Cricut Explore Air 2: Diy Wedding Invitations

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a crafting tool that can be used to create custom invitations for weddings and other events. It is a cutting machine that can cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, and more, allowing users to design and create intricate and personalised invitations. With its Print Then Cut feature, users can insert images and text, and the machine will handle the cutting process. The Cricut Design Space software offers a range of designs, fonts, and projects to create invitations and other wedding-related items, such as envelope embellishments, save-the-date cards, and wedding favours.

Design and print your invitations

Designing and printing your wedding invitations using the Cricut Explore Air 2 is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Design Your Invitations

Using the Cricut Design Space app, you can create and design your wedding invitations from scratch. Alternatively, you can use other editing software such as Google Docs, Slides, Microsoft Word, or PowerPoint. If you're using Cricut Design Space, follow these steps:

• Insert your desired image: You can use a transparent PNG graphic, which makes it easier to lay out and overlap images and text.
• Upload the transparent PNG: When uploading, select "complex" to preserve the design details.
• Save the image: Save it as a "Print Then Cut Image".
• Edit the graphic: Duplicate, rotate, resize, or modify the graphic as needed.
• Create a rectangle: Use the square shape tool to create a rectangle and size it according to your preferences.
• Fill the rectangle: Select "Print" as the fill and colour it white.
• Place the rectangle over the graphics: Slice two elements at a time and delete the extra pieces outside the rectangle.
• Weld the internal pieces: Select and weld the internal white pieces of the rectangle back together.
• Rearrange the layers: Send the rectangle to the back using the "Arrange" function.
• Flatten the graphics: Once you're happy with the layout, flatten the graphics together.

Create Text for the Invitations

• Use the text tool: Create the text overlay for your invitation, ensuring that everything is attached and set to "Print".
• Select the text colour: You can choose any colour or pattern fill for your text.
• Flatten the text: Don't forget to select all the text and flatten it. Otherwise, Cricut will attempt to slice each letter.
• Attach and flatten: Be sure to attach the text and graphics together and then flatten them.

Additional Tips

• The default bleed setting for "Print and Cut" on the Cricut is turned on, adding extra coloured padding around the cut line. Don't be concerned if you see a weird extra line around the perimeter of your design.
• If any internal text or images have weird lines or appear distorted, it means you may have missed the step of flattening that part or setting the fill to "Print".
• Different vellum brands have varying levels of opacity, and some printers may have difficulty scanning vellum. If needed, you can use a black marker to trace over the alignment lines.

Printing and Cutting

Once you've designed your invitations, it's time to print and cut them:

• Prepare your design for printing: Ensure that all elements are set to "PRINT | CUT" by selecting "PRINT" under "FILL".
• Centre and align your design: Arrange your images and text to be centred and aligned.
• Group and attach elements: Select "SELECT ALL" and "ATTACH".
• Flatten the design: Click "FLATTEN". This step is crucial so that your Cricut knows to cut the outline of the entire image, not each individual element.
• Send the design to the printer: Click "MAKE IT" to send your design to the printer.
• Add cardstock to the cutting mat: After printing, place the cardstock on the cutting mat.
• Let Cricut cut: Your Cricut will now cut out your invitation design.

Final Thoughts

Feel free to experiment with different designs and get creative! You can use the example provided or create your own invitations from scratch in the Design Space. Additionally, you can make envelopes for your invitations using the scoring stylus and following a similar process.

Cut cardstock with the Cricut Explore Air 2

Yes, your Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut wedding invitations. In fact, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is a great tool for creating custom invitations. You can use images and add text in Cricut Design Space, and the machine will do all the cutting for you.

Materials You'll Need:

• Cricut Explore Air 2
• Cricut Access for designs and fonts
• Standard Grip Cutting Mat
• Cardstock of your choice

Steps to Cut Cardstock:

• Open Cricut Design Space and create your design. You can select from a variety of pre-made images or create your own. When your design is ready, click "Make It".
• Select your material from the Material Settings list. Choose the type of paper or cardstock you are using.
• Place the cardstock onto the Standard Grip cutting mat. Use a brayer tool to ensure the cardstock is securely adhered to the mat.
• Load the mat into the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine.
• Press "Go" to start the cutting process.
• Once the cut is complete, unload the mat and carefully remove your cardstock from the mat.

Tips for Working with Cardstock:

• Use the Light Grip cutting mat for most cardstock projects.
• If you are having issues with intricate cuts, try using the "Cardstock Intricate Cuts" setting in Design Space.
• When removing cardstock from the mat, avoid peeling from a corner as it may cause curling or tearing. Instead, flip the mat upside down and gently peel it away from the cardstock.

With your Cricut Explore Air 2, you can create beautiful wedding invitations and explore a wide range of creative possibilities.

Create envelope embellishments

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a great tool for creating envelope embellishments for your wedding invitations. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Materials and Tools

Firstly, gather your materials and tools. You will need your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, as well as the Design Space app or another editor like Google Docs, Slides, Microsoft Word, or PowerPoint. You can also use the Cricut Design Space app to access images and fonts. In addition, you will need:

• Paper for your envelopes – consider using cardstock in a variety of colours, or transparent paper like vellum.
• A cutting mat.
• A scoring stylus if you want to make envelopes.
• A computer and printer.

Design and Customisation

Now it's time to design your embellishments! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Intricate floral sleeves or envelope liners – cut intricate floral designs using your Cricut machine and add them as a sleeve or liner to your envelopes.
• Custom envelope shapes – instead of traditional rectangular envelopes, try creating envelopes in different shapes like triangles or circles.
• Add a personal touch – use the writing feature on your Cricut Explore Air 2 to add a handwritten note or the addresses on the envelopes.
• Embellish with stickers – create custom stickers with the Print Then Cut feature and add them to your envelopes for a pop of colour and fun.
• Envelope seals – design and cut custom envelope seals with your Cricut machine. You can use different materials like wax, vinyl, or paper.

Final Steps

Once you have designed and cut your embellishments, it's time to assemble your envelopes:

• Fold and glue your envelopes if you have made them from scratch.
• Add any liners, sleeves, or seals that you have created.
• Address your envelopes by hand or use the writing feature on your Cricut machine.
• Add postage stamps and send off your invitations!

With the Cricut Explore Air 2, the possibilities for customisation are endless. Get creative and have fun adding unique touches to your wedding invitations!

Use the Cricut Design Space app

The Cricut Design Space app is free and easy to learn, and it works with all Cricut cutting machines. It is available on desktop and mobile devices, allowing you to design and create your projects anywhere, anytime. You can upload your own images and use your system fonts for free, or use Cricut's extensive library of images, fonts, and projects for inspiration. The app also offers tutorials and step-by-step guides to help you get started and improve your crafting skills.

To get started with the Cricut Design Space app, you'll first need to activate your Cricut machine on the Cricut website. Once your machine is activated, you can connect it to the app via Bluetooth or a USB cable.

When creating wedding invitations, the Cricut Design Space app offers a variety of features to customize your design. You can upload your own images, such as transparent PNG graphics, and use Cricut's tools to edit, rotate, resize, and arrange the graphics on your canvas. The app also allows you to add text with various fonts and colours, ensuring that your invitations are personalized to your liking.

One important step when using the Cricut Design Space app is to set the "Print | Cut" option for each element on your canvas. This ensures that your Cricut machine knows to cut the outline of your entire image, rather than each individual element. Once you have designed your invitation, you can click "Make It" to send it to your printer and then let your Cricut machine cut the invitations with precision.

In addition to creating invitations, the Cricut Design Space app also allows you to make envelopes. You can use different colours of cardstock and the scoring stylus feature to create envelopes that perfectly match your invitations. With the app's user-friendly interface and the Cricut machine's precision cutting capabilities, you can easily bring your wedding invitation ideas to life.

Choose from a range of materials

The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut a wide range of materials, so you can be creative and experimental with your wedding invitation designs. The machine can cut over 100 different materials, from delicate tissue paper to thick leather. Here are some materials you can choose from for your wedding invitations:

Paper and Cardstock

The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut various types of paper and cardstock, making it ideal for wedding invitations. You can choose from standard copy paper in different weights, such as 20 lb, 24 lb, and 32 lb, or opt for heavier cardstock options like 80 lb or 100 lb. Cardstock is a popular choice for invitations as it is thicker and more durable than regular paper. You can also explore specialty papers like vellum, which is a transparent paper that adds a unique touch to your invitations.

Adhesive Materials

The machine can also handle adhesive-backed materials, such as adhesive foil, adhesive sheets, and adhesive cardstock. These materials are excellent for creating intricate designs or adding a sticky backing to your invitations, allowing guests to peel and stick them onto surfaces.

Fabrics

If you want to incorporate fabric elements into your invitations, the Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut delicate fabrics like tulle and silk. It can also handle heavier fabrics like denim and burlap for a more textured and unique invitation design.

Vinyl and Iron-On

Vinyl and iron-on materials are compatible with the Cricut Explore Air 2. You can choose from a variety of vinyl options, such as premium vinyl in different finishes (glossy, matte, frosted, holographic, etc.) or explore iron-on materials to create unique designs that can be transferred to your invitations.

Other Materials

The machine can cut beyond just paper and fabric. You can also work with materials like corrugated cardboard, foil paper, and even thin leather. These options open up possibilities for creating luxurious and textured invitations.

With such a diverse range of materials, you can let your creativity flow and design wedding invitations that truly reflect your style and theme.

Frequently asked questions