What is a Cricut... & What Can I do with it?

What is a Cricut? Just about the most amazing tool ever invented… at least if you like to make fun home decor or crafty projects. Basically the Cricut can cut intricate designs, write fonts or draw projects. It’s just about the coolest cutting machine you’ll ever bring home.

I have been anxiously awaiting the day I would finally be a proud Cricut owner… and y’all that day is today! I can hardly believe it! I owned an early version of the Cricut back in Colorado and it worked fine for what it was, but being restricted by die-cutting blocks was so not the point. Definitely better than nothing but not anything like the new fancy Cricut Explore Air 2.

Update: I wrote this post back in 2017 when I brought home my new shiny Explore Air 2 but I’m back to update it for today with the addition of the Cricut Maker!

So back to the Question:

What is a Cricut?

A Cricut is a machine that allows you to cut. Think of it as a printer but instead of ink it uses a tiny blade to cut your design. And it doesn’t only cut you can also use a pen to write or the scorer tool to score.

For those of you who are still confused the Cricut is a cutting machine! Cricut machines can cut over 100 materials – everything from cardstock, vinyl, balsa wood, adhesive foil and iron-on to thicker materials like leather. The new models can even use a scoring wheel, rotary cutter and knife blade! Eeeek! I’m so excited! This little guy is suppose to be quick and speedy so it will be fun to put it through its paces.

Cricut Machines use an online app called Cricut Design Space so that you can cut anything your little heart dreams up… and as a graphic designer that is the coolest thing since sliced bread. Literally, I can’t think of anything cooler! You can pick from hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of cut files in the Cricut Access Library or upload your own SVG to make custom cut files.

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What Comes in the Cricut Box?

If you are thinking about picking up your very own Cricut you’re probably wondering what’s in the box… um boxes? The Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker are different machines and if you’re trying to decide between the two I recommend reading this post… in the meantime we’ll go over what comes in each box!

Cricut Explore Air 2

Cricut Explore Air 2
Fine Point Blade
Black Marker
Standard Grip Cutting Mat
Power/USB cords
Package of sample materials
Free Month of Cricut Access Library

Cricut Maker

Cricut Maker
Fine Point Blade
Rotary Cutting Blade
Black Marker
Standard Grip Cutting Mat
Power/USB cords
Package of sample materials
Free Month of Cricut Access Library

Both machines come with everything you need to get started although you’ll need to pick up different tools or materials based on your projects. If you’re a little overwhelmed with all. the. options. at the Cricut Store don’t worry… I’ve written out a full post on my favorite beginner must have accessories to buy with your first Cricut… that way you’re set up for success.

Need help picking your perfect machine? I’ve got you covered!

Of course, when I first started I just knew I wanted a Cricut… but I didn’t know exactly what this baby can do! It wasn’t until I visited the Cricut booth last year at Haven that I truly learned what this little guy is capable of. I can use this little guy to make stickers for my new Happy Planner!

What Materials Can the Cricut Cut?

Most people think the Cricut is just for cutting paper and vinyl… but it can cut so much more than that! I’m working on a post of over 100+ materials the Cricut System can cut but in the meantime here’s a list a few fun materials to get started with:

Chipboard
Cardboard
Poster Board
Freezer Paper
Kraft Board
Kraft Paper
Post Its
Rice Paper
Scrapbook Paper
Watercolor Paper
Wax Paper
Cardstock
Vinyl
Chalkboard Vinyl
Dry Erase Vinyl
Printable Vinyl
Stencil Vinyl
Iron On
Burlap
Canvas
Cotton Fabric
Faux Leather
Felt
Aluminum Foil
Basswood
Duct Tape
Foil Acetate
Printable Magnet Sheets
Shrink Plastic
Washi Tape
Wood Veneer
Wrapping Paper

Looking at the list always makes me want to run out and start working with all the materials I haven’t tried yet! (I’m talking to you leather and balsa wood!).

Just remember when picking your machine that the Cricut Maker can cut thicker materials than the Explore Air 2 so if you’re hoping to work with chipboard, balsa wood, leathers… you need to go over the full capabilities of each machine first so that you pick the perfect Cricut for you.

What Projects Can I Make with My Cricut?

Now onto the fun part… all the amazing things you can make! It sounds cheesy but the sky really is the limit here… there are so many different options. Here are a couple I can think of off the top of my head… although once you start crafting with the Cricut you’ll see ideas everywhere.

It’s like a game of “where’s waldo” except it’s “I could make that with my Cricut”

Menu Board
Address Invitations
Cards
Paper Flowers
Christmas Cloche
Shaker Pockets
Felt Flowers
Pennants
Planner Stencils
Iron-On Pillows
Bunting
Pinwheels
Gift Tags
Stencils for DIY Signs
Die Cuts
T-shirts

I have so many more ideas it’s not even funny…

I can use this little guy to make new pillows for our living room! I can make a sign for our bedroom… I think an elegant sign for over the bed would be amazing.

The best part of my new Cricut is that I received the everything starter set… so I have a little bit of everything to try! I can’t wait to break this vinyl out of the cellophane and get busy creating. I think I’ll add a few spunky words to my stemless wine glasses with my new glitter vinyl. How festive will that be for the holidays?!

I think I’ll add a fun decal for my new MacBook Pro to the list as well… maybe my blog logo? That would be a quick and easy way to spruce up my plain laptop case!

What’s included in the Explore Air 2 Everything bundle:

Deep Point Blade
Fine Point Replacement Blade
Scoring Stylus
Machine Mat Variety Pack
Basic Tool Set
Portable Trimmer
Variety Pen Set (Black)
Pen Set (Wildflowers)
Printable Iron-On (Dark)
Dry Erase Vinyl
Vinyl Sampler (Home)
Transfer Tape
Printable Sticker Paper
Washi Sheets (Designer)
Printable Fabric
Printable Magnet Sheets
Window Cling (Black)
Window Cling (Red)
Poster Board (Metallic)
Plush Foam

I don’t know who’s more excited about my new Cricut… me or mom! I was so excited for my new machine that I gave Mom one for her birthday last week as well… her die-cutting machine was even older than mine! She was still working with a roller system… every single die-cut she wanted to use had to be sandwhiched between two die-cut blocks and sent through the little roller system. Now she has a bright, shiny new Cricut Explore Air 2 just like mine. It will be a blast learning how to use them together.

I can’t wait to see what projects I’ll come up with as I get use to this little guy… I’ll definitely be sharing all of my projects here with y’all! Let me know what you’d like to see!