Cricut Joy Beginner’s Guide
The Cricut Joy is labeled “Your DIY Best Friend,” and I agree! This little machine shares many features with larger Cricut machines, but it’s a fraction of the cost. I created this Cricut Joy Beginner’s Guide to help get you started and see some of the crafting possibilities.
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I remember getting my first cutting machine to make decor for my twins’ birthday party. I fell in love while designing Cookie Monster and Elmo cutouts. Sooo cute!
It’s been a decade since that party, and I’ve learned tons about Cricut crafting in that time! The Cricut Joy is the latest addition to my machine collection, and I’m loving it. (I also own the Explore 3 and Maker 3 machines.)
Cricut Joy: About the Machine
The Cricut Joy is a smart cutting machine that connects to your computer (via Bluetooth) to cut, draw, or foil designs on a variety of materials. You can make everything from greeting cards to mugs with a Cricut Joy.
If you’re completely new to Cricut, check out this Buying Guide to see how the Cricut Joy fits into the grand scheme.
Cricut Buying Guide
- Cricut Joy: The Joy is perfect for small spaces and small crafting. If you want to make cards, labels, and decals (up to 4.5 in. wide), this machine is for you.
- Cricut Joy Xtra: Like the Cricut Joy, the Xtra offers a compact user experience. However, it can cut larger materials (up to 8.5 in. x 4 ft. with smart materials). The Xtra can use the popular “Print Then Cut” feature for projects like stickers.
- Cricut Explore 3: The Explore 3 is a versatile machine that can cut plenty of materials (over 100) and make sizeable projects like t-shirts or signs. It’s a great “middle of the road” option for most crafters.
- Cricut Maker 3: The Maker 3 is perfect for avid crafters and hobbyists. It cuts over 300 materials and includes features like debossing, engraving, and perforating (with blades sold separately).
- Cricut Venture: As the largest Cricut machine on the market, the Venture is intended for small business or large-format use, offering “commercial cutting and writing speeds.”
You can also view this Cricut machine comparison on the company’s website.
Is the Cricut Joy worth it?
To answer this question, you should agree to the following statements:
- I want a small, compact machine. (The Joy weighs less than 4 lbs, and you can hold it in one hand.)
- I plan to craft mostly with paper, vinyl, or labels.
- I want to make small projects (up to 4.5 inches wide) like greeting cards, gift tags, labels, mugs, or decals.
- I only need to cut, draw, or foil and won’t need operations like debossing, scoring, or Print Then Cut (for stickers).
The Cricut Joy also has a small carrying case (sold separately), so you can craft on-the-go. It’s the only Cricut machine I consider easily portable, though the Joy Xtra is a close second.
Cricut Joy Suggested Accessories
The Cricut Joy will typically come with a fine-point blade, StandardGrip mat, and fine-point black pen. These other items (sold separately) may also come in handy:
You may also want to invest in some Cricut Joy pens or markers if you plan to do a lot of writing/drawing projects.
The Cricut tool and trimmer set is also a life-saver when working on vinyl projects or trimming cardstock to fit the Joy cutting mats.
Cricut Joy Blades & Pens
The Cricut Joy and Joy Xtra use specially-sized blades, pens, and markers that won’t fit other Cricut machines. However, you can find third-party adapters that will make full-sized Cricut pens/markers work with Joy machines.
What software do I need for the Cricut Joy?
All Cricut machines use free software called Cricut Design Space. In the software, you’ll find countless images and projects to inspire your next craft session.
I recommend starting with simple free designs to get familiar with the machine. Then, you can consider buying a Cricut Access subscription to use all fonts, images, and shapes (with a few exceptions).
Follow Me on Cricut DS!
To see many pre-formatted designs, you can follow me on Cricut Design Space. I have blog tutorials for many of the projects listed there too.
What are SVG files?
Throughout your Cricut journey, you may hear the term SVG file or “cut file.” The SVG format is popular for Cricut and laser-cutting machines because you can easily resize the design without distortion.
Can you upload your own designs to Cricut Design Space?
Yes, you can also upload images to Cricut Design Space. I have many free SVG files on the blog like the ones below. You’ll also find many fun designs in my First Day of Home Shop.
Another great option for graphic art is Creative Fabrica. Check out the special offer below to learn more.
Get 10 Free Designs!
To download 10 free designs, including fonts and SVG files, sign up below for Creative Fabrica’s All Access Free Trial. Upon the 10th download or after 1 month, the free trial converts into an All Access subscription of $9 per month. You can cancel at any time, no questions asked. I’m doing it myself!
The best part is that these designs include a personal, commercial, and print-on-demand license. That’s almost unheard of for digital download sites.
What materials are compatible with the Cricut Joy?
I use my Cricut Joy mostly for basic projects like making greeting cards, gift tags, and quick vinyl decals.
Let’s get to know some of the materials you can use.
Smart Materials
You may see the term “Smart Materials” when shopping for Cricut supplies. They’re considered “smart” because you can feed them directly into the machine without a cutting mat.
Here are a few of Cricut’s Smart Materials:
- Smart Iron-on: to transfer an image permanently to t-shirts, tote bags, canvas bags, shoes, and other compatible surfaces
- Smart Permanent Vinyl: to create weather-resistant decals or labels for items like water bottles, jars, and more
- Smart Label Writable Vinyl: to draw and cut labels for pantry items, notebooks, and more
- Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock: to create banners, cupcake toppers, cards, and more
With Smart Materials, any leftover scraps that are less than the original width will require a cutting mat.
Cricut Joy Cards
I love the Cricut Joy Insert Cards and Cutaway Cards because they make card-making a cinch.
The Cricut Joy Card Mat enables you to cut only the front of the card, leaving the back of the card intact.
I demonstrate how to use the card mat in Cricut Card Guide on the blog and my Cricut Beginner’s Guide on YouTube.
Cricut Joy Card Mat
Do you need a Card Mat to make greeting cards?
No, you can make simple cards without a card mat using cardstock. However, the Card Mat takes a lot of manual effort out of the process. Plus, it’s very affordable.
Infusible Ink
Infusible Ink transfer sheets and infusible ink markers allow you to make permanent, long-lasting designs with the Cricut Joy.
Infusible ink enables you to transfer a design that is more fade-resistant and durable compared to iron-on vinyl. However, you need compatible surfaces (called blanks) for the ink to transfer properly.
Infusible Ink Blanks
You can make coasters, onesies, wine gift bags, dishwasher-safe mugs, cosmetic bags, and more with infusible ink.
Other Materials
You’re not limited to Smart Materials or Cricut-brand materials with the Cricut Joy. Most cardstock, vinyl, or sticker paper up to 2.0mm thick that can fit on the Joy mat is compatible.
Here’s an example of Cricut paper flowers made using regular 65-lb cardstock:
Adjusting Your Settings
You might need to experiment in the Cricut Design Space software to adjust the settings for your material by cutting with “More” or “Less” Pressure or increasing the number of passes the machine makes.
What is so great about the Cricut Joy?
We’ve talked about the features of the Cricut Joy, but here’s what I love most about it.
- There are no buttons on the machine. You follow the directions in the software to load the material, hit Go, and that’s it!
- It’s perfect for card-making (with the card mat). I love being able to whip up a card in minutes.
- Gift tags are a breeze. I have so many scraps of cardstock lying around, so the Cricut Joy mat is often the perfect size.
- Labels are super easy. I love whipping up a quick label for a water bottle or notebook for my kids.
- Infusible ink mugs are amazing. I love that the longer Joy cutting mat is big enough for Cricut mug designs.
- I can take it anywhere! I would never dream of packing up my Maker 3 and carting it to a friend’s house, but the Cricut Joy is easy to pack. The mobile and tablet versions of Cricut Design Space make it easy to craft away from home too.
What are some limitations of the Cricut Joy?
If the Cricut Joy does all of these amazing things, what are the trade-offs vs. buying a larger Cricut machine?
- Size is a limitation. Using Smart Materials (without a mat) or inserting a longer mat may help with larger designs, but you’ll have trouble making things like big t-shirt designs or giant paper flowers.
- The Cricut Joy cutting speed is about half as fast as the Maker 3 or Explore 3 machine.
- Blades are limited. The Cricut Joy only uses a fine-point cutting blade, foil tip, or marker/pen. You can’t cut thicker materials like leather, felt, or chipboard.
- One tool clamp. Having only one clamp for a blade or pen (vs. two with the Maker or Explore) requires a little more effort for projects combining writing/cutting/foiling.
- Trimming cardstock and vinyl is sometimes a pain. I often cut down a 12×12-inch piece of cardstock to fit on my Cricut Joy mat.
- Print Then Cut is not available. I love making stickers with Cricut, but there’s no straightforward way to use the Print Then Cut feature with the Cricut Joy.
Next Steps with Cricut Joy
Ready to dive into some Cricut Joy projects? Check out the tutorials below to get started on your Cricut journey, and feel free to comment below with any questions!
You may also consider joining some Facebook groups to learn more about Cricut and post questions to a larger community. I can’t wait to see what you make!
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