What you need for a Cricut Explore Air 2
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a versatile and powerful cutting machine that can help you create a wide range of crafts, from greeting cards to custom decorations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, there are several essential items you’ll need to get the most out of your Cricut Explore Air 2. Here’s a list of what you need to get started:
1. Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine: This is the heart of your crafting setup. The machine is designed to cut a variety of materials, including paper, cardstock, fabric, and more.
2. Cricut Design Space Software: Cricut Design Space is the online software where you can create, customize, and import designs. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
3. Cricut Access Subscription: While not required, Cricut Access is a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of designs, fonts, and projects. It’s a great way to expand your crafting possibilities.
4. Cricut Blade Set: The machine comes with a basic blade, but you may want to invest in a blade set for different materials. Cricut offers a variety of blades, including fine-point, deep-point, and scoring blades.
5. Mat: The cutting mat is essential for holding your materials in place while the machine cuts. The Cricut Explore Air 2 works with both standard green mats and the new blue light-grip mat, which helps you see the cutting path more clearly.
6. Cricut Cutting Materials: Depending on your projects, you’ll need a variety of materials to cut. This can include paper, cardstock, fabric, vinyl, and more. Be sure to choose materials that are compatible with your machine.
7. Adhesives and Adhesive Sheets: If you’re working with materials like fabric or vinyl, you’ll need adhesives to attach them to your project surfaces.
8. Scissors and Cutting Tools: You’ll need a pair of sharp scissors for trimming materials and possibly a craft knife for intricate cuts.
9. Craft Knife and Cutting Mat: If you’re working with materials that require a craft knife, make sure you have a sharp craft knife and a cutting mat to protect your work surface.
10. Additional Tools: Depending on your projects, you may need additional tools such as a weeding tool for removing excess material from vinyl projects, a scoring tool for cardstock, or a brayer for applying pressure to adhesive-backed materials.
By having these essentials on hand, you’ll be well-prepared to start crafting with your Cricut Explore Air 2. Remember that the possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials and designs to find what works best for your crafting style. Happy crafting!
