Have you been eyeing a Cricut machine but you’re not quite sure what it is or what you would do with it? See what comes in a standard Cricut Explore Air 2 box (including an unboxing video), and check out Cricut project ideas. This post contains affiliate links.
While browsing through my phone last week, I came across an unboxing video that I did when my Cricut Explore Air 2 arrived. Buried in photos of kid Christmas parties and programs, I forgot about it along with way. Luckily, I found it before one of the kids deleted it, and I thought that I would share it with you today.
Many readers have chimed in that they received a Cricut Explore Air under the tree for Christmas, but others have said that their machine is still on the way or that they are intimidated to open the box. For those of you, I have this unboxing video for you, as well as a peek at the items that come in a Cricut Explore Air 2 box.
For those of you on the fence, here is what comes in a standard Cricut Explore Air 2 box. Keep in mind that this will vary if you purchase a “bundle.” Often on Amazon or HSN, Cricut will offer different bundles that may include extra accessories. These items would be listed when you purchase the Cricut. What you see below is what comes in a standard, Cricut Machine only, box.
See the items unboxed in action here:
What Is A Cricut?
A Cricut machine is a cutting machine. It cuts shapes, text, and photos. While many people think of a Cricut as something that cuts card stock or vinyl only, it can cut faux leather, adhesive foil, balsa wood, and more. With the Cricut Explore One, Cricut Explore Air, and Cricut Explore Air 2 (the current models sold by Cricut), the machine has a writing and scoring adapter in addition to cutting. A Cricut is popular with crafters, party planners, DIY enthusiasts, and more!
What Can I Do with a Cricut?
Wow! Listing everything would be a long list! But, here’s a short list of Cricut project ideas.
- School projects- My elementary aged daughter can use my Cricut machine. She has used it on several projects this year already!
- Card stock projects– Crafters and party planners can make greeting cards, party invitations, party decorations, costume pieces, Bible journaling embellishments, and more!
- Vinyl projects– Use permanent vinyl for outdoor projects (update a mailbox maybe) and kitchen items (like mugs) that can be handwashed. Use removable vinyl for wall projects.
- Iron-on projects– One of the most popular uses for the Cricut, iron-on vinyl (also known as heat transfer vinyl) is used to make custom shirts, bags, hats, and more!
- Craft foam projects- Craft foam projects are fun for kid crafts, wreaths, and more.
- Window cling projects– Imagine making your own window clings for holidays! With the Cricut, easily cut window cling material into different shapes and decor, like these Preschool Shape ideas.
- Print and Cut projects- Working in conjunction with your home printer, the Cricut allows crafters to print photos or images out on their computer and then cut them with the Cricut. From printable magnets to sticker paper, there are so many options for customized gifts or favors for weddings, etc.
- Faux Leather projects– One of my favorite mediums, create lovely jewelry items or fashion accessories with faux leather or add a leather look to cards, pillows, ans more.
- Adhesive Foil and Washi Sheet projects- Would you like to add a custom look to a photo frame or your phone case? Adhesive foil and washi sheets are excellent for these projects! The adhesive foil adds a shiny, metallic look to any project, like these pretty Family Ornaments that I made last year.
- Stenciled wood projects- I discovered stencil vinyl this year, and I love it! Create your own adhesive stencil with stencil vinyl, adhere it to wood, and then paint. Remove the stencil vinyl after the paint has dried, and, there you go! Create custom wood signs and more with stencil vinyl.
If you can dream it, the Cricut Explore Air can help you do it!
Looking for more Cricut tutorials, information, and project ideas! I have plenty on the Cricut Class tutorial page!
Does the cricket require internet to operate or just key board typing not a spammer just curious it it has to be connected to computer to operate thanks
Hi, Yes, all of the new ones run with some sort of computer or iPad. It can print wirelessly with BlueTooth and an app or connect via cable to a computer.
Could I cut custom shapes with a cricut?
Yes, definitely. See this tutorial for how to upload your own images and shapes to Cricut Design Space>> http://ithappensinablink.com/how-to-upload-your-own-images-into-cricut-design-space/
Can you cut a fabric shape
Yes, it just needs to be backed with some sort of interfacing first.
I picked up a couple of yards of upholstery pleather that has a thin lining adhered to the back. Can I use this with the Cricut?
Hi, yes, as long as it is not terribly thick. I have a friend who cuts thin real leather with hers all the time and it works well.
I have a Samsung galaxy tablet can I use that or do I need a iPad?
Hi, There is a Cricut App that I have downloaded on my Samsung Galaxy phone, so you should be able to use it on your tablet. That being said, I am not a fan of using the phone app and much more prefer the laptop.
Where to buy and how much it’s cost?
Hi, You can find them at your favorite arts and crafts stores, Walmart, Amazon, or the Cricut.com affiliate link HERE
Hello, can you tell me what is the largest size letter can you make when making wood sign décor?
A little less than the mat/paper size, which is 12×12.
Does it cut Mylar to make reusable stencils? If so how do you keep the insides of letters such as a,e and o attached to letter when cutting? Thanks!
The Cricut Maker definitely would. You will have to find a stencil font to keep the insides of the letters attached. There are special stencil fonts that have small slits that keep the inside of the letters attached.
Can you use a Cricut to make stencils for fabric? These would be non adhesive, and if so where would you purchase the mylar and which Cricut is best to purchase?
Hi, Yes, if you purchase the new Cricut Maker it can definitely cut Stencil Film and Stencil Vinyl. Cricut does not sell Stencil Film, but it does sell Stencil Vinyl. You could probably find stencil film on Amazon.
How would I best make a paper doll set for a toddler using a cricut?
Hi, There is a Paper Doll image set in the Cricut Design Space. It may not be free; you may have to pay for the images. But the clothes/people are already designed for cutting. From there, you will need various colors and patterns of card stock for cutting the people/clothes.
Can this machine be used to make windshield decals
Yes, it can.
Do you have to pay for templates, fonts, software, etc for any projects?
Design Space offers some free fonts, shapes, and images, but others require purchasing. There is also a subscription service that you can read more about here> https://ithappensinablink.com/do-i-really-need-cricut-access/ and here> https://ithappensinablink.com/which-cricut-access-plan-is-right-for-me/
How do I know what cricut is right for me?
Hi, If you are into cutting fabric or thicker materials, then you may want to invest in a Cricut Maker. For vinyl or card stock, a Cricut Explore machine will do the trick!
I find all kinds of information on the Cricuit Explore Air II, but I just have one of the Cricuit Expressions. I never see instructions for doing anything on the older Cricuits. Of course with the Cricuit Expression, I cannot insert a pen to write with it, or do some of the other things that the newer Cricuits can do; at least not that I can tell. Please help with instructions for the older machines. Thanks.
Hi, The older machines are great for card making or cutting vinyl, but they are at a bit of a disadvantage because you cannot use Cricut Design Space. Cricut Design Space is the software program that allows crafters to manipulate images and create their own designs without relying on cartridges. I have a Cricut Expression, but I never use it because it is not as efficient for me as the Cricut Explore.
How do I start the design process. All I’m trying to do is cut one stencil of a letter. I find your site confusing for the beginner.
Hi, Mary. I am sorry that you find the site confusing. This particular post is meant to be an overview of what the Cricut can do, not an exact tutorial for any one specific task. If you want to learn something specific, your best bet is to search for that specific task (such as, “how to make a stencil in cricut design space”). I have a page where I keep all of my tutorials, but at this time I do not have any tutorials on creating a letter stencil, although I do have a tutorial on how I used stencil vinyl to create a sign.
I’m keen to buy a cutting machine. I am a fabric crafter, making quilts and patchwork, and I am also a teacher (of 5 year olds at the moment) so do a lot of paper craft too. Will one machine do both jobs? My fabric needs will be regular and custom shapes and cutting through multiple layers, my school needs will be regular shapes, letters using paper/card and also creating tracing tools for fine motor skills/writing. What’s your advice?
Hi, the Maker with the Rotary Blade is the best machine for fabric. With the Maker, fabric does not need to be backed with a fusible material, and the machine cuts through felt like a dream!
Do you need a printer?
I have a printer but not an inkjet.
You only need a printer if you want to do Print Then Cut projects. For all other projects, you only need a device to access the Cricut Design Space and the Cricut machine.
I’m going to be purchasing a Cricut explore air 2 but haven’t yet. Can I download the program and work on designs before actually having the cricut?
Yes, Cricut Design Space is free and does not require a machine to download. You will have to create an account, which you can do here: https://design.cricut.com/#/sign-in