Cricut Explore Air 2 Basics~Getting started with a Cricut~Simple Cricut Projects~Cricut vs. Cameo 

I didn't need to learn the cricut because I've had one for years. I had to watch though because my Wednesday cant start without watching Mary. Its Mary day❤🇨🇦

Mary - Cricut got a 20 minute commercial directed towards their target audience. They got a good deal.

Mary, you did such a good job reviewing this machine. I've been watching your videos for several years, your ability to explain things and encourage others is very humbling. Today's world is often trying to teach other's do something or be something they are not. That doesn't always encourage people to rely on their own abilities that God gave them. Thanks you for blessing others in showing that each day is a learning experience to help you grow to make the next day better.😊

I'm 69. My father owned a little one man business in Chicago, making steel rule cutting dies. He would draw the work on a drafting table, use carbon paper to draw it on plywood, then cut slots for the rule in the plywood. He'd pound in the rule and glue in little rubber cushions along the sides of the rule, to push the paper away after it had been cut. The die would go on a printing press, where it would work like a cookie cutter to cut gaskets, decals, advertising material, etc. This amazing device would blow his mind...

You're such a calm, thorough teacher! Anyone can learn from you--thank you, Mary!

Your a woman of Faith. Don't feel guilty about receiving your blessings.

Don't feel guilty. You're giving Cricut a lot of free advertising. Lol. I've had an Air 2 for a couple of years and love it.

Me too, I got one 6 weeks ago and I'm confused on everything it can do. So thank you for doing this video. It's cold outside perfect day to play with it.

Mary, you did this so well! I appreciate all the computer screen shots, the video of you working with everything, speeding up where needed and I’m sure a lot of other considerations you made to make this video so clear! I’m sure it took lots of time! I probably won’t ever have one of these, but I watched the whole thing!

I've had my maker for about 1.5yrs, I love it! The transfer tape is on the inside of the rolls of vinyl.

I'm so glad you got one!! Cus I bought 1 this month and don't have a clue on using it, I like the way you explain everything, very simple and to the point.. thank you

Omg, Mary got a cricket! I have had one for months and have never used it. I will watch your tutorial to see how it goes! God Bless!

I just got a cricut air. Please make more videos! You explain things in a way that is easy to understand, so I am hoping you will show us "How To" on different projects!

God's blessing you for being a entrepreneur with integrity, honesty, humility, creativity, and grace. I'd love to have one and know God will give me one in His timing.

Hi Mary, I have had a Cricut for almost 3 years, and I have a few little hints. I always leave my settings on custom, learned my lesson wasting vinyl, and this has been a lifesaver. Also, you get Cricut Access for free for the first month, definitely take advantage of that. One last thing, I get tons of free fonts on dafont, and then upload them to design space.

Hi Mary! Congratulations on getting a Cricut Explore Air 2! I think it's wonderful that they chose to send you one to review and you shouldn't feel guilty about receiving it. The way you demonstrated using it and the great details you showed was excellent for anyone thinking about getting one. They couldn't have chosen a better person to do this. I wouldn't do enough projects to buy one, but liked watching you do it. Thank you so much for sharing this!

Yes please make more videos like this using the Cricut. You did a great job and we need help!!. Like I said down below. I have had mine for 2 years and could never find the help I needed until now!!

I've had my maker for over 2 years now and Mary's video still entertains me

Wonderful explanation! You could teach anyone to do anything with your calm presentation and sweet voice. Thank you so much for taking time to share this bright, shiny object with us!

Bright red! Love it. I've have a Cricut for over a year and am intimidated. This gives me encouragement. This is awesome.

Thank you for the demo, Mary. I have had my Cricut Explore Air 2 for two years now and I still picked up a new tip from you! I did my research when selecting a cutting machine and the reason I chose the Cricut is that it was listed as the quiet one. When comparing the level of noise made while cutting, the Cricut was the best. I have a hearing sensitivity so that is why I chose the Cricut and for no other reason. I just thought I would mention that if anyone else has a hearing sensitivity! I use my Cricut for 3 separate hobby/businesses from making tags, journals, and wedding signage. Thanks again for another great video! P.S. I love Canva too!

I think this video is a great opener for me. Not only did I get to watch you do a step-by-step, but I got to read the thoughts of your audience & their opinions as well. What a great invitation for me to go further with my crafting. Great job & great audience

I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again...it doesn’t matter what you’re doing or making-your manner is so calming and relaxing to watch. I don’t feel stressed at all when I watch them. You are authentic. I genuinely enjoy watching your tutorials no matter the content. Thank you for being a refreshing presence on RU-vid, Mary!

Got my first Cricut Maker for Christmas. Have been making everything from stencils, decals, iron on, even glass etchings. Love everything!! Need to sell some goodies to fund this habit. Whoa!! :)

I really like the tutorial on the heat press I never knew how that thing worked but you showed it so well Mary I think I might have to invest in one❤❤

Clearly Cricut doesn’t know you as well as we do, I’m sure you would’ve preferred the pale blue green one to the red. LOL

So many basic steps but I loved how your expert tips were in there. I love the reusing transfer tape one. Watching your videos have helped me be able to do things better.

I’ve had my Cricut Joy (the small Cricut) for a few months and I like it very much so far. I’m getting a lot of ideas from you. You amaze me with all the creative things you make from other items.

I LOVE my Cricut Explore Air 2!!! I use it all the time!! Good job, Mary!

I absolutely loved seeing this comparison video. It’s obvious Cricut doesn’t watch your videos enough to know that your preference would have been a white machine and heat press, or at least the mint green (which I think is beautiful). It was exciting to watch, but I am completely happy with my Silhouette Cameo 4. I have been thinking of getting a heat press & am impressed with this one. I feel like it will also store well since it’s not bulky like some presses I’ve looked at. Thank you for sharing this informative information with us Mary!!

Mary, my daughter surprised me with an Explore Air 2 for Christmas, I was over the moon excited. Great job with this video unboxing and set up. It is super simple. There is a YT channel named Makers Gonna Learn which I, (as a Newbie) have found super informative.

thanks for the video! I love how you said "far out!" because the machine can cut 300 types of material. You're the best Mary! Have a great week.

Mary, I ALWAYS love your videos, but my heart sunk when I saw this one. I always loved that you got so much use from your Cameo. I love my silhoutte Cameo and software, and I remain loyal to it. God reminds me to be content with what I have not always grasping for more. I hear from my favorite silhoutte instructor on RU-vid that the silhouette software is preferable and easier to learn, though she uses both machines. Also you can use silhouette software with Cricut machine. I could say more on this. I know too many people that own too many machines and supplies but never seem to accomplish much learning them well, nor completing projects. I am choosing to focus on learning well an accomplishing with what I already have.

Thank you for this Mary. I bought an older used cricut from a friend 2 years ago and I have been so intimated to use it. I have just started to cut card stock paper and I haven't braved the vinyl yet. You make it look so easy.

This was fantastic! I’m intimidated by machinery but I feel like I could understand and work with a machine now. You are a great teacher, Mary!

Thank you so much for this tutorial, I have this machine and it's just sitting on the table. I am elderly and need things explained simply and you have done that. Again thank you.

You must have read my mind... I was just looking into the Air 2 since it was on sale at JoAnn! Thank you!

This was a great comparison! The whole time I was thinking..."I'll bet she wishes this machine was black or white....not red!"

I wish that they would have sent you the Maker!! I have the air explorer 2 and the maker, I love and use both. The maker also cuts balsa wood...great for sign making (that’s what I do) it also cuts patterns, for sewing, I don’t sew, but you do, so I think that you would find that feature very useful.

So appreciate this video!! I received a Cricut for Christmas and haven’t used it, this will get me started❤️

So my husband and I love watching your videos. I refinish furniture and decided to open a booth. I needed little things to fill my booth with so we found your videos and have watched them all. You're like the cousin that visits every Wednesday. We get tickeled at ourselves going into thrift stores saying, "Be Mary... Think like Mary.... What would Mary buy?"My husband will hold up something and I will boldly say," Mary would not buy that!😂 So we took the plunge being in lockdown due to Covid and bought a Cameo. My hubby said," Mary makes this easy." After two or three hours of frustration, he tells me to call Mary! 🤣 He finally figures it out and starts making cute little designs and he's so proud. So he thinks he's ready and puts together a HUGE sign. Spent all day weeding out his letters. Puts it on his sign and it doesn't fit! 🤣🤣 I didn't laugh.... in front of him.🤣🤣 He told me to call our cousin Mary again. Let her know she lied when he said this was easy! He went and watched you video on making large signs and was talking to you on the video saying, " I tried that Mary! It didn't work!!🤣🤣 So here we are, a day wasted! My husband asleep in his recliner with Vynol in his beard. 🤣🤣🤣 He said it's cousin Mary's fault, she made it look easy! 🤣🤣 Thought you would get a kick out of his pitiful self! Thank you for the inspiration, I'm sure we will get it.... Eventually....😑😑🤣👍

I love mine, I have the Cricut Maker. You can cut all sorts of materials with this machine. I only have an iPad no computer, that’s why I bought the Cricut.

Thank you for this i love my cameo had it for years but was given the cricut not used it yet so this really helped.

What a great video! Thank you! I have been so interested in these machines for SO long, but I just figured it was TOO much to learn, so I was pleased with the step by step you gave! What a neat machine!!!

Thank you so much. Mary. I've watched several videos and yours is the best! Now, I am not lost.

Mary...you went and made me do it. I have been wanting a Cricut for a long time. I finally broke over and bought one after watching your video. Wish me luck 🤦‍♀️😂

You are so dang cute and humble, Miss Mary! Don't feel guilty; the amount of interest your video will bring their company more than pays for the items they sent you to test out. Fully enjoy all the wonderful things that come your way...you deserve it all ❤

I love all three projects that you made. Thanks for the in-depth review.

I’ve had a cricut for over ten years I love it . And I was pretty intimidated by it at first and I found this gal named Christina Thomas , and she has videos and ideas of what to make with your cricut ! She is so inspiring...oh wow I want to get a press now .I don’t have my cricut hooked up to a computer.. I supposed it could be , mines one of one of the first ones ,but I just use the cartridges that I’ve bought throughout the years to go with it. Oh and once at a garage sale a lady was selling her cartridges.. I must’ve got maybe seven of them ..she had five $ on them .

Hello Mary! I have a Silhouette SD that I’ve had for probably 10+ years and it’s still going strong! My advice for new users is just to play with it. You’re not going to break it!

Wow over a thousand dollars worth of stuff .. good for you. you will use it a lot I’m sure they chose the best person for the job. Good luck

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I got a Cricut for Christmas and just took it out of the box this week. This helped tremendously!!

I’m so glad you showed how to use the Cricut! I’ve had one for a few years and I love it! I love the color of the one they sent you!

I have a Cricut Maker and absolutely love it. It does cut wood too.

Awesome tutorial, thank you ❤️. Never thought I needed a heat press but you sure made it look fun.😁

I am saving up money from my Etsy shop to get one of these right now! This video is perfectly timed!

You're a GREAT teacher! This makes me want to purchase a Cricut.

I love my Cricut explore air 2! I love that I can also use design space on my phone and/or iPad. I have been wanting the heat press but the cost is a bit more than I can afford right now. A quick way to size your image to your project is the size boxes at the top of design space. You will have fun learning all the ways you can use it!

Welcome to the world of Cricut. I LOVE it ❤️

You are a great teacher...this is ALL new to me. Enjoyed watching so much. Thank You

Mary, you are so sweet. I have a Cricut Explore Air 2 and have to really use it more. I find Cricut Design Space a little challenging, but thank goodness there are a lot of videos to learn from.

Wonderful job, Mary. I have had my cricut for 2 years and didn't know how to use it. U have explained things so well that I think I can do it now. I look forward to further tutorials on this machine. Thank u so much.

Thank you for the tutorial. It always seemed too confusing but you made it look easy. 👏

I have had one for about 2 years, still in the box on the shelf. However since I saw how easy it was to set up and start using it I might dust it off and get started. Thank you Mary for your video such a confidence builder.

Mary, thank you for showing us how to use the new Cricut! I have the Cameo but i think I’d rather have the Cricut. The heating iron seems like so much fun! I hope you do more tutorials with it and the cameo for us! Thank you so much for all you do! 🥰

I love that bright red in your home! 🤍❤️

I have a cricut maker now, I have the original cricut expressions from way back when. They are amazing machines. Thanks for showing what cricut can do. I have never had a silhouette.. but what any of the cutting machines can do to help us craft with is amazing and appreciated.

Cricut is user friendly. I have a silhouette cameo 4 not user friendly but I love using it. Thanks Mary I thought about getting the cricut explore air 2 now I can decide.

Mary you amaze me in all your videos! I absolutely love them. I'm so glad your experiencing with the Crícut. I'm excited to see your projects your going to do using the crícut because I have the mint green one and I love it. As for the weeding yes depending on the setting sometimes you have to turn to the next notch to cut better. Remember to scrunch up a foil paper in a ball to clean your blade. Your an awesome tutorial instructor. I know I'm going to learn even more with you ❣️ your absolutely a wonderful and blessing to do many of us here in RU-vid land 🥰 Love the red Crícut 😉

I had a silhouette many years ago and was very confused. I got the cricut maker and the joy and feel so much better about understanding it. Simple. Part of needing simple is 74 years old!

Thank you Mary I got a cricket explore to for Christmas and I’ve watched tons of video and I’m still so confused but you made it look pretty easy so after you finish I will be headed to my dining room table to give it another try thank you for the encouragement and inspiration keep up the good work love your videos absolutely love your videos thank you

I personally love my silhouette but I know Cricut it s bit more user friendly and have a ton of friends who use the cricut. I own a design business and sell on Etsy just like you and I will say I still prefer my silhouette but LOOOOVE my heat press so much! I honestly have thought about throwing out my iron and only ironing with the cricut heat press and the heat press mini (I use that for small projects and hats). Loved you’re review and I have a few people to share it with!

Mary laminate your instructions for your new machine...quick reference & won't get dirty...thanks for sharing..be blessed & safe

I bought my Cricut Explore Air about 2 years ago. I went through a lot of comparison videos with the Cameo and found out that Cricut was mostly recommanded. No regret so far, I love this machine.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I too have gotten a Cricut Air 2 and have never found a youtube tutorial that went slow enough or showed the screen close enough until you posted this. I think I can open the box and get started. I just can't thank you enough!! 💕

WOW you are so fortunate to receive all of the Cricut goodies!!!

I purchased my Cameo Silhouette on the videos and recommendations you made and didn't bat an eye. Thanks for your review and remember free is never free, there is always a price.

Hello from Australia! I have been following your channel for a few years now and i love the way you craft, the ideas that you come up with are so original. I was always so fascinated by your Cameo machine, and its really hard to get them here in OZ. When i finally realized we had the Cricut machine readily available, i knew i had to own one! Lots of $$ and months of saving later, i too have the Cricut explore air 2 and i already feel confident enough to use it just from watching you with your Cameo! Thanks for inspiring us all, keep up the great work 💗

I’m so glad to see this video, I just got this model Cricut and don’t know much about how to use it

I’m so glad for you Mary, don’t be feeling guilty, you deserve it. Although I can’t fathom why they sent you a red one or why not a Maker given your wide range of talent and what it can do compared to the one they did send. I’ve had a Maker for 2 plus years now and I’m still learning ( at a very slow pace) it’s many features and though red is my absolute favorite color ( I’m a little jealous), it doesn’t seem to fit your house decor or personal style but you know what they say “Don’t look a gifted horse in the mouth”. Enjoy it Mary and I look forward to learning from you as I always do.

Man I'd love to have one of those, I drool everytime I see one.

Mary this was great, I love my Cricut Explore Air 2 . It is an amazing tool.

Wow, that's amazing that they reached out to you like that!! So envious, LOL!! I've worked with the Cricut Maker where I used to work and it is a wonderful machine. However, if I were to purchase one, I think I would go with the Sillouette Cameo 3 or 4 because of the fact that you don't have to always use a mat and can do longer lengths straight from the roll. I've heard really good things about their software program as well. I'm still on the fence about buying one, however, since I'm trying to focus my efforts on my fine art rather than my crafts. Crafting was a blessing and joy for a creative outlet when my kids were young but they are grown now and it's time to downsize my crafting and finally pursue that art career that was on hold for so long! I love your videos, though, it gives me great ideas on using up what I have and re-inventing furniture pieces and other items. Besides, I love buying the vinyl designs you create, they look lovely in my home!!!! Maybe if Cricut or Sillouette reaches out to me I'll think differently, LOL!! ❤

Now I want a Cricuit Explore Air!! Thanks for the review. Very helpful!!

They spoiled you! I’m thrilled you now have experienced Cricut! I love my Explore air 2 and easy press.

Thanks Mary for this! I bought an Explorer Air 2 about 6 weeks ago and it's still in the box! Between long hours and work and decorating for Easter and now taking that decor down, I just haven't had time to try it. But I'm wanting to look at some tutorials so I know what to buy as far as supplies. I bought the tools, but the other supplies like vinyl, transfer paper, etc. So anytime I can watch a video on this, that's a good thing. Doesn't seem as intimidating as I thought!!

My daughter has a cricut air 2 for a couple of years. I finally decided to purchase a cricut and bought a cricut maker instead. I believe the difference is the maker can do more materials than the air 2. I’ve only been working with it for 3 month now and loving it. Hope you enjoy your new machine. Happy crafting❤️

Wonderful! I got a Cricuit Joy for Christmas and I'm still learning, too. So far, it does everything I'd ever need it to do! Looking forward to learning more, along with you!

If you check out Jennifer Maker on youtube, she teaches how to use the Cricut.

I love that they sent all that stuff to you!!!! I got a Cricut Maker for Christmas and haven't opened it yet, because of being scared, NOW, I can't wait to get started. Thanks Cricut for sending all that to her!!!

I got the cricket air 2 last year for Christmas and didn't even try it yet. It's been over a year so it's time. Thanks for the video! It is very helpful.

I just received the Cricut Explore Air 2 for my birthday! So excited! Thanks for this video!

Mary, you’re a great teacher! Thank you , I’m actually in the market for a machine and was not sure which brand to go with. This tutorial came at a perfect time for me! I am leaning toward the Cricut.

Mary don’t you feel guilty one bit!!! We your followers need help with these machines so I’m so glad your showing us yours! I hope you have a lot of fun learning how to use them❤️

Thank you Mary. I don’t have either machines but I would love to have either. ....plus the heat press. Saving my money!

Your socks are cracking me up! Great informational video, by the way!! I bet you'd be a very patient teacher.

Love my Cricut. Enjoy,

Mary thank you for doing this video! I just recently got a cricket maker for Christmas it was a gift from my three sons. They graciously gave me a great gift that I am so appreciative for...however, I do not know how to use it and I even had commented to my husband saying I need Mary to teach me what to do lol 😆 So thank you so much! Great timing!😃

I have a Cricut Explore Air 2, and love it! I can't wait to get the press!

This was SO helpful, thank you Mary!