The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a popular cutting machine for crafting and DIY projects. It allows you to create intricate designs and cut a wide range of materials, from paper to vinyl to fabric. While the machine is a powerful tool on its own, there are also many accessories available that can enhance its capabilities and make your crafting experience even better. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 Cricut Explore Air 2 accessories, along with their pros and cons.
Cricut EasyPress 2:
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is a heat press machine that allows you to transfer designs onto fabrics with ease. It’s available in three sizes – 6×7, 9×9, and 12×10 – and can be used to apply heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and iron-on designs to a wide range of materials. The EasyPress 2 heats up quickly and evenly, and the temperature and time settings can be customized for different materials.
Pros:
- Even heat distribution
- Customizable temperature and time settings
- Available in three sizes
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited to heat transfer projects
Cricut BrightPad:
The Cricut BrightPad is a lightweight, illuminated surface that can be used for a variety of crafting projects. It’s especially useful for weeding vinyl and iron-on designs, as it makes it easier to see the cut lines and remove unwanted pieces. The BrightPad has five brightness settings, and the surface is heat-resistant and easy to clean.
Pros:
- Illuminated surface makes it easier to weed designs
- Five brightness settings
- Heat-resistant and easy to clean
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited to weeding projects
Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat:
The Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat is an essential accessory for the Explore Air 2. It holds your material in place while you cut, ensuring that it stays in the correct position and doesn’t shift during the cutting process. The StandardGrip mat is designed for use with a wide range of materials, including cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on.
Pros:
- Holds material in place during cutting
- Compatible with a wide range of materials
Cons:
- May need to be replaced frequently with heavy use
- Material may not adhere as well after multiple uses
Cricut Weeding Tool Set:
The Cricut Weeding Tool Set includes a variety of tools that can be used to remove unwanted pieces of vinyl and iron-on from your designs. The set includes a hook, tweezers, scissors, and a weeder tool, all of which are designed to make weeding easier and more efficient. The tools are made of high-quality materials and are built to last.
Pros:
- Includes a variety of weeding tools
- High-quality materials
- Makes weeding easier and more efficient
Cons:
- May not be necessary for all projects
- Expensive compared to individual weeding tools
Cricut Rotary Cutter:
The Cricut Rotary Cutter is a versatile tool that can be used to cut a wide range of materials, including fabric, paper, and vinyl. It has a soft-grip handle for comfort and control, and the blade can be easily changed for different cutting projects. The rotary cutter also comes with a protective blade cover for safe storage.
Pros:
- Versatile tool for cutting a variety of materials
- Soft-grip handle for comfort and control
- Blade can be easily changed
Cons:
- May not be necessary for all projects
- Blade may need to be replaced frequently with heavy use
Cricut Self-Healing Cutting Mat:
The Cricut Self-Healing Cutting Mat is a durable and long-lasting accessory for the Explore Air 2. It’s made of high-quality materials and has a self-healing surface that prevents the mat from becoming damaged over time. The mat is also double-sided, with a grid on one side and solid color on the other, allowing you to choose the best surface for your project.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Self-healing surface prevents mat from becoming damaged over time
- Double-sided with grid and solid color options
Cons:
- May be more expensive than other cutting mats
- Limited to use with the Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut Maker Tools:
The Cricut Maker is a newer cutting machine from Cricut that has more advanced features and capabilities than the Explore Air 2. One of the key features of the Maker is its ability to use a variety of tools, including the Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, and Scoring Wheel. These tools can be used to cut a wide range of materials, including thicker materials like leather and balsa wood.
Pros:
- Allows for cutting of thicker materials
- Variety of advanced tools available
- Compatible with the Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2 machines
Cons:
- More expensive than basic cutting tools
- May not be necessary for all projects
Cricut Essential Tool Set:
The Cricut Essential Tool Set is a collection of basic tools that are essential for any crafting project. The set includes a scraper, spatula, scissors, tweezers, and a weeder tool, all of which are designed to make crafting easier and more efficient. The tools are made of high-quality materials and are built to last.
Pros:
- Includes a variety of essential crafting tools
- High-quality materials
- Makes crafting easier and more efficient
Cons:
- May not be necessary for all projects
- Expensive compared to individual tools
Cricut Vinyl Sampler Pack:
The Cricut Vinyl Sampler Pack is a collection of different colored vinyl sheets that can be used for a variety of crafting projects. The pack includes 12 sheets of vinyl, each measuring 12×12 inches. The vinyl is high-quality and easy to weed, making it a popular choice for vinyl projects like decals and stickers.
Pros:
- Variety of colors included
- High-quality vinyl that is easy to weed
- Versatile for a wide range of projects
Cons:
- May not be necessary for all projects
- More expensive than individual vinyl sheets
Cricut Ultimate Fine Point Pen Set:
The Cricut Ultimate Fine Point Pen Set includes a variety of pens in different colors and styles, perfect for adding detail and flair to your crafting projects. The pens are compatible with the Explore Air 2 and other Cricut machines and can be used to write, draw, and design on a variety of materials.
Pros:
- Variety of colors and styles included
- Compatible with a wide range of materials
- Adds detail and flair to crafting projects
Cons:
- May not be necessary for all projects
- Expensive compared to individual pens
the Cricut Explore Air 2 is a powerful tool for crafting and DIY projects, and these accessories can enhance its capabilities and make your crafting experience even better. Whether you’re looking to transfer designs onto fabrics or cut a wide range of materials, there’s an accessory available to help you achieve your goals. Consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting accessories, and don’t be afraid to try out new tools and techniques to take your crafting to the next level.