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4 simple projects you can do with a Cricut machine

Cricuts give both creative professionals and crafty hobbyists a simple, versatile way to cut stencils, press graphics onto shirts and mugs or add a personal touch to something they already own. The ever-growing company offers products that cater to all sorts of inspirations. 

In this article: Cricut Maker 3Caregy Heat Transfer Vinyl Bundle and Cricut Infusible Ink Markers.

Buying the right Cricut for your needs

Cricut's line of cutting and pressing machines goes beyond the cutting part. You can cut graphics, press them onto mugs and shirts and use your Cricut machines side by side with one another. 

The Cricut Maker 3 and Explore 3 are your go-to options for standard vinyl cutting. (The Maker 3 model is faster and more powerful, but the Explore 3 costs less and should be fine for most small cuts.) Cricut's heat press and mug press make transferring texts and images onto surfaces simple and easy. 

Beyond these machines, it's important to ensure you have all the transfer ink and other materials and tools you need.  

Easy gifts and trinkets for all

While these projects may require additional burning tools or equipment, a Cricut lays the groundwork. The machines are great for making vinyl paper dolls. With a little more creativity, you can fold the shapes into fun ornaments, roses, jewelry and more. Newcomers can start with "origami" animals and flowers, but once you get the hang of how it works, there are nearly infinite ideas to choose from. 

Make a decal for your child's backpack

Ever thought of printing a vinyl emblem or graphic on your child's generic backpack? The Cricut and heat press make this easy and fun. Kids love to create things. With a little training, they can go to school in style with a backpack that shows their favorite characters or unique creations. 

Create items for around the house

Cricut's cutting doesn't always need other machines and accessories. While inks and additional tools are always helpful, users cut an impressive range of original and acquired ideas around the house. Vinyl and other materials make sturdy coasters and cutting boards with minimal work. Just make sure the products you use with food and drinks are made from food-grade materials.

Press a shirt or mug for any occasion

Cricut's heat press works alongside its Explore and Maker models to make high-quality T-shirts for a holiday, an office event or an artistic experimentation. You don't have to pay top dollar and wait for a print shop to do what you can easily accomplish at home. 

Cricut's mug press isn't just for professionals. Crafty gift-givers will enjoy making personalized mugs during the holiday season or to commemorate a life event. People who love giving unique gifts will have a blast creating new, interesting mugs for their loved ones. 

Best Cricuts for these projects and more

Cricut Maker 3

This matless cutting machine works with more than 300 materials. Setup is a breeze, thanks to included computer software, be it for graphics, text, accessories or more. This high-level Cricut is ideal for those who already understand die-cutting basics. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Cricut Explore 3

This fast-working Cricut is beginner-friendly and easy to use. There's a large area to work with as you cut intricate designs from over 100 types of material. This is the ideal machine for novices who want size and scope along with high performance. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Cricut Mug Press

Pressing onto mugs can be difficult since the surface is both flat and round. Cricut recognized this and designed something for mugs. Just use the transfer sheets and follow the instructions, and fun gifts and promotional materials are minutes away. 

Where to buy: Sold by Kohl's

Cricut EasyPress 2

This is the ideal press to stamp your Cricut cuts with. It works in tandem with Explore, Maker and other cutting models. While it won't cut designs, it offers a precise, uncomplicated way to press cuts onto fabric for professional results.

Where to buy: Sold by Kohl's

Caregy Heat Transfer Vinyl Bundle 

Get 80 different colors and designs to cut and press in this all-encompassing set of Cricut-friendly vinyl. These are great starters for explorers who want to test the machine on a range of products. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Cricut Infusible Ink Markers

If you can think of it, you can create it. Cricut, infusible inks and a creative mind can lead to thousands of ways to press and cut new gifts, favors and more. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

 

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Bradley Geiser writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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