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TFDL Makerspace Training

Online training for TFDL makerspace equipment

Cricut Explore Air

 

The Cricut Explore Air is an electronic cutting machine for DIY projects and crafts. It is able to precisely cut, write, and score 100+ different materials such as paper, iron-on, adhesive vinyl, leather and burlap. You can use it to create your own home décor projects, holiday gift cards, stickers, t-shirts and more! 

 

Specifications: 

  • Cutting range using mats: from 0.25" to 23.5" 
  • Maximum materials thickness is up to 1mm for most materials, up to 2mm for less dense materials. 
  • Image file upload formats:  
    • .jpg 
    • .png 
    • .bmp 
    • .gif 
    • .svg 
    • .dxf  
  • The speed setting automatically adjusts to image. 
  • You can access your projects from any computer as a Cricut account is free to make. 

Cricut Joy

The Cricut Joy is a small cutting machine that allows users to create custom designs by cutting a variety of materials such as paper, vinyl, and iron-on fabric. It’s designed for both beginners and more experienced crafters, offering a simple interface and the ability to connect to a computer or mobile device via Bluetooth. The Cricut Joy can be used for a wide range of projects, including creating custom labels, greeting cards, stickers, decals, and small signs.

A more descriptive video explaining what it is and how to use it can be seen below.

Rules for Using the Cricut 

  • Please use cutting mats provided.  
  • Please DO NOT throw out the plastic dust covers, and replace them when you are done. 

Design Space

  • Go to Cricut website and download the app by clicking on Design Space on the left-hand corner. If you’re using the computer in the Makerspace the app is already downloaded.  
  • Login or create a new account with the Cricut app using your email address. This will bring you to the Home screen. 
  • From the Home screen, under My Project, you can get quick access to your latest projects. You can also browse featured projects from a variety of categories from this page. 
  • From the Home screen, select any project to learn more about it or start a project from scratch by selecting New Project. 
  • Starting a new project brings you to the Canvas, where you can lay out and edit your designs. 
  • The Edit bar on the Canvas located on the top part of the page contains the most useful tools for editing images and text. 
  • Click on Projects (left side of Canvas) to access project library and browse ready-to-make projects. 
  • You can also Upload (left side of Canvas) image files. 
  • At the right side of the Canvas, you can modify the layer properties for each layer of your design. 
  • Click Make It on the Canvas when you're ready to create your project. 

How to Use the Cricut Explore Air

  • Turn on the machine by pressing the button at the top right corner. 

  • For the Custom Personnalisable, based on the material that you are going to use, choose a material category.  

  • Take a green pad, remove the plastic cover (do not throw out!), then place the top left corner of the paper right onto the top left corner of the grid. 

  • Open the machine by pressing the button on the left side. 

   

  • Place the pad in the center, then press the up-down arrow button to load the pad. Give it a little push on the pad to help loading. 

  • Once the pad is properly loaded and you are ready to make your project, press the "C" button to start cutting.​ 

  • When the project is finished, press the up-down arrow button to unload the pad. 

Troubleshooting 

  • Grouping your image and clicking “weld” will keep the arrangement of your design. Otherwise, the software may scramble the arrangement to maximize space efficiency.  
  • Use matte paper for Print then Cut Stickers 
  • If you've used glossy paper for Print then Cut stickers the Circut sensor can have difficulty detecting the calibration marks.  Try placing matt scotch tape over the calibration marks on the corners.
  • A cheat sheet to Cricut Icons:

 

 

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