This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

So you got a Cricut Maker finally, now what? I know it may seem overwhelming when you see all the amazing things the Cricut Maker can do but I am here to help you out! I had the Cricut back when it was cartridge only! Now cartridges are not needed because Cricut Access has all the awesome files you want, digitally. Love the convenience of browsing all the projects and designs right from my computer screen or tablet. One of the things I love about the Cricut Maker is the endless possibilities you have – really takes your crafting to the next level!

Cricut Maker Basics

The Cricut Maker is every crafter’s dream come true. Cricut has done an amazing job at catering to every type of crafter. Papercrafters can cut all types of paper. Crafters that love creating vinyl projects can do that with ease. Now even sewers can join in the fun with the Maker! Cutting fabric and sewing projects is a breeze with the rotary blade.

What’s included in the box?

• Cricut Design Space
• Rotary Blade + Drive Housing
• Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
• Fine-Point Pen
• FabricGrip Mat 12″ x 12′
• LightGrip Mat 12″ x 12″
• USB Cable
• Power Adapter
• Cricut Access Trial Membership
• 50 ready-to-make projects, including 25 sewing patterns
• Materials for your first project

So, what kind of projects can the Cricut Maker do?

The Cricut Maker can easily cut fabrics which makes sewing projects a breeze. Make quilts, stuffed toys, purses, and so much more! Create 3D projects by using chipboard and balsa wood to make puzzles, skeletons, and other designs. Decorating your home with paper flowers, personalized pillows, and wall decorations are totally do-able with the Maker. If you love making custom cards it is easy to quickly find or create a design on Cricut Design Space. Personalized t-shirts, pillows, and more with iron-on vinyl. The Cricut Maker also has a “print and cut” feature which makes it easy to create personalized stickers.

What kind of materials can the Cricut Maker cut?

• Paper
• Vinyl
• Fabric
• Felt
• Leather
• Chipboard
• Foils
• and much more!

The Cricut Maker has different tools that can help you create fun projects. The scoring wheel makes it easy to create deep scoring lines so your cards and 3D projects look flawless. Use the Deep-cut blade to cut those thicker materials easier.

I love that we can use pens to personalized cards, tags, and so much more! Cricut has a variety of colors that will fit all your projects. The gold pen is my favorite! I love how vibrant it is.

Cricut Maker Mat Options

How do you know what mat needs to be used? The Cricut Maker has different mat options that work with the material or project you are working on.

StandardGrip Machine Mat

The StandardGrip mat is a multi-purpose mat that is perfect for a wide range of medium-weight materials, including patterned paper, vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and more! The mats are available in 12″ x 12″ and 12″ x 24″

LightGrip Machine Mat

The LightGrip mat is a multi-purpose mat that is perfect for a wide range of lightweight materials, including common office printer paper, vellum, lightweight cardstock, and more.

StrongGrip Machine Mat

The StrongGrip mat offers a strong hold surface perfect for heavyweight materials such as specialty cardstock, glitter cardstock, chipboard, and fabric with stiffener.

FabricGrip Machine Mat

With the perfect blend of a delicate grip and increased strength of durability, the FabricGrip Mat secures your fabric and resists the cutting force of the Rotary Blade. Use it to cut silk, canvas, burlap, cotton, and more. Place fabric on the mat, and press to smooth down and secure.

Creating Your First Project on Cricut Design Space

Cricut Design Space makes it easy to create any type of project for all your crafting needs. Want to make a card? Just browse through all the different designs. The project will be placed on the mat for you to cut easily. Once you get the hang of all the functions in Cricut Design Space you’ll breeze through all your projects. I’m new to Cricut Design Space since I’ve used Silhouette Studio for the past few years. The functionality is pretty similar to Silhouette Studio – the only difference that that silhouette does not require the Internet to create a project since it is not web-based. Both programs are pretty easy to use so I was able to pick-up on Cricut Design Space quickly.

First, open Cricut Design Space. Click the project you want to do, for example, a Valentine’s Day card. When you select it – an option will populate at the bottom – “Customize it” or “Make it”.

If you click “Customize It” it’ll open all the pieces of the project for you to customize. If you click “make it” the project will be populated for you to cut as is. It’ll have all the pieces laid out for you. Just load the paper, pens, and scoring wheel (as needed). Cricut Design Space will let you know exactly what you need.

That’s it! You completed your first project! I’ll be sharing more Cricut tutorials and projects in the coming weeks so stay tuned for that! I’m excited to dust off my sewing machine to create awesome things! My daughter is asking for all kinds of crafts – glittery headbands, personalized tote bags and more!

What will you make with your Cricut Maker?