Creating a custom journal using Cricut Explore Air 2 is fun and easy! Use ready made graphics, simple photos, or create your own!
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Are you a lover of all things paper, pen and stationary? I certainly am. In fact, I actually have a serious paper and pen fetish.
I basically love all types of note cards, paper clips, push pins, sticky notes, and, of course, journals.
However, I am kind of particular about my journals. That’s why I so excited about being able to create my own.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 allows you to upload your own designs/photos and save them as print & cut files. They can then be used for dozens of projects. How sweet is that?
Let’s get started.
Creating a custom journal using Cricut Explore Air 2: The Image
- Cricut Explore Air 2
- Color printer
- Cricut Printable Vinyl
- Standard grip Cricut mat
- Desired design uploaded to your computer
- Cardstock (I used black, but you can use any color you like)
- Composition book
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Scissors
*If you are still debating on getting a Cricut Explore Air 2, NOW is the time! This starter set is nearly $300 off!
Click ‘browse’ and select the image you want to use from the dropdown box. I chose a cute little bird.
Decide how complicated your image is. Simple, moderately complex or complex. Cricut will help you to decide. Mine was simple.
You will be given the opportunity to erase any parts of your image that are not clear. Once you are finished, click the green button in the lower righthand corner.
You will want to save it as a print and cut file.
You can now insert your image onto your design board.
Size it bigger or smaller, depending on your project. I made mine a little bigger.
Creating a custom journal using Cricut Explore Air 2: The Print/Cut Process
Click on the green ‘go’ button to begin your print/cut process.
This screen is so that you can confirm you are happy with the placement/size of your image. Select ‘go’ once again.
Be sure your Cricut Explore Air 2 is on and connected either by hardline or, my fave, Bluetooth, and your printer is also turned on. Select ‘print page.
After you have printed your image on the printable vinyl, set your Cricut dial to ‘custom’. On your computer, set your medium to ‘ vinyl, printable’.
Adhere the vinyl to the mat and follow the instructions on your Cricut to load and cut your image. Once your Cricut Explore Air 2 is finished cutting out your image, you can remove the mat.
Carefully peel the printable vinyl off of the cutting mat and set aside. At this point, you can go ahead and close your machine and turn it off.
Creating a custom journal using Cricut Explore Air 2: The Journal
Cut your card stock down to 7×10. Next, apply either adhesive tape or glue on one side. FLip it over and adhere to the book. Trim the excess edge with scissors.
Peel your image from the vinyl sheet and place where you would like it. Smooth it down so it stays.
You now have an adorable custom journal.
If you enjoyed creating a custom journal using Cricut Explore Air 2, then you need to see these other Cricut posts!
Lollipop Cupcake Toppers Using Cricut Explore Air 2
What is a Cricut Explore Air 2 and What Can it Do?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.