Getting to Know My New Cricut Maker

I took the plunge and bought a new Cricut Maker because I’d been drooling over them for years. I’m a total newbie! Taking a little time getting to know my new Cricut maker because it is like a foreign object to me! Intimidating! I’m pinning Cricut ideas and watching YouTube’s about the Cricut Maker and projects like a fiend! I feel another craft obsession coming on, oh my! Seems like a good idea to watch a few videos to familiarize yourself with the Cricut machine before using it. There is tons of information out there, it’s overwhelming! First thing to do is download the Design Space app for the patterns. It’s certainly time to take it out of the box and stop being afraid of it! On to learn more!

I’m going to put it on my sewing desk. The sewing machine will have to be moved every time I use the Cricut Maker because my space in the craft room is so limited. It’s what I have to do when cutting fabrics for projects already so no big deal. Does anyone have enough space for their hobbies?! Now I’m going to use it for the first time.

The card project turned out great. The thrill of watching it in action certainly has made me a full-fledged addict to Cricut! Excitedly, I dove in and made several projects. Trial and error are the best teachers! I made a lot of mistakes but as a result, I’m not afraid of it any more!

I’m excited! Joined some groups on Facebook that have the most amazing members. They are always willing to help you out when you get stuck or have a question. I’ve learned so many invaluable things from them, therefore they are my go-to for answers.

I’ve learned you don’t mirror the images for stencils or transfers the hard way! I was able to save my second mistake by putting it in the inside of the glass and backing it with solid green making a mistake something beautiful! Plus I’m thinking that frame stuff might do better that way…hum? File that away for future reference.

Practice makes perfect and I’ll need a little more practice on rounded things like cups and mugs! For now I’m happy with flat projects. I’m becoming comfortable with design space. Having learned about Canva for my blog is going to be a double score because I can make patterns there also!* (Inkspace might be better after learning more about pattern making, but you can use the .png from Canva too) Check out my first attempts. Jim’s cup is my only original design shown below.

Pinterest and YouTube will definitely educate you on all the ins and outs of the machine. I would suggest subscribing and following some of the top Cricut people. I like Tanner Bell, Jennifer Maker and Melody Lane, but there are many good ones out there willing to teach you. This thing is so versatile, it’s amazing. I have so much more to learn, but after a good three week in, I feel great about my future with my new baby! After learning all the things you could do with fonts, I made my own pattern for my first reverse canvas. It turned out OK, but next time I will make the letters bigger to show more color. The urge to put vinyl on everything is real! Once bitten, there is no turning back! Just ask my neighbor, I put leftovers on her container that she shared food with me in!

So in conclusion, if you can afford a new Cricut maker, I highly recommend you get yourself one and enjoy it! I’m saving up for the easy press 2 next so I can do iron on transfers! What would you make? If you have, one feel free to share your projects.

Please a leave a comment below to inspire us.

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