Layered Landscape With the Cricut Explore Air

In this project, I created a Layered Landscape using the Cricut Explore Air. I followed an example Illustrator drawing tutorial from Blog Spoon Graphics using Adobe Illustrator. I then turned into a project that could be fabricated using the Cricut Explore Air. This was an example project for my HS Digital Fabrication course for studnets to follow as they create their own Layered Landscapes.

Supplies

Cricut Explore Air

Cricut Standard Grip Mat

Colored Construction Paper

Adobe Illustrator 2021

Cricut Design Space v6.13.347

Step 1: Draw the Layered Landscape

Create an Illustrator Document with the size of an A5 (Vertical or Horizontal)

Draw using the Pen Tools to create a custom Layered Landscape Drawing (this one is based on Blog Spoon Graphics)

Step 2: Organize the Layers

Organize each of the indiviual pieces of the landscape into sepearte layers. This one has a total of 6 layers including the background.

Each layer should be a closed and continuous vector. Each layer (except the sun) also extends to the bottom of the page. This gives space for the layers to be gluded together.

Step 3: Save the Drawing As an SVG

In Illusrtrator, press File > Save As. . .

Save the drawing as an SVG file (this is the vectorfile type that the Cricut needs)

Step 4: Create a New Cricut Project

Open the Cricut Design Space and Log In / Create a New Account

Create a new project

Step 5: Upload SVG to Cricut

Upload your SVG file to the Cricut Design space by Browsing through the files or simply dragging the document in.

There may be some errors when uploading caused by any images or open vectors. Continue the process and let Cricut understand your drawing.

Step 6: Add the Upload to the Project

Select your most recent uploaded file and press add to Canvas.

Step 7: Organize the Layers in Cricut

Each vector will appear in the design space and on the Layers panel (on the right of the screen). Organize each vecotr and separate them.

Change each piece to the specific color of paper you want to use. This will separate each into a different cutting pad and specific it is a different material.

Step 8: Prepare the Cut

Press Make It in the top left corner. This will show you the Preparation screen where each different colored drawing appears on a new mat.

Place your paper on the Cutting Mat, taking note of the orientation and the measurment marks.

Move and rotate the drawing on the virtual mat to ensure that it will line up with the paper.

You will repeat this process for each of the different colors of paper.

Step 9: Send the Cut to the Machine

Select the mat you want to cut next.

Connect your computer to the machine using Bluetooth (if another person is connected to the machine, you might have to ask them to disconnect first).

Once the machine is connected, follow the on-screen instructions to prepare the machine (including setting material type to Paper, Loading the Mat into the machine, and running the cut)