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Throughout my career in the paper craft industry, I have taught myself how to use vector software such as Adobe Illustrator to take my crafty ideas, design and illustration work to the next level. This also led to exploring and incorporating new technologies for creative expression.

I’ve worked with a number of digital die cutters over the last two decades and a few years ago, decided to try out the Cricut Maker. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using it, how easy it was to work with and began designing my own SVG cut files and projects. I’m primarily a card maker/paper crafter so I’ve rounded up the accessories and tools I’ve found most helpful so far, and will add to/update this list as I come across more items I find worthwhile. If you are a beginner, and creating your own SVG files using vector software is not something you are skilled/knowledgeable with, Cricut is a great starter.

MACHINE:

I chose the Cricut Maker primarily to work with paper, although eventually I wanted to be able to cut through other materials such as real leather and lightweight wood veneers, etc. I had (and still have) visions of making accessories and decor for personal use and as gifts but I haven’t moved beyond paper and vinyl yet (chuckle). Side Note: Cricut has since released the Cricut Maker 3; it is a considerably pricier machine that can use "Smart Materials” (meaning, they do not require a cutting mat). This is not an important feature for me, but it may be for you.

If you feel you’ll be sticking to pretty much paper or vinyl only, you might prefer the Explore Air 2 or Explore 3. The Cricut Joy Xtra was released in 2023 and features the same sensor as the Cricut Maker, with the ability to perform Print Then Cut operations; the feed on this machine is limited to materials 8.5” wide, accommodating letter sized paper, cardstocks and sticker papers, etc. For something even more compact and very portable, or if you know you will mostly be making cards/tags/label sized projects, the Cricut Joy may suit your needs better. Just be aware that this smaller machine has a few limitations when compared to the capabilities of its bigger and more powerful sisters. I have taken mine on several trips and it was so convenient!

PAPER FOR CUTTING MACHINES:

Quality paper makes a tremendous difference when using digital cutting machines and cost/price doesn’t necessarily reflect quality in this particular instance. Handmade papers are indeed beautiful and cost considerably more, but it can be difficult to achieve crisp clean cuts with them on any brand of cutting machine.

My go-to card stock for the Cricut is Park Lane Precision Card Stock . It is solid core, 80#, with a canvas-like texture on one side, and smoother on the opposite. It comes in many different variety packs of lovely colors, based on seasons or themes. A few of my personal favorite variety packs are the Summer Colors the Earth Tones and the Brights .

Another good card stock for digital cutters is American Crafts Precision Card Stock, also available in Summer, Autumn, Earth Tone, Bright, Christmas, Pastel, Jewel Tone collections. I personally cannot tell the difference between this and the Park Lane brand. Either brand are great staples to have on hand for (digital) paper cut projects.

I’ve used Cricut card stock and it cuts well—the 80# parent size sheets are a cool option for larger/lengthier type projects.

Generally speaking, I LOVE a good solid core card stock. I avoid “printed” card stocks because I dislike the white core that shows along the cut lines. Occasionally, I will use patterned papers, if they suit a project; some are quite thin, however, so they might be considered too flimsy for a project that requires more “heft”.

TOOLS & ACCESSORIES:

Cricut Essential Tool Kit This particular tool kit is an especially good one because it includes not only the scoring stylus, scissors, scraper, spatula, weeding pick AND tweezers, but also a 12” Straight Blade Trimmer! One other thing to note: I’ve used MANY paper trimmers over the years and was pleasantly surprised at how good the little Cricut brand trimmer actually is! You can use it to cut vinyl, of course, but I’ve been using it to trim down my paper and the original blade still hasn’t needed replacing! And, it comes with a scoring blade! Replacement blades are also available.

Cricut Premium Fine Point Blade Replacement This blade is made of German Carbide; I reserve one strictly for cutting paper; and use another for vinyl/HTV. I find the Cricut Premium Blade lasts a lot longer than the standard fine point blade. I have not tried “off-brand” blades because so many of them claim to be “quality blades at a much lower price”; customer reviews of off-brand blades are of little help because they contradict each other so much! So far, Cricut’s Premium Fine Point Blade has served me well, so I’m stickin’ with it.

Cricut Standard Green Cutting Mats (2 pack, often listed for a very good price on Amazon) My machine came with the Light Blue (light tack) and Pink (fabric) cutting mats in the box. However, I’ve found the Standard Grip (green) mats to be the best when working with card stocks of various weights and textures. I do pat the entire surface with my palms to neutralize the adhesive slightly because they are quite sticky prior to the first couple of uses. These seem to last quite a while since I clean them regularly with baby wipes and/or packing tape.

Cricut Fine Debossing Tip + Quick Swap Housing I prefer this over the Scoring Stylus Tip and even over the Scoring Wheel simply because it creates a deeper score line that is much easier to see on textured card stock. I also like that you can get it with the Quick Swap Housing because I’m lazy and it just makes things so much quicker and more convenient when switching tools/blades, etc. Depending on paper type, you may need to create a custom materials setting to use this tip—well worth it!

Brayer While not a “necessary” tool, I do find a brayer can help get paper to stick better to a mat that isn’t quite as sticky as needed or to smooth out air bubbles or wrinkles in vinyl. The Cricut brand version, which I purchased, works great, but there are a lot of other “off-brand” brayers that I’m sure would do equally well.

OTHER TOOLS:

WRMK Standard Foil Quill Tip This is my preferred foiling tool with the Cricut; I purchased the complete Starter Kit, but find I use the Standard Tip most. The WRMK Foils come in a lovely range of colors, and are available in 4 x 6” sheets, 12 x 12 Sheets (harder to come by for some odd reason) and 12 x 96” rolls. This tool is actually compatible with a wide range of digital cutting machines and features adapters for them.

If you love the look of foiling as much as I do, one thing to make note of: You can use almost any brand of “hot”/ “hot-stamping” foil sheets with the Foil Quill, including those designed to work with metal hot foil plates and dies. Be aware that “toner reactive” foils do not work with the Foil Quill; those are designed to work with laser printed images.

The following brands of “hot” foil work wonderfully with the Foil Quill:

• Gemini Foil Press Paper Craft Foil (AMZ)

• Deco Hot Foil

• Spellbinders Glimmer Foils (AMZ)

Fiskars Procision Rotary Bypass Trimmer There are times I need a heftier paper cutter for mass production/heavier materials and this one is EXCELLENT; it’s accurate, the rotary blade stays sharp, and the platform can be folded in half to save storage space! It can also cut through 2-3 sheets of 110# card stock at a time or light weight chipboard/cardboard. 🙌🏼