Did you get a Cricut Explore, Maker or Joy? Welcome to the world of awesome crafting! I am so exciting to see all the beautiful things you are going to make!
But first lets talk about the important tools, and accessories you are going to need to get started on your cricut crafting journey. I will mark things that are specific for only one machine as some tools are only for a specific machine.
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WEEDING TOOLS AND A SQUEEGEE
Weeding tools and some kind of squeegee are a must have! There are lots of styles of weeding tools to choose from I recommend getting two different types and trying to see which one you like best. You may find you like both for different types of weeding. The ones I like best are
PIN PEN
SISER WEEDING TOOL
STAB AND GRAB TWEEZEERS
The next item is the squeegee. I do not recommend a plastic scraper as this can actually badly damage your vinyl when in use. The more pliable plastic ones are better all around and actually help vinyl stick to surfaces better as well.
PLASTIC SQUEEGEE OPTION 1
PLASTIC SQUEEGEE OPTION 2
You can also grab a great tool set off Amazon for usually under $15 and its great to get started with. You can always upgrade later!
AN EXTRA CUTTING MAT OR TWO
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If you have a cutting machine having a couple extra mats around is not a bad thing. Especially since different color mats do different things.
Green - Standard grip - used for HTV or vinyl
Blue - Light Grip - used for Cardstock or other paper like materials
Pink - Fabric Grip - Great for fabrics and faux leather
Purple - Strong Grip - for wood, acrylics and works great for thicker faux leather
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Where should you get your mats? Not at the craft stores! They are crazy expensive and not worth that extra cost. I always order mine from amazon. You can use off brand mats and they work great with the machine. Here are some of my favorites
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MONICUT MATS
BLADES AND TOOLS
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This is where things can get a little bit confusing. Not all blade work in every machine so be sure to read what machine the blades work with. I always recommend having a deep point blade and housing as well as a scoring wheel for the Maker and the scoring stylus for the Explore Machine.
Blades that work in Both Explore and Maker Machines
Fine point blade - This one comes with your machine but having an extra or two isn't a bad idea.
Deep point blade - For thicker materials
Bonded Fabric Blade - more for the Explore but does work in the maker if you want to cut fabric with a blade.
Scoring Stylus - more for the Explore but will work in the Maker
Blades and tools for ONLY THE MAKER
Rotary Blade - For fabrics
Engraving tool - Can engrave thin metal, leather and acrylic
Wavy tool - Cuts a wavy line
Perforation tool - Makes easy perforations to tear on
Knife Blade - Thick materials like basswood or chipboard
Scoring wheel - To score cardstock
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Blades and tools for ONLY THE JOY
Fine point Blade
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MATERIALS
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Now for the fun! So I don't recommend purchasing vinyl from a craft store as their prices are so marked up its crazy so save yourself some cash and buy online.
My favorite places to buy from
143vinyl.com
Amazon
Cardstock I recommend buying a couple small packs from michaels (they go on sale all the time) Cardstock is great to practice with and to craft with but its pretty inexpensive so you can practice and play without wasting a TON of money
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