
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.
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: 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
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: One of the most fun things to do on Cricut Joy is make cards and this mat makes it a real snap.
WHY: This Smart material makes creating labels (and sticking them to your containers) quicker and easier than ever before.
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: This card pack features clear acetate inserts, which are awesome for layering over solids to add some fun details to your cards!
CRAFT ROOM ESSENTIALS
WHY: Use in conjunction with an acrylic ruler to make precision cuts on paper, fabric, vinyl and more!
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!
MUST-HAVE MATERIALS
WHY: These coasters make amazing home decor projects and gifts when used in conjunction with Infusible Ink products!