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A Hosting Home

Styling and Inspiration + Handcrafted Designs

Coffee with Cathy

Cathy got a Cricut! // Initial Thoughts & Review

Y’all, I got a Cricut!

If you’ve been following me on Instagram stories for a while, you may remember that I got a Neato robotic vacuum for Christmas that I lovingly named ‘DJ Neato’ after embracing my inner Tom Haverford. I even had it clean my house while playing Ridin’ by Chamillionaire. (Obviously, I think I’m funny.) However, after it decided to break after the second use I decided to send it back and use that money to get myself something else. So if you’re wondering where all the Instagram stories of my DJ house cleaner went, now you know.

Disclaimer: I’m not bashing the Neato brand at all, their customer service was great and super accommodating! I just decided that after the frustration with it being defective, I wanted to spend my money elsewhere. 

Meanwhile, being a craft lover and avid blog reader, I had been hearing so much about the different Cricut cutting machines. I already had the Heidi Swapp Minc Foil Applicator machine (LOVE, by the way!), but I couldn’t believe how much that the Cricut could do in the size of a small inkjet printer! Basically it was a craft lovers dream come true in a machine. So after reading so many different blogs comparing the different machines, I decided to get the Cricut Explore Air 2 and try it out for myself.

Lucky for you, I’m here to tell you all about it before you decide to go buy your own!

My Initial Thoughts

While you can get a Cricut machine at stores like Hobby Lobby, I decided to get mine from the official Cricut website. For just over the price of the machine itself ($249) at stores like Hobby Lobby, I got the Cricut Explore Air 2 + Everything Starter Set ($299 – instead of its $595 value!) at shop.cricut.com. You’re going to have to drop money on all the tools and materials to get started anyways, and I found that the bundle was the most cost effective way to go. I had everything I needed to get started as soon as it arrived at my door.

But, let’s talk about when it came to my door, shall we? Y’all, it was like Christmas all over again! I’m not exaggerating that I sat criss-cross in my entryway tearing into the package as soon as it came into the door. It was so sleek and pretty right out of the box. Not to mention, the rest of the bundle was packaged all together neatly in a separate box.

When I got to opening everything up and figuring out what it all was, I also found that the instructions seemed super simple to understand and put into action. With the Cricut being my first real experience in the world of cutting and high-end craft machines, I decided what better way for this craft queen to to test it out than to dive right on into some projects.

My Cricut Explore Air 2 Review

First things first, this post is not sponsored. I am not getting paid to tell you how much I love the Cricut Explore Air 2. I really genuinely love it. I’m pretty sure that it’s actually magic. As a self proclaimed craft queen, I can’t wait to use it for everything. Which, by the look of the settings / materials dial, I don’t think I will have a problem doing so. It can deal with paper, vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, bonded fabric, and poster board along with a separate ‘custom’ setting for what seems like anything else. I’ve even read on other craft blogs that it can cut through thin balsa wood! However, I’ve yet to try it for myself – so don’t quote me on that! There’s a list of materials that your cricut can cut on this official cricut help page.

Cricut Access

As part of setting up your new machine, you have to install the Cricut Design Space software. One of the coolest things about designing with the Cricut was that you could do it from either your computer or any of your other devices via Bluetooth. That means that I could even design projects from my phone! The Cricut Design Space software is super easy to use whether you want to design your own project or use one of theirs in Cricut Access.

However, one thing that I do not like is that, while the software itself is free, most of the Cricut Design Space projects will cost you a little something (starting at $0.99). This is Cricut’s push to get people to invest in their Cricut Access membership.

  • Fonts Membership – $4.99 billed monthly for unlimited access to over 400 fonts
  • Standard Membership – $7.99 billed monthly
  • Premium Membership – $9.99 billed monthly

Personally, I didn’t like that after paying over $300 with tax and shipping I would have to pay more to do one of their projects. This isn’t exactly ideal for the normal person who may not know how to design their own projects and import them into Design Space. (Hi, Mom!) However, if you are a creative like me who stocks up on fonts from places like Creative Market and already know how to design your own projects in illustrator or photoshop, I think you won’t have a problem getting away with not paying for the monthly membership.

My First Projects

For my first projects, I wanted to create custom vinyl decals for our mailbox and our front door. They were super easy to make once I figured out how to weld designs, and I absolutely loved how they turned out. They were the perfect little touches to add a bit of curb appeal just in time for spring!

A Hosting Home Portfolio // Styling & Inspiration + Handcrafted Designs in Northwest Georgia 

I also wanted to test out how it would work uploading my own design into the Cricut Design Space. While all the blogs I was reading said that you had to upload .SVG files, I was able to upload our new logo as a .PNG, convert it, and have it cut out on vinyl to make a cute decal for my laptop.

Is it worth it? 

In the end, I must say that the Cricut Explore Air 2 is really one of my favorite things right now. I am more and more inspired now to see what I will be able to create next. (I’ll make sure to keep you updated on Instagram and Insta stories!) While I wish that the membership access is something that would change, I wouldn’t say it is a deal breaker. If you are interested in learning how to create unique designs for yourself, it’s just an additional learning curve. Especially if you are a creative and have some experience already, it is beyond worth it with all that it can do.

I hope you found this Cricut Explore Air 2 review helpful in deciding whether to purchase your own. What are your thoughts on the Cricut cutting machines? Do you have the Explore Air 2? Share your experience with me and the rest of my readers in a comment below!

March 9, 2018

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Comments

  1. Ayanna @ 21FlavorsofSplendor says

    March 9, 2018 at 8:07 pm

    This sounds like a great machine. I have the silhouette cameo and love it. If I ever need to get a new one, I’ll consider this Cricut.

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:15 am

      I have heard so many great things about the silhouette! I think which one you need ultimately depends on your needs, of course. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Angela Amores says

    March 10, 2018 at 4:02 am

    This is so cool!! One of mu girlFriends has something similiar. It was a life saver for birthday props for my sons bIrthday.
    Angela .

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:16 am

      I agree, Angela! It has been such a lifesaver for crafts already. 🙂 I can’t wait to see all that I can do with it!

      Reply
  3. Brittany says

    March 10, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    I have definitely thought about getting a circuit so thank you For reViewing it for me! Lol i love your HONESTY

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:16 am

      You’re so welcome, Brittany! That’s what I’m here for. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Rachel says

    March 12, 2018 at 11:58 am

    This is a great review! I’m glad you are loving your cricut! welcome to the dark side 🙂

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:17 am

      Thank you, Rachel! The dark place is such a fun, crafty place 😉

      Reply
  5. Mama to 6 Blessings says

    March 12, 2018 at 6:15 pm

    Awesome! I have been wanting one myself. I can use it in our homeschooling and crafts with the kids. can’t wait to see what crafts you are going to do with it!

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:19 am

      Love it!! what a great idea. I bet it would be perfect for that! 🙂 Thanks!

      Reply
  6. karen says

    March 12, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    i love your new mailbox with the Cricut letter! my friend just got one and gave me the cutest monogrammed apple candy holder. enjoy!

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:21 am

      Thank you, Karen! I am obsessed with our new mailbox decal. I can’t wait to add it to the shop soon! 🙂 How fun!

      Reply
  7. GWendolyn says

    March 12, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    This sounds like a fun machine that really lets your creative mind take you whereever you want! I’m sure the possibilities for projects are endless. I love the name you designed for your mailbox.

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:22 am

      It really is the best! I can’t wait to see everything else that can be done with it 🙂

      Reply
  8. Becki Svare says

    March 12, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    This looks like you’re going to have a lot of fun!! I love a new craft tool 🙂

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:22 am

      I am such a sucker for craft tools, Becki! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Sarah Belanger | sincerely anchored says

    March 18, 2018 at 12:56 am

    So fun! Enjoy your new toy!

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:23 am

      Thank you, Sarah! I can’t wait to play with it more. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Chelle giles says

    April 14, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    I love what you made On the craft paper. Is it possible to purchase The same lettering from you?

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      April 24, 2018 at 3:24 am

      That art piece is actually from a sweet Insta-friend, CottonwoodShanty! All of her #shantyscrolls are to die for!

      Reply

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Atlanta based Award Winning Interior and Event Designer and Home Blogger Cathy Nugent

Hi, friends! I'm Cathy, a nationally published award winning designer of spaces to gather and southern belle writer based out of a small(ish) town outside of Atlanta, Georgia. However, most people know me as the Monica Geller of my friend group – a coffee connoisseur and dog mom with a huge heart for hosting and an eye for design. The heart behind what I do is simple. I want to help you be intentional on creating spaces to gather and celebrating life's precious moments - whether that be weddings, parties, or something as simple as having loved ones in your home. Living Simply, Loving Generously, and Hosting with Heart.

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Momma went shopping… and I spent a lot more than Momma went shopping… and I spent a lot more than $873. (But don’t tell Rob that part. 💁🏼‍♀️)

The furniture for the study finally came in, and I was SO excited to see how perfect everything looks in here. Hands down my favorite room in the house. 😍👏🏼 Real talk: I can’t wait to curl up in here with a cup of coffee and a book while my kids destroy the house around me. 🫠🤷🏼‍♀️😂 #ahostinghome 

Comment STUDY for the link to these gorgeous leather arm chairs and the end tables. OR You can shop via @shop.ltk here ➡️ https://liketk.it/45GFW 

#ltkhome #diy #diyproject #diyprojects #interiordesign #homedesign #builtins #diybuilds #diybuild #diyideas #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomeprojects #diyhomedecor #diylikeamother #diydesigntherapy #traditionalhome #traditionalhomemagazine #traditionalhomedecor #traditionalhomestyle #homerenovation #bhg #bhghome #mybhg #bhgcolor #bhglivebetter #bhgstylemaker #kirklands #kirklandsfinds #tricornblacksherwinwilliams
Spring gardening is right around the corner, and I Spring gardening is right around the corner, and I’m already starting to get ours prepped thanks to @walmart Lawn and Garden! #AD With a newborn and a toddler, running errands can be quite the task. But thanks to #WalmartLawnandGarden, I’ve been able to get everything I need to kickstart our garden this year in one place — from the convenience of snuggling my babies on my couch with Walmart.com and the app! The time it saved me from running all over town, I got to spend making core memories with John as we taught him how to start his very first set of seeds in the @jiffygroup seed starting tray. 

Here’s a look at what we got to kickstart our garden this year:
- The @jiffygroup Seed Starting Greenhouse Kit: to grow our own seedlings and get a head start on the season by starting them indoors! 
- The  @ferrymorseseed Seed Starting Heat Mat: to give our seeds the best chance possible to promote germination and improve transplant results 
- Ferry Morse Seeds (flowers, tomatoes, and peppers!) 
- @pennington Rejuvenate Potting Mix and Garden Soil: to give our seedlings the nutrients they need once transplanted into our garden 
- Pennington Rejuvenate Tomato Plant Food
- @scottslawn Landscaping Fabric: to keep our garden clean and free of pesky weeds
- The @flexonhose Flextreme Advanced 100ft Hose: to keep it all watered without fighting kinks as we move easily around our raised garden beds

Add this kit to your cart now ➡️ https://click2cart.com/59600bc

Get a jumpstart on your spring and summer garden this year by shopping everything you need at Walmart, in-store or online at Walmart.com. And stay tuned to see how our garden comes together and grows this year! 

#GrowYourGardenatWalmart #GreenThumbAndGardenVariety
Tired of constantly charging your Dyson? (Or reall Tired of constantly charging your Dyson? (Or really, are you tired of forgetting to charge your Dyson?) Because I was. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Enter in: a DIY-er’s solution ➡️ stick a @dewalttough battery on that thing and vacuum for weeks on a single charge. 

But really, I’ve been using the same battery charge for a couple weeks now on vacuuming the downstairs of our house — and with two kids and two dogs, I do a quick vacuum every single day (sometimes multiple times a day!) The best part? Can rotate and charge with all our other Dewalt tool batteries. 

Comment LINK 🔗 for a DM with links to shop or shop via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/432TF

#ahostinghome #ltkhome #diy #diyhacks #diyhack #diyprojects #diyproject #amazonfinds #dyson #ltkfamily #ltkfind
Wait for it… ✨ Still can’t get over this stu Wait for it… ✨ Still can’t get over this study transformation we finished right before baby got here! Officially my favorite room and project in the house right now. 😍 #ahostinghome 

Color Details: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in @behrpaint (Marquee, Eggshell) from @homedepot #swcolorlove #tricornblack #tricornblacksherwinwilliams 

Wallpaper : @wall.blush (See the full mural on the other wall on my stories saved to the ‘STUDY’ highlight bubble!) 

Comment LINK 🔗 for a DM with a link to shop sources or shop via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/42XaB

#diy #diyprojects #diyproject #diyhomeprojects #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomedecor #diybuilds #diybuild #diybuiltins #builtins #builtinshelves #bhghome #bhg #mybhg #bhglivebetter #whodatwithponderosa #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #diyideas #diylikeamother #diyhome #homedecor #homedesign #interiordesign #ltkhome
James Kayleb Nugent January 20th, 2023 💛 James James Kayleb Nugent
January 20th, 2023 💛

James was born last Friday morning, and spent the first 5 days in the NICU for some breathing issues and fluid in his lungs. While those days were extremely rough, trying, and brought back a lot of emotions from Layne’s birth — God is so good, and my heart is just overwhelmed by His faithfulness. My favorite moment in life thus far was surprising John before bedtime the night we were finally discharged to come home. I’ll never forget the look on his face when I walked through that door. Thank you, Jesus, for my babies. 🦋💛 #ahostinghome
10/10 recommend just going for it and painting the 10/10 recommend just going for it and painting the entire room black. ✨ #ahostinghome

Color Details: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in @behrpaint (Marquee, Eggshell) from @homedepot #swcolorlove #tricornblack #tricornblacksherwinwilliams 

Wallpaper : @wall.blush (See the full mural on the other wall on my stories saved to the ‘STUDY’ highlight bubble!) 

#diy #diyprojects #diyproject #diyhomeprojects #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomedecor #diybuilds #diybuild #diybuiltins #builtins #builtinshelves #bhghome #bhg #mybhg #bhglivebetter #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #diyideas #diyhome #homedecor #homedesign #interiordesign #traditionalhome #traditionalhomemagazine #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle
✨ STUDY REVEAL ✨ I got a lot of nervous respon ✨ STUDY REVEAL ✨ I got a lot of nervous responses when I said I wanted to design an all black formal study right off my entryway, but I’m completely obsessed with every detail of this space. Rob has always wanted a study, so my goal with this space when it’s finished is to have almost like a moody, swanky cigar lounge feel. When we moved into this house this spring, I told Rob I was done playing it “safe for resale” with designing projects. Here’s to more of doing whatever the heck I want design wise in 2023! 👏🏼✨ Next up: let’s get this space styled and furnished! #ahostinghome

// Paint Color: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in @behrpaint Marquee (satin on built ins, eggshell on walls) at @homedepot #swcolorlove #tricornblack #tricornblacksherwinwilliams 

// Wallpaper: @wall.blush 

// Light Fixture linked via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/3Yy4l #ltkhome 

#diy #diyproject #diyprojects #interiordesign #homedesign #builtins #diybuilds #diybuild #diyideas #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomeprojects #diyhomedecor #diylikeamother #diydesigntherapy #traditionalhome #traditionalhomemagazine #traditionalhomedecor #traditionalhomestyle #homerenovation #bhg #bhghome #mybhg #bhgcolor #bhglivebetter #bhgstylemaker
It’s been a year. ✨ & I can’t wait to see wh It’s been a year. ✨ & I can’t wait to see what the next one holds. #ahostinghome
“And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end. “And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end.” ✨🎄 When do you take your Christmas decor down? The Christmas decor got put away earlier this week, and the house always feels so empty every year when it gets taken down! I was going to wait till next week to take it down, but with only 3 weeks left until baby arrives I’m finding myself in total nesting mode right now. Behind the scenes we’ve been putting finishing touches on the study while Rob was off work for Christmas, so I’ll be sharing all the photos and updates on that to the feed soon. In the meantime, who wants to come organize closets and baby stuff with me?! 😜 #ahostinghome

#bhghome #bhg #bhgholiday #bhghowiholiday #bhgchristmas #bhgcelebrate #homedecor #christmas #christmasdecor #christmastree #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #traditionalhomemagazine #homedesign #interiordesign #tablescape #tablesetting #tabledecor #tablescapes #centerpiece #tablecenterpiece

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