So you have a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2. Now what?
If you are like me, my Cricut Explore Air sat in a box for a LONG time before I started my first project. I was intimated by the mats and the blades. I had never used Cricut Design Space before. I worried I wouldn’t know what to do. I had ZERO experience in graphic design.
Not to mention, once I had it all set up what project should I start with?
I am embarrassed to admit this now. I have come a long way! I use my Cricut to cut leather, create vinyl projects, gift tags, t-shirts, labels, and so much more. You can too! It just takes a little time and a willingness to learn.
Let’s break it all down. Step-by-Step. No need to procrastinate! I can help!
The good news is a Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 is an intuitive machine. Once you get familiar with your machine, you won’t believe all the things you can do!
Let’s get making……
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Do I really need a Cricut?
A Cricut Maker is an investment. I remember years ago when they first came out I thought I would NEVER pay that much for a craft supply. I am frugal by nature and we have worked extremely hard to be debt-free. I am careful about big purchases and a Cricut maker is a BIG purchase in our home.
That being said, I am so glad we bought this machine. My daughter uses it regularly for gifts and projects. I use it to help YOU all make lovely things. In short, we get plenty of use out of it.
I am an avid crafter and this is the ONE craft “supply” we use OVER and OVER again. I am learning new ways to use this machine every week. And the best part is, you don’t need a lot of expensive “extras” to do projects. If you craft regularly, you probably have on hand the things you need.
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What machine should I buy? A Cricut Maker or a Cricut Explore Air 2?
Is a Cricut Maker Easy for beginners?
Yes! Take your time learning your new machine. Youtube is a fantastic resource for beginners and seasoned Cricut Maker owners.
Most machines come with a first project within the box. Take the time to complete that project. It is an excellent way to become familiar with your machine.
The biggest learning curve in setting up your machine is learning all Cricut Design Space. You can learn all the basics about Cricut Design Space HERE. I do not have a graphic design degree. I am self-taught. You can do it too! I promise. It is super user-friendly.
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Cricut Design Space for Beginners
What projects can I do with my Cricut?
You can make so many different projects with a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air. This is the big reason we invested in a machine!
You can make home decor pieces for Fall, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and MORE!
You can design and create cards, paper flowers, cake toppers, and jewelry. You can cut vinyl for decals, make labels, t-shirts, custom bags, leather earrings, and custom baby clothes. You can even create your own custom stickers! I could go on and on!
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Open Teardrop Leather Earrings
Circle with Cutout Leather Earrings
Where can I find Cricut Projects?
You can find amazing Cricut Projects inside Cricut Design Space. Some are free and some cost money to use the files.
Circuit Access is a monthly or yearly subscription to Cricut Design Space with access to over 30,000 nonlicensed images, 1,000 projects, and 400 fonts. A membership to Cricut Access will also get you a discount on products and shipping at Cricut.com.
You do not need a subscription to Cricut Access to use Cricut Design Space.
You can also find great Cricut Projects on Pinterest. In fact, most of my Cricut Project ideas start with Pinterest. Simply search in the Pinterest search what you are looking for. Many bloggers offer tutorials and some offer free cut files!
You can also find Cricut Projects inside my free resource library. You can get access HERE. Once you subscribe you will receive a password to my library.
My files are free for personal use.
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CRICUT DESIGN SPACE FOR BEGINNERS
What is a good first Cricut Project?
Each machine comes with a sample project. I would recommend you do that project to familiarize yourself with your machine!
Here are some other great Projects for beginners:
How do I get free Cricut Projects?
When you go into Cricut Design Space click PROJECTS. In the upper right-hand corner of your screen, you will see a drop-down menu. Scroll down to FREE.
The projects in this category are free to cut with your machine. You will need to purchase the supplies, the mat, and the proper blade the project calls for. The files you are cutting are FREE to use within Cricut Design Space.
Another way to get free Cricut Projects is to search FREE CUT FILES on Pinterest. Many bloggers and DIY crafters share their cut files for free. Be sure to read the terms of use. Most blogger’s free cut files are for personal use only so make sure you read their usage guidelines.
If you have never uploaded a file into Cricut Design Space. You will need to download the cut file and upload the file into Cricut Design Space. I have a tutorial here.
Also, I have free cut files inside my resource library. You can get access here. You can see all my Cricut projects HERE.
Also, it is important to mention, the shapes are FREE within Cricut Design Space.
Does Cricut Have free fonts?
Yes, Cricut Design Space does have some free fonts. To find free fonts, click the text box and type in the words you want to use.
Now, click the fonts box on the upper left-hand screen. Your screen will look like this.
At the top of your screen, you will see ALL, SYSTEM, CRICUT. When you click, SYSTEM this is all the free fonts.
If you purchase fonts from Etsy or other sites and uploaded those to your computer, they will show up here as well!
I often buy fonts from Etsy. My favorite place to buy fonts is KA Designs.
You can also purchase fonts within Cricut Design Space if you want. Cricut Access has over 400 fonts.
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My FAVORITE place to purchase fonts!
Where can I get SVG for free?
The internet is full of great SVG files you can use for free. Be sure to read all the licensing agreements with each file you use. Some files are for personal use only. Read the fine print.
Here are some places to get free SVG files
My library. I have a free resource library of SVG files. You can get access HERE.
Also, search PINTEREST! Pinterest is full of free SVG files. Search by what type of SVG file you are looking for!
What can I make and sell with a Cricut?
Yes, you can make and the products you make with your Cricut. You can sell earrings, custom t-shirts or crewnecks, personalized water bottles, labels, and so much more! Check out Cricut Items to Sell for more information.
It is important to make sure you can use the images and fonts you use to create your products. Do your homework! Some cut files are for personal use only. Make sure the images and fonts you are using are for commercial usage if you intend to sell your products. Better yet, design your own fonts and SVG files!
Also, think outside the box! You don’t have to make and sell physical products. You could design cut files, start a blog about Cricut making, or write ebooks or courses about Cricut techniques. The options are endless!
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