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So You Got a New Cricut Maker, Now What?
Well you finally got it! Maybe you’ve been wanting it for a long time or someone decided for you, but now you have a New Cricut Maker, Now What? I’m here to help you begin that wonderful Cricut journey. Don’t get overwhelmed! It takes a little time and practice. Most of all don’t be scared! This machine is wonderful! Let get you started! Take that thing out of the box and set it some where you can use it! Leave some room in the back for it to run. You won’t be disappointed if you just start using it!
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The First Project- A Card
There will be a simple project included in the box that you should do as soon as you get set up. Don’t let that thing sit in the box! Get it out, find a place where it can set, remember it needs space behind it for the mat to move through as it cuts.
Alright, once you’ve made that first project, you’ll more than likely feel like you’ve been bitten my the Cricut bug. Beware the dangers! The Ugly Truth About Cricut Addiction- A Cautionary Tale. Don’t worry, it’s really harmless!
Next Project with the New Cricut Maker
Now it’s time to pick a project and get your first supplies. What did you get your Maker for? I originally got it thinking I’d be cutting fabric mostly and as it turns out, that the least I do with it so far in the year that I’ve had it! I’ve used it most every day and have tried to do everything this baby is capable of doing. Next I’ll just share the projects that I’ve done and a little help with each of them. Hopefully you will be inspired to make one of them or journey out and find something you want to make. The most important thing is to make something! You will need to use the Maker to get used to how it works and what it can do. Let me warn you that not everything is going to turn out perfect. That will come with a little time and practice. I promise you though that if you use it, you will love it and everything you can make! I make most of my presents for Christmas and birthdays. Cards are soooo much fun to make! I’ve even sold a few thing at my Etsy Shop. So lets check these thing out!
Start with Something Easy
After the first project, I bought heavy cardstock and started making gift tags.
Design Space is a must in my book. I get most of my designs there. after you sign in, click on the projects button and search in the upper right hand corner.
Or you can click new and then images and search for the design you like.
Once you’ve chosen your design click on it and make your tags.
Lots of Help in Facebook Groups
I would suggest that you join a few Cricut groups on Facebook. These are invaluable to you as a Cricut Maker enthusiast. Most all members show their projects and ideas and are willing to help you when you get stuck. I rely on my boards for encouragement, input on my projects and help with my problems. Type Cricut in the Facebook group search and pick the ones you would like to join.
Bravely Use That New Cricut Maker
So now you know how to use Design Space, what do you do next? I chose to put permanent vinyl in a picture frame. I buy all the wooden frames I can find at thrift stores then paint the frames black. I picked an 8 x 10” frame and chose a design. Next choose shapes and click on the square.
Unlock the square in the lower , left handle or between the sizes on the top menu bar, then size the square to a rectangle or size of your choosing.
Make sure the square is selected and send it to the back.
Drag your design and place it on top of the square. I changed the color of the square to be able to see it better.
With the lower, right handle drag the image until it is the size you want and it fits in the square.
Select both the square and design, go to align and select center.
Alright, now the image is sized, select the square and delete it.
Click make, mirror your image and load and cut your design.
Weed the project and apply transfer tape to the design, center on the glass and apply. Once the design is on the glass, I use either heavy cardstock or fabric for the background.
Try Different Kinds of Blanks
Cool, now I had some scrap wood and simply applied vinyl to them using the same technique to center them only DO NOT mirror this time as the go directly onto the surface upright. You will get this as you do more projects I promise.
Once you get good you will no doubt want to make a sign with several colors so please check out Sign Making -What’s the Right Way? and I hope it helps you.
Oh Well, You Need an EasyPress2
Breezing right along on your Cricut journey you will finally get good at your chosen projects.
You might have seen some of the T-shirt projects or onesies with cut saying made with iron on vinyl. Oohhh. Now you want an EasyPress2.
I chose the 12 x 10 “ figuring I could do most everything with it and so far this has been true. I have done T-shirts, hoops and pillows so far with everyday iron-on. I made the mistake of getting sports flex before I knew that it can only be used on 100% polyester. So I’m still looking for something to use that on, but other than that I’ve had a lot of success. I’ve even done Fabulous Footie Socks with Flocked Iron-On .
Things to Remember When Cutting HTV
Shiny side down and ALWAYS mirror. After you have your design cut and weeded you will want to consult the heating guide. Here you will choose the type of HTV you are using and the type of material you will be putting it on. It will also ask if you are using the EasyPress mat or a towel.
Once you have the temperature setting and amount of time to apply, turn the EasyPress2 on and set the temperature. As soon as it beeps you will be ready to apply your first design! How exciting! The heat guide will also tell you whether to warm peel or cool peel. If your design doesn’t stick for some reason, apply some more heat.
*I always turn my things over and apply at least 10 seconds of heat on the back. I think this helps.
New Tools More Project Possibilities
If this wasn’t enough, Cricut recently released new tools! They are interchangeable tips that fit one housing and can only be used with the Maker. The new QuickSwap tools are debossing, scoring wheel. engraving tip. perforation blade and wavy blade.
After using these a little more and I will let you know about them a little later when I get more experience with them. I have used the engraving tool to make these.
.Then I have used the wavy blade in this post, DIY Scalloped Pumpkins or Ornaments with the Cricut Wave Tool
Take Your Time and Enjoy Your Cricut Maker
Well that seems like a lot doesn’t it? Don’t worry, you don’t have to learn everything at once! All you need to do is keep picking projects from Pinterest, Facebook group ideas or from design space and do them! Each project will hopefully build on the last one adding knowledge with each one. Remember some of that might be what not to do, but knowledge none the less! Please use a balled up piece of foil and poke the cutting blade into it about 40 times between each use and that will extend the life of your blade. Push the top button down a little and stab away!
I would love to help you if you have any questions and even more want to see your projects so please leave either in the comments below. Happy Crafting!
Check out some of my items over at my Etsy Shop.
Large Hot Pad with Cricut Maker Tutorial
How to Perfectly Center a Large Vinyl Sign
Getting to know my easy press 2
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