Greetings to all my lovely crafters; I hope you are enjoying the festive season by creating a variety of custom projects with your Cricut machine. Hey, are you a new DIYer and searching for how to use Cricut Explore 3? I am Luna Lovegood, and I am going to be your guardian angel. It's been three years, but it seems like yesterday I bought my Cricut machine and did a lot of research before using it.
I know you might have thousands of questions running through your mind regarding this Cricut machine, but you can't find any exact answer. In this blog, I will share with you the details about this machine. Cricut Explore 3 is now smarter & faster and cuts more than 100+ materials with ease and precision. Besides, it works with 6 different tools and cuts twice as fast as other Cricut models.
How to Setup Cricut Explore 3 on a Computer?
Before gaining info on how to use Cricut Explore 3 to make a DIY project, you need to set it up with a PC. Being your guardian, I must make you aware of the machine setup process with the Windows or Mac operating system. Carefully go through the details given below:
- First, I will unbox the machine and then plug it into the wall outlet.
- After plugging in the machine, I will switch it on and then connect it to my PC via Bluetooth.
- Next, I will download and install Cricut Design Space from the official setup page.
- Now, I am going to sign in or create my Cricut app and then start setting up the machine.
- Lastly, I will get to know if the setup is complete when called for a test cut.
After successfully learning about the Explore 3 setup process, it's time for you to create DIY projects out of this Cricut product.
How to Use Cricut Explore 3 for the First Time?
Following the completion of the machine setup with the computer, I need to ensure that you are well aware of how to use a Cricut Explore 3 machine. Many customized crafts can be made out of this machine within a few minutes. In this section, I am going to share with you the steps of creating a personalized cupcake topper with this craft machine.
Step 1: Sign in Cricut App and Create Your Design
As you can see, I start the process by signing into the Cricut app using my Cricut ID and password.
Alt Text: Enter your login details and sign in to the Cricut app
Now, press the New Project option, and you will land on your new canvas. Next, tick the Images tool and choose the image by entering its code inside the Search field. Following this, click the image and then tap the Insert Image option.
Next, I will select the image and then change its size as per my choice. Afterward, I am going to open the Flip Dropbox and choose the Print option. Following this, I will press the Flatten button under the bottom of the Layers section.
After flattening the design, I am going to select the design and press the Duplicate. Now, I will flip the design to the horizontal given under the Flip Dropbox. I can paste these duplicate designs on both sides of the toothpick.
Step 2: Print Stickers and Choose the Material
After completing the design, I will press the Make It option present on the top right side of the canvas. Now, I will type 24 under the Project Copies and hit the Apply option. Next, I will press the Continue button and hit the Send to Printer option.
Following this, the printer pop-up window will appear on my screen. On the screen, I will get to see my printer model, & total copies and will enable Add Bleed along with the Use System Dialog toggle.
Now, I will wait till my printer is printing the stickers on the sheet. When the process comes to an end, I will unload the sheet from the printer. Simultaneously, I will reopen Design Space and choose the Light Cardstock from the Set Material section. After doing that, I will keep the pressure as default only without any changes.
Step 3: Cut and Weed Out Sticker
After finishing the above-said steps of how to use Cricut Explore 3, I will paste the material on my cutting mat using the brayer tool. Next, I will insert my cutting mat into Explore 3 and press the flashing light to start the cutting process. At this point, I will wait till the cutting process is going on. Following the completion of the cutting process, I am going to bend my mat backward and remove all the stickers one by one.
Step 4: Stick Your Final Design on the Toothpick
In the final stage of how to use Cricut Explore 3, I will take the glue gun and stick both the stickers together. Further, I will apply glue at the bottom of the sticker and place a toothpick in between. Now, I will gently put a little pressure on the cupcake topper correctly, leave it for a few minutes, and let the glue set properly.
After a few minutes, I am going to place my customized topper on your cupcake. Finally, I will distribute them among the kids and let them have this tasty dessert and enjoy the party.
With the help of my cutting machine, Cricut app, and supplies, I was capable of grabbing the majority of content regarding how to use Cricut Explore 3. Other than that, it also enlightened me with my inner talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What Supplies Come With Cricut Explore 3?
Answer: Along with this Cricut product, you will also get different supplies that will help you in forming the crafts of your choice. However, it's crucial to ensure that you are correctly using the supplies without any mistakes. Have a look at the supply name below:
- Explore 3 cutting machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
- Welcome card
- USB cable
- Power adapter
- Free trial subscription to Cricut Access (for new subscribers)
- 100 ready-to-make projects in the Design Space app
- Materials for a practice cut
Question: What Crafts Can I Make From My Cricut Explore 3 Machine?
Answer: Cricut Explore 3 is an ultimate cutting machine that is capable enough to cut 100+ materials with accuracy. Some of the customized crafts that can be made out of this craft machine are as follows:
- T-shirt
- Greeting card
- Mugs
- Pillow
- Cupcake topper
- Zipper pouch
- Tumblers
- Wall decals
- Door decals
- Cozy socks
- Christmas ornaments
- Leather earrings
Question: Is Cricut Explore 3 Worth Buying as a Cutting Machine?
Answer: This Cricut product offers excellent versatility and is an all-rounder while creating customized projects. It can cut every material from thinnest to thickest with its shard-edge blades and tools. Besides, it's two times faster speed and latest updates make it more outstanding as compared to other models. Other than that, Explore 3 works with six different tools and is compatible with the Design Space app.
Visit: cricut.com/setup
