10 Things I Love about My Cricut Maker

It is my joy to share with y’all the top 10 things I love about my Cricut Maker because the crafting and project creations are now endless. You will be amazed at how many doors this is going to open up for you. 

Some of the links below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click a link and purchase an item, I will receive a small affiliate commission that helps me to be able to continue with this blog and hopefully continue to inspire you as well.

Have you ever just sat and dreamed of a million different projects that you wanted to make but thought it would be too difficult or expensive? Maybe that’s just me, but I doubt it. 😉 Well I’m here today to let you know that your dreams are about to come true just like they have for me recently. The answer is the Cricut Maker!!

If you have heard of the Maker before, then you know exactly how powerful this little machine can really be. If you haven’t, then be prepared for your mind to be blown. I’m excited for you to learn all about it today, so let’s dive in to my top 10 things I love about my Cricut Maker so you can start having some fun too.

#1: Cuts hundreds of materials

Yes, you read that correctly. Hundreds! Most people think of a cutting machine only cutting paper or cardstock, but with the Cricut Maker you can cut just about anything. Below is a list of just a few categories of what can be cut.

• delicate paper
• fabric
• leather
• balsa wood
• chipboard
• felt
• vinyl
• iron-on vinyl

#2: The Adaptive Tool System

This machine actually cuts with 10x more cutting power with commercial grade power. The cutting technology controls the direction of the blade and cut pressure to match whatever material you are using. This type of versatility between materials is a game changer for sure.

#3: The Many, Many Tools

Because the Maker is so widespread in the possibilities and projects you create, there are so many different tools that you can switch out and use for whatever your crafting need is. They can easily be changed out using the clamps in the machine. Below is a list of the tools that are available to use from cutting to writing and even help with sewing projects.

• fine point blade
• deep point blade
• rotary blade
• knife blade
• single scoring wheel
• double scoring wheel
• fine point pen
• calligraphy pen
• washable fabric pen

#4: Sewing projects are now SUPER simple. 

There are tons of digital patterns available from Simplicity®, Riley Blake™, and more in Cricut Design Space that you can use to cut out your fabric perfectly. The machine will make all the marks and cuts you need to make is so easy. Then you just remove the fabric and sew it together. Some projects could even use fabric glue if sewing is not your specialty. The Maker also cuts the fabric being sure to leave enough seam allowance by marking the fabric with the washable fabric pen. How cool is that?! I have a sewing machine and hopefully plan to use it more often now that I have the Maker to help too.

#5: Sleek Storage for all the Tools

When you open the top cover, the front door lowers itself and a storage compartment is there for any tools you may want to keep close on hand. The storage compartment has also been designed with 4 different sections to keep all the different accessories and tools organized. One section is for the larger tools, another smaller one for smaller tools like the scraper, and one for your tool drive housings. Another smaller section has a magnetic strip where you can store your replacement blades and not lose them. Genius!

On top of the machine is a storage cup as well with a deep and shallow section padded with silicone on the bottom to protect the integrity of the tools. The shallow pocket is a great place to store the different blades as the silicone will protect them from chipping as well.

#6: Docking Slot for Tablet or Smartphone

You can easily place your tablet or smartphone on top of the machine in a specific slot while the Maker is cutting your project for your easy reference. You can also use the USB port on the side to charge your device so no worries of it dying right in the middle of a cut or project.

#7: Use Your Own Designs

I love being able to design my own projects or ideas and then use them in a project to make them come alive. The Maker allows you to upload those projects into the Cricut Design Space software in a variety of different types of files. Then you can use the Maker to cut out your own custom made designs and projects.

#8: Writing with Pens and even Calligraphy

Have you ever received a Christmas card in the mail that had the most beautifully written calligraphy for the address? BUT, you sit there wishing you could write just as pretty on your cards too. Well now you can. The Maker will also write for you using fine point pens and with calligraphy pens. You could even design wedding invitations, party invites, etc. without having to have professional handwriting.

#9: Using Design Space is so EASY

The Design Space software that we have all loved for years can still be used with the Maker. The Design Space® software is even available for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®. There are lots of make-it-now projects especially made for the Maker and its new features. I love that I can search for any project idea and find tons of inspiration. Then all I have to do is click “Make It” and the project comes to life so easily. As y’all know I love Bible journaling and couldn’t resist making this traveler’s notebook to use for journaling scripture and working through my devotional.

The project was already there for me. I cut out the leather and paper using the Maker and customized the title for my journal using Cricut’s printable iron-on but you could also use the printable vinyl. There are step-by-step instructions for each project making it so simple and easy to create in no time.

 

I used embroidery floss to add the green accents and hot glued my leather straps to the front and back. I also hot glued the floss on the back after tying it off just to be sure it was secure.

I added the deluxe paper pages in the woodlands and campin’ out collection. I placed them inside the leather and then thread more of the embroidery floss through the center and tied it off in a knot. I secured with a small dot of hot glue.

I am absolutely in love with how this turned out and can’t wait to make many more for more of my devotionals in the future. I will be using this particular one for a camp themed devotional. It turned out just perfect!

#10: The Knife Blade Cuts even Wood and Chipboard

How cool is it that there is a machine that you can actually have in your home to cut custom wood designs?! The Maker can do exactly that using the knife blade. I made these adorable animals for my son’s room using chipboard and the knife blade. The project was already in Design Space. All I did was let the Maker do its magic and then put the pieces together. My baby boy is going to love playing with these when he gets older.

Now if that’s not enough reasons to love the Cricut Maker, then I am just left speechless! This machine is incredible and so powerful. If you can dream of the project, then the Maker can probably help bring it to life. I can’t wait for you to try your hand at it too. If you are interested in any of the items I mentioned and used for my projects, use the coupon code AUGSHIP for free shipping on orders $99+ through the end of this month. Make sure to check out more about the Maker HERE and leave any questions you may have in the comments below. Happy Crafting!

 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.