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For those of you who are new to the crafty world of Cricut, I recommend that you check out our earlier reviews on the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cricut EasyPress Mini. Romane Baudelet's review on the Cricut Maker 3 opens up a range of imaginative projects.
I have just unboxed four new rolls of Iron-on vinyl, designed for use on fabric. Already I have spent hours designing and researching. I have decided on a Christmas T-Shirt design. Already, I've come across some great caption ideas, starting with, "Santa, I can explain…"
The Software: Cricut Design Space will soon have you unleashing your inner T-Shirt Picasso in no time. If you choose to become a monthly subscriber (Currently NZ$14.99 a month), you will find a plethora of design ideas that you can use, either as inspiration or as a starting point. Membership also gives you access to thousands of fonts and design projects. You will also find many on-line crafters who will guide you through the creative process. I have four rolls of vinyl to try. The colours are coral, mint, skin tone and rose gold. I already have some white and black vinyl and a few other colours I've purchased over the past year. Just recently I've discovered that you can also purchase holographic vinyl, which is sure to thrill the creative artists among you.
If you're like me and need help getting those creative juices flowing, you will find plenty of inspiration. The Cricut community is very sharing, and many crafters happily share their ideas and designs.
Looking at the colours I have been given, I am hard at work on a Christmas design. Cricut Design Space makes choosing different colours simple. When you scroll through the Projects window in Cricut Design Space, you quickly realise that the Design Space is inundated with creative ideas. I have found scores of Christmas T Shirt designs and have been spending countless hours dreaming up something personal.
Experience has told me to keep it simple when it comes to design. The more complex your picture, the more patient you will need to be when it comes to "weeding." This is when you will need to ensure you have a set of tools. I've invested in a weeding pen for weeding out all the fiddly bits. Now, all I need is a steady hand.
Design Space membership gives access to countless images and design ideas. You can even upload your own images, even photos. Do your research and see how the experts do it. A little searching will give you access to many crafters and their amazing projects.
I found some great You-Tube tutorials, teaching me how to transfer a photo onto one of my early T-Shirt designs. If you're planning on creating your own iron-on projects, you will most likely want to invest in a heat press. Cricut have a variety of presses, and I have found the EasyPress Mini very handy. It is a compact design and is very easy to use.
If you are starting off in the world of craft and design, I recommend having a good look at the options Cricut provides. My Cricut Maker 3 has been a delight to use, and I still class myself as a beginner. From T Shirts to designer coffee mugs to scrap-books, you will find a myriad of uses, and the Cricut on-line community will inspire you with their imaginative and creative ideas.
