Meet the newest addition to our family: the Cricut Explore Air 2.
To be honest, it has been sitting in my office for over a month because I knew it was something I needed in my library, but I had never used one. So I am definitely what you would call a "novice," sine I have only cut out 2 different shapes. Nonetheless, I'm always ready to try something different to improve the library's facilities. I finally had some time earlier this week to dedicate to the Cricut. So here we go.
In anticipation of using this machine, I first turned to Youtube. That was a tremendous help. There are a lot of Cricut videos out there; however, I should have watched a few more videos. My first experience with the Cricut was not good. FYI . . . do not use construction paper. . . EVER. The paper sticks to the mat and ruins both your project and the mat.
Cricut - 1 win, Tahaney - 0 wins.
After that, I experimented with poster board and colored copy paper. My shapes looked much better, and they did not stick to the mat. Yay!
So if you're keeping count that's Cricut - 1, Tahaney - 2
(poster board)
(copy paper)
Then I really got brave and tried using butcher paper. I know what you are thinking, and yes, I like to walk on the wild side. It turned out just as successful as the others.
With my new found success, I tweeted out our latest library acquisition. Now I am hoping there are other teachers and students who can teach me. My limited knowledge is just dangerous enough to ruin another mat. However, I am happy to pass on what I have learned.
For those of you who are paying attention, I did say that I cut out 2 different shapes. The ornament is one, and these cute hot cocoa shapes are the second one.
As our budget is limited, so are the materials we can provide. We have poster board, copy paper, butcher paper and, of course, the Cricut that anyone can use for free. Those who wants the fancy adhesive vinyl or even just the regular card stock will have to bring their own. We don't have the t-shirt attachment yet so anyone with aspirations to make their own shirt will have to wait.
What will I do next with all this new found knowledge? I think I am ready to punch out some letters for our next library book display. Yep, that's me . . . living the dream.
Despite my reluctance to pull the Cricut out and dedicate the time to learn something new, I am pretty excited about the possibilities for the library, the teacher and the students.
(butcher paper)
So that's Cricut - 1 and Tahaney - 3.
With my new found success, I tweeted out our latest library acquisition. Now I am hoping there are other teachers and students who can teach me. My limited knowledge is just dangerous enough to ruin another mat. However, I am happy to pass on what I have learned.
For those of you who are paying attention, I did say that I cut out 2 different shapes. The ornament is one, and these cute hot cocoa shapes are the second one.
As our budget is limited, so are the materials we can provide. We have poster board, copy paper, butcher paper and, of course, the Cricut that anyone can use for free. Those who wants the fancy adhesive vinyl or even just the regular card stock will have to bring their own. We don't have the t-shirt attachment yet so anyone with aspirations to make their own shirt will have to wait.
What will I do next with all this new found knowledge? I think I am ready to punch out some letters for our next library book display. Yep, that's me . . . living the dream.
Despite my reluctance to pull the Cricut out and dedicate the time to learn something new, I am pretty excited about the possibilities for the library, the teacher and the students.
Happy Holidays!
