Friday, May 19, 2017

Cricut Totes Review - Okieladybug Style!

**For those expecting the making your own envelope glue post today I apologize and it will post tomorrow**

I was contacted by the Provocraft man a few weeks ago about reviewing their set of Cricut Totes and I agreed and told them "ya know I am going to put my machine in that tote and throw it off my porch don't you?" At the time I wondered if he took me seriously or not but I know when I posted on Facebook that I was going to toss it off my porch that folks there believed me and some folks thought I was crazy. One lady even asked "Why would you do that?" and I immediately knew she doesn't know me and how I like to review products. For those of you who don't really know me just know that when I do a review I am willing to make sacrifices if needed because if I am going to say I approve or recommend a product I am going to mean it. 

There are a lot of reviews out there that show how nicely made the Cricut Totes are, how roomy, how stylish, yadda, yadda, yadda but I am not that reviewer. They are actually stylish and roomy though but, I'm the reviewer that is going to really put crap to the test and for this review it meant putting my machine in the tote and seeing how well it would fair under extreme circumstances. 

There were 3 main reasons I wanted to toss the tote containing my Cricut Explore Air2 off the porch.
1. Because I wanted a true test of the durability of the tote  
2. No one else that I know of has done this type of test with the tote
and finally...
3. Nail Provocraft for a crappy product and inferior craftsmanship

I apologize for having 3 segements for the video, I honestly tried for like 4 hours on how to get them all together and I finally did using the YouTube program but then they wanted me to buy the program because it was over 5 minutes long *insert angry emoji here*. Windows 10 has really messed me up on being able to edit videos because I use to have a program that was fairly simple for me to use but alas, I can't use it anymore.

Now on to the review!

Cricut Tote Review - Part 1

In this segment you see me throwing the Cricut Explore Air2 off my porch and then tossing it in my yard a few times and if it survived.



Cricut Tote Review - Part 2

This segment shows me unpacking the machine after I got it back in the house.



Cricut Tote Review - Part 3

The final segment shows if the machine was able to operate after the rough handling I gave it.



Now you might be concerned about my dial that broke off during the experiment but never fear I was able to find the collar pieces, one in the yard and the other in the tote, and using some Loctite Super Glue Gel I glued the color pieces together and then to the dial. Once I let it set I then was able to pop the dial back on the machine and it works perfectly. 


 

Overall I would say the Cricut Tote line is a far more superior product than I expected. I honestly thought my machine would bust apart during the whole process. Now I know that if and when I do take my machine on an airplane I just need to tape a few things down before packing it in the tote. I would also suggest that you use some type of strap to keep the tote securely shut. I have no worries about it being tossed in the trunk of my car for trips.

I will give the Cricut Tote line a thumbs up on durability, craftsmanship and style. I have agreed to do a giveaway since I believe in the product *okie doesn't do giveaways of products she doesn't believe in or recommend*. In order to be eligible answer the 4 following questions and email to Okieladybug Giveaway and title your email Cricut Tote Giveaway. DO NOT COMMENT WITH THE ANSWERS HERE. ANY COMMENTS CONTAINING THE ANSWERS WILL BE DELETED.

1. In segment 1 of the review what kind of hole did the tote hit?
2. In segment 2 of the review what did I say might clean up the tote?
3. In segment 3 of the review what did I use to change material settings for cutting?
4. How would you use the Cricut Tote?

Entry deadline is Wednesday, May 24th 2017 at midnight Central time. All directions must be followed or entry will be deleted. Multiple entries will be deleted. Winner will be notified by a post on this website on or before Saturday, May 27th 2017. Prize will be shipped directly from Provocraft, they will determine the date of shipping after receiving winner information.

18 comments:

  1. I love your reviews. No need for a tote here as I don't have a cricut explore, but wanted to give you two thumbs up for a great review. Ingenius use of the needlenose pliers as well.

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  2. Shirley, this was a great review. I love that you actually tossed that tote around while your Cricut was it, and even made videos of the process. Without question, you gave the Cricut Tote a very thorough testing. Thanks for sharing your review with us.

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  3. Such a fun review! I am not brave enough to throw my machine around so thank you for testing that LOL!

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  4. Love your review of the tote. I just purchased the set and love them!

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  5. This is awesome! Love your honesty and the way you made sure to replicate a real life situation. We all need to protect our machines!

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  6. Thanks for the review and the chance to win. And yes, I WAS concerned about your knob! Glad you got it fixed!

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  7. Love that you really threw it around!!! Great review! Thx!

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  8. Loved your review! I have to admit I was impressed and I am glad you mentioned using a strap if I were to actually check it in. Although I was very surprised that it didnt fly open myself!
    Isn't it surprising how we form an idea of how a person sounds...you dont sound anything like i thought you would!!! lol Thanks for a great review!

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  9. Hi Shirley,
    I really liked your review videos. By the way, I noticed you were not using the "Beta" version of Design Space. Have your tried it yet? If you have , do you like it? I have tried it and I am impressed with some of the changes they have made.

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  10. Thank you for a great review Shirley, most entertaining indeed lol

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  11. Well how stupid am I...was half asleep I guess! Just color me "Here's your sign". I'll try this again without posting the answers this time! Breast review Okie

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  12. Now THIS is product testing. I have enjoyed other people's reviews, but wondered about durability and now I know! I am glad to see that even my clutziness would be mitigated by these totes. Thanks for a chance to win them!

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  13. When i saw three video's, i got a bowl of popcorn and an iced tea before i sat down. Love your reviews. Provocraft should know by now how you really give items up for review a tough life test. I'm so glad they keep asking for your review, and thank you Shirley for your detailed results. Thank you also for offering the opportunity to win such a fabulous prize. I don't travel with my Cricut, but i want to wish good luck all those who are entering!
    Love your little schnauzer's pink collar. mari

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  14. Enjoyable and informative review.

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  15. Great review, as usual. I would like to answer your quiz, but the link doesn't work.

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  16. You make me laugh. Great testing.

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  17. Jimmie Gibson aka scrapinggammaMay 21, 2017 at 10:58 AM

    Finally an honest review, thanks Okie!

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