A few months ago I was gifted the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the EasyPress 2 along with a ton of accessories for each machine. This couldn’t have come a better time with the holidays fast approaching and trying to stay home as much as possible. For years, I’ve always wanted to create my own gifts but after making one or two, I would be so pressed for time that I’d go back to online or in-store shopping. This year is different in every sense of the word and it’s giving me more time so that I can create customizable gifts for my friends and family.

First, a little about each machine and what they do. The Explore Air 2 connects to your computer or phone and cuts through over 100 types of fabrics and textures (everything from cardstock to vinyl, and even leather). It comes with over 100 free design ideas and templates so you can get started right away, but you can also upload your own.

The EasyPress 2 is used to transfer your designs onto a blank canvas. When you’re ironing on, each material requires a different heat temperature, and the EasyPress allows you to control it so you won’t mess it up. 

Both machines create unique products with topnotch quality. The Explore Air 2 is great for making cards, puzzles, jewelry, engraving, 3D artwork, and tons more. The EasyPress 2 takes heat transformation to another level and it’s perfect for personalizing mugs, tote bags, plates, t-shirts, notebooks, candles—pretty much anything with a blank canvas.