Just like the rest of 2020, Christmas is going to look a little different this year. Despite the recent announcement of a temporary respite, the holiday period will still see more restrictions than ever before, with families shaping up to be a little more distant at a time which usually brings us closer together.
Despite all of the hardships the country has been through as a collective, 2020 has also brought out the best in people. We’ve celebrated lockdown birthdays, made friends with our postmen, and clapped for our key workers – recognising some of our real heroes who have helped the country keep going. While the prospect of restrictions easing in the spring there is a sense of a tough winter period ahead – and we all need a bit of a lift heading into 2021.
One of the easiest ways to give people a lift – whether it’s a friend, family member or neighbour – is kindness. Even just small, thoughtful acts can go a long way to showing someone you care. It even makes us feel good too. We carried out research to find out the nations latest attitudes towards kindness and its importance. We found that over half (58%) of people prefer giving, to receiving acts of kindness.
Being kind is important to us at Cricut. It may seem obvious, but we’ve always been struck by the power our products have to bring joy, thoughtfulness and kindness to someone’s day – from making someone a personalised card, to customising a gift for a special occasion. Cricut really does have the power to add little touches, which make a big difference.
That’s why this Christmas, we’ve launched the #MessagesOfJoy campaign, celebrating the small acts of kindness each of us has the power to bring to someone who might need it.
We’ve partnered with the fabulous Katie Piper to create the #MessagesOfJoy positive affirmations – beautifully crafted quotes that can be added to a gift, decorations, cards and more, to give that special someone the lift they might need. From ‘Thankyou For Being You’ to ‘Kindness Is Love Made Visible’, the mantras have been crafted to get people thinking, and creating.
We’d love to see you recreating Katie’s projects or maybe even creating your own personal messages for your loved ones. Don’t forget to share them with us on all of our social channels using #MessagesOfJoy. Because at Cricut, we care about kindness, and this year, we could all use a little more of it.
Get into the Christmas spirit with this curated playlist hosted on Spotify.
This is the perfect soundtrack to your Christmas crafting and you’ll have it playing on a loop whilst the Cricut magic happens.
Here’s a small selection of what treats await:
There are more than 30 tunes in total, including Celeste’s soundtrack to this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert – A Little Love, and Cricut’s very own craft ambassador Zooey Deschanel’s duet with Leon Radbone – Baby It’s Cold Outside.
Pour a glass of mulled wine, warm cider or a cosy hot chocolate and get your Christmas craft on!
Make this Christmas more meaningful than ever with handmade gifts and home decor from the heart. From a show-stopping wreath to hang for years to come to yarn ornaments you can wrap with the little ones, find peace and joy in the making process, whichever project you pick.
Yarn Wrapped Ornaments
These simple yarn-wrapped ornaments will make a big impact on your tree, and they’re wonderfully easy for smaller helping hands to assemble.
Cut chipboard on the Cricut MakerTM and wrap with yarn glueing the ends in place. Add a yarn loop and hang on the tree. We chose a tree, star and reindeer but you can choose whatever shape you like.
Bring the fun, the festive, and some amazing flavour to the dinner table with tasty olive oil infusions adorned with custom labels.
Let the Cricut JoyTM draw and cut your labels. Add lemon, chilli peppers and garlic to oil bottles, and fill with olive oil. Carefully peel backer away from label and adhere to the bottle with even pressure.
You may want to kiss yourself after you make this head-turner. This festive wreath won’t wilt, shrivel, or shed. We expect you’ll keep it hanging all winter long … and every subsequent season.
There is crafting — and there are craft cocktails. This original gift kit blends them together, adding more magic to the art of mixology. It’s also a clever and fun way to bring friends together for a virtual cheers.
Use Cricut Joy to create labels for your cocktail ingredients and apply to the containers. Cut the box label and weed away excess vinyl. Use Transfer Tape to help apply the letters to the box. Add tissue paper to the box, fill the containers with the ingredients and place inside the box. Send to your Cricut Cocktail Club cohorts and enjoy a virtual get together.
Getting started with your Cricut machine shouldn’t feel daunting, here are some tips and tricks to get you started on your Cricut journey!
First of all, Download Cricut Design Space, and follow the steps to set up your machine. The screen will guide you through plugging in your new Cricut machine and will help you cut out your first image.
Once you have cut your first project, have a play with Design Space! Start with a simple vinyl decal or a cut-out image to create a card. You can use the spare materials that came in the box to get you started. Search in the image library for something that catches your eye, add it into the canvas, resize it to fit then click ‘make it’ to cut it out of your chosen material!
To start with, focus on one material, get to grips with that then everything will be simpler for you from there. This material could be vinyl or cardstock or even iron-on, whatever takes your fancy!
The free projects category is another great place to start. Each project has instructions for you to make it as is or click customise to open up the project in the canvas to be able to edit it. This is a great way to play around with a project without starting from a blank canvas.
There is lots of help available to you as you need it, here are some places to find it:
Join a Facebook group:
On Facebook, you will find lots of Cricut Facebook groups to join. As a beginner, these are a great place to get expert help and answers to all of your questions.
These groups are also a great place to make Cricut friends and join the Cricut community! You come across inspiration for your upcoming projects too. Search in a group for a topic, no doubt others will have asked similar questions before, or create a post asking for help – There are no silly questions; we’ve all been there!
Many groups have lives, workshops and online events to join in with, as well as units or files full of information to help you.
The following Facebook Groups are led by Cricut Product Experts (These are group admins who have been approved by Cricut):
Purchase your machine from John Lewis and you can get a free workshop. Simply click the link on the product page on the John Lewis web site, complete the form, send a copy of your proof of purchase and you’ll be sent a link to view the workshop. Follow along at your own pace, pause, replay and watch as many times as you want to.
Cricut Wednesdays at Hobbycraft:
On Wednesdays Hobbycraft run ‘Cricut Wednesday’, where you will find a resident Cricut expert answering Cricut questions on the Hobbycraft Facebook page and sometimes Instagram stories and you’ll discover takeovers from Cricut experts, video tutorials and inspirational projects too.
You’ll find Cricut experts instore and check out your local custom crafting store for a wide range of Cricut supplies.
Follow fellow Cricut lovers on Instagram too, search the hashtag #cricutcreated on Instagram to find Cricut content and inspiration created by Cricut users! You’ll see creators using their machines for everything from home décor, sewing, organisation, paper crafting, model making and more, so it won’t take long to find someone whose projects will inspire you.
Cricut YouTube channel:
The Cricut YouTube channel has hundreds of easy to follow videos, these are a helpful resource for beginners as you will find short videos with everything you need to know.
There are lots of free images available to you in Cricut Design Space! Here’s how to find, and make the most of, your free images in Cricut Design Space.
These images are available to you with or without a Cricut Access subscription. If you subscribe to Cricut Access, many more images will be available to you without an additional charge. Alternatively you can purchase images and fonts individually. Once you have purchased an image individually it remains on your profile, free to use on any future project. Cricut Access images are only free to use whilst you have an active Cricut Access subscription.
How to find free images
Open up a new project, then head to images in Cricut Design Space. You’ll find this in the left-hand bar in the Desktop version or in the tool bar at the bottom of your screen on the app.
Free this week, is the first place to browse free images. Each week Cricut make around 1,000 images in Design Space free for the week.
You can find these under Highlighted Categories. Click on Free this Week, to discover the selection of images that have been chosen for that period. Remember that if you use these images in projects after the free week is up, you may be charged.
Another place to find all free images is to head to the All Images screen and then click the green Browse All Images link. Use the filter function to apply a filter to Free under the Ownership heading. This will narrow your search to only images that are free. You will find this in the side bar on desktop. To access the filters on the app, click the funnel icon to bring up the filter menu.
You can also find free images in Shapes; the Shapes panel is a great place to find free quick and simple shapes and lines for your projects. Click Shapes, to bring up a menu of simple shapes, then click on the shape you would like to add it into your canvas. These shapes are always free to use.
How to find free projects
As well as free images, there are also free projects. Again these can change so you may be charged for a project you have previously cut for free.
In Design Space filter the Ready to Make project category to Free.
Enjoy using your free images for all of your Cricut makes!
Designed especially for the Cricut Joy™ machine, this new companion app makes popular DIY projects quicker and easier than ever. Think simple, single-material projects like cards, labels, stickers, and iron-on transfers – fun, functional projects that take 15 minutes or less.
Cricut Joy owners who want a radically simplified making experience for some of the most popular DIY projects will love the Cricut Joy app. With a guided design experience and simple controls, you can make cards, custom labels, stickers, and much more in just a few taps. Design SpaceTM is still your go-to for advanced design features or to create with multiple materials and layers.
The Cricut Joy app is free to download, and for a limited time, all fonts and images in the Cricut Joy app are free to use.
What can you make?
Insert Cards
Create the perfect card at a moment’s notice. Choose a design and play with contrasting colours to make it special. Then tell Cricut Joy to make it!
Quick Labels
Make labels for spice jars, a kitchen cupboards, school supplies, office, and more. Just select one of the professionally-designed label styles, size it, add text, choose a font and colour, then prompt your Cricut Joy to cut or draw.
Vinyl Stickers & Decals
Decorate water bottles, notebooks, electronics, windows, walls…you name it. Choose from a library of ready-to-use images, prompt your Cricut Joy to cut your design, then peel and stick! It’s that easy.
Iron-On & Infusible InkTM Heat Transfers
Design your own t-shirts, tote bags, or whatever you dream up. Find an image, type out text or create a design that uses both. Prompt Cricut Joy to cut or draw, then follow the instructions to complete the heat transfer.
Papercraft
Make simple but spectacular gift tags, cupcake toppers, party place cards, and more. Design, cut, and assemble in just a few steps.
Cricut Joy app top FAQs
Will Cricut Joy still work with Design Space?
Yes! Design Space is still your go-to for more complex projects that use multiple layers, colours, and/or materials.
Can I use Cricut Joy app to make Cricut Insert Cards?
Yes! Download the app and try it now.
Is Cricut Joy app available in multiple languages?
At this time, Cricut Joy app is available in English only.
Will Cricut Joy app be available for Android?
At this time, Cricut Joy app is only available for iOS. It will be available for Android in the near future.
Can I upload my own images or fonts?
Currently you cannot upload your own images and fonts to Cricut Joy app. To upload and create with your own images, use Design Space.
What kinds of content will I find in Cricut Joy app?
All single layer Cricut Access content is available in Cricut Joy app. Single layer content is cut from a single sheet of material. You’ll also have access to a large library of fonts, including a selection of compatible iOS fonts from your iPhone.
Can I save projects in Cricut Joy app?
Cricut Joy app will auto-save projects as you design them. Whenever you exit a project, you will get a prompt to save the project to My Stuff. Access your saved projects from Home > My Stuff.
Can I access my Design Space projects in Cricut Joy app and vice versa?
No. Design Space and the Cricut Joy app are separate and distinct experiences. You cannot save a project in one and access it from the other.
Can I make projects with multiple layers in the Cricut Joy app?
Cricut Joy app is for single-layer/single-material designs. For more complex projects that require multiple layers, colours, and/or materials, use Design Space.
Can I share my projects with other members of the Cricut community?
Currently, you cannot share projects in Cricut Joy app.
New to Cricut?
Welcome! To use this companion Cricut Joy app, first activate your new machine at cricut.com/setup. Then, head over to the Apple App Store and download Cricut Joy app.
Where do I download Cricut Joy app?
You can download the app onto your iOS device HERE.
“Which Cricut machine should I choose?”… a question we often get asked and one we love to help answer! There are so many things to consider when buying a machine that we have put together this guide to help you make the best decision on which Cricut Machine is the right match for you!
It’s helpful to have a few things in mind to help you decide on a machine. Thinking about each of these points will help you match your needs with the best Cricut machine for you. In this article we also look at each machine in more detail, there’s a comparison chart at the end which summarises the key differences between the machines, and we’ve even created a little flow chart to help you further. But for now, let’s have a think about what we need to consider:
Is the size of the machine important to you and how portable you would like it to be? Cricut JoyTM is compact and can be taken out and about easily. Cricut MakerTM and Cricut Explore AirTM 2 are much bigger and heavier so will probably be harder to move around.
Think about what materials you would like to be able to cut. The cutting of different materials is one of the biggest differences between machines. So, is a good starting point to think about when choosing which machine is for you. Cricut Joy cuts 50+ materials, Cricut Explore Air 2 cuts 100+ materials and Cricut Maker cuts 300+ materials.
Have a rough idea of what you would like to make, looking for the best machine for you will be much easier if you have a few projects in mind! If your projects are big in scale and complexity then a machine with a larger cutting width such as Maker and Explore will be best. If your projects are more compact, or you don’t mind arranging smaller images together as one larger image, then Cricut Joy would be great.
Similarly, consider what size of cutting area you are interested in. Cricut Joy has a cutting width of 4.5 inches and a cutting length of up to 20 feet compared to the Maker and Explore machines that can cut up to 12×24 inches.
Think about the other tools you might be interested in besides cutting. Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker can both add foil embellishments and both can score; Explore with the scoring stylus and Maker with the stylus or the scoring wheels. The Cricut Maker also has the Adaptive Tool SystemTM so with additional tools can also engrave, perforate, deboss and there’s a knife blade for thicker materials such as basswood or heavy chipboard. It comes with the rotary tool for cutting fabrics too.
Will you want to do more in the future? Consider what your cutting needs might be in the future once you get the Cricut bug! If you think you’re going to want to try lots more and grow your craft skills then you’ll need a machine that grows with you. Cricut Maker is best for this as it can do the most.
Once you have a preferred machine in mind, there are a few other things to consider:
Everything you need to get started comes in the box with your machine, but we recommend buying a basic toolset, an extra set of mats and a few materials so that you can get playing straight away. If you are looking at using iron-on vinyl for your projects, consider the Cricut EasyPressTM to accompany your machine.
Download the software, Cricut Design Space. You can download the free Cricut app onto your smartphone or tablet direct from your app store (iOS and Android) or download the software on to your computer from https://design.cricut.com/ before you have a machine. This means you can have a play with it to see if it’s right for you. This is the software that you use to design your projects then cut them on your machine. All machines are driven by the Design Space App so there is no difference for beginners when it comes to using the software, however, Cricut Joy does have a simpler app you can also use, to help you create quick projects on the go. Click here to find out more about Design Space and click here for details of the app created specifically for Cricut Joy.
All three machines use Bluetooth connectivity to connect to devices via Bluetooth. Cricut Joy has no cables to connect to the computer it works solely with Bluetooth, the Maker and Explore Air 2 have an optional USB cable to connect them to a computer or laptop.
Still can’t decide? Emma Jewell of Emma Jewell Crafts, has put together this handy guide which leads you through a series of questions to find the Cricut machine that fits you best!
Of course, this is a bit of fun to start you on your search. Please use this information to help guide your search rather than give you a definitive answer!
Follow the questions to see which machine the guide recommends to you:
I want to know more about Cricut Maker
• The most versatile Cricut machine, with additional tools and blades, the Maker can cut 300+ materials.
• Cutting area of up to 12×24 Inches. Comes with two 12×12 cutting mats to keep materials in place while cutting.
• Cuts any fabric using the rotary blade that comes with the machine.
• Cuts thick/dense materials Like Balsa wood, foam and leather using the add on Knife Blade.
• Has an Adaptive Tool System with a range of add on tools – Debossing, Perforation, Engraving, Scoring, Knife Blade, Wavy Blade and foiling tip
• Can cut materials like Cardstock, Paper, Vinyl, Iron-on and Vinyl with ease.
• Can draw or write with a pen.
• Can cut out an image printed to your printer onto any colour of material. This is a great feature for making stickers.
• Connects via Bluetooth or USB cable to your device.
• Available in Champagne or Rose colours.
In the box:
-Cricut Maker
-Fine point blade
-Rotary blade (for cutting fabric)
-Pink cutting mat (for fabrics)
-Blue cutting mat (for materials like card, vinyl and iron-on)
-Black pen.
-Power cable and USB cable.
-Materials for your first project.
I want to know more about Cricut Explore Air 2
• Great for cutting Iron-on, Vinyl and Cardstock, and cuts 100+ materials.
• Can draw or write with a pen.
• Can add on a deep cut blade for thicker materials like leather.
• Can cut cotton fabric that has been bonded with an interfacing using the fine point blade.
• A Scoring Stylus is available for scoring projects.
• Can add on the Cricut Foil Transfer System for adding foiled elements to projects.
• Can cut out an image printed to your printer onto white material. This is a great feature for making stickers.
• Has a cutting area of up to 12×24 inches.
• Connects via Bluetooth or USB to your device.
• Comes in a range of colours.
In the box:
-Cricut Explore Air 2 machine
-Fine point blade
-Blue cutting mat
-Black pen
-Power cable and USB cable
-Materials for your first project
I want to know more about Cricut Joy
• The most portable machine. Its small size makes it easy to carry around and store!
• Perfect for quick projects.
• Cuts cardstock, iron-on and vinyl with ease – cuts 50+ materials.
• Compatible card mat and ready-to-make projects in Design Space make card making even easier.
• Can cut up to 20ft of length with a width of up to 5 inches
• Works with Cricut Smart Materials to cut without a mat.
• Can draw or write with a pen.
In the box:
-Cricut Joy machine
-Green mat
-Black pen
-Power cable
You’ll find a handy machine comparison guide below (prices, subject to change!) to help you compare the three machines:
We hope you have found this article helpful and now have a better idea of which Cricut machine is right for you, but if you’re still undecided, we’ve worked with John Lewis to offer a concise video to compare our machines.
Vivid. Vibrant. Voila! Welcome to Cricut Infusible Ink, where you can create beautiful, bold designs that look truly professional on your T-shirts, totes and more. What makes Cricut Infusible Ink so special is that it looks store-bought, but it’s infused by YOU. Unlike the vinyl or iron-on process, where artwork is attached on top of a base material using adhesive, an Infusible Ink transfer actually becomes one with the material itself. The results are bright, beautiful, seamlessly smooth custom transfers that are peel-proof, flake-proof, and wash-proof.
Beginner’s guide to Infusible Ink:
How Infusible Ink Works:
1. Choose your blank. Select Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or Infusible Ink Pens & Markers and a compatible Cricut blank.
2. Make your design. Use Design Space and your Cricut cutting machine to cut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or draw with Infusible Ink Pens & Markers onto standard copy paper.
3. Apply heat. Infuse your design into your Cricut blank with Cricut EasyPressTM.
Transfer Sheets:
These are sheets that come in block colours or patterns, that can be cut on a Cricut machine into your desired shape or design, then applied onto a blank of your choice. You put the sheets face up onto your mat and mirror your design. You then press them face down onto your blank. The high heat of the EasyPressTM 2 ensures the ink transfers from the sheet onto your blank and you can visibly see the difference with the colour disappearing from the sheet after the application.
Pens:
Infusible Ink pens use the same Infusible Ink technology in a pen form. These can fit into your machines so that your machine can draw a design for you, or you can draw or colour by hand before pressing your design on to a blank (just remember your image will be mirrored).
You use copy paper to draw your design onto before pressing it. If you are drawing with the machine you just pop the piece of paper onto the blue light grip mat and load it into the machine.
Note that the Cricut JoyTM has different sized Infusible Ink pens to the Cricut MakerTM and Cricut Explore AirTM 2. Joy pens are available in sets of 3, Infusible Ink pens for the Maker and Explore are available in packs of 5 or 30.
Blanks:
Because of the way Infusible Ink works it will only work with compatible blanks. We have designed a range of blanks that will give the best results, including T-shirts, tote bags coasters, cushion covers, make-up bags and a wine bag.
Here’s everything you need to make a project with Cricut Infusible Ink:
Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore or Cricut Joy
Cricut Standard Grip Machine Mat
Cricut EasyPress 2
Cricut EasyPress Mat
Cricut Blank (compatible with Infusible Ink)
Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or Infusible Ink pens
Cricut heat resistant tape
Copy paper
Butcher paper (comes with sheets)
White Cardstock
Lint-free cloth (for coaster blank projects)
Lint roller (for fabric blank projects)
Scissors and tweezers
How to use Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets in 5 easy steps:
Step One:
Choose an image in Cricut Design Space, make sure that it is smaller than your EasyPress. Mirror the image and choose Infusible Ink transfer sheet from the material list.
Step Two:
Lay the Infusible Ink transfer sheet face-up on the mat, then load it into the machine and start cutting. Once the cut is complete, remove the sheet.
Step Three:
Weed your design (take away the bits you don’t need) leaving only the design on the clear carrier sheet.
Step Four:
Next set up your EasyPress mat referring to the Cricut Heat Guide for the correct order to layer your mat and materials ensuring you lay a piece of paper onto the mat to protect it. Heat up your EasyPress, to the temperature indicated by the Heat Guide based on your chosen blank and Infusible Ink pens or sheets. Next lay down your blank on the mat. If you’re using a fabric blank, use a lint-roller to remove invisible fibres. If you’re using a ceramic blank, rub with a lint-free cloth to remove dust or unwanted particles. Add the weeded design face down onto the blank. Cover the sheet with a piece of the butcher paper. Press for the time indicated by the Heat Guide.
Step Five:
Once cooled, peel away the butcher paper and transfer sheet to reveal your completed project.
Opt for a cute clown look with this easy DIY costume, all you need is a plain white t-shirt and some coloured iron-on, to create a clown that’s circus ready!
If you can’t dress up as a mermaid for Halloween, when can you? Take a plain long skirt and create a beautiful shimmering mermaid tail that you can use with your land legs!
The cutest pumpkin in your family needs a cute outfit to match, take a plain orange baby grow and add a pumpkin face to create a cute outfit for the youngest member of your family.
We often say that the possibilities are endless when you own a Cricut machine as there are so many different types of projects you can create. In this round up of 10 things you didn’t know you could make with a Cricut, there are a few more ideas that might surprise you!
1. Doormats
Welcome visitors to your home with an extra personal greeting by creating your own doormat. Simply cut a stencil from stencil or removable vinyl and use it to paint a long-lasting doormat that will wow your guests and the postman!
To create miniature versions of your furniture there is no better tool than the Cricut maker! Emily (better know on Instagram as Make.e) has been creating a gorgeous dolls house with her Cricut Maker, we want to move in!
3. Body art stencils
Body artist Cat Finlayson cuts stencils on her Cricut machines to create intricate body art! Cat uses the stencils to add paint to a model’s body in intricate custom patterns. This technique would work great at home for children’s glitter tattoos and face paint too! Cat explains how she creates her stencils in her blog post here.
4. Engraved jewellery
Add an even more personal touch to a keepsake gift by engraving a name onto a charm before gifting it to a loved one. This thoughtful touch is made possible by the engraving tool on the Cricut Maker.
The rotary blade on the Cricut Maker takes the faff out of pattern cutting and marking. You can cut out all of the pieces for your own classy backpack on your machine, then sew them together to create a backpack to carry all of your things around in!
Creating a personalised puzzle is great gift! Use the print and cut function to print out a photo then cut it into puzzle pieces, perfect for game night!
Create an educational tracing mat tool for your little ones using the Cricut Maker. Children can trace the letters with white board markers, then you can wipe clean ready for next time!
Karley Hall shows you how to create your own in her video:
8. Vinyl tile upgrade
Want to freshen up a kitchen or bathroom on a budget? Or perhaps you are renting, so new tiles are out of the question. Use vinyl over the top of your existing tiles to create beautiful new ones!
There are hundreds more Ready to Make projects in Cricut Design Space if you’re in need of more inspiration. Head to design.cricut.com or the iOS / Android app store to download the free app.
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