Sometimes we are blessed with gifts right on time. That is exactly how I feel about my new Cricut Explore Air 2. This year has been trying to say the least for me. So when I became the owner of this lovely crafting machine my heart began to dance.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Cricut Explore Air 2 My First Impression
When my Cricut Explore Air 2 arrived I was so excited. I have always been into crafting and expressing my artistic self. I have been in love with this machine when I first set eyes on it. If you don’t know about the Cricut Explore Air 2 let me explain how it works. It cuts a hundred different craft materials like cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on. You can do so much with this crafting beauty, the DIY projects are endless.
I must admit my first project was a little difficult for me to do with customizing my own work so I am so happy that that Cricut gives you access to ready to make projects. With your Cricut machine comes everything you need to get set up and create a sample project at the end of the new machine setup process. When you set-up your machine you will make a card to help you get started. Here is what you get with your machine:
- Cricut Explore Air 2 machine
- Power Cord
- USB Cord
- Blade and housing (pre-installed)
- 12 x 12 StandardGrip [or] LightGrip cutting mat
- Materials for the first project
- Pen and accessory adapter (adapter pre-installed
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Creating My First Project Bee Kind Mug
What you will need for the project is actually basic. For me that main thing was patience and strength to transfer the design, my hands are really weak.
- Premium Permanent Vinyl, Gold (or your favorite color) – 12″ x 48″
- StandardGrip Machine Mat – 12″ x 12″
- StandardGrip Vinyl Transfer Tape – 12″ x 48″
- Weeder
- Scraper
- Mug
For my first project I decided to go with something on Cricut Design Space. Since I was just getting to know my Cricut Explore Air 2, I wasn’t ready to create my own design yet. So I went in Cricut Design Space and found a project I was interested in and followed the steps. I searched “mugs’ because I knew I wanted to make a design on a mug.
Once you set your design to what to make, turn the knob on your machine to the type of material you are using. For this I was using vinyl the machine will tell you each step to do next. It is that simple. It cuts the design for you.
While the machine is cutting your design, wipe your mug with alcohol to remove any oils and dirt so the vinyl will stick better. Once the design is cut you will need to using a weeding tool to weed away any unwanted background vinyl paper.
You will need transfer tape in order to get your design on the mug and you are going to have to put in a little elbow grease to properly transfer the design to mug. Even with my very weak hands I was able to do it and it was actually therapeutic for my loss of muscle tone, but that’s another blog.
So that’s it and my first mug was complete. I am so proud and satisfied. I am so excited to make more projects and to customize my own things with my new Cricut Explore Air 2.
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