5 CRICUT MACHINE ESSENTIALS ON AMAZON
- sparklingpartysupp
- Apr 22, 2024
- 5 min read
One piece of equipment I couldn’t live without whilst running my Balloon Decor / Event Styling Business… MY CRICUT MACHINE! The list of what you can do with a Cricut is endless. I really have only touched the surface with what I use mine for. And whilst there are hundreds more different projects you can use it for, in this blog post I am going to focus on the bits I use it for mainly, day to day, whilst prepping for different events that I am decorating. My main uses for my Cricut machine within my business are; personalising backdrops, personalising signs, cutting out shapes to add to displays, adding personalisation to balloons. If needing to learn how to use a Circut Machine for projects and vinyl personalisation, let YouTube be your best friend! There are so many tutorials and hacks and tips on there for using a Cricut machine.
I will add below a collage of some of the ways I have used my Cricut machine in my events and set ups. And will list below some of my Go-To Products and Accessories that I couldn’t live without.
Cricut Explore
There are a few different models of Cricut Machine available to purchase. I can only speak on the model that I personally use myself, which is The Cricut Explore. I have a beautiful Mint Green colour which I LOVE. But it’s also available in a few other colours. I have limited knowledge on other models as I have only ever used the Cricut Explore. But I’m sure if you have a look into the different models and their uses and capabilities, you will be able to find the one that suits your needs and budget. From the research I done myself, I noted that the Cricut Joy model that is available, whilst great as it is slightly less expensive than the Cricut Explore, you are limited by size that you can cut to as it is a smaller machine. I believe you are limited to a 30cm Max for your projects, where as the Cricut Explore can size up to 30cm x 60cm, which for personalising signs and backdrops, I find to be the perfect size for me! This is something that you definitely need to do your own research in for your specific needs and requirements. I have always said, my Cricut Machine was one of the best investments/purchases that I made for my business. It truly helps to be able to take your designs and displays to the next level by being able to add elements of personalisation. I use my Cricut Explore in some way for almost all of my jobs.
You can purchase just the machine on its own.
Or as a package with some accessories included to get you started!
Cutting Mats
To cut anything from your Cricut Machine. You need mats! For a Cricut Explore they are avaibale in 30cm x 30cm size. And also 30cm x 60cm size. I keep a range of both sizes to hand and use the different sizes depending on the type of project I am working on and cutting.
For smaller projects such as cutting butterflies or star shapes for example, as well as smaller vinyl personalisation to add onto balloons, I use the 30cm x 30cm mat.
For larger projects such as personalising sailboards, backdrops, props and signs, I use the 30cm x 60cm mats.
The mats have a sticky texture to allow your material (be it paper, card or vinyl), to stick and stay in place on the mat whilst running it through the machine. Overtime the stickiness can wear off. HOWEVER! I have no idea now where I found this hack originally, but by giving the mats a bit of a scrub and clean with some washing up liquid, warm water and the rinsing and drying.. that stickiness will return and the mats are almost as good as new.
Cricut Tools
There are a number of different tools available to help with Cricut project. Some of which I have never had or used as not had the need to for the types of projects I do, which is mainly just vinyl personalisation. The two tools I use the most are;
Weeding Tools
The best for weeding in between lettering, removing the blank spaces between O’s and A’s and all the other letters and numbers!
Squeegee
Your best friend for transferring vinyl! Running and rubbing the squeegee over your vinyl and transfer tape once adding it to the surface you are personalising, will make sure the vinyl is well stuck down and ready for transfer tape to be pulled off.
Scissors
For trimming projects and cutting vinyl to size for the mats. Always be sure to have a pair of scissors to hand when working with your Cricut Machine. You will need them!!
Transfer Tape
One thing I have realised is that the type of transfer tape you use for vinyl personalisation, comes down to personal preference and the project type. There are a few different options available for transfer tapes, and it’s finding the one that you work well with! Try a few out, get to know how they work for you.
My personal favourite types are;
Masking Tape Style
Although not always the best for personalising balloons with. I find this has great grip and easy to work with when personal sign hard, flat surfaces such as sailboards and acrylic signs.
Clear Grid Transfer Tape
Whilst I find this style to be slightly less tacky, it works well for personalising balloons including latex. If transfer tape (such as the masking tape style) is slightly stickier and tackier, it will be harder to remove the tape from the balloons once you have added the vinyl. So for personalising latex and foil balloons, this style I find works well for me.
Again, as I mentioned, I do feel the type of transfer tape you use can be of personal preference. So have a play around and find which works best for you!
Vinyl
The world of Vinyl!! The possibilities are endless for the range that is available! I have drawers full of different colours and finishes. But to get started I would choose just a few colours to start building your collection, and then purchase new colours, textures, patterns, finishes as and when you need them on a project by project basis. HTV (heat transfer vinyl) is also widely available and great for personalising fabrics, however in this blog I am just focusing on standard vinyl personalisation.
The colours I use most for personalising items and balloons for displays are;
Black
Gold
White
Silver
Of course colours too! Pinks, blues, greens, purples, nudes and every other colour will also be available of course. For whatever project you need, you will be able to find a coloured vinyl to suit.
Amazon have a great range of different brands of vinyl. However a personal favourite of mine is definitely TechWrap. They just always have what I’m looking for! Especially when searching last minute!! That’s when my Amazon prime account really helps out.
As always, here are just a small selection of the items and accessories that I find useful and couldn’t live without when using my Cricut Machine for adding all of those lovely extra details and personalisation within my Balloon and Event Decor Displays. Be sure to let me know what you think! What are your favourites? What can’t you live without? And which products are overrated?
If starting out on your journey with a Cricut Machine - be sure to do lots of research and find the Model and Accessories that suit your needs and requirements for the projects you are looking to take on!
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