Investing in a new Cricut machine can be both exciting and confusing! While you may want aaalll the things, budget, space, and what you’ll actually use should all be considered. After working extensively with the Cricut Explore Air 2, the Cricut Maker, the Cricut Joy, and all their various tools, accessories, mats and materials, I’ve assembled a shopping guide of my favorite picks. These items will will allow you to fully explore all the capabilities of your Cricut machine while creating anything you can imagine!
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PICKS FOR THE CRICUT EXPLORE
WHY:The Explore line of machines is Cricut’s “hallmark” e-cutter, and is the true workhorse of the Cricut family. Available in a wide variety of colors and compatible with an array of accessories, the Explore Air 2 will allow you to create almost any project with ease! See how it compares with other popular Cricut machines here.
WHY: This more powerful blade is a must for the Explore Air 2. It makes cutting thick papers (heavy cardstock, sticker, magnet), cardboard, foam and more so much easier!
WHY: This inexpensive accessory fits into the pen holder on the machine and makes it a snap to add score lines to your projects!
WHY: If you would like to cut fabric on your Cricut Explore machine, this blade allows you to do it (in conjunction with the Fabric Grip mat).
WHY: If you are just diving into Cricut for the first time, this is the bundle I 110% recommend! It includes EVERYTHING you need to get crafting right away…in fact, I bought this exact kit 5 years ago!
PICKS FOR THE CRICUT MAKER
WHY: The Cricut Maker is the strongest and most capable machine in the Cricut family. Thanks to its more powerful tool housing and a wide array of interchangeable blades, it cuts the biggest collection of materials and performs the most specialized functions. See how it compares with other popular Cricut machines here.
WHY: The Knife Blade and Housing are required to cut any stiff materials such as Kraftboard, matte board, chipboard etc. This one is a “must have” for the Maker!
WHY: Beyond just cutting blades, you can now do so much more with your Maker thanks to the Scoring Wheels, Wavy Blade, Perforation Blade, Debossing Tip, & Engraving Tip. This bundle is the most cost-effective way to get the entire collection!
WHY: This Bundle comes with the usual Maker components but adds a very wide array of materials including vinyl, iron-on, fabric, Kraftboard, faux leather, sticker paper, cardboard and adhesive foil. This bundle is ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a stocked craft room!
BEST ACCESSORIES FOR THE EXPLORE & MAKER
WHY: When your projects are consistently not cutting right, it’s time for a blade swap. Don’t skip a beat by having a stash of fresh blades at the ready!
WHY: Over time, mats will lose their stick. Keep a variety of fresh mats on-hand so your projects continue to turn out right!
WHY: Large mats are key to cutting any design bigger than 11.5″. This bundle ensures you have whatever mat you need for whatever size and material you’re working with!
WHY: Most projects don’t require fancy tools, but when they do, you’re sure to have exactly what you need in this set.
WHY: An ideal set for vinyl and iron-on lovers – these tools make weeding ANY design a breeze!
WHY:From vinyl and home decor projects to quickly cleaning off mats, this scraper is a craft room essential!
WHY: Adding “drawn” or “handwritten” details to projects is quick and easy with your Cricut Maker or Explore. This set provides every color you could possibly need for your paper projects!
WHY: This set provides silver, gold, and black pens (in a variety) of widths, giving you lots of options for adding classic details to your paper projects!
PICKS FOR CRICUT JOY
WHY: Because it’s the cutest, quickest and easiest Cricut machine you’ll ever use! See how it compares with other popular Cricut machines here.
WHY: Cricut Joy only comes with a 6.5″ long mat. This 12″mat is more compatible with standard sheets of cardstock and rolls or vinyl without having to trim them down.
WHY: One of the most fun things to do on Cricut Joy is make cards and this mat makes it a real snap.
WHY: You only need a few tools to make a wide variety of projects. If you don’t have any Cricut tools yet, this kit is all you need!
WHY: This Smart material makes creating labels (and sticking them to your containers) quicker and easier than ever before.
WHY: Cricut Joy only comes with one black Fine-Point pen. These Extra-Fine pens are ideal for creating clean, simple pen details on your projects, especially labels.
WHY: Cricut Joy only comes with one black pen. This set gives you a nice array of options for adding colored pen details to your projects.
WHY: These markers are not only great for adding metallic details but also write gorgeously on dark papers.
WHY: If you don’t have a vinyl stash already, these sampler sets of 5 sheets give you a variety of colors while providing plenty of material for a wide array of projects.
WHY: Don’t forget to snag a roll of Transfer Paper if you buy any vinyl. You’ll need it to transfer your projects seamlessly, and 1 roll goes a long way!
WHY: If you don’t have any iron-on for fabric projects, these sampler sets of 3 colors/patterns is a great way to get started.
WHY: These packs of thick, patterned sticker paper are ideal for making labels, cards, scrapbook projects and more! A single pack gives you lots of variety for a multitude of projects.
WHY: These card packs allow you to make greeting cards in a matter of minutes. They are a great deal, and will save you a ton of time when used in conjunction with the Card Mat.
WHY: This card pack features clear acetate inserts, which are awesome for layering over solids to add some fun details to your cards!
WHY: This charming tote keeps your Cricut Joy (and its accessories) safe for storage, as well as ready to take to your next craft night!
CRAFT ROOM ESSENTIALS
WHY: Whether you’re prepping papers/vinyls to load onto a mat or you’re creating other fabric or paper projects, this mat makes it a snap to cut your projects down to perfect size. I literally use mine every single day!
WHY: Use in conjunction with an acrylic ruler to make precision cuts on paper, fabric, vinyl and more!
WHY: This is the BEST craft knife I have ever used. This is an ideal tool for any crafter but especially those working with cardboard, chipboard, foam core and other dense materials.
WHY: Use in combination with a self-healing mat, rotary cutter, and/or True Control knife to make precision cuts on all your crafting materials.
WHY: From smoothing paper and vinyl onto your mats to securing vinyl details to walls and final projects, a brayer is something you’ll reach for more than you realize!
WHY:The line of Cricut EasyPress 2 machines makes it easy to create custom fabric projects with both Iron-On and Infusible Ink! I find this “small” EasyPress the most versatile. It’s small enough to pull out quickly and easily, but big enough to cover large sections of any design. If you can only get 1, I recommend this one!
WHY: This mini version of the EasyPress is small but mighty. It can be used on all sorts of projects both big and small!
WHY: The EasyPress Mats allow you to make your iron-on projects without dragging out the ironing board! Just place it on any work surface and it will be fully protected!
MUST-HAVE MATERIALS
WHY: Buy your transfer tape in large rolls so you never run out mid-project!
WHY: Be ready for any design on any project with 40 sheets of vinyl in 10 different colors!
WHY: You can adorn every surface in your home with these classic and neutral mega-rolls!
WHY: These value packs of iron-on come with 2 12×12” sheets of six different colors. Stock up on all three to ensure you have any color you need for any project you make!
WHY: Chipboard is such a fun medium for making sturdy, 3D projects, tags, labels, decor and more!
*For Cricut Maker only
WHY: Beyond just cutting blades, you can now do so much more with your Maker thanks to the Scoring Wheels, Wavy Blade, Perforation Blade, Debossing Tip, & Engraving Tip. This bundle is the most cost-effective way to get the entire collection!
*For Cricut Maker only
WHY:One of the most exciting things about the Maker is its ability to cut fabric perfectly. These felt sets give you lots of colors to make easy fabric projects – and each swatch is pre-measured to fit the pink fabric mats!
WHY: Making really large projects is much easier with really large paper! These stacks are available in several different color sets!
WHY: These coasters make amazing home decor projects and gifts when used in conjunction with Infusible Ink products!
