Where to Find Supplies for Your Cricut Explore Machine

Where to Find Supplies for Your Cricut Explore Machine

The Cricut Explore and the Cricut Explore Air are the newest generation of Cricut machines from Provocraft. These cool machines have a 12 x 12 mat size and they do so many things like cut shapes, score your items for folding and you can even put pens into your machine to draw and write with your Explore. If you are considering one of these fun machines, check out both models to see which one works best for you.

Finding supplies for your Cricut Explore machine isn’t always easy. While you can find some things at your local craft stores, I feel like I can get better prices on supplies from internet stores, plus everything arrives right at your doorstep. For some supplies like vinyl, I prefer the quality and pricing of other brands of vinyl. I have included lots of tips and resources below to finding the best supplies for your machine.

To Save this list of where to find supplies for later, press the “pin-it” button above to save it to your Pinterest Boards.

 

 

Machines

If you have not yet purchased a Cricut Explore machine, there are two different models of this cool new cutting machine. The Cricut Explore is an internet-based machine that will cut a wide variety of materials like paper, cardstock, leather, vinyl and more. You can upload your own images to cut for free or you can purchase images from the Cricut image store. The biggest difference between the Cricut Explore and the Cricut Explore Air machines is that the Air model is wireless and comes with built-in bluetooth capability for wireless cutting with your PC, laptop or ipad.

1. Cricut Explore Electronic Cutting Machine

2. Cricut Explore Air Wireless Cutting Machine

 

Wireless Adapter

Cricut Explore Wireless Bluetooth Adapter (to make the Explore wireless if you don’t have the Air model)

 

Consumables

The biggest piece of advice that I can give a new Cricut Explore owner is to keep a stockpile of consumbles on hand to save money. When I refer to consumables, I am referring to mats and blades for your machine. You never know when your blade will become dull as it depends upon how much cutting you do and what materials you are cutting and you don’t want to have to run to your local craft store in order to finish a project. I hate paying full price for my consumables and local craft stores often don’t allow coupons on Cricut items. I order my consumbles on the internet when they are at a discount and keep them on hand. That way, I can just whip out a replacement when needed.

Blades

1. Cricut German Carbide Premium Blade

2. Cricut Explore Deep Cut Blade and Housing

Mats

1. Cricut StandardGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat, 12 by 12, Set of 2

2. Cricut LightGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat, 12 by 12-Inch

3. Cricut StrongGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat, 12 by 12-Inch

4. Cricut Cutting Mat Variety Pack, 12 by 12-Inch, 3-Pack

 

Tools

While the Cricut tools are not necessary, let’s just say that they will make your crafting just a little bit easier. I love using the spatula to lift my cuts off of my mat, especially delicate ones. There are also other tools like the scoring stylus that will add to your crafting fun!

1. Cricut Tools Craft Basic Set

2. Cricut Tools Scoring Stylus

3. Cricut Explore Wireless Bluetooth Adapter (to make the Explore wireless if you don’t have the Air model)

 

Pens for the Sketch Feature

While Cricut offers their own pens so that you can write or sketch with your Explore machine, there are many other brands that will work with your machine. You can get a variety of thicknesses and colors to experiment with this way. Also, other brands of pens may be more affordable options.

 

Cricut Brand

1. Cricut Antiquity Color Pen Set

2. Cricut Color Candy Shop Fine Point Pen Set

3. Cricut Metallic Color Pen Set

 

Other Brands that fit the Explore

1. American Crafts DIY Shop Chalk Permanent Markers 5-Pack-

2. American Crafts Slick Writer 5-Pack, Fine Point, Multi Color

3. American Crafts Galaxy Marker 5-Pack, Broad Point, Multi Color

4. Pilot Precise V5 Stick Rolling Ball Pens, Extra Fine Point, Assorted Colors, 7 Pack

5. Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point, Assorted Ink Colors, 8 Pack (BK91CRBP8M)

6. Uchida Le Plume II Double-Ended Markers with Brush and Fine Tips, Primary, Set of 12

 

 

Vinyl

Vinyl is one of my favorite mediums to cut. Personalizing items with either adhesive vinyl for things like cups, pencil boxes, water bottles and more is so much fun. If you are looking to personalize shirts or other fabric, you will want to check out heat transfer vinyl. While Cricut sells their own brand of both types of vinyl, I find that buying other brands from internet stores is more cost effective, plus you can get a larger color selection. These brands of vinyl are not really sold in craft stores and the quality is excellent.

Check out our comprehensive guide to buying quality vinyl for crafting machines here:

Getting Started with Vinyl fo Electronic Cutting Machines plus Tips and Tricks

 

 

If you loved this article about where to find supplies for your Cricut Explore Machine, check out some of our other great craft-related posts.

 

Sewing Machine and Supplies for Tweens and Teens

Getting Started with Vinyl for Electronic Cutting Machines like the Cricut, Silhouette and Eclips machines

DIY Hair Tie Tutorial with 3 Free Printables

Simple Iced Tea Teacher Appreciation Gift with Free Printable Tag

Free Printable EOS Mason Jar Lip Balm Card – Affordable Gift Idea