A Welcome Pillow {made with the Cricut Explore}

I have to share my cute new welcome pillow and tell you a little about my fun night at the Cricut #ExploreWorkshop last weekend! My friend, Mariah {of Giggles Galore fame} hosted a Craft Night with Cricut and I was completely excited to attend. I’ve been hearing so much about the new Cricut Explore and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

Excuse the quality of these photos taken on my phone camera but I had to share some of the cute details at the party. Mariah had decorations set up {all made with the Cricut Explore} and it was really inspiring to see the simple but beautiful projects that can be made with this machine.

Four machines were set up and we were able to choose from a variety of projects. I chose to make a pillow using iron-on vinyl and I couldn’t wait to get started. I was impressed by the user-friendly nature of both the software and the machine. Having used a cutting machine before, I was able to easily get started and make a project with very little instruction.

I really love all the little details that make the Cricut Explore different from other cutting machines: the guides for feeding the cutting mat {eliminating an off-center or crooked feed} …

… the dial for changing settings and thicknesses {such an easy way to set up each cut} …

… and cubbies for storing tools {there’s even a magnetic bar for holding blades}. Those features seem minor but they really set the machine apart. Besides the aesthetics, I’m so impressed by what this machine can do. Did you know it can cut leather and metal? I so want to try that!

The machine cut through the iron-on vinyl without any issues, even cutting the thin lines without any crinkling. I now have an adorable pillow and a strong desire to add the Cricut Explore to my craft closet. {I think I’ve even convinced my husband that it’s a great idea.}