Cricut Expression 2 Howto Mini Series: Getting Started, Setup, First Cuts

Happy Tuesday Tutorials everyone!

I am so happy to share with you all the next several weeks of Tutorials and Instructions on Using the Cricut Expression 2.  Even if you don’t have the Cricut Expression 2 (E2) You are still going to have fun watching these videos as we will be cutting out projects and creating things that you can make with your other Cricut Machines as well.

Over the next few weeks we will be making Sun Beam Cards, Fit to Page Layouts, Cutting things out where we want all with the E2.

Today’s video is long because it’s really how to get started with your Expression 2, a few tips and ideas for set up and diving in to making your first cut and using the Fit to Page function of the Expression2 (E2).

I hope you enjoyed this video and please leave your comments with videos you’d like to see in this series! Thanks!

**NOTE: I pre-recorded the next 9 videos BEFORE my surgery – I’m still down and recovering so THANK YOU for your support, understanding and prayers through this!***

Enjoy the Moments!

 

Comments

  1. Emilie Boyd says:

    thank you thank you thank you. I have not started with this machine yet. It was a gift from a friend.

  2. Emilie Boyd says:

    Also I would like this series on a dvd because Verizon charges me by the gigabyte and I’m always going over my allowance watching tutorials on line. So I hope you plan to market these in the future.

  3. Janice Sellers says:

    Great video

  4. Kathy says:

    By the way does the E2 work w/ the Gypsy or just CCR? Cuz I don’t have CCR …..my internet connection is by satellite and that’s not compatible w/ the E2 and if its compatible w/ the gypsy will I be able to update the E2 w/ the Gypsy or cricut sync? Thanks for all you do Megan.
    Kathy

  5. KDougan says:

    Wow Meagan…what a fun and informative video. (and you look amazing especially after just having surgery) I have one of the original Cricuts but have wanted to upgrade mine to a larger machine and I think the Expression 2 would be the one for me. After watching this video, I was soooooooooooo inspired by this machine that I am going to start an Expression 2 fund. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with such spunk and excitement for all of us to enjoy and learn from.

    • Megan Elizabeth says:

      Well these videos were filmed WELL before the surgery! LOL I actually still don’t have teeth :( Still in a bit of pain too, BUT I’m loving that I have these videos pre-recorded and I’m editing while on rest :)

  6. Fiona says:

    Megan you have no idea how much I appreciate you doing this video. I purchased an E2 back in June and it is still in the box! There are many horror stories out there regarding the E2 but you have demonstrated to me how easy it really is. That machine is coming out of the box today and I will be watching your video again as I do it. Definitely looking forward to your series of videos for the E2! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

  7. Kim Matthews says:

    Thank you so much. I got the E2 when it first came out last year, and I still have not used it. I am looking forward to this series so that I can finally use my machine!

  8. Virginia Schuyler Waddy says:

    Thank you so much Megan, for this tutorial on the Cricut Expression 2, it was very helpful to me. My husband gave me this machine to me for my anniversary, and I love it and still learning as well. Hope that you are feeling much better, been praying for you. Thanks, Schuyler

  9. Selina says:

    Thanks for info..I just started using my E2 this weekend haven’t tried fit to page yet but will give it a try now ..I’ll be watching for the rest in your mini series… Thanks

  10. Kathlene E Tuengel says:

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is what I really need as I have had my E2 since it came out and I am not very good at figuring it out at all. I have barely used it, even though I have a lot of cartridges, but it is so difficult to try and figure out the size of the shape I need, or figuring out how to get the cutting blade to go to a certain part of my paper. Thank you again, I need this and anymore lessons I can get. Is there a CD to show how to use this machine? If you have one let me know please.

    Kathlene

  11. Marion says:

    Could you do the same thing for the Circut Mini? That would be so helpful!

    • Megan Elizabeth says:

      I don’t own the Mini actually :( I actually really don’t have a desire to buy that machine. but that machine you have to use solely with the Gypsy or with CCR (Cricut Craft Room)

    • Melissa says:

      You can go to youtube and watch videos how to’s on the Cricut Craft Room.

  12. Iva says:

    Thank you for this video. I’ve had my E-2 for sometime and because I’m still learning how to use it, if I’m in a hurry, I will pull out my Expression to use because I’m not sure of all the icons on the E-2 yet. It only took me
    about 7 months to find out how to move the blade to use my paper layerz – yes I’m slow – but I know how to
    do that now!! You just have to take time to play with the machine sometimes. I do better with videos than I do with a manual!! Love you training videos and tips. Thank you so much. Hope you are feeling much better. Still praying for you.

  13. Vickie says:

    ty I do use my E2 but am not that familiar with all the settings thanks for doing this series.

    Also one question LOL can you use your cricut facing it? I know after a while I can do something the right way unless I’m doing it backwards Like playing scrabble board has to be backwards for me

  14. Patti says:

    YES!!!! I am so happy you are doing these videos on the Expression 2. I purchased one a few months ago and am really struggling with it. The guide doesn’t seem all that helpful to me. I’m kind of afraid of it but am trying to use it…much wasted paper though :(

    One question I have is whether I need to use a Gypsy to do things like welding. I was expecting that to be something I could do with this machine. I had the original and was looking forward to welding. I see lots of videos on this but they all use the Gypsy.
    Also, good to see you so up and perky….you really recover fast :)

    • Megan Elizabeth says:

      LOL I pre-recorded these before surgery – I’m NOT perky right now! LOL You must use a Gypsy or Cricut Craft Room to weld…..You can not weld or do a lot of things with the machine directly. Sorry! :( Next week the video is on using the Gypsy with the E2

  15. Cheryl says:

    Great video! Don’t know where you get the bounce and energy, but I love it. Nice delicate sheen on the Paper Layerz.

  16. Marcia Lasiter says:

    THanks so much for this information. I have had my Cricut Expression 2 since last Christmas. It is a little confusing using it compared to my Expression. I want to watch all your tutorials and let you know how much I appreciate you doing them.

  17. Elizabeth Morris says:

    It’s completely amazing to me that Megan is going through this incredibly painful and, frankly, emotional ordeal and yet STILL has time to posts these tutorials and such. Her desire to keep inspiring us through this and want to help those with similar problems I think is just another testament to her Faith in GOD and his mission for her on earth.

    Dental issues are rarely covered by insurance and problems this large cost tens of thousands of dollars. I can only imagine how this is affecting her dialy life, emotional state without the added worries of how she is going toi pay for it. While I am sure that cards and trinkets are welcome, I have no doubt she could really use some financial help. You know she would never let on if she did. Imagine if everyone of her followers here and on FB sent $5 to her paypal account (happymailMegan@yahoo.com). She could wake up tomorrow and know her teeth are paid for. For everything she does for us, a simple $5 (lets face it you probably spent that much making a card with postage) could change her life right now. I myself am sending $20 but even $1 is great. I’m sure that anything over what she needs will be used to help others (she could start that fund!!). This could be the start of something HUGE!.

    Imagine Megan Waking Up tomorrow with her paypal full of $5 gifts and knowing she will be SMILING for us soon!! Let’s Do this tonight!! We call ourselves a crafting “community”. One of our own needs our help! Lets Give Back!!

    • Megan Elizabeth says:

      WOW! Elizabeth! I’m am SPEECHLESS and brought to TEARS by God’s grace and His working in people to meet needs! The answer to this is, Yes, the help is needed, and YES, ANYTHING beyond “needs” is going to go right to someone that is IN NEED. Without a doubt! There are MANY people out there in my situation, and it is scary and very emotional and I’ve always said JUST YOUR PRAYERS are huge to me, but this feels like such an answer to them too! Beyond words! THANK YOU!

      • Elizabeth Morris says:

        MAKE MEGAN SMILE Update!! Wow!! This is amazing. Megan contacted me to say there has already been an outpuring of support to her. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect but I hoped it would really take off. I’m now calling it the “Make Megan Smile Project :) “. Let’s keep this going and all pitch in together to quite literally MAKE MEGAN SMILE! If everyone who sees this sends $5, we can do something great for the person who gives so much of her to us. Go to paypal and send paypal donation directly to happymailMegan@yahoo.com (this goes directly to her). As Megan would say, You all rock! Now I can tell my husband all these hours spent in front of this monitor were not wasted LOL.

    • What a GREAT idea Elizabeth! I am off to make my own donation right now, and I am also going to type up a post on my blog about your idea and encourage others to do the same!

      • Elizabeth Morris says:

        Thanks Shawn!! Finally I can tell my husband all those hours spent ignoring him wathcing Crafting videos has paid off. I hope with GODs help, we really make a difference for her.

  18. Doreen Waskewics says:

    Megan you are wonderful. Love all the info on this tutorial. My question is not anything about the E2 but on the rack that is holding your paper. Please tell e where you got this. I need something like this really, really bad.
    Thanks and get well soon!
    Doreen

  19. Julie Spady says:

    This was a very cute, informative and fun video.. Thank you. I haven’t done much with my cricut create. Its confusing and I just need to spend some time playing with it. Do you have any tutorials on the Create? I just need you to come spend a week with me. Haha. I hope you are feeling better…

  20. carmen elrod says:

    What a great idea! I would be more than happy to donate to Megans paypal account! She is always there to help us and inspire us! The lifted financial burden alone will certainly help her to feel better! I hope and pray that everyone of her followers will donate what they can and help our dear friend out! Yaay!

    • Elizabeth Morris says:

      AMEN Carmen!! We spend a lot of time calling ourselves a “community”. Megan touches tens of thousands of lives and if each just sent her $1 in thanks, we would have her smiling in no time.

  21. Elizabeth says:

    YAY for a great tutorial video! I’m sharing this with all my students – thank you thank you thank you! Continuing to hold you in my prayers Megan :)

  22. Kaye Jones says:

    This is such a great idea to “pay it forward” to Megan. How would I go about getting a donation to her Paypal account? I do have a paypal account myself, but rarely use it. Thanks guys.

  23. Laurie says:

    You have been a blessing to so many of us, glad to be able to help even a little

  24. Carmela Marziliano says:

    Dear Megan, I am praying for your speedy recovery. Oh and what an awesome jester that one of your fans did. There are still great people in this world. Now back to business. ;) I am a fan of your blog and videos. I got my E2 at the beginning of the year and love it. I love using your paper also. I noticed in your video you have a Silhouette behind you. I have just discovered the world of SVG and would like to get a cutting system for the SVG library that I have and is growing every day. Which cutter do you recommend? The Silhouette or the eClips?

    • Megan Elizabeth says:

      I am REALLY a huge fan of the Silhouette for SURE if you are looking into one of those machines. My first love will always be my Original Cricut Expression and the Gypsy combo – but the very close second always tugging at my heart is the Cameo. ;) ;)

  25. Donna K says:

    Just sent 20.00. Everyone needs to do this. I know what it’s like to have the burden of something like this. Having small chdren and being single. It scares the heck out of you and the stress alone is enough. Hopefully all of us can make a difference in your life as you have made in everyone else’s!!!! God bless you Megan!!!

  26. Cris Nosack says:

    I loved your video…I use my E2 all the time but always with my Gypsy so I really haven’t learned how to use my E2 at all! I pray for your recovery, and I have sent some $$ to try and help you through this hard time. You have taught us all so much and have shared so much with us.
    Blessings to you and yours.

  27. Lu M. says:

    Thanks to your video, I found the “hidden” stylus!! :)

  28. I wish I could send more to help you out but things are really tight for us right now, business is really slow. You know I love your videos and I hope you feel better soon!! Call me when you feel up to it. Miss ya mama!

    • Megan Elizabeth says:

      Please know I do NOT want anyone to feel ANY pressure to send or to put strain on your families at all!!!! This is beyond touching my heart that ANYONE would send a dollar after all the prayers and love! I am so thankful for this family!!! God IS so good and He is so amazing in answering prayers!!!

  29. What a tremendous blessing!

  30. Tracey Bauman says:

    Megan
    Girl I hope you feel better soon I feel for you I know haveing anything done with mouth or any other part of your body it’s rough I know but I wanted to tell you that I have the cricut Expression 2 machine and I really get flustrated when I can’t get the size right but I have to say now that I have the gypsy I have been able to use my machine more but still am glad that you came up with Ideas on how to use the machine that I love but don’t like it when I play around with it and it’s not what I wanted that is bad but thanks for making the videos and feel better soon. Tracey

  31. Donna VanDermark says:

    Thank you so much can no wait for the next video. I wish I could have seen this before I destroyed so much paper, while learning.

    Hope you are feeling better. My prayers and many wishes are with you.

    Donna

  32. Pat burson says:

    Money sent and you awe soooooo worth it Megan. Thanks for all you have done for me and my crafting. Love your products! Healing hugs sent your way
    Pat

  33. love to see any and all things about the Imagine Machine. Hope you are mending well and feeling better. Thanks for keeping in touch with all of us through your ordeal.

  34. Carol Churns says:

    Thank you for the informative video. Would be interested in how to cut a layered object out using paper layers. Hope you feel better soon.

  35. Lea says:

    What a great idea Elizabeth Morris! I don’t have a blog or even FB at this time, but I hope my comment here about my donation will encourage others. It is so easy and quick to do. Combine it with an intention to break up with the vending machine for a week and it’s a win for you too :) Heal well & quickly Megan!

  36. Debbie C. says:

    Megan, you are amazing, all will work out, God only gives you what you can handle.

  37. Lou Ann Hudson says:

    I’ve had the expression for about 3 years, Wanted upgrade when the time comes. This video seals the deal. Thanks so very much, get well soon and May God Bless and Keep in His Grace.

  38. Sandra V. says:

    If it weren’t for all the tips and guidelines you have shared about the Cricut Expression and the video’s ..My gifts would still be sitting on the shelf. Thanks for all your help many many Thanks. Because of you I have increased my Close To My Heart Business and now that I can offer Exclusive Cricut Cartridges from Close To My Heart for my Customers, I can teach them how to use there machine with our exclusive carts. You are awesome. Hope the dental situation will soon be over for you. I know it has been a rough few months. I continue to pray for you and your family.
    Happily Scrapbooking & Crafting My Memories~Sandra V.
    http://www.ohmyscraps.ctmh.com
    http://OhMyScrpas2U.blogspot.com

  39. J. Stewart says:

    So many people ask if they should buy the Expression or the Expression 2. I have no idea what to tell them. I have the Expression and love it. I also have the Gypsy and love it but have had problems updating it lately. (little nervous about this) Any thoughts on this and what to suggest?

    Get well soon!

  40. Deb Y says:

    Megan, you are a truly amazing women, who has inspired many of us to create. Thank You,

  41. sandi says:

    Megan, thank you for all your wonderful videos and your blog. I’ve learned so much about the E because of you. I hope you are feeling back to your old self soon.

  42. Carrie says:

    Video (done!) Paypal (done!) Thankful for people like you who share their knowledge! (check!) A speedy recovery to you Megan!!! I would also be interested in getting this tutorial on DVD. :)

  43. Judy S says:

    I won’t repeat what everyone else has said other than I, too, have had my E2 for almost a year and having a difficult time convincing my husband I really needed this machine. It just seemed easier to speed things up by sticking with the old. So thank you so much. As far as I’m concerned, you have helped so many, I would watch you with or without teeth! Now I will get going as soon as we make Megan smile! Look forward to other sessions.

  44. Liz says:

    Thank you so much for this video Megan, I am considering purchasing the E2 but want to make sure I can actually use it so now there is no excuse!

    Elizabeth Morris, what a fantastic idea! I think the outpouring of love has probably made Megan feel so much better and will carry her through these times.

  45. Wendy says:

    Thanks Elizabeth for letting us know of your great idea. Just hearing Megan in the background calms me down after a stressful day. Off to make my donation now I am only sorry can’t make it bigger but as you said every little bit helps.

  46. Teresa says:

    How would one go about making a donation to a paypal account? Megan you have put a smile on my face, so we can help put one on yours. I dont even have an E2, at this time– there is hope, but I still enjoy your videos. I love the fact that you are so down to earth, you never make me feel that you are above me. That is awesome to me!

    • Elizabeth Morris says:

      Hi Teresa, I think if you just go to paypal.com and choose to send money, you don’t need an account. Not sure but I know I have paid for products from other companies without one.

      • Teresa says:

        Thank you Elizabeth, I was scrolling down this evening, when my eyes where a little bit more awake and saw your post with the email address and how to use the paypal. This is awesome to see that we scrappy gals stick together.

  47. Day later and just reading the comments about donating to megan’s pay pal. I just did. Hope everyone else will give a little something. We get to use her blog for free and she shares amazing things with us everyday even thru her pain and suffering. If we all donate, all subscribers then it would really make a difference and take some of the burden of the expenses off of her.

    • Elizabeth Morris says:

      Amen Peggy. Megan touches so many lives that even if they all sent the smallest amount, it would add up to a HUGE SMILE for Megan.

  48. Jenny Clark says:

    Megan, you’re fabulous!! Can’t believe how willing you are to share. Have taken on-line classes that don’t provide half the information you give away. Your sweet smile and enthusiasm are just an added bonus!

    Hope you’re feeling better every day and are soon back to your bubbly self.

    Off to happily pay my “tuition”.

  49. Chanda says:

    I prob. missed it but where can I get the booklet that has all the settings and pressures that I should be using?

  50. Sandy says:

    Ok My contribution gladly sent. I know what it’s like to have missing teeth and pain. Only have one tooth left and it’s because it’s a cap. I have a lot of medical problems and the medicine on top of it they just stasrted falling out.So, Im saving my money from socal securty because all this made me become disabled. So having Megan everyday has been a blessing. Megan I don’t think you truly know how many hearts you touch daily. God gave you a gift, not just in being creative but in being natural and yourself in fron tof a camera. That’s why I left some others when I found you. As soon as I’m up and about my preacher is going to help me make a blog. So then I can put the rss feed for sales on it and your flashing logo. I tell everyone, but I’ll be making business cards up and just hand them out. One more thing, would you check your ask Megan, there are a lot of questions about my mystery box that came yesterday. I’ve made you a card that I would like to personally mail to you. If you would give me that and answers sent to my e-mail address, I surly would appreciate it. I hope your pain level is not to high, I now mine’s at a 6 today. If you caould answer those questions, concerns I have I’ll feel better and not worry or stress and bring down my pain level. May the Lord continue to Bless you.

  51. Melissa says:

    Hi Megan

    Thank you. If you put this on DVD I’ll buy it – no doubt. To be honest I’ll buy 2 just like have 2 of all your other DVD’s. I keep an extra set at work. Today I was using my E2 which I haven’t really used and had to pull out the manual and search for how to before I could craft.
    Thanks

  52. Linda Rogers says:

    This video really makes me want a Cricut X2. I have had my Expression ever since they came out…love….love it.
    Can’t wait for future videos on the X2. Thank You!

  53. Melissa says:

    I too do not own an E2 but I watch all your videos, even if I have the tools or not. I like to see how all products work. You have help me in so many ways not just with crafts but with your spirit and your love for God. I hope God will bless you 10 fold through your paypal account. And that the next 4 month fly by really fast for you with very little or no pain.

    P.S. Can you eat anything other than broth, mash potato’s, ice cream, jelly-o and shakes? lol. I know thats funny sorry:)

  54. Your video isn’t coming up on my screen for this one. :(

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  1. [...] I do read these comments and they mean the world to me!  Even though they are TO me, I have to repost the link to these comments HERE: It’s beyond words I want to thank EACH one of you that provided the smile gifts – they [...]

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