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Arts and crafts

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Original poster

Cricut users unite!

172 replies

MajesticallyAwkward · 12/11/2021 14:06

I took the plunge and bought myself a cricut 😁 absolutely loving it, about 2 weeks in and have done projects with paper, card, vinyl and HTV.

Any cricuters want to share makes, tips, tricks and ideas?

Soooo many ideas I don't know where to start!

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Thread gallery
13
parietal · 27/12/2021 22:58

i'm joining the thread just to see what is going on because i have a new cricut maker & have to decide what to do with it. i've had to watch a lot of videos so far to try to get the hang of designspace. I find it best to draw the picture I want in ppt and then import to designspace because I can't actually draw anything in designspace.

also, i'm hoping to cut fabric patterns to sew into soft toys - has anyone got experience of fabric cutting?

anyoldname76 · 27/12/2021 23:04

I love mine, I had a joy for Christmas which I'm using downstairs but I've also got an explore air 2 upstairs. I don't get chance use my air much though as someone is always on the pc. I'm going Curry's get some writable vinyl tomorrow for my joy Grin

Emmelina · 27/12/2021 23:14

As well as the Joy we bought for my DD that I knew about, I unwrapped a maker for myself :D I’ve tried a couple of vinyl stickers and a cardstock cut so far. Is there a trick to getting transfer tape to pick up the vinyl? It doesn’t seem sticky enough despite giving it a good rub both sides with a scraper.
Trying out a fabric cut tomorrow for some new masks for work :)

handmademitlove · 31/12/2021 16:11

Can anyone recommend websites to download templates from? I have started looking for those times I need a ready to go design rather than a homemade one!

Ulysses · 31/12/2021 17:47

JenniferMaker.com has a lot but you need to trawl through. I guess that's where Cricut make their money though, through subscriptions to Design Space. My freebie is up soon and I can't see me justifying the 7.99 a month.

SoupDragon · 31/12/2021 18:58

I've found templates by googling svg files. I've come across some good freebies that way.

I'm still grappling with how rubbish design space is though - you can't even draw a curved line! How dumb is that?

SoupDragon · 01/01/2022 11:19

There are actually a few different books with Kindle Unlimited now I've looked again.

6demandingchildren · 02/01/2022 21:22

I have found my people Grin
I started off with the joy and within a month I got the maker, I use them daily as their is so much you can do.

Babymamma192 · 02/01/2022 23:34

Hey everyone! Just borrowed my sisters air explore cricut and loving it....not...made much yet tho!

Just wondering if any of you have found somewhere to get shimmery/pearlescent card preferably with the colour on both sides of the card?

Original poster
MajesticallyAwkward · 03/01/2022 12:31

OMG HTV is driving me crazy with peeling 😩 thought I had it but just taken a tshirt out of the wash and it's wrecked 😭
Narrowed down to either the tumble dryer or needing a bigger heat press.

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Emmelina · 03/01/2022 12:40

It could be the dryer, or washing temperature. Are you also pressing it long enough? You need to be able to “see” the texture of the fabric through the vinyl. If it’s still smooth and shiny it hasn’t adhered properly.

Original poster
MajesticallyAwkward · 04/01/2022 08:27

@Emmelina yes I could see the pattern when pressed, it was worn and was fine. I'm thinking it's probably the dryer as we wash at 30.

I'm considering a bigger press as I have the mini now, maybe a larger one would have better results... htv has been a real challenge!

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handmademitlove · 04/01/2022 13:57

I find tumble dryers take the transfers off shop bought t-shirts so don't use them now for anything with non sewn bits..

BryanAdamsLeftAnkle · 04/01/2022 15:22

I have been using a cricut for years. I make pillows, tshirts, bags, ornaments, frames etc.... I have an air 2,maker and waiting for my joy to arrive.

SoupDragon · 04/01/2022 16:47

Why do you need all 3? I mean, apart from wanting all the things obviously 😂

Doesn't the Maker do everything?

BryanAdamsLeftAnkle · 04/01/2022 18:37

@SoupDragon

Why do you need all 3? I mean, apart from wanting all the things obviously 😂

Doesn't the Maker do everything?

Because I'm in love 😂. I'm going to sell the air 2. I love the maker for big things. But the joy I need for smaller projects.
Original poster
MajesticallyAwkward · 09/01/2022 08:27

Exciting advancements in the awkward house! I have treat myself to a printer as well as the 9x9 easy press 😁

First project I'm thinking some print and cut stickers. They seem like an easy enough start?

Also want to try a giant character cut out. Watched the Jennifer Maker tutorial and it looks straight forward enough... I'm hoping to surprise my friends DD (who is also my DDs bestie) with her favourite character for her birthday party and my DS with his favourite character for his newly decorated bedroom (in my desperate attempts to get him sleeping in his own bed).

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Ulysses · 11/01/2022 12:17

That is exciting @MajesticallyAwkward! I'm reorganising my kitchen cupboards so have been making labels. Not so exciting but very practical and needed.

What materials do you use for the stickers? I think that's something DD would like to do.

currering · 11/01/2022 12:19

I saw that hobbycraft have the cricut mug printer in and had daydreams about starting my own mug company from the shed instead of returning to work after Christmas. Blush

Original poster
MajesticallyAwkward · 11/01/2022 14:25

@Ulysses did my first lot of stickers earlier and used some printable sticker paper (about £4 for 50 sheets from eBay). Looking at some glitter or holographic printable paper too.

It was pretty easy, I just did a ready to go project from design space as a test but I've designed some to do later on. I did have to calibrate my cricut before it would cut them, I used the sticker paper setting but it was a bit heavy handed so I'll use the washi setting next time.

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Ulysses · 12/01/2022 06:28

Have ordered the Cricut branded sticker paper and an eBay batch. With the Joy you need to fiddle about with it as it doesn't have the cut and print functionality that the bigger models do. Hope it's not too much of a faff. DD is excited (as am I!)

Original poster
MajesticallyAwkward · 12/01/2022 08:49

Let us know how you get on @Ulysses

My DD has been working on some stickers she wants me to do, she can't decide whether she wants mermaids or studio ghibli for the first batch

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CoffeeWithCheese · 27/01/2022 17:13

Sticker tips - I just buy A4 sheets of one single giant sticky label online and print onto those. For glittery/holographic ones I put some sticky back plastic overlay over the top before I cut out (just over the central area - not over the black lines it scans). I cut stickers where I want them to stay on the sheet without lamination film over the top on washi paper and heavy pressure settings, and then I tend to just cut laminated ones out completely die cut style on the yardstick setting.

SoupDragon · 31/01/2022 11:12

I've read that several times and it still makes no sense to me 😂😂