Cricut Joy-Tips And Ideas

Professional scrapbook artist, paper crafter, and author, I have taught people how to make family memories into legacies for 20 years.

What Is The Cricut Joy?

The Cricut Joy is the newest machine in the Cricut line from Provocraft. It is the smallest machine and very portable. Yet despite its' small size, the functionality of this machine is very mighty. The joy cuts 50 plus different materials.

The release of the Cricut Joy was March 1st, 2020. At the present time the machine is only in one color.

What makes the Cricut Joy the right machine for you?

• The Size -This machine is small enough to fit into the smallest of craft spaces. It is perfect for apartments of crafters who do not have large spaces to craft. in. It measures 8.5 inches wide, 5 inches deep, and 5 inches tall.
• The Cricut Joy is 3.85 lbs in weight
• For folks who are very much into organization: This machine makes labels to create organization labels for just about everything.
• For anyone who wants to create in less time, but get more accomplished.
• Portability: This machine is very lightweight and portable which makes it perfect to take to classes, crops and cruses

It is compatible to use with the Desktop or IOS app, so you can create from your computer, iPad or phone!

• There are no buttons ! You simply plug it in. Simple and easy to use !

What Kinds of Projects Can You Cut?

Cricut Joy Smart Materials

The joy in the new Cricut is that you can create repeated images up to 20 feet long.

You can cut any project that is 4 feet 5 inches wide by 48 inches longer or less.

1. With a 10’ roll, you can cut the 48” long design twice
2. With a 20’ roll, you can cut the 48” long design 5 times, all without unloading!

Mat Cutting

1. 4.5×8.5” Mat – 4.2” wide x 6.5” long
2. 4.5×12”Mat – 4.2″ wide x 11.5” long

Making Cards Just Became Easier

Making cards became easier with the Cricut Joy. With the new "Insert Card Sets and specialized mats, you can make cards just cutting the top of the card.

There is only one cord to this machine. It connects to your computer by Bluetooth to your computer or mobile device.

Creating Banners

Because the Cricut Joy can handle the length of a banner for a birthday, a wedding or a baby shower.

Making Labels and Stickers

You can create labels for your kitchen, bathroom , office and craft room with a few easy steps. How fun it would be to organize everything in your home with vinyl labels.

You can also make your own planner stickers to customize your planner.

Custom Home Decor

You can create custom pillows, wall decals, signs, and coasters

Custom Clothing And Jewelry

Create T shirts, tote bags and more with infusible ink and iron on vinyl

The Cricut Joy is the perfect machine to create faux leather earrings

The current retail price for the Cricut Joy is $179.99.

What Can You Cut With The Cricut Joy?

While there is a line of materials specifically made for the Cricut Joy that can be cut into projects of all sorts, there are other materials that you can use that you may already have in your craft space. So, don't think that you need to go and buy a lot of project materials right away.

Your Cricut Joy will also cut:

• Scrapbook paper
• Card stock
• Faux leather
• Cricut felt
• Adhesive Vinyl
• Adhesive paper
• Foil Acetate
• Infusible Ink
• Iron on

Tips And Tricks With The Cricut Joy

Software For The Cricut Joy

Like the rest of the Cricut line, you can access the free Design Space software. It will work on Android and IOS. It will also work with Design Space for desk top on Bluetooth -enabled windows or Mac computer.Can be installed on your computer or mobile device when you set up your Cricut Machine. No USB cable needed. Your unit will connect to your Bluetooth device.

Design Space is a free access where you can create your projects and send them to your Cricut Joy. You can upload your own projects and free fonts. Or you can purchase individual projects from the Cricut library.

Cricut Access is a renewable subscription service that allows you access to images, fonts and projects. You have access to thousands of images and fonts while you have your membership.

You will need an online connection to install the software and complete themachine setup. If you are using the Design Space for Desktops or for IOS, you will have the option of working offline.

More Cricut Joy Software Information

• Cricut Joy Bluetooth Pairing – Help Center
  Cricut Joy uses Bluetooth to connect to your compatible iOS device, Android device, or Bluetooth--enabled Windows or Mac computer. Follow...

Cricut Joy Bundles

What Comes With The Cricut Joy?

The package for the Cricut Joy comes with everything that you need to start doing projects as soon as the machine is set up.

• Cricut Joy Machine
• Blade and Blade Housing (pre-installed in the machine)
• Black fine point pen (0.4 mm)
• Standard Grip Mat (4.5" x 6.5")
• Power Adaptor
• Welcome Card
• Free 30 day membership to Cricut Access
• 50 Ready to make projects online
• Practice Cut Materials

Some machines may be offered as a bundle with may include smart materials,

Making Greeting Cards With The Cricut Joy

Making Greeting Cards In Minutes With The Cricut Joy

Have you ever realized that you need a greeting card in minutes? The Cricut Joy answers that need in virtual minutes.

With the card mats and the insert card, you can make a card using the dozens of designs on Design Space. No glue or tape required.

After you set up the Joy as the directions tell you;

These are cards that are pre folded

• Once you select the design that you want to use, you hit the Make it button
• On the preview page, you will see the options for how to cut the materials. The options are Without a mat ( for smart materials only),On mat,On card mat ( for pre folded cards only). or On multiple ways (for multiple layered projects)
• Once you select Card mat, Click done.
• Chose the material size and click Continue
• Chose the material that you need. For a card, you chose card stock
• Load the card into the card into the mat and click go

The Cricut Joy does the rest !

Watch How To Make A Card With The Cricut Joy

Cricut Joy Projects

• Five Ways to Make Labels with Cricut Joy - Hey, Let's Make Stuff
  Want to organize everything in your house? Cricut Joy ias the answer! Here are five mini Cricut Joy label tutorials that will help get you organized.
• DIY Card Organizer with Your Cricut Machine | The Homes I Have Made
  Keep your greeting cards organized and sorted with this easy DIY Card Organizer made with your Cricut Machine!
• Filing Cabinet Organization & Makeover With Cricut Vinyl - Organized-ish by Lela Burris
  How I used my Cricut Joy to makeover the inside and outside of my filing cabinet. I created organization systems and decorative accents.
• Cricut Joy Smart Labels Tutorial - Printable Crush Cricut Projects
  Make your own labels the easy way with the Cricut Joy Smart Labels! Use them for these handy bathroom instructions for kids.

What Can You Make With The Cricut Joy?

The buzz in the craft community is the amount of projects that you can make with the Cricut Joy

• Labels-who could not go organization crazy making labels and organizing everything in your home and craft room?
• Personalize It- Personalize everything for your home, your kids and yourself
• Greeting Cards-You can create greeting cards in minutes with the new Cricut Joy greeting card format
• Wall Decor for anywhere you need a special touch
• Large Signs And Wall Decor-Create wall decor up to 20 feet
• Custom Fabric Projects-Do t shirts ,tote bags, pillow covers and more with Infusible Inks and iron on transfers

Making Cards With The Cricut Joy

Making Cards With The Cricut Joy

One of the amazing uses of the Cricut Joy is that you can create greeting cards in under 10 minutes.

Supplies

• Cricut Joy card mat
• Premade card form
• Cricut Joy pens

1. Peel the liner off the Cricut Joy card mat
2. Slip the premade card form underneath the attached liner. Line it up with the guidelines.
3. Press firmly onto the card to attach it to the mat.
4. Within the Design Space application, select "images, Cartridges and then type in Quick Cut Cards"
5. Select "Make It"
6. Insert the pen into the tool holder
7. Select the material
8. Load the card mat using the app
9. Press "go" within Design Space
10. The Joy will begin drawing and creating the card.
11. Once the pen has finished, replace the pen with the fine point blade.
12. Select "go" and the card will begin the cutting process.
13. Unload the mat once it has completed the cut.
14. Flip the mat upside down, and gently peel away from the card.
15. Slide the liner into the four corners of the card.

Using Adhesive Backed Paper With The Cricut Joy

Adhesive backed paper is simply a paper that would be used for stickers. While this paper is widely used with the Cricut Joy, it should be noted that it can be used with other Cricut machines too.

The paper comes in a range of patterns and colors and there is one that you can write on too with the Cricut pen.

Think of the things that you could use your custom made stickers on

• Planners
• Party decor
• Scrapbook pages
• Greeting cards

To cut adhesive vinyl paper , you will need the Cricut Joy mats-either the light grip mat or the green strong grip mat.

You chose your design using the Cricut Design Space program. Then you place the adhesive paper onto the mat and cut. Bend the mat to remove the sheet. Then remove the sticky backing paper from the mat and place on your project.

Cricut Joy And Smart Materials

Cricut Joy Materials

On of the biggest and unique thing about the Cricut Joy is that it will cut without a mat ! Imagine not to have to take time to mount paper to cut your project? This is probably the one feature that no one could predict might happen !

It streamlined the entire process. The Cricut Joy has sensors and feed guides that allow the Cricut Joy materials to be cut without any mats.

You simply feed the Cricut Joy Smart Materials into the machine and the materials are cut as well and as any other Cricut machine.

Will will notice a 1" edge at the top and the bottom of your projects. This is because the rollers need space to grip and sense the materials.

What Are The Cricut Joy Smart Materials?

The Cricut Joy Smart Materials are those that enable you to cut without a mat. They have a firmer backing with band on either side of the material that allows the material to be fed into the machine.

They are in both vinyl and iron on materials. This function, at leas for now is only limited to these materials. There are an outstanding selection of colors and finishes, so this is going to be huge to a lot of crafters. There are some 70 colors available.

The rolls come in 48 inches, 10 feet and 20 feet ( in limited colors). Imagine the crafts that you could make with these loner rolls !

Writeable Vinyl

This is one of the materials made for the Cricut Joy that works without any cutting mat. You can write on this vinyl,using the Cricut Joy Pens and Markers.Cut it to the size that you need. You can weed it, then remove and apply it without any transfer tape.( Not compatible with the Cricut Joy Gel Pens or Metallic Markers

Smart Vinyl Shimmer

Works without a cutting mat, this vinyl works well for custom decals. It can be used outdoors, for water bottles, mailboxes and more. Permanent adhesive that lasts for about three years.

Sold in 1 roll 5.5" x 48" (13.9 cm x 121.9 cm)

Smart Vinyl Removeable

No mat needed so you load and go. You can create vinyl designs for your electronics and walls. The vinyl can be removed with no residue left behind. This product is recommended for indoor use. It is very easy to weed.

Iron On

Create and wear your designs on any fabric. No mat needed so you load and go. The iron on will last for 50 or more washes.Once the iron on is applied by iron or easy press, you should wait 24 hours before washing

Cricut Smart Labels- Smart labels are a special type of vinyl that is made specifically to be used with Cricut pens. It is currently only available in white and the size is a roll that is 5.5 inches wide by 48 inches long. It is considered smart because it feeds into the Joy without a mat. While the vinyl looks a lot like regular vinyl, it has properties that make it special. When you use it with the Cricut pens, it does not smear, run, bleed or wipe off. It holds the ink on the vinyl with a vibrant color and crisp image.It can be cut into any size or shape that you would like from the Cricut Design Space Program.The Cricut fine and extra fine point Cricut Joy pens an any color work perfectly with this vinyl.

Cricut Joy Transfer Tape- Helps to to transfer Cricut Joy vinyl to a variety of surfaces with ease. Each roll measures 5.5" by 48 " long. It is not recommended for use with glitter or shimmer vinyl

Cricut Joy Adhesive Backed Paper

This adhesive paper takes the mess out of paper crafting. There are currently 8 different sets available. Just about any paper project that you can glue or tape together is right for this adhesive backed paper.

Cricut Joy Insert Card Sets

These special cards sets unique to the Cricut Joy makes it possible to create cards in minutes. Instead of having to cut and emboss pieces and glue or tape them together, you slide the pre-cut , scored card onto the card mat and load it into your machine. It will then cut your card design on the top of the card without damaging any layer underneath.,

Infusible Inks

Designed to be compatible with the Cricut Joy. You can create designs with no visible seams or lines on any fabric project. These inks are specific to the Cricut Joy

All materials that you could use with the Cricut Explore can be used with the Cricut Joy as long as you cut them down to size to fit on the Cricut Joy mat.

Cricut Joy Cutting Guide

Cricut Joy Mats

Cricut Joy Mats

While there are smart materials that can be cut without a mat, there are other materials that you will want to craft with that will require a mat.

The Cricut Joy has a line of mats that are specific to the machine. They are designed to fit this machine with the same amount of stickiness that the Cricut mats are known for.

The Cricut Joy Card Mat

This is for use with the Cricut Joy pre-scored insert card.

Cricut Joy Light Grip Mat

This mat is for everyday projects like copy paper and light card stock. It has easy release stickiness.

Cricut Joy Standard Grip Mat

Use this mat for Adhesive Back Deluxe Paper, Infusible Ink Transfer Paper and heavy card stock, These mats come in 8.5 inch and 12 inch sizes.

The Cricut Joy Pens

The drawing feature is the same function that has been popular in the Cricut line, but you will need to use the Cricut Joy Pens and Infusible pens. The standard pens will not work in this machine. The pens are made to be placed into the slot . There is no pushing as in other styles, these pens slip easy into the clamp with no fuss. You just place and close the clamp.

Other Pens That Work With The Cricut Joy

Other Cutting Features

There are so many features to the Cricut Joy ! Besides the Smart Materials, you can also cut in a more traditional manner.

Because of the Joy's size, there are special mats that make it easy to cut with this little mighty machine. The machine comes with a 4.5 inch by 8.5 inch standard mat. Also available for an additional purchase are a 12 inch long light grip mat, standard grip 12 inch long mat, and a card mat. Just like any other Cricut, these mats would be used for paper cutting, any vinyl that was not in the Cricut Joy Smart Materials line and of course scraps.

They are similar to the other mats that you are used to using, with one exception and that is the fed. There is no button to hit to feed that materials into the Joy. Like the Smart Materials feature, the machine senses the mat and automatically moves it to the right position. It unloads automatically.

More Accessories For The Cricut Joy

There are many new accessories just for the Cricut Joy. They are made just for the size of this machine and are unique to it's use.

Cricut Joy Tools

These are made for the smaller mats and area that conform to the Cricut Joy

Carrying Case

Because this machine is so portable, you will want to have the carrying case. It will allow you to tote your machine and accessories.

Cricut Joy Accessories

Make Projects With The Cricut Joy

• A Look Inside My Cricut Craft Cart - Organized-ish by Lela Burris
  How I organize my Cricut storage rolling craft cart, and how to label each drawer with Cricut Joy Smart Label Writable Vinyl
• 20 Fun Cricut Joy Projects - So Quick & Easy!
  Check out these ideas for Cricut Joy Projects. These are the types of things you can make with the NEW Cricut Joy cutting machine.
• How to Make Labels with Cricut Joy | The Homes I Have Made
  Learn how to make labels with Cricut Joy! This tutorial covers three easy methods including how to use the new Cricut Joy Smart Labels!

The Bottom Line On The Cricut Joy

The Cricut Joy is priced at about $179- $185, depending on the bundle you purchase and where you get yours.

If you have never owned a Cricut, or have experience crafting, then this version in the Cricut line may be right for you. It is somewhat less intimidating than the other models.

If you do not have a specific craft space, or have very limited space, this may also be the right model for you. Or if you attend a lot of classes, craft cruises, or crops, then this portable machine may be just right.

© 2020 Linda F Correa