How To Use A Cricut Explore Air 2? [A Guide For Beginners]

This blog will tell you about Cricut Explore Air 2, like how it works and why you should consider this. If you were wondering if this machine is worth your money, you would get a straightforward answer to this. In this blog, I’m sharing why I like this machine and what my experience was with this. But before going to its use, let’s see what a Cricut Explore Air 2 is. This machine is a creative cutting tool that can write and cut different types of materials to make your projects.

With the Cricut Design Space, you have 3000 ready-made project options, or you can create your own project. All the pre-designed projects have the information you want, such as a supply list and instructions. Also, Cricut Access Standard provides you with unlimited access to 370+ fonts and 30,000+ images. One of the most convenient features is that it is wireless. This Cricut machine is cloud-based and gives you the flexibility to make projects from anywhere with your mobile devices, such as a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

What Will You Get With The Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine?

Cricut machine comes with a lot of accessories that you need to do your projects. There is a list of the items you received.

1. Standard tools set

2. Deep-cut blade

3. Cutting mat (3 pack)

4. Portable trimmer tool

5. Explore multi-pen set, Gold

6. Explore multi-point pens, Black

7. Scoring stylus

8. Window cling material

9. Printable iron-on, Blue Glitter

10. Brights sampler, vellum

11. Vinyl sampler, Brights

12. Faux leather pebbled patina

13. Chalkboard vinyl

14. Metallic poster board sampler

15. Dry-erase vinyl

See what comes with the standard Cricut Explore Air 2:

1. Cricut machine

2. USB cord and power cord

3. Pen

4. German carbide premium blade

5. Cardstock

6. 12 X 12 Standard Grip cutting mat

Usually, the blades and card stock samples you need the most to create your first project.

How Does Cricut Explore Air 2 Work?

Cricut is a company that has released its series of cutting machines. However, we will only talk about Explore Air 2. This machine not only cuts but can write and score. You get over 3000 ready-to-make projects in the Design Space, software of Cricut machine. If you don’t want to use those, you can create your own designs in the Design Space or import from other programs, including Adobe Illustrator, PicMonkey, etc. Furthermore, you can upload your own fonts. Hence, you can cut out the things you have printed from your printer.

To use the Cricut machine, you will need an internet connection. A wireless connection helps transfer your design from the computer to the Cricut machine. You will be able to connect your machine to the setup process, which is easy and quick. After connecting to the internet, you will have to use your computer to work in the Design Space.

What Materials Can Explore Air 2 Cut?

Like all beginners, I also assumed that this machine could cut only card stock, paper, and vinyl. But I didn’t know there was much more. There are several materials you can cut with this machine. However, you may need a special “deep blade” to cut a few materials. I’m giving a list of a few materials you can use to make your project.

Materials to use:

1. Balsa wood

2. Canvas

3. Cotton fabric

4. Photo Paper

5. Plastic packaging

6. Polyester

7. Rice paper

8. Sticker paper

9. Leather

10. Iron-ons

11. Wrapping paper

12. Oil cloth

How To Use The Explore Air 2 Machine?

First, I was intimidated by using this machine. But still, I opened the box and started setting it up. After the setup process, I did my first test project. You also have to set it up, and you will get all the steps required from Cricut while setting it up. The machine will guide you about the materials and instructions during the setup. This test project will help you in getting used to how the machine works. But be aware that you follow the steps slowly if you are a beginner. Otherwise, rushing into the process can mess up your test cut.

When you follow “New machine setup,” you will see a design on your computer screen. If it doesn’t appear, go to design.cricut.com. Then, click on the menu icon in the top left corner and select New machine setup. Now, you have to use the accessories you got with the machine, including cardstock, paper, a cutting mat, and silver paper. Remove the protective film of your cutting mat to load the material onto it.

Follow the steps mentioned to make a project.

1. Place the gray cardstock on the cutting mat, with the shinier side facing up and lining up vertically on the mat. Ensure it is lined up in the top left corner, beneath the Cricut logo.

2. Load the Cricut mat into the machine. Load the mat in line with the mat guides. Press the mat firmly against the rollers and press the “Load” button on the top right of the machine. The button appears as a set of double arrows.

3. Place the silver paper by opening the accessory clamp. Then, remove the pen cap and insert it into the housing until the arrow on the pen goes away.

4. Go to the preview screen to check your design, and then press go.

5. Now, set the dial on the Cricut machine to cardstock.

6. Ensure that the “C” button on the machine is flashing. Press that button to start cutting the design.

7. Unload your mat. When your project is done, press the Unload button and take off the pen.

8. After this, place your cutting mat on a surface face down and curl its edges toward you. This step is to peel away the material from the mat, and curling your mat makes it easy to do so.

9. Fold your card. Then fold your blue paper and put it inside the gray card.

10. Put some glue to fix them in place.

11. Now, your first project is perfectly ready.