Mia
Cricut Explore Air 2 is an electronic cutting machine that is capable of delivering high-quality designs on different surfaces, like fabric. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi capability that enables the user to access over 100+ cartridges, 500+ free projects through Cricut Design Space App. If interested in knowing more about it read on.
What Is Cricut Explore Air 2?
It is an electronic cutting machine that allows the user to cut different surfaces like fabric, leather, paperboard, etc. A cricut explore air 2 comes with Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi capability which enables the user to access over 100+ cartridges, 500+ free projects through Cricut Design Space App on their iOS or Android devices. Only the first generation units of this machine came with a USB cable along with an AC adapter that was used for charging it.
Explore Air 2 has lithium batteries that are removable and rechargeable. The power button is placed on top of the machine; right next to it are two LED lights indicating whether the unit is ON or OFF (Blue light means ON). You can find a Power port (USB) and a Micro USB port at the rear of this machine.
Steps To Use Explore Air 2
Step 1: Fold the mat and place the fabric on it. Make sure that the shiny side of the material is placed away from you. Now you need to select a suitable blade for cutting (Check out which blade is compatible with your fabric).
Step 2: You will now roll up the Fabric Mat around the Blade; this makes cutting easy. Put the other end back onto the machine. Roll-up mat around the blade, make sure to roll mat away from you while holding down cutter arm (place one hand over the top of the fabric) Then secure cut lines at the bottom by pushing nips towards the center (one at either side should be sufficient). The fabric should now be held in place and ready for cutting.
Step 3: You can now start cutting your fabric by just pushing the button on the front of the machine (i.e Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine). Power ON the machine by pressing Power Button, you will notice a blue light right next to it indicating that the unit is ON.
If you are using Cricut Design Space App make sure to follow these steps as well: Android Users: Ensure Bluetooth connection is turned ON on your phone/tablet and the machine is powered-ON with Bluetooth icon lit up at the front panel of the machine i.e both blue & orange lights should be lit up accordingly.
iOS Users: On iPhone/iPad put a checkmark next to wireless network name ‘CricutXXXXXX’ (where XXXXXX is the name of your machine). Also, check if Bluetooth connection is turned ON on your phone/tablet and explore Air 2 is powered-ON with Bluetooth icon lit up at the front panel of machine i.e both blue & orange lights should be lit up accordingly.
Step 4: Since there are no USB ports in this machine, you will have to use Design Space App to transfer your design files from the computer to Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine. For that, you need to set up Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth so as to connect with Explore Air 2 cutting machine i.e Power ON the unit and ensure the Blue light next to the power button is lit up.
Create Personalised Items at Home
Explore Air 2 makes the process of creating personalized items much easier and faster. It can be used to cut a variety of materials, including fabric, paperboard, felt, leather, etc. The user can create countless projects from shippable size cards to handbags.
You can also use Explore Air 2 as a domestic machine for DIY purposes e.g. you want to upholster a chair or change your old nightstand into something new with it? No problem! You can do that using explore air 2 cutting machine with an Exact-Fit Fabric Mat which is included in the package along with other accessories mentioned above.
Using Explore Air 2 As A Crafting Machine
If you are a fan of stamping and painting then this machine has a cartridge to help you out. It is called “Cricut Stamping” and can be used only with the mentioned machine. You will have to buy this cartridge separately as it does not come along with a box package.
You can also cut pictures from a magazine/book/online source and use them as a stencil for painting or stamping. You may even customize products like t-shirts, lampshades, etc using explore air 2 cutting machine according to your choice and need.
The Explore Air 2 is the new release after Cricut Maker. It’s like an upgraded version of Explore One which was launched in 2014. The new machine has gained a lot of popularity among crafters and DIY enthusiasts because of its super cool features. Some of the key benefits are that it is wireless, user-friendly, compact size etc. You can use your imagination to design almost anything with this machine e.g. home décor items, cards, stencils for painting/stamping, etc. So start exploring your creativity right away by purchasing this amazing machine!
