutorial and SVG file Included!

Here's a fun project for you!  I made this shirt and Apron in no time at all.   Check out the tutorial below for all of the details!

Bird House Thank You Card - Cricut Explore

I haven't made an actual craft project in quite a while.  I whipped up this quick card using the Cricut Explore and images from the subscription.  It was super quick and lots of fun!  Here is a tutorial if you'd like to give it a try!

How to set up the Cricut Explore

Setting up the Cricut Explore is SO EASY!  I've got two videos for you.  The first one is the instructions.. it's a super quick, super short video.  The second video is of me actually setting up my Explore from Box to Cutting without rehearsing or practice... (it only took me 4 minutes and 10 seconds!)

 

 

 

Cricut Design Space 2.0 - Basics

Cricut Design Space is about to get a facelift!  I'm so excited to provide you with this Basics lesson on the new Design Space.  The updates in Design Space 2.0 were mainly focused on performance, and what a difference!  The software runs like a well oiled machine and you are even going to find a few new changes in Design Space like Docked Edit, Layers, Color Sync and Canvas Panels, Larger previews of Cricut Images, New ways to filter images and a few more!  Watch the video above to see up close what the new Design Space 2.0 is all about!

Die Cut Crafts Facebook Group

Come join our facebook group Die Cut Crafts.  All machines are welcome.  We have Silhouette, Explore, Zing, KNK, Pazzels, Revolution, Big Shot, etc.  We share projects, ideas, inspiration, tutorials, tips and tricks and much more.  Weekly free SVG files are also included. 

Click the link below and I'll add you as soon as I can.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DieCutCrafts/

Happy Birthday Shaker Card with the Cricut Explore

Exclusive Free SVGs in the Facebook Group Die Cut Crafts

Come Join us in the Facebook Group Die Cut Crafts.  

Our group is for all machines users Cricut, Silhouette, KNK, Pazzles, etc.  We share ideas, tips, tricks, tutorials and SVGs

 

 

Pocket Crisscross Card with the Cricut Explore - Birthday Card

 Another version of a Crisscross card.  This is super simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Watch the video and find out how to make this card in Cricut Design Space with the Cricut Explore

Criss Cross Card with Cricut Explore

I made this fun Criss Cross Card with the Cricut Explore.  This card base can be used for any occasion, but I thought the XOXO SVG was perfect for Valentines.  You can get the XOXO in several of the Cricut Facebook Groups.

Here is a another version I made.  

I have added a video tutorial showing how to make the base card layer as well as the extra embellishments.

How to Curve Text In Cricut Design Space / Cricut Explore Tutorial

This is a super quick video demonstrating how to curve text in Cricut Design Space.  I've also added a Cheat Sheet below with the step by step illustrated tutorial

Win a $15 Gift Card to the SVGShack on Etsy - Pay it Forward Challenge

Want to win a $15 gift certificate to SVGShack on Etsy?  It's super easy to enter to win!
Stop by our Die Cut Crafts group on Facebook to find out how you can win.  Contest ends on January 31 at Noon Eastern.

Cricut Design Space Cheat Sheets for quick reference to frequently asked questions

I have been working on a few cheat sheets for Cricut Design Space - These are frequently asked questions.  I've consolidated them all for you to download right here/

I've been busy filling my Etsy Shop with lots of new Files.  You can get this one HERE.

SVG Shack

I have lots of new SVG files in the SVG Shack.  The SVG files are Vector Cutting files and work with almost any digital cutter such as the Cricut Explore and Silhouette (Silhouette requires the designer edition of Silhouette Studio).

Time to start on those Valentines~

Christmas Owl Tag

Happy Holidays!  This is the last of my Christmas Projects (I think).  I needed a cute gift tag for a special little one's package.  I created this owl using the Cute Owl, Cricut Design Space and my Cricut Explore.

It' Cousin Eddie here to wish you a Merry Christmas!!

I was hopping along with the SVG cutting files blog hop when I saw this card!  OH My Gosh!  I just knew I had to make it!    The hop was featuring Christmas Movie projects and Christmas Vacation is one of my All Time Favorites!     I really wanted to put, "oh Crap, Sh^**er's Full", but I didn't think that would go over very well!  :P  

I cut this card with the Cricut Explore and the SVG file by Michelle at ScrappinwithmyBug.  Thanks, Michelle!!

It's Ornament Week at Thermoweb!!

 I'm up on the Thermoweb Blog today.  This week we are featuring homemade ornaments by both the paper and fabric design teams.

I chose these fun ornaments.  They were cut using SVGCuts Christmas Ornament cut files and the Cricut Explore.

 

I used Thermoweb SuperTape to assemble this Christmas Tree and to give it some added shine I sprayed a coat of Thermoweb Gold Glitter Dust over the completed project.

 

The snowflake was assembled using a combination of Thermoweb SuperTape, 3D Zots and Mini Sticky Dot Runner.

 

Christmas Shaker Card

I made this fun Shaker Card using Lori Whitlock Christmas Tree Pop Up Card SVG.   It was super simple to cut with my Cricut Explore.  I even cut Fun Foam as the middle layer to pop up the red striped label to make room for my shaker pieces.

Cricut Announced Disney Frozen Cartridge!

Have you heard?   Cricut just announced a new Disney Frozen Cartridge!  It is available Right NOW in the Cricut Design Space for use with the Cricut Explore.   Check out this little video I put together to see more.

 

Here are a couple of coupon codes to use right now.   Click the link and apply the Coupon Code.
 Stay tuned for more holiday deals

$5 off orders of $50 or more:  Coupon Code CRICUTBF5

Free shipping all month:  Coupon Code:  FREESHIPNOV

November & December SVG Files

I've been working hard at filling my Etsy site, SVG SHACK with lots of new SVG files.  Here is just a sample.   If you'd like purchase any of my SVG files, please visit my shop:  SVG Shack

Cricut Design Space App for the Ipad - Coming January 2015!

We just got the green light to share with you the preview of the Beta Version of the Cricut Design Space Ipad App!

You are going to love, Love, LOVE this app!  It is fast, intuitive and has so many fun features.  Creating on the go is no more a wish!  If you have your ipad and a wifi connection, you can design in the Design Space app no matter where you are.

I designed a card from start to finish using the app to give you an idea of the workflow process.  You can watch it here!

This is the card I create in the video.  It was after midnight when I took the photo.  I promise to get a better photo in daylight, but I wanted to share.

Here is a few more screenshots from the Cricut Website

 

 

If you have a blue tooth adapter you can even send your design right to the Explore!

Click below to purchase a bluetooth adapter

 
Don't forget to also check out these amazing videos showcasing the IPAD app.

Scrappy Diva

Melody Lane

Crafts by Two

Cricut Explore Vs Silhouette Cameo

I wanted to take a moment and post one more reason to choose the Cricut Explore over the Silhouette Cameo. Top Ten Reviews performed their own comparisons of several die cutting machines. The list of materials each machine can cut speak for itself.  Quite clearly the Cricut can cut more materials than the Silhouette Cameo.

Here are a few more reasons to choose the Cricut Explore over the Silhouette Cameo

Silhouette vs Cricut Explore - The Results are In

Silhouette vs Cricut - My Own Review

6 Things you should know about the Cricut Explore

Ready to buy a Cricut Explore ?  

Cricut Explore Vs Silhouette Cameo - Finally, a Factual Independent Study - THE RESULTS ARE IN!

Hey everyone! Big News! I already know the Cricut Explore is the most awesome digital cutter ever... but now, not only do I know from my personal experience using the machine, experts at the THIRD PARTY, INDEPENDENT Percept Labs conducted testing between the Silhouette Cameo and the Cricut Explore. Here is just a sampling of their findings

• The Cameo failed on 7 out of the 8 materials we tested: Foam, Leather (soft), Leather (hard), Chipboard, Chipboard (dense), Magnet sheet, and Aluminum. Explore cut all 8 materials nearly 100% of the time. We had designed more force in Explore so we are not surprised.

•  Explore circles are really circles, but the Silhouette machine had repeated issues of not starting and stopping their circles in the same place. While the circles were coming out round, they just weren’t complete.

• · Explore cuts truer to the design than the Cameo.  Essentially, if you have a design, Design Space & Explore follow the actual design more accurately than the Cameo.

This is exciting news and factual information.  No need to take my word for it, read the report.  Quite clearly the Explore out performs the Silhouette Cameo.  

You can read the full report here http://us.cricut.com/home/perceptlabs

http://us.cricut.com/home/perceptlabs

Mambi meets Thermoweb! Inspirational Desk Frame

Hello there!  It's Lorrie here.  I've got a super easy, but oh so fun project for you today!  I made an inspirational desk calendar using the amazing products above by Thermoweb and Mambi.
Begin with a regular 5 x 7 picture frame.  Remove the glass and punch two holes in the backing of the frame.  Insert jump rings.
Add the fun inspirational messages to the jump rings using a hole punch.  Glue glitter stars to the clear acetate by using the Thermoweb Fabric Fuse Glue.  Add a bright pink Mambi Arrow with a Thermoweb foam square.
Super easy page, simply punch holes and add to the jump ring.  Glue the arrow with Fabric Fuse.
Add the clear acetate page using a sticky dot behind the words and attach to the star silver/white 3 x 4 card by Mambi.
Use the Thermoweb Mini Tape Runner to attach the black glitter paper to the gold Mambi paper.  Use Sticky dots to attach the Today is a Gift card to the glitter.  Add Deco Photo Corners to the edges of the yellow paper.Sew a pocket using one of the clear acetate cards on the striped paper, add the star with Fabric Fuse.  Pop the arrow with Foam Squares, add a deco Photo Corner.

That's it.  Add a 5 x 7 Mambi inspirational message to the inside of the frame.  All that's left is to remember to place it some place to remind you of the incredibly simple messages that will make you take a minute to realize what a positive attitude can do to make your day a little bit brighter.