About two years ago, I jumped on the Cricut train. I'd seen sewers using their cutting machines to add heat transfer vinyl designs to clothing for themselves or their little ones and kept reminding myself to look into it. Then, Cricut contacted me about their affiliate program when the Maker was being released and I jumped on the opportunity.
Cricut recently released a new cutting machine. The Cricut Joy is the perfect companion to quickly and easily personalize anything with one cut and one color, in 15 minutes or less. It is fun, functional, and simple to use! Practical, everyday projects have never been more accessible or easier. If you already have a Maker or Explore Air 2, Cricut Joy opens up additional creative possibilities with unique features and is the perfect companion for quick, mat-free projects and long cuts.
The biggest selling point for me is how compact and portable the machine is. The Maker has unparalleled capabilities - it's amazing. A few months ago I picked my niece up from a friend's house and brought her back home with me until my brother and sister in law could pick her up. It was her birthday and I wanted to put together a quick card. But I just didn't feel I had time to pull out the Maker and my varying supplies (ahem, there may be quite a lot! LOL!) to make one in the time I had. If I'd had my Joy, I could have knocked that out in literally a few minutes!
The Joy is Cricut's smallest cutting machine ever! It packs away easily, sets up instantly, making it super easy to move from room to room. Not having to transport a mat, combined with the smaller material size, makes the whole system compact and portable; no craft room required! It fits in a cubby or looks great sitting out on a counter or shelf.
When I received my Joy, I already knew what I needed to use it for!
2020 is the year of babies in our family! I needed a quick gift and decided on a onesie and a card.
I got all my tools ready!
First up:
I used Cricut Smart Iron-On to create a cute little bowtie.
With the new Cricut Joy Smart materials, mats are optional! The Joy has a full suite of brand-new materials that do not require a mat, meaning less to buy, fewer steps, and faster results. New Smart vinyl comes in extended sizes, with up to 20 feet repeated cut capability, and no need to switch out multiple mats.
There are lots of options for colors and prints!
The process is SO slick.
Create your project in Design Space like normal and click Make It. Unless you're cutting something that is specific in how it can be cut, you'll be given the options shown below.
Because I am using Smart Materials, I chose Without Mat. I am using Iron-On so I have mirrored my design.
Then clicked Continue in the lower right.
Choose the appropriate material.
I have also highlighted the Unload option. I had to use this just the other day because my material loaded slightly crooked.
Click Go and seconds later, my bowtie was cut and ready to apply to my onesie!
I pulled out my Easy Press (which I immediately purchased during a Black Friday sale at JoAnn when I got my Cricut Maker!) and input the settings appropriate for the Smart Iron-On and cotton onesie (Cricut provides all of this info for you - don't worry!).
Next:
I decided to add my FAVORITE thing to baby tees - a 'Hi, I'm New Here' "nametag"!
So for this project, we need the Cricut Joy mat. I used a piece of Cricut Iron-On that I had in my stash. The process is exactly the same except for choosing On Mat at the first screen.
Once cut, I weeded the design and used my Easy Press to add the design. Since I purchased mine, Cricut has made some updates and it is now offered as Easy Press 2. There are 4 size options! I have the 9"x9" version and it is also offered in a jumbo 12"x10" size, 6"x7" (great if you're making a lot of kid/baby projects!), and a mini version which people love for adding Iron-On to small areas like on hats, shoes, keychains, etc.
I love it!!!
Lastly:
I needed a card to go with my gift. This time, I brought my tiny, adorable, Cricut Joy down to the dining room table to work. Score!
Cricut Joy exclusive blank insert card sets allow you to create unique and impressive results in a moment's notice!
There are SO many options of colors and finishes to create unique cards for any occasion.
I chose the cream/silver brush set which comes with cream cards, silver inserts and white envelopes.
For this project, we are using the Cricut card mat. It's pure genius! It has a sleeve that allows you to insert the pre-scored and folded card so that you can cut a design out on the front while keeping the back in tact.
By setting my machine to Joy, I will filter out projects that aren't compatible. Then, I chose cards from the categories list, and baby as a search term. It was tough to choose but I decided to go with the Onesie card to match my gift.
This is where it gets good! ALL you need to do is click Make it!
Design Space knows that since you are using a Cricut Joy insert card that you're using the card mat, and there's no need to make any adjustments!
Insert the card into the mat, press down to secure the card to the mat, and insert the card mat into the Joy. When the materials (mats or Smart materials) come into contact with the rollers on the machine, it automatically loads into the machine.
The Joy makes quick work of cutting out the design and Design Space lets you know when to unload the mat.
Gently remove the card from the mat (the cut out cardstock will remain on the mat!) and add the insert card into the slots and you're done!
Yes, I later decorated my Joy with this cute smily face and Smart Vinyl!
I've chose to write my own message in this card but the Joy also writes! Cricut Joy compatible pens are available in a wide variety of pen types and line widths and can write in a variety of styles.
I had so much fun with the Joy that I cranked out graduation cards for several graduates who'll be missing out on their Commencement - including my daughter! :(
I also made a ton of Mother's Day cards for family and friends and will be back soon to show off the writing capabilities of the Joy!
More later!
Learn more about the Cricut Joy or any of the other Cricut cutting machines, Smart materials, Easy Press, and other tools and materials.
This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these links or via the banner on my blog, I will make a small commission. All opinions are genuine!
You all know I love my Cricut!!
