Is a cricut suitable for a 10 year old?

[AmigoDog]

I seem to remember there were a few Cricut enthusiasts on here. Can someone explain the different models and what they do please. I end up getting really confused when I look at them!
And how child friendly are they? She likes crafty things although she’s not stand out artistic or anything. She loves making things for people. I don’t mind if I’d have to help her use it but she’d probably get frustrated if it’s too tricky.
Thanks.

The machines and applications etc are pretty simple, but the app can be a pain in the neck. It’s not the cheapest hobby but it is absolutely brilliant and very enjoyable.

I’d recommend watching some you tube videos; Jennifer Maker is a good one and I’m pretty sure she does one on machine comparisons. Also, Google your nearest Hobby Craft as they do regular Cricut demonstrations and workshops.

Thank you. I’ll take a look at some videos. I liked the look of the joy just for size really but the reviews aren’t great. What model do you have?

Do you have to pay for the app? And do you have to use branded materials?

I’ve got a Maker, but I don’t use it for half the stuff it can do as I only really work with vinyl. The Joy is great, you’re only limited by the size.

The App is free (got to have it) but you can also pay £7 something a month to subscribe to their design library. I do, but you don’t have to. You definitely don’t have to use branded materials but be aware that if you use other brand pens it can stretch the holder and invalidate your warranty, so I do use the Cricut pens. Lots don’t though. Other brands of vinyl, tools etc are fine though. I buy vinyl from MDP but postage is high, so it works out cheaper to buy in bulk. And blanks to personalise can be bought anywhere.

Dd saved up for a Cricut Air 2 as she draws her own cartoon characters, prints and cuts them out to make stickers. The Air has the print and cut function which the Joy doesn't. So although the Joy was the cheaper price (and arguably better in lots of ways for her), it would have been too complicated for her to do what she wanted independently.

She has the app on her Windows laptop, you only need to pay if you want templates and things, dd draws her own stuff so no need for us to pay. We bought sticker paper from Amazon rather than the cricut stuff. To be honest, it's pretty expensive for what she uses it for, but she saved up for it so we allow them to buy what they want (within reason) if they save up.

DD got it for last Christmas so she was 12

Thanks @ToastedCrumpetwithCheese Does she draw them with pen and paper or in an iPad? Would she mind you putting a picture of the sort of thing she does up?

@AmigoDog She draws anime style on her laptop with a wacom drawing tablet and Clip Studio Paint Pro. You need to leave a border around the sticker, it's not detailed enough to cut exact around the printed sticker unless it has a thicker outside line to mask any cutting variations.