Creating a Custom Journal Using Cricut Explore Air 2

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

You will need:

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!

First, you will need to open the Cricut design space. Click on ‘file’, then ‘new’. Next, click the ‘upload images’ button on the left side, second button down.

You will then be asked to select either ‘upload image’ or ‘upload pattern’. You will chose ‘upload image’.

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.