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Truth: I absolutely LOVE my Cricut Maker. Waaaaay back when the original Cricut digital die cutter was introduced, I will admit my reaction was luke warm. Because cartridges. 🙁 I had (still have) an aversion to spending $50-70+ (?) on a collection of 100 or 200 designs, and then discovering I really only like, and will actually use, maybe 10 of them. 🙅🏻♀️
Fast forward to 2020. On the one hand, I regret waiting so long, and on the other, waiting through the advancements in technology with these machines has led to VAST improvements! After owning a number of other digital die cutting machines (and, yes, I admit I was also influenced by a friend who raved about hers!), I decided it was time to try the Maker out.
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My current storage system for the machine, accessories and vinyl.
WHAT IS A CRICUT? (Pronounced “cricket”, not “cry-cut”)
A Cricut is a digital cutting machine, also known as a “plotter”. It is available in various models from the Maker (the big sister), the Explore/Explore Air 2 (middle child) and the Joy (baby/uber portable).
WHAT CAN IT CUT?
The Joy can cut over 50 different materials, that include precut/scored cards, 80# card stock, sticker paper, vinyl, etc. Designed for smaller projects and lighter weight materials, its small, compact form and weight make it perfect for crafting on the go/while traveling. It can also draw and foil with accessory pens/markers and tips designed specifically for the little power-house.
The Explore Air 2/Explore 3 is capable of cutting over 100 lightweight materials, like card stock, poster board, vinyl and craft foam sheets, etc. It can also draw/write with accessory pens/markers, apply foil, score paper as well as cut bonded fabric.
The Maker/Maker 3 can cut everything the Explore Air 2/Explore 3 does, PLUS it can also cut balsa wood, leather, matboard—over 300 different materials.
The key difference between the Maker and the Explore models being that the Maker has the most horse power, and with its unique Adaptive System, makes use of a variety of rotary style blades for certain applications and Quick-swap housings for even greater convenience and capabilities.
To compare the most recent models in extensive detail, click HERE.
Sidebar: Since I bought my machine, Cricut has released the next generation versions, the Maker 3 and the Explore 3; these are designed to work with Smart Materials and when using them, can cut at accelerated speeds.
WHAT SOFTWARE DOES IT USE?
Cricut machines come with their own FREE software; Design Space is their full-featured, cloud-based desktop software, available for Mac and Windows. Also available for free are the Cricut Joy app, and Design Space Apps for both iOS devices and Android.
Using the software, you can upload SVGs (Scalable Vector Graphics), also known as cutting files, and use them to cut various types of designs from greeting cards, gift boxes and 3D type items. In conjunction with your home printer, you can also print PNG (Portable Network Graphic) designs and then cut them out with your Cricut machine, a feature known as “Print Then Cut”; yes—as in you can make your own die cut stickers!!! I’m hoping to do an article in the future on that, once I’ve tested some sticker materials out, but if you want to learn right away, there are TONS of tutorials on YouTube for making DIY stickers with your Cricut.
IS THE SOFTWARE HARD TO LEARN?
There’s always a bit of a learning curve with anything new, no matter what it is! That said, the Design Space software is actually very easy to use; below I have a video showing the basics of uploading an SVG file and preparing it for cutting:
WHERE CAN I GET DESIGNS OR CUTTING FILES?
Cricut offers a subscription to their design library, called Cricut Access. The monthly fee is about $10USD for access to thousands of designs. Additional fees are charged, on top of the monthly Access subscription, to use licensed items, i.e. Disney. Access designs cannot be downloaded to your computer. Basically, it’s like a rental system; if you discontinue your Access subscription, you will no longer be able to use those particular designs. You can also choose to purchase individual files as you go, without a subscription to Access, but you will not be able to download them permanently onto your computer or a separate drive; they will simply be permanently available in your Cricut Library.
You can also purchase designs and SVG cut files from a wide variety of places, such as Etsy, Silhouette’s Design Store, and independent digital design shops, such as mine. My shop is new and my inventory small at this point, but I plan to grow it.
When you purchase a digital design or receive it as a “freebie”, you do not own the artwork itself; you are granted a license with terms of use, which you should always read and keep somewhere for reference later on. Some licenses allow personal use only, and others allow commercial use under certain situations or with stipulations. Any legitimate designer will include a license that explains their terms of use for their files and these will vary from one designer to the next.
When you sign up for my shop mailing list, you will receive a coupon to get the Good Vibes Only Card SVG file shown in the video for FREE.
WHO IS A CRICUT FOR?
A Cricut machine is not a cheap investment so I cannot recommend one for the occasional/rare crafter.
However, if crafting is your hobby, something you enjoy on a regular and steady basis, OR you run a small handmade business, I think it’s an excellent investment! These machines are amazing and will enable you to make all kinds of things from greeting cards to personalized garments/wearables, party and home decor!
WHERE CAN I GET A CRICUT AND WHERE ARE THE BEST DEALS?
You can buy one on Cricut’s website, HERE. And, when they are running a sale, it’s often a really good one. As of this writing, they are currently running a limited time sale this week through 09/24/2022, as well as offering FREE shipping & handling on orders of $99 with code SEPSHIP , making it a great time to dive in for yourself, or as a gift for a crafty loved one! When I purchased the Maker, I also purchased an Explore Air 2 for my daughter and my son’s girlfriend as gifts for Christmas; neither are really into stamping, but both enjoy paper crafting and are very creative.
You can also check out my Tools & Supplies page, for deals on accessories, etc. I’ve found on Amazon.
WHAT OTHER BRANDS OF DIGITAL CUTTERS ARE THERE?
Silhouette makes the Portrait, suitable for 8.5 x 11” materials and the Cameo, which is available in 12, 15 and 24” feeds, the Brother Scan N Cut features a 12” feed.
These are all highly capable machines! I’ve owned a Portrait, a Sizzix Eclips (long since discontinued), and a Brother Scan N Cut. There is no “best”; there is only what works best for YOU. I have just come to love working the most with the Cricut Maker and any info I share here will pertain to that machine specifically.
Will I upgrade to the Maker 3 or invest in an Explore 3? I suppose I would if I wanted to work with Smart Materials and the faster speeds associated with that. But, I’m pretty happy with what I have and don’t feel a desire for either of those features.
Questions? Leave them in the comments below!
Hope this article has been helpful!
