1 March 2020

VIDEO | Cricut Joy - An Introduction

Hello there, today I am delighted to sharing the new Cricut Joy with you that is out today. I was kindly contacted by Cricut to ask if I wanted to have a play with the machine and of course, I said yes!
 
 
The Cricut Joy is a compact and portable electronic die cutting machine with a cut size of 4.5" wide. Using the new Cricut Joy Smart Materials (I will get on to that a little later), you can cut up to 20ft long. The machine works via Bluetooth so can be used on a desktop, tablet or mobile phone. There are no buttons on the Cricut Joy, it is controlled exclusively via Cricut Design Space.
 

It has been designed so that you can quickly and easily create projects within 15 minutes of getting it out of the box and let me tell you, they are right! It is really easy to set up and you will be creating your first cut in minutes!
 
 
So what's different with this machine compared to the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore? The first thing is obviously the size. This machine is substantially smaller. This does mean that the area of cutting is smaller (except for length) but it also means that it is really portable. You can carry this anywhere! I think it will be perfect for those who attend craft groups. I also think it is perfect to use with children.

 
The second thing that you will notice is that there is only one clamp. Currently there is also only blade that works in the Cricut Joy (which cuts up to 50 different materials). This clamp also holds the new Cricut Joy Pens.
 
 
The Cricut Joy Pens that can write messages, draw images … all sorts! These pens are smaller in size to the pens that you would use in the larger machines, since they are made specifically for the smaller size of the Cricut Joy. There are lots of different types - glitter, gel, metallic, fine point, extra fine point etc. and come in lots of different colours.
 
 
(photo from cricut.com)
 
There are also new Smart Materials that can be used with the Cricut Joy. These can work without using the mat to cut on. The vinyl, for example, has a stronger backing to it so it does not require that mat. This can be used to your advantage to be able to cut up to 20ft in length (for a repeated pattern) which you cannot do in The Maker or Explore.
 
 
(photo from cricut.com)
 
There is also the new Cricut Joy Card Mat and Card Inserts. These allow you to make a card in minutes. These may not necessarily be the type of cards that us card makers will create, but they are great when you are in a rush, or if a loved one wants to create a card for you but doesn't have the same skill as you. These are perfect! There are also ways to customise these ready made cards or completely design you own card using the technology.


CONGRATS CARD WITH THE CARD MAT
 
 
The Cricut Joy Card Mat allows you to cut directly on to the front of a card base but leaves the rest of the card intact. This is so cool and will be perfect to create window cards, shaker cards … the sky is the limit! For my first project, I am creating one of the ready-made designs in Cricut Design Space.
 
 
This card uses a blue card base from the Cricut Joy Insert Cards Fingerprint Sampler as well as the silver holographic insert from the Cricut Joy Gray/Silver Matte Holographic pack. This card came together in five minutes and you can see how I made it in the video below.


THANKS CARD WITH CUTTING & DRAWING
 
 
For my next project, I wanted to create a card that was a little bit more like the style I usually make. I first cut the 'thanks' from white cardstock, as well as Tonic Sugar Crystal Glitter Cardstock and stacked these up. I then cut a heart from vellum (using a premade shape in Design Space) and then drew the accompanying sentiment on to white cardstock with the Cricut Joy Extra Fine Point Pen.
 
 
On to a panel of white cardstock, I blended Distress Inks in Picked Raspberry, Wilted Violet and Blueprint Sketch. This was added to an A2 card base with foam tape. I then added the thanks sentiment on to the vellum heart with tape runner, followed by the written sentiment which was cut in to a strip. I added that with foam tape and then added the heart to the card with liquid glue (adding the glue behind the die cuts on the front). To finish off, I added a few jewels.
 
I love how I could combine my traditional style with the electronic die cutting! With the Cricut Joy being so portable, it was easy just to have on my desk while crafting.


CREATING DECALS WITH SMART VINYL
 
 
My last project is a little different, I thought it would be fun to add a decal on to the front of my mini dustbin/trash can. I purchased the CrazyCraftyLadyCo Craftiness is Happiness SVG on Etsy and uploaded it to Cricut Design Space. I then cut it using the new Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl. I used the black vinyl from the Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl Removable Elegance Sampler.
 
 
Once cut, I weeded the design (removed the excess vinyl from inside the letters) and then added the vinyl to Cricut Joy Transfer Tape. Using the Transfer Tape, I then placed the design on to the dustbin and using the Cricut Joy Starter Tool Set, I removed the Transfer Tape to reveal the decal. I think it looks really nice sitting on my desk!
 

VIDEO:

Here is a look at how I created the cards with the Cricut Joy:
 


If you are viewing this post via email subscription, you can watch the video HERE on YouTube.
 
I loved creating with the Cricut Joy for these projects! If you already have the Cricut Maker do you need the Cricut Joy too? That depends on what you like to cut. If you want to ability to cut longer then the answer would be yes. If you want to use the new Card Mat, then the answer will be yes. If you need more portability and be able to create anywhere, then the answer will be yes! But it all depends on what you cut.
 
Personally, I do not have a huge amount of desk space, so using the Cricut Joy vs the Maker is so much easier. You really do not need a lot of space with the Cricut Joy which I think is perfect for cardmakers. If you do not already have an electronic die cutting machine then I think this is a perfect machine to get started in the world of electronic die cutting!


SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the cards and in the video. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except those from Clearly Besotted, Hero Arts or those marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.
 
 
Do you have an electronic die cutting machine? Do you use it for cardmaking? I would love to hear. Thanks so much for stopping by. I will be back later with my Clearly Besotted post.

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