How much faster is the Cricut Explore Air 2 than the Cricut Explore Air?

How much faster is the Cricut Explore Air 2 than the Cricut Explore Air?

In a nutshell, almost two times faster!  

Check out the video below to see the speed test for yourself! I tested both cutting and writing!

I cut two of the same image at exactly the same time and the Explore Air 2 was significantly quicker - especially if you start multiplying that by a bunch of images on a mat. It can be a real time saver!

I also tested the writing feature in the video above.

So, if you prep a lot of classes or have to cut multiples of things, this will decrease your cutting time by almost HALF!

You can get the Cricut Explore Air 2 HERE (after 10/21)#ad.

Major Features for the Explore Air 2 (#ad):
- Can cut and write up to 2 times faster on settings ranging from vinyl to cardstock + (look for video here to see this comparison from Explore Air to Explore Air 2)
- Fast mode is only available for the Explore Air 2 and must be enabled on each mat as you use them
- Must update iPad and iPhone Design Space apps to access this function
- May need to update the plug in on your desktop and clear your cache
- Can use Desktop, iPhone, iPad apps with the machine
- Android devices are not supported at this time

Four new Colors:

* See the Close to My Heart catalog HERE
* Order Close to My Heart HERE 
* Join My Close to My Heart team HERE 

Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
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[Video]How to Set up the Cricut Explore Air 2, Air, One and Explore

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Thank you for supporting Obsessed with Scrapbooking! I appreciate you so much!**

The new Cricut Explore Air 2 has launched and it is super - much faster than the Cricut Explore Air and former machines!  See below for all the features and things to know.

I have made a video showing how to set up the Explore Air 2 and how to use it with the iPad and iPhone app. 

These instructions apply also to setting up any of the family of Cricut Explore machines.

Check out the video below to see how easy and quick it is to get started using your Explore Air 2 (or any Explore machine)!

Major Features for the Explore Air 2 (#ad):
- Can cut and write up to 2 times faster on settings ranging from vinyl to cardstock + (look for video here to see this comparison from Explore Air to Explore Air 2)
- Fast mode is only available for the Explore Air 2 and must be enabled on each mat as you use them
- Must update iPad and iPhone Design Space apps to access this function
- May need to update the plug in on your desktop and clear your cache
- Can use Desktop, iPhone, iPad apps with the machine
- Android devices are not supported at this time

Four new Colors:

* See the Close to My Heart catalog HERE
* Order Close to My Heart HERE 
* Join My Close to My Heart team HERE 

Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

[Video]Twist and Pop Up Cricut Design Space Card-Fun Fold

I have been dying to make a twist and pop card ever since I saw one. BUT, I hate measuring, measuring, measuring. So, I thought - let's make a Design Space file and then I only have to measure ONCE! LOL!

Check out how to make this gorgeous twist and pop card in the video below! 

It's super fast and easy when you use my free Cricut Design Space file (see below on how to make this card without the file).

I show two cards in the video and I used the following products to make them:

Close to My Heart Oh Deer Paper Pack:

Close to My Heart Oh Deer Complements:

Close to My Heart City Sidewalks Paper Pack:

Close to My Heart City Sidewalks Complements:

Silver Shimmer Trim

Check out how to make this card below in the video:

Get the FREE Cricut Design Space FILE to make this card HERE!

For everyone who wants the measurements of how to make this card (but remember, the FREE Design Space file which works only with the Cricut Explore family of machines does all this for you!):

Folding Mechanism:

Decorated Inside Piece:

Outside Card Size: Score a 4" x 12" piece at 6" to create a 4" x 6" card

Don't forget - one more day to order this kit below!

One more day to order the pre-cut Monstrous Halloween kit - comes packed with tools and all the materials you need to make 6 cards, as well as an instructional video you can see over and over!

To order, click on the button below:

If you want to add anything else to this order (such as blocks)- do not order above but please email me at joyster110@gmail.com and let me know what else you'd like. If it fits in a flat rate envelope, I can add it and not change the shipping cost. 

This preorder is good through Wednesday, September 8 or earlier if I sell out- after that, the kit will no longer be available. 

Limited quantities are available so don't delay in ordering!

Also, FYI, our new holiday catalog has launched and you can check it out here!

More on all the goodness from the holiday catalog to come soon...

* See the Close to My Heart catalog HERE
* Order Close to My Heart HERE 
* Join My Close to My Heart team HERE 

Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

7 Things You Might Not Know About the Cricut Explore!

Here are some questions I have gotten as a follow up to my video on which Cricut Explore machine you should get (click HERE to see that post and video):

1) Do the Explore machines use the same mats as the Expression?
Yes they do!

2) Do the Explore machines use the same blades?
No, the Explore machines use a German carbide blade BUT you can use the Expression blades in the Explore. It just won't last as long.

3) Are there any advantages to buying the Cricut Explore plus the wireless adaptor instead of the Explore Air? Or are they the same thing?
The only advantage would be price because the Cricut Explore plus the wireless adaptor has all the same features as the Cricut Explore Air.

4) I have 150 cartridges. How do I use those with the Cricut Explore machines and Design Space?
If those cartridges are registered on your cricut.com account, you can access those in Design Space right now. If they are not, you can link them using the port on the Explore machine - watch THIS VIDEO to see how to do that. You would need the internet to link them using the port because you need to be on the Design Space software on your computer. You cannot link cartridges from the app at this time. If these cartridges were linked to a Gypsy, then you can transfer them to your cricut.com account by using these instructions which have you linking the cartridges to the Cricut Craft Room. Anything linked to Cricut Craft Room is available in Design Space.

5) Are there any problems using Design Space with a Mac?
No - that is how I have used Design Space from the beginning. Here is a listing of the requirements you need for both PC, Mac and iOS devices:

Minimum system requirements for Cricut Explore® and Cricut Design Space™

Windows® OS

• OS: Windows® 7, Windows or later
• CPU: Intel™ Pentium®4 2.33 GHz or equivalent AMD® processor
• RAM: 4GB
• Browsers: Latest version of Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Google Chrome®
• 50MB free disk space
• Available USB Port

Mac® OS

• OS: Mac® OS X 10.9 or later
• CPU 1.83 GHz
• RAM: 4GB
• Browsers: Latest version of Safari®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Google Chrome®
• 50MB free disk space
• Available USB port

iPad®

• iOS 7.1.2. or later
• iPad® 2 or later
• iPad mini™ or later
• iPhone® 4 or later
• iPod® Touch 5th generation or later

Display

• Minimum 1024px x 768px screen resolution

Software

• Latest version of Adobe® Flash®

Internet

• Broadband connection via PC, Mac 9®, and compatible devices
• Standard data rates may apply

Design features and functionality may vary between computers, tablets and smartphones.

6) What is the size of the Explore?
It is 22.2" wide x 6" high x 7" deep.

7) I have limited access to the internet - do I need the internet to use the Cricut Explore and Design Space software?
At this time, you do need the internet to use the Design Space software and Cricut Explore machines (original, Air and One).

When you use the Design Space app on your iPhone or iPad, you still need either data connection or wifi to use the Design Space app and cut with the machine. 

Cricut is working on an offline version of the Design Space app (which I am testing right now - WHOOP!) and it should be released soon. That means you could access all your images (whether it's your cartridges or in the subscription library), design with them and cut with them all offline using the Design Space app and your iPhone and/or iPad.  

For Android users, they are working on an app and hope to have that released in the next few months (or sooner - they are very close).

If this article was helpful, feel free to share it with your friends!


* See the Close to My Heart catalog HERE
* Order Close to My Heart HERE 
* Join My Close to My Heart team HERE 
* See the Vivi Jewelry Catalog HERE 
* Join Vivi Jewelry HERE 

Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

Which Cricut Explore Machine Should I Buy?

I wanted to make a quick video for you guys showing you the differences between the Cricut Explore Air, the regular/original Cricut Explore and the Cricut Explore One. 

That way, you can make the right choice this holiday season as you consider which machine to get!

The video also explains why you would want certain features. If you can't see the video click HERE.


Below is also a chart showing those differences between various machines:

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments!


* See the Close to My Heart catalog HERE
* Order Close to My Heart HERE 
* Join My Close to My Heart team HERE 
* See the Vivi Jewelry Catalog HERE 
* Join Vivi Jewelry HERE 

Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

Cricut Explore Machines - which one to get?

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

So, what is the Cricut Explore? Cricut Explore is actually a family of electronic cutting machines that make it possible for you to easily create amazing do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Well, not totally DIY because Cricut’s incredible machine’s do a LOT of the heavy lifting. 

The two main machines that Cricut offers are:

• the Cricut Explore One™ - allows you to cut. 
• If you want to write, you need to get an adaptor that you would change out during the writing and cutting process. 
• If you want it to be wireless and to be able to use the iPad app, you would need to get a wireless adaptor. 
• So, if you want both those things above, get the Cricut Explore Air since those are already included.  It's better price-wise.

• the Cricut Explore Air™ - allows you to cut and write wirelessly 
• This includes the writing adaptor, the wireless adaptor and is the best price!
• Works with the iPad app.

To give you loads of creative freedom and versatility, Cricut developed the Cricut Design Space™, a cloud-based software that works seamlessly with the Cricut Explore® family of machines. 

Cricut Design Space™ allows you also to use your Cricut cartridges that you have already purchased. You can also upload SVG files from other places into Design Space and use those.

Design Space gives you access to all of your images and projects from any compatible computer or iPad, so you can design just about anything, anytime, and anywhere. 

Once you’ve uploaded your design (or pre-designed image) to your Cricut Explore cutting machine, you can sit back and watch it magically bring your design to life. 

Here's some differences between the machines (note: Explore One is now available!)

You will see that the regular Cricut Explore is referenced above in the chart and it is still available. But it does require a wireless adaptor purchase IF you want to cut wirelessly OR use the iPad app. If you don't need to do those things, you can get the regular Cricut Explore. Otherwise, I would just get the Cricut Explore Air because then everything is built in.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!

Don't forget the June Mystery Box is on sale HERE and includes THREE cartridges, 2 materials and 1 machine accessory!

There are so many interesting things you can make and do with Cricut – which we’ll be sure to cover in a future post. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, it’s best to go over each of Cricut’s machines, what they do, and how they are different. And since I’ve given you quite a bit of info already, we’ll pick up on there in next week’s post!

Until then … happy crafting! 

Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

Cricut Explore Tutorial Videos PLUS Coupons!

 Did you get a Cricut Explore for Christmas or get one this past week on HSN?

I have a number of videos that may be helpful for you to check out! You can see 12 videos below - the one shown is just the first one (click HERE if you can't see the video playlist):




Also, the Cricut help desk will have extended hours and be available as shown:

Monday, Feb. 23 - Friday, Feb.27: 8 am - 4 pm MST
Saturday, Feb. 28: 6 am - 7 pm MST

Call 1-877-7CRICUT for help.

February's Stamp of the Month and Album Promo are below:

When you spend $50+, you can also pick up the February stamp of the month, shown above, for just $5!

And February's promo is a great one: 

Buy one album, get the second album 50% off. 

We now have both post bound and D ring style albums. You can see all the albums HERE. You will need to order page protectors separately so that you can get the styles you want and you can see those HERE.

You can order on my shopping site HERE.

Winner of Cricut Printable Vinyl:

Leslie - CA Scrapper!

Leslie, please email me at joyster110@gmail.com within two weeks to claim your prize. Please send your name, address and what you won. Allow 4 weeks to receive.  Congratulations!

New Giveaway:

Close to My Heart Butterfly Stamp

How can you win?

1) Leave a comment below - Did you get an Explore or Explore Air? If not, are you planning to?
Click HERE if you don't know how to leave a comment. Click HERE to leave a comment if you are seeing this in an email. Then scroll down and look for the comment box at the bottom.

2) Not required to enter but please subscribe to my email club and/or youtube  and/or pinterest - that way you won't miss any projects or tutorials.

Winner will be announced on March 8, 2015 and has two weeks to claim prize.  U.S. Residents only, please, over 18.  Void where prohibited.

Coupons:

Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

[Video] Install and Use Cricut Explore iPad App

The new Cricut Design Space iPad app is LIVE tonight and you are going to LOVE IT!

Below is a video showing how to link your iPad to your Cricut Explore (as long as you have the wireless adaptor) and/or the Cricut Explore Air, as well as downloading the iPad app from the store and a FULL TUTORIAL!

See video below (click HERE if you can't see the video):


Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!

[Video] Cricut Explore Air Setup!

This beautiful Cricut Explore Air machine goes on sale for the first time Tuesday, February 18, 2015 at 12:01 a.m. EST on HSN!

The Explore Air has built in wireless capability!

To see the Explore Air out of the box and setup, check out this video below (click HERE if you can't see the video):




Also, Design Space 2.0 is live tonight! There may be a few bugs over the next day so stay patient - this was a huge upgrade, with faster speeds and enhanced features!  Check out the video below to see more about the new Design Space 2.0. Remember that Design Space 2.0 works with all Explore machines only.  

Click HERE if you can't see the video.





Want to see more of my projects?
Click HERE to see my gallery!
Subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking to learn more about ways to use the Cricut in your scrapbooking!