The Cricut Explore Family Explained

So much time, so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. One million cool points if you know that reference.

First on the agenda – one minute and seventeen seconds of pontification about one of the most pressing issues in our community. Color combinations. Watch, listen and then head over HERE to answer today’s contest question for your chance you win your very own Cricut Explore Air. Enjoy. Or don’t enjoy – but lie to me and say you did.

Now another hot topic: What’s the deal with all these Cricut Explores,anyway? It’s a question I’ve gotten from a fair number of you crafty ladies. So lend me your ear (or eyeballs, actually) and let me break it down like Britney Spears.
FamilyGraphica
There’s this weird thing that goes down in the crafting community. I like to call it “Gimme-All-The-Things-itis.” We like to have all the things. Whenever there is a new thing – we want the new thing. If it’s a new color – we want it. If it comes in a slightly different package. Yeah. Gimme one of those, too. Even if we don’t need it. What can I say – we want the things. All of them. I think that’s what is a little confusing about the growing family of Cricut Explore machines. We want ’em all and we can’t figure out why they are offering so many. Why or why are there so many? Here’s how I look at it…
Toasters1

It’s basically like toasters. There’s that single slice toaster that I had in my college dorm room. Yeah. Probably shouldn’t have had that in there. So grateful that the place didn’t go up in a fiery inferno of term papers and cheap tube tops from Wet Seal. Then there is the two slice toaster. The one that most of us have. And last up is the toaster that takes six slices of bread at a time. Perfect if you have a big family. Or if you are running a commercial diner out of your kitchen. Or if you, like me,  are in a Facebook official relationship with carbs. Thing is – they all toast bread. You don’t need each model. They all do the same thing. Some faster than others and some with a few extra bells and whistles. But in the end, you’ve got toast. And hopefully some Irish butter and homemade peach preserves.

That’s what is going down in Cricutland. Each of the Explore machines gives you access to the same image library and allows you to create top notch projects. It’s just a matter of what works best for you. The original Cricut Explore is the one that I use. It has two carriages in it that allow me to cut and score or cut and write all in one step. It has a Bluetooth portal which can be used with the Bluetooth adapter – which let’s me send projects through space (yeah, that’s the technical description) to my machine.

The Cricut Explore Air is a newer member of the fam and offers all the same features as the original with the addition of wireless capabilities. This means you can hook this bad boy up to your wireless signal. Since wireless signals are typically more far reaching than Bluetooth, you can send projects to the Explore Air from a greater distance. For example, I usually have to be within 10-15 feet of my Bluetooth adapter in order for it to pick up a signal from my laptop or iPad. With the wireless signal, I can send a project to the Explore Air from my bedroom across the house. Don’t worry, I’m working on my first book entitled The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Crafting: How to Create Beautiful Things Without Ever Peeling Your Butt Out of Bed. On shelves this summer. 

Last up is the newbie: the Explore One. This machine has a lower price point than the others and offers one carriage, where the others offer two. It will be available to purchase in May 2015.  With the Explore One, you’ll need an adapter if you want to cut and score or cut and write in one pass, but this model is great for crafter who don’t need all the extras. Perfect for all those creative folks who want to get dip their toes into this whole Cricut Explore thing that is going on – with the option to make a slight upgrade later with the adapter. They want to create simple projects that are impressive. They want to be able to use all the images available in the Design Space library. And they want all of this with a little extra money left over buy two (or twenty) bottles of Two Buck Chuck. I ain’t mad at you. Crafting supplies and wine bottles are positively splendid ways to spend your shekels.

So there it is. The Unofficial Damask Love breakdown of the Cricut Explore Family. The price points differ by about $50 from one machine to the next, so take a look and decide which is best for you just. Just know this: they all make toast. Really good toast.

IMG_2472

Keep on crafting with these other posts

About Amber

Hey, I’m Amber Kemp-Gerstel - the crafty brain behind Damask Love, where creativity, color, and a little chaos come together. I’m a suburban mom of two, known for turning up the volume on everyday DIYs and showing up like your colorful, crafty BFF. Over the years, I’ve gone from psychologist to full-time content creator, TV host, and brand partner, with appearances on Making It, Today, and HGTV. When I’m not making stuff or on set, I’m chasing around my two boys, Markus and Maxwell, and laughing my way through the mess.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

214 Comments

  1. 4.22.15
    Jennifer K said:

    totally got the Willie Wonka reference. We’ve watched that movie (the original one) probably a bajillion times. 🙂

    • 4.22.15
      amber said:

      As far as I’m concerned, the original is the ONLY version. I walked out of the Johnny Depp remake!

  2. 4.22.15
    Mary M said:

    When I click on the “head over HERE to answer today’s contest question” It goes to a page that says something about a really cool landing page with a plus sign???

    • 4.22.15
      amber said:

      You should have better luck now! I think the contest had not officially started when you clicked over earlier. My fault for posting a faulty link. Sorry about that but good luck!

  3. 4.22.15
    Lin M. said:

    Having a frustrating day at work I decided to take a break and check email. I read, I nodded, I laughed… Thank you for brightening my day! And also for a chance to win – how Awesome would that be???
    I appreciate you breaking down the differences in Explore machines. I recently saw something about Explore One and was wondering how it was different. And I love that you described it in a way that anyone can understand. You ROCK!!!

    • 4.22.15
      Lin M. said:

      PS I will buy a copy of your book… 🙂

      • 4.22.15
        amber said:

        Good luck winning that Explore Air! I’m so happy that my break down made sense and was helpful. I know a lot of people are not sure why there are so many versions of the same machine…so I’m hoping this will clear things up!

    • 4.22.15
      amber said:

      Good luck winning that Explore Air! I’m so happy that my break down made sense and was helpful. I know a lot of people are not sure why there are so many versions of the same machine…so I’m hoping this will clear things up!

  4. 4.23.15
    Elizabeth said:

    You’re so stinkin’ cute!

  5. 10.15.22
    Harry Fields said:

    Cool! Whatever the case may be, you can overcome your obstacles. Even if you’ve been burned repeatedly or have a poor track record when it comes to dating, these tips can help put you on the path to finding a healthy, loving relationship that lasts.

  6. 10.19.22
    glan robinson said:

    Hey there! The popularity of online dating websites is really huge.

  7. 1.4.24
    kaylaniz said:

    Choose your favorite NBA stars (with hilarious big heads!) and dominate the court in basketball stars unblocked. 1-on-1 or 2-on-2, it’s your chance to shine in this fast-paced online basketball showdown.

  8. 6.11.24
    andybeet said:

    Felling lost? https://houseofhazards.com offers helpful hints and tutorials to get u started on your perilous journey.

  9. 2.16.25

    Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  10. 3.10.25
    ThomasBioks said:

    canadian world pharmacy
    https://expresscanadapharm.com/# canadian pharmacy meds
    buy canadian drugs

  11. 3.17.25
    Lorenzofreer said:

    Their online prescription system is so efficient.
    cost of cheap lisinopril without rx
    They have an extensive range of skincare products.

  12. 3.18.25
    Lorenzofreer said:

    Setting global standards in pharmaceutical care.
    can i order generic cipro without a prescription
    Their online refill system is straightforward.

  13. 3.20.25
    BryanExpof said:

    The staff always goes the extra mile for their customers.
    order cipro prices
    Quick, accurate, and dependable.

  14. 3.20.25
    BryanExpof said:

    Love their spacious and well-lit premises.
    gabapentin in verbindung mit alkohol
    Their global health initiatives are game-changers.

  15. 3.21.25
    JeromeBeemi said:

    alo 789: alo789 – alo 789 dang nh?p

  16. 3.24.25
    ArthurPrill said:

    https://interpharmonline.com/# thecanadianpharmacy
    canada drug pharmacy

  17. 3.24.25
    Jamesced said:

    MexicanPharmInter: MexicanPharmInter – buying from online mexican pharmacy

  18. 3.24.25
    GeorgeRab said:

    reliable canadian online pharmacy: certified canada pharmacy online – rate canadian pharmacies

  19. 3.24.25
    ArthurPrill said:

    http://mexicanpharminter.com/# mexican drug stores online
    canada pharmacy world

  20. 3.24.25
    MonteMek said:

    india online pharmacy store [url=https://indiamedfast.shop/#]India Med Fast[/url] india pharmacy without prescription

  21. 3.24.25
    WillisJon said:

    http://interpharmonline.com/# canadian pharmacy ratings

  22. 3.24.25
    Jamesced said:

    MexicanPharmInter: mexican pharmacy online – Mexican Pharm International

  23. 3.24.25
    GeorgeRab said:

    canadapharmacyonline legit: highest rated canadian online pharmacy – best canadian pharmacy online

  24. 3.24.25
    ArthurPrill said:

    https://indiamedfast.com/# India Med Fast
    canadian pharmacy 24 com

  25. 3.24.25
    WillisJon said:
  26. 3.24.25
    Jamesced said:

    MexicanPharmInter: mexican pharmacy online store – Mexican Pharm Inter

  27. 3.24.25
    GeorgeRab said:

    mexican pharmacy online order: reliable mexican pharmacies – mexican pharmacy online store

  28. 3.24.25
    MonteMek said:

    Mexican Pharm International [url=https://mexicanpharminter.com/#]mexican pharmacy online store[/url] mexican pharmacy online store

  29. 3.24.25
    ArthurPrill said:

    https://interpharmonline.shop/# canadian pharmacy 1 internet online drugstore
    canada pharmacy reviews

  30. 3.24.25
    WillisJon said:
  31. 3.25.25
    Jamesced said:

    recommended canadian pharmacies: Cheapest online pharmacy – safe reliable canadian pharmacy

  32. 3.25.25
    ArthurPrill said:

    http://indiamedfast.com/# cheapest online pharmacy india
    canadian drugs pharmacy

  33. 3.25.25
    WillisJon said:

    https://indiamedfast.com/# india online pharmacy store

  34. 3.25.25
    Jamesced said:

    canadian pharmacy world reviews: certified canada pharmacy online – best canadian pharmacy to order from

  35. 3.25.25
    MonteMek said:

    canadian family pharmacy [url=http://interpharmonline.com/#]highest rated canadian online pharmacy[/url] canada ed drugs

  36. 3.25.25
    ArthurPrill said:

    https://mexicanpharminter.com/# reliable mexican pharmacies
    best canadian pharmacy online

  37. 3.25.25
    WillisJon said:

    http://interpharmonline.com/# canada rx pharmacy

  38. 3.25.25
    Jamesced said:

    online medicine shopping in india: india online pharmacy store – online pharmacy india

  39. 3.25.25
    HowardVet said:

    online canadian pharmacy: InterPharmOnline – canada pharmacy online

  40. 3.25.25
    ArthurPrill said:

    https://interpharmonline.com/# global pharmacy canada
    canadian pharmacy victoza

  41. 3.25.25
    MonteMek said:

    Mexican Pharm Inter [url=https://mexicanpharminter.com/#]Mexican Pharm International[/url] Mexican Pharm Inter

  42. 3.25.25
    WillisJon said:

    https://interpharmonline.com/# global pharmacy canada

  43. 3.25.25
    Jamesced said:

    online medicine shopping in india: online medicine shopping in india – buying prescription drugs from india

  44. 3.26.25
    HowardVet said:

    reputable canadian online pharmacy: Inter Pharm Online – canadian pharmacies

  45. 3.26.25
    KennethCrymn said:
  46. 3.26.25
    Dwaynecerma said:

    Tadalafil Tablet [url=http://tadalafileasybuy.com/#]Tadalafil Easy Buy[/url] Tadalafil Easy Buy

  47. 3.26.25
    GregoryGramb said:

    kamagra 100mg kopen: kamagra jelly kopen – kamagra 100mg kopen

  48. 3.26.25
    Terrysteds said:

    https://generic100mgeasy.com/# Viagra online price

  49. 3.26.25
    WilliamKet said:

    Officiele Kamagra van Nederland: Kamagra Kopen Online – kamagra gel kopen

  50. 3.26.25
    KennethCrymn said:

    https://tadalafileasybuy.com/# cialis without a doctor prescription