Get Started with Cricut Explore Air 2

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are my own.

So you bought yourself a Cricut explore air 2, finally! Or maybe you received one as a gift. Now you can cut and make just about anything.

I can’t wait to share all the possibilities with you, but first let’s take the Cricut Explore Air 2 out of the box and learn what it can do.

Get started with Cricut Explore Air 2 in Sky

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This machine is your ticket to a whole new world of crafts. I’m going to tell you what this machine can do, what materials it can cut, take a peek inside the Design Space software and share an easy first project. Let’s learn how to use a Cricut explore air 2 machine.

What comes with the Cricut Explore Air 2

The Explore Air 2 comes in a variety of colors, you can choose one to fit your personality. I love this sky blue color and the mint is really pretty too.

In the box you will find the cutting machine nicely packaged and padded. In addition to the machine the box contains the following.

Power cord and USB cord
Blade
Pen
Cardstock samples
12×12 LightGrip cutting mat
Getting started guide

As you get started with Cricut and plan more projects you can shop here for more accessories and materials.

What can you do with a Cricut?

I think a better question is what can’t you do with a Cricut! This machine cuts materials from paper to leather and so many in between.

Create custom t shirts, stenciled signs, personalized cards with precise cuts and lots more. It uses a variety of tools to cut, score, emboss and write. You create a project on your computer and send it to the machine to be cut.

Right out of the box you can use the blade that comes with the machine along with the cardstock samples to make your fist project. Just connect the Cricut to your computer with the included cord and navigate to Design Space to set up your machine and get started on your first project.

What is Cricut Design Space?

Design Space is a free design layout application with an incredibly user friendly interface. It’s simple enough for beginners but comes with a powerful suite of tools for the most experienced crafters.

Design Space is cloud-based so you can access it from any device. This includes an app that can power any Cricut machine. It’s full of ready to make projects and thousands of images and text options to create whatever you can think up.

When you first set up your Cricut you’ll be prompted to create a free Design Space account. Once this is set up you will be guided through your first project.

This process allows you to see all the features of your machine and the application. I encourage you to do this first project even if you are an experienced crafter. A new machine has lots of unique capabilities that you will discover as you play around with it.

Within Design Space you can purchase a membership to Cricut Access. This opens up a world of design options within the software. There is a free trial that you should definitely take advantage of to see if this program is right for you.

Your first Cricut project

This pretty card is made with cardstock and the Cricut pen. Both are included in the box with your machine. Click the green Make It button and follow the prompts to cut your card.

Cricut Design Space Enjoy Card on canvas

Your Cricut machine will use the blade to cut the white cardstock and the pen to write enjoy on the front. Once the cut and writing are complete, carefully pull the card off the mat. Then, insert the piece of black cardstock into the slits on the back of the card.

If you like cards there are so many new options with Cricut. Create a gift and card with the new Joy on a special mat in just minutes.

You just made your first Cricut project!

I told you we would get started with Cricut and I have a feeling you will be well on your way to creating amazing things after this first project. You have used Design Space, loaded paper on a mat and used the pen. All great steps in your creative journey.

There are hundreds of materials to choose from that are compatible with this machine. Watch how to select the right materials for your project.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2

There are 3 main types of Cricut machines. They include the Maker series, the Explore series and the Joy. Find a full break down and learn which machine is right for you.

Each series of machines has different qualities and varying price points. You can opt for the budget friendly and powerful Cricut Joy or upgrade to the Maker 3 which cuts faster and can work with over 300 different materials.

Watch this unboxing and set up of the Maker 3 and a full comparison of all 3 types of machines.

Stick around for lots more Cricut projects here at Creative Ramblings. Don’t have a Cricut yet? Pick one up right here.

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