Cricut Explore Air 2 Craft Cutting Machine - Mint

If you have any interest in arts and crafts, this is the machine for you! I've only had my machine for a few short days, but I've already made my first few projects and know that I'll be making them with very little in the way of training. The first project is laid out with simple online instructions and took only a few minutes to complete. Once you see how easy it is to make that project, you'll be amazed at just how impressive the results can be. More importantly, you'll be given a tour of the entire process, from setting up the machine to installing the software with easy instructions and with video's directly from YouTube. There is absolutely nothing difficult about taking this machine out and beginning to use it for whatever crafting projects you have in mind. I myself got the bug from having spent a few days watching a friend working from his shop where he creates all sorts of items that this machine creates with ease, from vinyl signs, Decals made from vinyl or Sticker paper, custom business cards or Birthday cards, anything you can come up with in a print shop can be made from your own home and at a fraction of the price of one made in a professional shop. Honestly, this machine can replace your needs for any local shop, unless the dimensions are your main concern, and even in most of those cases, you can still make your own vinyl signs and decals, you'll simply have to limit the size to the available dimensions of the machine, or you'll need to paste together larger pieces on your own. This simply means that instead of having a two foot tall logo that's ten foot long, you would need to make one foot tall segments that can be two foot long each, and simply line them up to create your own sign. Most shops that advertise with vinyl signs don't use letters larger than one square foot anyway, so you'd just be making each square as an individual letter and then line them up yourself, instead of stretching one long strip to make your sign. The work isn't significantly different, so why pay multiples of the price of this machine for one sign, when you can buy the machine and make all the signs you want from that point forward? Then when you consider that this machine can work in tons of different materials, ranging from paper to vinyl, leather to copper, there really aren't many limits to what you can make with this machine. With a little time and some minimal effort, you'll be making arts and crafts projects that you can give to your friends and family, and sell at any yard sale or flea market within days of arriving at your house. The best part of all is that this machine is tiny. It's footprint is so small that I have mine setup on a tiny table that was no longer needed in my living room. I simply placed a towel over the table to prevent it from being scratched, and I was set. I'm just now learning how to make more creative designs like custom boxes and bows, but with no time I'll be making those with ease. My only advice is that if you decide to buy one of these amazing machines, make sure you get everything you'll need to explore your own creativity. Make sure to buy all the add-ons, things like the deep cut blade, the paper crafting tools, the basic crafting tools and the scoring stylus and a set of the color pens for your own messages. From there, buy some quality paper card stock, Oracal 651 vinyl in all the best colors for simple designs or for more intricate designs, making sure to buy all the popular colors such as your primary colors, but also metallic colors such as gold or chrome, get lots of black and white as you'll be using those the most, and without fail, but transfer tape, lots of transfer tape, because having yard after yard of vinyl will do you no good if you can't actually place it on something, so transfer tape is equally important to your needs. Buy more transfer tape/paper than vinyl, because you'll almost always need transfer tape that hangs over the edges of your vinyl cutouts so that you can layer different colors or have the vinyl decal hold in place so that you can align it to whatever your placing it on. Buy a good exacto blade knife, your going to be using it constantly if you decide vinyl crafting is for you. I'd recommend you purchase a good cutting device, whether that be a guillotine style cutter or rotary cutter, make sure you buy one large enough for your vinyl or paper needs, so it will need to be at least one foot wide and long enough to cut lengths of a foot accurately. Some of those cutters don't come with a space long enough to cut squares of one foot so make sure you chose one with either an extension that will let you measure one square foot, or you'll be guessing beyond the length of the cutting device itself, or you'll need to mark the vinyl somehow and that will end up just eating up your time. From that point, you can decide if you need specialty materials, things like faux leather, copper foil that's normally found in rolls but also comes in sheets for use with the scoring tool to make beautiful embossed pieces, heat transfer vinyl that comes in several glittery colors or regular colors for making iron on designs that can go on everything from pants or shirts, to caps or other clothing items. They offer magnetic sheets that you can use to make magnetic business cards or decals, printable sticker paper, heat transfer jewels (bedazzle style gemstones), or any other material you wouldn't imagine needing but will find out once you've installed the software on your pc or phone, and are able to browse the online design shop. Whether your just an everyday tinkerer that needs something to fill your time, or you want to create your own small business out of your living room, this machine is well worth your time and money! Best of all, you don't have to take my word for it, just go on YouTube and research Cricut projects and you'll get a sampling of exactly what you'll be able to make with this amazing machine!

I’ve been using the Cricut Explore Air 2 for a while now, and overall, it’s a solid machine that delivers on what it promises—but it definitely comes with a few things you should know before buying. Setup & First Impressions Getting started was pretty straightforward. The machine itself looks clean and well-built, and Cricut does a good job guiding you through the setup process using Cricut Design Space. You plug it in, connect via Bluetooth or USB, and follow the prompts. Within about 20–30 minutes, I was ready to make my first cut. That said, you’re basically required to use Cricut’s software (Design Space), which is both a strength and a limitation. Cutting Performance This is where the Explore Air 2 does really well. It cuts cleanly and consistently across a wide range of materials: • Vinyl (permanent and removable) • Iron-on (HTV) • Cardstock • Sticker paper • Some thinner specialty materials Cuts are precise, and once you dial in your material settings, it becomes very reliable. I rarely have to redo projects due to bad cuts. The “Fast Mode” is a nice bonus—it speeds things up significantly, especially for vinyl projects, without sacrificing too much accuracy. Ease of Use For beginners, this machine is very approachable. You don’t need prior experience with cutting machines to get good results fairly quickly. The interface is simple, and most of the process is automated. However, there is a learning curve when it comes to: • Understanding materials and pressure settings • Proper mat use and maintenance • Weeding vinyl cleanly • Layering designs None of it is overly difficult, but expect a bit of trial and error at the beginning. Cricut Design Space (Important) This is probably the biggest drawback. Design Space is functional, but it can feel limiting and sometimes frustrating: • It’s cloud-based, so you need internet for full functionality • It can lag or glitch occasionally • Advanced design tools are pretty basic compared to real design software If you’re serious about design, you’ll likely end up creating your designs in other programs (like Illustrator or similar) and importing them. Also worth noting: Cricut pushes Cricut Access (their subscription). You don’t need it, but they make it very visible. Materials & Ongoing Costs The machine itself is just the start. Costs add up quickly with: • Vinyl and iron-on materials • Replacement blades • Cutting mats • Tools (weeding tools, scrapers, etc.) You don’t have to buy Cricut-branded materials, but compatibility and quality can vary with third-party options. Noise & Speed It’s not quiet. When it’s cutting, you’ll hear it. Not unbearable, but definitely noticeable. Fast Mode makes it louder, but also much quicker—so it balances out. Reliability So far, the machine has been dependable. It hasn’t jammed or failed on me, and as long as you keep your mats clean and materials properly aligned, it performs consistently. Who It’s Best For This machine is ideal if you want to: • Make custom shirts, decals, or stickers • Do DIY crafts or small projects • Start a small side hustle (Etsy, local sales, etc.) It’s not ideal if you want: • Deep design control directly in the software • A fully offline workflow • Heavy-duty material cutting (like thick wood or metal) Final Thoughts The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a reliable, beginner-friendly cutting machine that produces high-quality results once you get the hang of it. It’s not perfect—Design Space can be limiting, and the ongoing costs are real—but the core performance is strong. If you’re mainly focused on vinyl, iron-on, and paper projects, it absolutely gets the job done and is easy to recommend. Just go into it knowing that the ecosystem (software + materials) is a big part of the experience.

Love my cricut, still works great 10 years later.

I bought Cricut to make goody bag gifts for my daughter's birthday party. I planned to include shirts with characters and emojis on them, bags with the kids' names, and water bottles in the goody bags. About 15 kids were invited to our house. If I had tried to do it by hand, it would have taken us a year to finish. Before making the kids' clothes, I tried cutting a logo with thin lines for testing. As long as there are good-quality images, Cricut automatically traces the outlines, so we didn't need to design anything ourselves. After setting the Cricut dial to Iron-On vinyl, I put the vinyl on a 12x12 adhesive mat and tested it. When I removed the unnecessary parts with a knife, only the mirrored parts remained. Now, when you put this vinyl on clothes and press it with an iron for a few minutes, it looks like genuine branded clothes you'd buy from a store. I tried cutting out the kids' names to put on the bags, on the water bottles, and even on the laptop, and I was really satisfied with the quality. There's no need to buy laptop stickers from the internet anymore. I can also make kids' costumes for Halloween. With simple designs or ideas, you can create fun clothes. You can even cut paper to make decorations for cupcakes. If you have ideas, you can make anything. All of this is possible because: 1. The Cricut software is really easy to use. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can trace the outlines of any image. 2. There are various materials like iron-on vinyl, adhesive vinyl, etc., so you can stick them on clothes, bags, plastic, metal, etc. For Cricut materials, there are some that come in 12x12, but if you don't need various colors, I recommend buying them in rolls. It's cheaper that way.

So far I love it! There are some pluses and downsides. On the plus side, because I'm prime member it came rather quickly and free shipping! I've been cutting away since I got it last week. The downside is the limitation on free access to Cricut Access for the Design Space. I got the machine on 3/30 and have Access until 4/17. The feature of one year subscription apparently doesn't apply across the board. It depends on which item you select on Amazon that day. So read carefully. If it's not mentioned in exactly what you purchase, it will be brief, if at all. And it looks like it is very limited in the "free" images and fonts. That being said, I love the tutorials you can find all over the internet. I watch them over and over. If you are afraid of icons, (and there are plenty), the tutorials will be a great saver of frustration. I had an Expressions Cricut before. To me there is no comparison; the Explore Air 2 beats the Expression hands down! It is easier to use, there are more sources for help, although there are many icons, they are very organized in what each does. So, the learning curve isn't that bad. I'm back to scrap-booking and there isn't a page I made that hasn't come from my Cricut Explore Air 2. In four days I've made 4 pages and 2 cards. It is so much easier and fun with the Design Space and the images from Access. I was anxious to get this and got a really good deal. Be patient, the $ changes every day! I spent my savings on supplies I've been using with my Cricut Explore Air 2 since I got it. I have more coming in. I agree with others, the extra money isn't worth what you get in a "packet". If you price it out, and are patient, you can get some really good buys of supplies you "intend" to use or try out, instead of what you may or may not use in a packet. I'm so excited, even still, as ideas keep coming to me on what I can try to do next!

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the perfect tool for the crafty people of the world. It is extremely simple to use (after some trial and error) and makes the perfect design every time! I have only had my machine for about 2 weeks and have already made over 20 stencil designs to paint, as well as some vinyl stickers and a logo for a business! I bought this machine after I started my hand painted sign business; it was taking me a few hours to cut each stencil by hand, so I found an easier and faster way to do it! With my machine, I can make a stencil in about 15 minutes from start to finish. The Design Space app for the Cricut Explore Air 2 is really user friendly and I love that I can work on the same design from my phone and laptop! There is a helpful tour of Design Space that is given right when you make an account to teach you the basics. My only complaint about this system is that you need to buy a monthly subscription to use some of the fonts/images. To get away from spending the $5/month for images; Design Space allows you to upload any image you want, which I found to be extremely useful. The only downside of this is that you have format each image that you upload, this can be a little time consuming. Since I use my machine to make stencils to paint, I wish there were more stencil fonts. There are currently only 2 stencil fonts that are available for free. I can see this machine starting a ton of small businesses; the Cricut Explore Air two is so versatile, it can cut anything from cardstock to leather, copper, vinyl and more! The machine makes it simple to make t-shirts, stencils, vinyl stickers, decals, business cards, party decorations and more! This specific machine comes with a mat, pen, and blade. I have since bought a larger mat. It is necessary to buy some extra add-ons for different crafts, but these add-ons are very reasonable and will ensure that your craft comes out perfect. Overall, I am extremely pleased with my Cricut Explore Air 2 machine; it has done everything perfect so far and makes it so much easier to make stencils! I plan on using my machine for many more crafts in the future.

I bought this machine to do paper crafts for my child. I have enjoyed making other crafts for myself with it. It is well built and relatively easy to use. If you are concerned about the noise it makes, it is not too noisy during operation. The biggest disadvantage I have found since I started using this machine is the Cricut Design Space. Quite frankly, if I were the owner of the company I would dismiss everyone in the IT department. I spend more time waiting and recreating items than I do cutting and weeding. The service is unreliable. Personally, if I have a project with a deadline I try to start it days in advance. Frustration caused by the unreliability fo Design Space for the past 8 hours prompted me to write this review. I don't know why their software couldn't be designed so users do not have to rely on their shoddy Design Space. I was contemplating upgrading to the Cricut Maker but I would be even more peeved to spend so much money and end up wasting my time the way I have been with only the Explorer Air 2. I pray someone from Cricut who cares about the reputation of their company as much as generating sales while providing customers with a reliable design space service reads this and does something because I am not the first person to complain about this. They need to do something.

The Cricut Explore Air 2 in mint is both a powerful crafting tool and a stylish addition to any workspace. It cuts a wide range of materials like vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, and even light fabrics, making it a versatile choice for hobbyists and serious crafters alike. The machine works quickly and precisely, giving projects a professional finish while saving time compared to cutting by hand. Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to send designs straight from a phone or computer, and the Cricut Design Space software offers plenty of creative possibilities. The machine itself feels sturdy, and the mint color adds a fresh, modern look. While there is a learning curve for new users and supplies can add up in cost, the results make it worthwhile for those who craft often. Pros: It cuts a variety of materials with speed and accuracy, has Bluetooth for wireless use, and comes in a sleek mint finish that looks great in a craft room. Cons: There is a learning curve with the software, accessories and supplies can be costly, and it is limited compared to Cricut’s higher-end models. A reliable and stylish cutting machine that opens up endless creative options. Perfect for crafters who want quality results and a machine that looks as good as it performs.

بطيئه بعض الشيء وتحتاج خبره اكثر

Love this machine has opened many new doors for my small business

難しい

LOVE LOVE this machine! I am not sure how I ever lived without a die cutter. It takes a lot of different materials. I have even cut thin balsa wood (but not with a lot of detail). I am still testing out various materials. Very good detail in general. You can get super clean details, depending on the material you use. Very easy learning curve, plus plenty of videos from the company and youtube in general. The software is online which has pros and cons of course - this may be a deal breaker for some with poor internet connections. They just changed their "design space" software in the last couple of weeks (May 2017). The loss of flash has really helped with the speed and files! I made some complex print and cut pages that just wouldn't load in the old program - very upsetting, but am able to open these now. I researched all the machines and I do think this is one of the best on the market for your home. They figure out all the cuts for you and once you understand it, you can customize the pressure and blades. Personally I think the machine should come with all the basic tools you need, so you do have to purchase tools and of course papers. Cricut offers this from their site, but the machine was just a better price on Amazon than anywhere else. If you order supplies from Cricut - they have some good deals and sales, even in Canadian prices. They have great customer support. When I first began, I had a really long chat with one rep that helped orient me. Above all, you can import your own designs - which is a HUGE bonus for me - that was a deal breaker. With the comparable Silhouette, you had to purchase more to get that feature. But, the Silhouette has a program that is on your computer and thus no restrictions with the print feature as far as I am aware. I did purchase the Cricut $100 annual circuit membership that gives you access to large variety of resources. But, I work in Illustrator, so I am always looking at ways to figure out my own designs. Having templates help you understand the whole process. I would suggest getting that membership for the first year. You get to try it out for two weeks and can decide. I make my own stencils out of acetate, so I can also emboss with my Sissex (I didn't buy the Cricut Cuttlebug, because I got a great deal (50% day) at Michaels on the Bigkick at half price - $65 Canadian - wow!) But it is nice to have cutting AND embossing. Overall, I love all the things you can do and all the resources they have - it gives you more ideas. Great company thus far! My only complaint is with the print and cut for sticker paper and the like, because you are limited to browser dimensions. This waists a lot of the 8.5x11 sheet with the registration marks and the part of the page that can't print. You just can't maximize an 8.5x11 page (and this paper is expensive). I hope they change it one day soon by using pdf on the fly. Programming is complex, I understand that, but they could find a workaround here. FYI print dimensions: Chrome: 5.5" x 8" (Don't use Chrome for this feature, because you loose half an inch) Firefox: 6" x 8.5" Internet Explorer: 6" x 8.5" Safari: 6" x 8.5" You can, however, use the software (flatten), to maximizes the space you have. There are no limitations to the cuts and you can get bigger mats to exceed the 12x12 size. Overall a great machine. Hope this helps with your decisions!

Es una máquina estéticamente bonita. Un producto fácil de usar, llegó con un tapete de corte, un plumon y tres pedacitos para practicar el corte. La instalación en tu computadora o teléfono celular es muy sencilla solo sigues los 4 pasos que ahí vienen (en tus instrucciones) y en 10 minutos ya puedes empezar a hacer diseños. Si gustas pueden comprar una "membresía" entiendo que es para más diseños, pero es opcional, ya que se pueden crear desde cero con lo que tienes en tu lap o con tu creatividad e imaginación.... Anímate es un excelente producto