This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

After wanting a Cricut for a few years, I finally got one this fall! I loved seeing all of the neat things friends made with their Cricut. It was great having friends who had a Cricut first, because they could help me learn to use mine. I got the Cricut Explore Air 2. After practicing for a few weeks, I have really gotten the hang of it and I’m loving all the great things I can make this holiday season. From decor to gifts, it’s been really fun. Today I’m sharing 5 reasons why I am loving crafting with the Cricut Explore Air 2.

5 Reasons I Love Crafting with the Cricut Explore Air 2

1. Cricut Explore Air 2 is so easy to use that I am crafting more

I used to think about lots of crafts and projects I wanted to make but rarely followed through. I always felt like I didn’t have time I used to for creative projects, which was a bummer because I used to craft all the time. Now I can think of a project, go down to where I keep my Cricut Explore Air 2, grab a few supplies and complete it quickly and exactly how I want. Sure, sometimes it requires me ordering more supplies or heading to the store for supplies, but I know once I get what I need, I can see my project come to life!

Example: I was never very good with our Elf on the Shelf, but one night while watching tv, I had an idea of a cute way to have our elf arrive the next morning at breakfast: personalized cereal bowls and cups (I had the plain plastic ones already). I knew what I wanted them to look like and in no time, I had an adorable breakfast scene ready to go!

2. Ease of location to craft with the Cricut Explore Air 2

One thing I didn’t realize before I had a Cricut Explore Air 2 was that all of the designing would be done right on my laptop. I don’t even have to be anywhere near my Cricut during the designing, which is one reason I make so many projects. I can sit on the couch at night while I watch TV with my laptop and design. Then, when I am ready to print, I plug the laptop into the Cricut Explore Air 2 and i’m ready to go. Sometimes I’ll do it right away but sometimes I prep a few things for a party or gift and then print everything when I’ll all set (days later!).

Example: The elf project I mentioned above… I thought of that mid-tv show and made it all on my laptop. Then before bed, printed it and stuck the vinyl onto the bowls and cups. Easy!

3. All of the images ready to use with Cricut Explore Air 2

I love all the images at your fingertips with the Cricut Explore Air 2. They’re easy to find with a quick search and then download to use instantly. I also love how you can filter them so fast – images that are free, single layer, etc. It’s really easy to find which images to use for your project and budget. In addition to tons of great images, there are fonts, ready-to-make projects or create your own design from scratch.

Example: I knew I wanted to find a gingerbread image for a few projects this holiday season. I browsed, found this one (exactly what I was looking for) and bought it for .99. I has used in on so many different creations this season. I made the elf breakfast supplies above and recently made these fun gifts for my mom. She’s going to do baking with my kids and I’ll send her with a personalized bag of baking supplies, pot holder and a cute plate to use for the cookies they make.

4. Cricut Explore Air 2’a Speed

The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut and write up to 2X faster than previous Cricut Explore models. The first time I used it I actually though it didn’t work because the paper came out so fast. I was shocked when I looked closely and saw it had in fact cut everything I designed!

Example: It’s fun to make personalized gifts for people – it’s even more fun when you can make exactly what you have in mind quickly! I made this toy bag as a Christmas gift for my nephew!

5. The versatility of materials to cut with Cricut Explore Air 2

The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut more than 100 materials. It cuts everything from cardstock, vinyl and iron-on to specialty materials like glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric. So from cards to custom T-shirts to home decor, the possibilities are endless with the Explore Air 2. I’ve had so much fun experimenting and learning with different materials.

Example: I was getting so used to using vinyl and iron on materials I almost forgot about using cardstock! I wanted to make horse shaped cup cake toppers for my daughter’s birthday and love how these came out.