Isn't that a pretty cut? Do you see the tiny circles? WOW! I am just starting to test out my new Cricut Explore machine and of course, I had to give it a challenge. I'd say it passed with flying colors.
I will have a full review and will share my first impressions of the Explore soon - there is a lot to try out and it takes some time. If you are reading this post on the early morning feed email, be sure to scroll down to see yesterday's post as well. You don't want to miss the photo of my UPS guy delivering the machine.
In the meanwhile, I wanted to let you know that registration has opened today for the next True Stamp event presented by the incomparable Lain Ehmann, the producer of LOAD (Layout A Day), True Scrap and many other great events. I did manage to finish the February LOAD challenge with 28 pages in 28 days - whew! Lain doesn't seem to know how to relax - she has loads (!) of great programs and classes coming up this year.
I participated in True Stamp 2013 and I learned a lot about stamping and also had fun. These events are part live and part recorded. If you miss the live presentations, you can always go back to catch up and watch the recordings - you have access to them as long as Lain keeps going and she is like the Energizer bunny with new programs and classes in the works constantly.
True Stamp 2014 will be held on April 5th - when it should finally be spring! This is an online event. You meet by logging in to a webroom and see high definition video presentations by some great instructors who are also there live to answer your questions. There are some make and takes, a live chatroom, prizes and digital goodie bags.
Here are the instructors for True Stamp 2014 along with the topics of their classes. Click HERE to go to the page with more information about True Stamp.
“A Little Bit Rock & Roll: Adding Visual Interest to Solid Stamped Images”
(co-taught with Kryssi Ng)
Nichol-Magouirk, Mama Elephant
“Stamping Kaleidoscope: Color and Texture for Every Day and Everywhere”
Bev Grey, Technique Tuesday
“What’s Cookin’? Creative ingredients to whet your appetite for WOW!”
(co-taught with Kim Ziehr)
Bobbi Lemanski, Raisin Boat
“What’s Cookin’? Creative ingredients to whet your appetite for WOW!”
(co-taught with Bobbi Lemanski)
Kim Ziehr, Raisin Boat
“SWAK! Stamp Kissing Made Simple”
Kim Hughes, Paper Smooches
“Stamps and Dies that Work Together II”
Shari Carroll, Simon Says Stamp
“Moving and Shaking: Adding Interactive Elements with Stamps”
(co-taught with Chari Moss)
Kelly Marie Alvarez, Lawn Fawn
“Moving and Shaking: Adding Interactive Elements with Stamps”
(co-taught with Kelly Marie Alvarez)
Chari Moss, Lawn Fawn
The price for all of this stamping goodness is set at $97 (about $16 per class) and right now there is an even better deal. I have a special code that will save you almost 50%. Just use the code LOVE at checkout and your price will be only $49 - that is around $8 per class, not even counting the make & takes and the goodie bag.
Just click HERE to go to the information page to see more descriptions of the event and to register (this is an affiliate link).
True Stamp 2014 is sponsored by these six stamp companies.
I am planning to participate again this year - I hope you will join me for this unique, educational and fun event.
Remember to get all of your comments by the end of today for the Blog Celebration Giveaway. The winners will be posted on Monday.
I hope you have a great weekend - we have some family events planned and I will be putting the new Explore to good use - I promised to cut those scalloped shapes for the three boxes! I am glad it arrived in time for me to get those ready to mail with everything else next week.
Just one more photo - can you guess which one was cut by the new Explore machine?
what a difference in your scalloped cut-out circles. Very easy to tell which one you cut with your new machine. It done a wonderful job.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful and enjoyable weekend.
ColleenB.
Texas
Good morning! I'm glad to hear you are impressed with what the Explore can do, that's great! My guess the top center cut was done by the Explore. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love the cut you are trying out. Wow so pretty. And gee which one is the new machine???? Hahahah The top one! Wow looks so much better. Thanks for an awesome blog anniversary. So excited to see who wins those boxes. Thank again!
ReplyDeleteKathy21361
kathy21361(at)yahoo(dot)com
Anxious to see what you do with new Explore. Have a great weekend...we are suppose to get more snow.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your newsletter today the files you have for the Hannah Montana cart caught my eye. I haven't used this cart in ages, but when I saw the butterfly card you made I knew I had to give it a try. I'm getting ready to make a birthday card and I wanted to do something with a butterfly and this will be perfect. Thanks for sharing all your creativity. I've been following you since the beginning (I even took a couple of your classes when DS first came out) and have learned a lot from you.
ReplyDeleteHello Diane,
ReplyDeleteYes this cut us beautiful. Thanks for sharing it makes me want an Explore even more. I have found some jewels that I forgot I had last week and I said that I would use them on a card so I will do that and be ready to post to your link. Thank you for a great week and a chance to win some great prizes.
Luria
Definitely the top center!!!
ReplyDeleteHow much is that new machine? I gotta start saving!
Marilyn
mrtooke@yahoo.com
Arrrgh, don't DO this to me, Diane!!! I have myself fully convinced that I don't need the Explore and now.... arrrrgh ... now, I am second guessing myself. Hmmm, maybe by the time I save for it, I might ... arrrrgh ... HOLD ME BACK!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogaversary, by the way. Yours is one I read every day, no matter what.
Fondly,
Ellen "CardMonkey"
Thanks for posting the picture of the scallop. My cricut explore just arrived. Early birthday gift. Can't wait to try the print and cut feature.
ReplyDeleteHello again, Diane. I have NO problem finding things that have been stashed. I not only have my own things, but was recently given 6 boxes of things from someone who died about three years ago! I think some of her stash was already pretty old... I'm not going to be shopping for anything more than adhesives for a very long time! I have to say, though, that it is fun to see what the mix comes out to be. It is rather mind-freeing to discover things that go together than you didn't even know you had, lol!
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your stories and the comments from other people. Thanks for the fun!
I'm sure it was the top center scallop doily that was done with explore. I hope that you will eventually give us an honest comparison of the explore and the cameo. I really need to stop looking at the explore and focus on my cameo, but miss my carts at times.
ReplyDeletehhmmm, looking around I have so many stashed things to choose from! I have been working on finishing my 2011 scrapbook...then my Explore arrived! I cut the thank you card with the pen writing..wow! will try to go back to the scrapbook...maybe will cut something to go in it :)
ReplyDeleteWow! I wish they had asked you to demo the Explore and Design Space on HSN. They presentation didn't do it justice. I'm so happy that your machine arrived. I can't imagine anyone challenging it as much as you. I'm putting it on my wish list. Thanks so much for all the detail in your posts; I can't tell you how much I've learned from my morning coffees with you. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to your full review of the Explore. You are always so thorough and honest. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteI found a lot of stencils , hanging on my wall unused!! time to take a stab at them....Im glad ur liking your machine....I just don't like the idea of having to go online....an I am really liking my new blue scan an cut......
ReplyDeleteI found some old Lego style letter stickers that I've always thought I'd use on a layout. Decided I'll make a card with them today.
ReplyDeleteCassie
It;s easy to see which is the new cut. I am glad that PC finally got that part figured out! I did some looking and found some daisies that I will use on some cards, They are pretty and just right for spring. Thanks for such a fun blog, I read it everyday and enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThe top scallop is perfect. Love the cut at the beginning in orange. Such precise cuts Love IT. Someone mentioned about reading your newsletter today on Hanna Montana cart. I am going to have to check it out. I signed up but nothing came through to my email. I'll check closer at your site.
ReplyDeleteHave a fun day with family.
Linda in Stanwood
I rediscovered my giant collection of embroidery floss. My friend needed a card for her mother. They are giving her a sewing machine for her birthday so she wanted a sewing machine. I used the floss as the thread on the machine. It's awesome how such a simple addition can make such a huge impact on a project and be super quick. I'll attach the photo when you get the link. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, I am in the midst of cleaning out my craft room, so I am sure I will unlock many old treasures! I plan to stay tuned in to your website, as I always learn so much from you. Thanks for all that you share and create. I will stay connected to learn all of your comments and critiques of the new Explore. Thanks for your wonderful blog! -Barb-
ReplyDeleteEasy to see the top circle is the newest cut, it really does look great! Thanks for inspiring me to make a card out of something I've had for a long time, it was fun and I actually did it in record time! Not sure how to send it to you but will try. I've totally enjoyed reading the many responses to your questions of the day and feel we're all very similar in our crafting collections. I don't feel so guilty now! LOL. Happy 6th Anniversary! Hugs, Jan
ReplyDeleteI agree it is so easy to pick the one you cut with the Explore: The top one! So glad you are enjoying your new machine! Enjoy your time with family and have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI hope to move my craft room soon. Now everything is spread all over the place. I did discover some twine I was holding that I had from a package. I plane to make a banner with it.
ReplyDeleteOne on the right. Thanks for the great blog contest. I love all the great things in the box and 3 lucky people are really going to be "HAPPY". Good Luck to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI am really liking the cuts on your card, they look great. I am reorganizing my craft room and I am sure I have projects to finish. The decision will be, which one do I start with. LOL
ReplyDeleteI found some netting I bought awhile ago to make crocheted scrubbies, I think with the left over I'll add some ribbon and make a wreath. Can't wait to hear what you have to say on the new Cricut machine. Have a great week-end PLAYING!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of your wonderful projects and insights for so many years! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge about the new Cricut machine. Here's to many more years of your wonderful blog!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! If the top one is the new machine... that is most impressive!
ReplyDeleteValerie
I believe that the top one is cut with the new machine. You have already made a very strong case to consider the Explore--and I am a tough sell! The whole reason I went with the Cricut in the first place was because it did not have to be hooked to a computer to use. But you are making a very good case for it! I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteShellee
I'm looking forward to reading your reviews on the Explore. I am debating about purchasing it. I will hold off until I see what it actually does.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's the kind of cut I've wished my cricut could do for sooo long. I never considered buying the cameo because of the list of supplies I'd have to get too. Is this new machine able to us the carts and svgs?
ReplyDeleteHi the more I read in everyone's blogs the more impressed I am with the new Cricut explore. I love the intricate cuts you are showing that it can do. I have spent hours trying to get some cuts to work correctly that I just gave up using them . This will truly give me back hours of time to get projects done quickly . That's for all your hard work exploring new things then blogging about it. Not sure how you find all the time but you are truely amazing , thanks sgain
ReplyDeleteThose itty bitty circles truly ARE amazing!
ReplyDeleteTried to get an Explore from HSN but got in too late! (BooHoo) Gpt am email from Cricut today saying they were available from JoAnn, Amazon & Walmart preorder for $299.99. All 3 were same price. So glad you've had such great results with the cuts so far. Eagerly awaiting further reviews and hoping HSN will offer the Explore again soon!
ReplyDeleteWant to see all you do with the Explore. HSN was sold out by the time I got home from work 've had to wait to get one.
ReplyDelete