Meet Suzie Candlin a designer and creative trainer at Cricut!  Suzie shares how to create stylish wedding projects using the Cricut Explore Air 2 electronic die-cutting machine. We were also keen to learn about her first steps into crafting, her favourite cardmaking occasions and what it's like working with Cricut.

When did you start crafting?

I have always done some form of crafting, but the time I dedicate to it has steadily increased and I now craft all day (and most of the night!) Making something original and personal as a gift and creating fully co-ordinating projects are what appeals most to me – even better if I can upcycle or incorporate mixed media!

What is your favourite occasion to craft for?

Definitely celebrations such as weddings and parties. I love creating bespoke co-ordinating stationery, favours and decorations, it’s just so easy using the Cricut Explore Air 2.

What are your must-have craft tools?

I always carry a Cricut tool set, papercrafting tool set and trimmer in my bag and would be lost without my Explore Air 2, Cuttlebug and embossing folders! I actually have spare tools at relative’s houses so I can craft when I visit!

When did you first discover electronic die-cutting machines?

My first encounter was about eight years ago when I demonstrated the Cricut Basic machine. I thought it was amazing to be able to cut images without having to battle with a craft knife or scissors. Even better was being able to cut quantities of identical projects in any size.

What is your favourite project made using the machine?

I have so many favourites, it changes every day as I create new projects. Probably the one I use the most is the cookie wrapper, one of the free Make It Now projects in Cricut Design Space. I have used this versatile file as a save the date card, confetti holder, table favours, gift card holders, invitations and even a Mother’s Day card! I love the precise, intricate cut of the design.

What do you think is the best innovation the Cricut Explore Air 2 features?

The ability to precisely cut, draw and score images and fonts with one pass of the cutting mat without the need for adapters. I love being able to use my own images and favourite fonts for projects and the option to cut from over 100 different resources, some at twice normal speed!

Is Cricut Design Space easy to use?

Cricut Design Space is intuitive and super easy to use, even when uploading your own images rather than using the images in the Cricut library. Designs can be created, saved and cut quickly and precisely making it THE go-to tool for the home, school or office. With the Cricut Design Space app on my iPad and iPhone, I can even design on the go without being connected to wifi.

DIY Cake Toppers made with the Cricut Explore Air  2

This quick and easy project is perfect for adding a personal touch to your big day!

Repeat the same step-by-step with the other cake topper files and contrasting cardstock

MATERIALS

gold glitter card
cream cardstock
cocktail sticks
Cricut Design Space online software
Cricut Scraper & Weeder tools
hot-glue gun

1 Connect the machine to your chosen device and log on to your Design Space account. Create a new project, click ‘insert image’ and search and select the ‘Mr & Mrs’ file.

2 Resize the image as required. Cut two images from cream cardstock and one from gold glitter card: this will create a more robust topper.

3 Adhere the cream topper layers together using a hot-glue gun, ensuring that the die-cuts line up. Secure the wooden sticks in place and affix the gold glitter topper on top.

Cricut’s Design Space is compatible with your PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad

Top tip

Use the Scraper tool to firmly apply the resources to the cutting mat to ensure good contact

Diy Save the Date -made with the Cricut Explore Air  2

MATERIALS

teal 12x12″ cardstock
cream cardstock
cream printable paper
Cricut Design Space online software
Cricut Scoring Stylus
PC & printer
Old Paper Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink
ink-blending foam

1 Connect the machine to your chosen device, and log on to your Design Space account. Create a new project, click ‘insert image’ and search and select the ‘Save the date’ file.

2 Load the Scoring Stylus into accessory clamp A, cut the design from a 12x12” piece of teal cardstock and fold the score lines as shown.

3 Alter the wording on the save the date, print it onto cream paper, trim to measure 4½” square and lightly ink the top-right and bottom-left corner.

4 Matt the panel onto cream cardstock, leaving a wide border and secure it to the inside of the card to finish.

Make a Heart gift box with the Cricut Explore Air 2

This elegant box is ideal for wedding favours!

MATERIALS

cream & teal cardstock

Cuttlebug Floral Fantasy embossing folder

Cricut Design Space online software

Cricut Scoring Stylus

1 Connect the machine to your chosen device, and log on to your Design Space account. Create a new project, click ‘insert image’ and search and select the ‘heart box’ file.

2 Load the Scoring Stylus into accessory clamp A, cut the elements of the box from contrasting cardstock.

3 Fold the score lines of each die-cut and assemble the box as shown, using PVA glue.

4 Emboss the cream box lid and secure it to the inside of the box to finish.