This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut and this post contains affiliate links. The opinions and text are all mine.
I’ve been having the best time this week experimenting with the newest tool in my craft arsenal: my new Cricut Explore Air 2! You’ll see a lot of upcoming projects using this amazing machine as I explore all its capabilities and figure out exactly what I can do with it. While I’ve been learning the ropes, I made this super simple monogrammed popsocket that would make a great gift for a teen or tween!
I’ve been wanting a Cricut for a long time! I’ve used a Silhouette for years but when Cricut came out with the first Explore machine, it instantly went on my wish list. I had the chance to use it at a friend’s house and again at a blog conference and I was so impressed with the capabilities that went above and beyond the Silhouette machine I had. In addition to all the regular mediums like paper and vinyl, the Cricut can also cut leather, thin metal, and even thin wood. My crafting mind went crazy with the possibilities!
I’ll admit, I was a bit overwhelmed about the prospect of learning a new machine but I’ve been really impressed by how user friendly the machine and the software are. If you’ve used any windows program, you can quickly figure out how to use Cricut Design Space. The site actually walks you through the initial set up …
… and there’s an online machine tour that gave me all the basics. I was really impressed with how simple it is to get started and fully use the machine.
I need to set aside a block of time to sit down and go through all the images that are available. Some of my favorite people have designs on the site and they’re so stinkin’ cute!
The machine itself is fabulous. Rather than changing a dial on the cutting blade like you do with the Silhouette, all material changes are made by simply turning a dial, making it easy and efficient. And when you start to cut, the program even reminds you of your setting so you can make sure you’re on the right one.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 has two storage areas on the front, one for extra blades {with a magnetic strip for holding needles}, and one for holding tools.
There’s also additional storage on top for commonly used tools. These small features are the ones that make such a difference to me as a user. Having everything organized in one place makes it so easy to get a job done efficiently. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve trekked back to another room to find my scraper or another tool. Now if I can just keep my kids from “borrowing” any of these tools, I’ll be set {wink}.
I’m a hands-on learner so I decided to follow one of the online vinyl tutorials but make my own project. I thought it would be a good way to get used to some of the basic features on the Cricut Explore Air 2. And monogramming a popsocket seemed like a perfect starter project.
I used silver glitter vinyl and transfer tape for this project …
.. and created a very simple monogram on Cricut Design Space.
One of the things I love about Cricut Design Space over the Silhouette software is the ability to set your canvas before you begin designing your project. There have been so many times in the past when I’ve cut my project, thinking I had the sizing just right, and realized it was a bit too big or a bit too small. I hate wasting vinyl or other supplies! With Cricut Design Space, you actually set your canvas in advance and then design on that. I created a circle the same size as the popsocket …
… so I could then create my monogram with one of the included fonts and see exactly how it would fit when cut. No surprises at the end and no wasted material.
I cut the vinyl, used transfer tape to apply it to the popsocket, and had a fun monogrammed accessory in just minutes. I love that you can use the Cricut to customize anything!
I already have a pile of projects on my list and I can’t wait to share them in the days ahead.
Do you own a Cricut? I’d love to hear about your favorite feature!
