How to Use Cricut + A Project Night with my Sister

Every time I get something new -- a new gadget, purse, even new clothes -- I always want to use it immediately and frequently. Does that happen to you? Well, my sister recently purchased a Cricut Maker machine and invited me over for a craft night to try it out.

Are you familiar with Cricut machines? They can DIY pretty much anything in your imagination. Seriously. It can precision-cut a ton of different materials, including card stock and paper, vinyl, foil, fabric, and even leather and wood with the right blades. Do you need to make a card? Cricut can help. Would you like to add a little something to a tote bag, hand towel, or onesie? Cricut can help. Want to see what we made? Keep reading!

In order to create something you will need a few things before getting started:

• A Cricut Maker machine obviously, which comes with the blade you will need to cut most things and a design app you will use to design your creations. 
• Cricut Grip Mat. You can choose the size and stickiness of the mat but we stuck with the standard mat in 12x12. You can find mats on Amazon or at your local craft store.
• Your choice of vinyl rolls. For our projects we bought some super pretty iron-on sparkly vinyls, as well as some regular non-iron colors.
• Optional: Cricut Accessories to make transferring easier.

The first step is to design your projects in the Cricut design app. It was really simple to use and it comes with a bunch of pre-loaded options to choose from. There are monthly charges if you want access to more options but it came with a free preview so we just used those. We tested our design with regular paper so we wouldn't waste any of the vinyl.

I was creating a design for a blank black tote bag I bought. I wanted a quote and an ice cream cone. Once we were happy with the design it was go time!

You cut the vinyl sheet to the size of the mat and then load the mat in the Cricut. Once you make sure the machine is set to the type of material you are using. We used the "Iron On" setting because we were using iron-on vinyl. And then you press the C button and watch the blade cut out your design. It's so easy.

After the machine is finished cutting, you pull the mat out and lift out the design. This is where the accessories kit would come in handy but you can also just use your fingers and a knife or tweezers for the small spots.

Then you arrange the design and when you are satisfied you iron the vinyl on. You can iron directly on top of the surface without the need for any towel or middle layer.

My sister made a super cute anchor to add a nautical touch to a kitchen towel. How cute is that?

Can you believe it is that simple? You not have a custom-designed one of a kind piece. 

After we got the hang of it we made a couple more projects: a green bucket with a springtime message and a flower vase bedazzled with red cricut flowers and pearl centers.

We had so much fun and I can see how useful a Cricut Maker machine can be, especially for people who do a ton of crafts like teachers or scrapbookers. Now they can make their own things instead of relying on stores.

So, what would you make with a Cricut Maker machine?
Do you like trying new crafts?
What is your favorite craft you have ever made?