Cricut Beginner Projects
I love challenges, don’t you? While I love using my Cricut machine, I understand there are many Cricut users that have no idea what to make or how to use their Cricut machine. That’s why I put together this Cricut Beginner Projects 10-Day Starter Challenge! I’m including a Free Printable that you can share with your Cricut Community and 10 Cricut project ideas for beginners! I put together this list with Easy Cricut Projects for Beginners to help others find Cricut tutorials for beginners and free Cricut projects. All of the Cricut projects featured in this post can be made using a Cricut Explore Air, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Maker Machine (and some can be made using Cricut Joy).
Keep reading to find Cricut Explore Air projects using cardstock. vinyl, iron-on, and more!
If you’re curious (or in a hurry)…
It’s an excellent Cricut Machine and yet, you’ll also find that it is one of the cheapest options you’ll find online.
It’s available in several colors and gets great reviews. If you can get it for under $300, grab it. That’s one heck of a deal on a Cricut machine! See color choices, check the current price & read reviews here.
Before we dive into the 10 Cricut Challenge Projects, let’s make sure you understand some of the basics like Cricut Design Space and your Cricut Explore Machine.
Please share this printable with your friends and family that are new to Cricut so they can make the most out of using their Cricut Machine too!
What is Cricut Design Space?
Cricut Design Space is the program you will need to design and cut your Cricut projects. When you set up your Cricut machine, you will need to install Cricut Design Space. All Cricut machines come with Design Space, their free, easy-to-learn design software. It’s cloud-based so you can access your files from any device, any time. Start on your phone, continue on your laptop, and even work offline – all without breaking stride. From there you have the option to arrange a design from scratch or select from thousands of ready-to-make projects. Place your material on a mat, load it in the machine, and press Go. The machine handles the rest.
Design Space features tons of ideas to kickstart your next masterpiece. Browse and play with thousands of images, fonts, and ready-to-make projects. Since Cricut is adding more all the time, you’ll always find something fresh, new, and inspiring.
–>> Learn How to Use Cricut Design Space in this Video Tutorial!
Do you need a computer to use a Cricut machine?
A computer is recommended, however, you can access Cricut Design Space and a Cricut Explore Air machine through mobile devices (iPad, iPhone, and Android devices). I highly recommend using a computer with Cricut Design Space and a Cricut Machine because you will have the full design options in Design Space and your machine needs to be close by to cut (even if you are using wireless Bluetooth).
What is Cricut Access?
You may have seen or heard about Cricut Access from Cricut or another blogger. Cricut Access is a membership that gives you 10% off your Cricut purchases (and various other offers and discounts) and access to thousands of images and fonts in Cricut Design Space.
I have a Cricut Access Membership, which provides me with thousands of free images to come up with some Cricut craft ideas. Be sure to check Cricut Design Space for some free Cricut projects! Some of the free Cricut DIY projects in Cricut Design Space can be used to sell (which makes the membership fee worth it in my opinion!).
–>>Check out this HUGE list with 30 Cricut Supplies From The Dollar Tree!
Making personalized gifts, cards, home decor, farmhouse signs, and more is easy with a Cricut Explore Machine.
Learning how to use your Cricut is really easy and fun once you get the hang of it. If you don’t have a Cricut Access Membership, I highly recommend it. I’ve had a Cricut Access Membership for years and it’s definitely worth the cost for all the benefits!
–>>Check out this HUGE list with 32 EASY Cricut Projects For Beginners!
My favorite online resources to find SVG files to make Cricut craft projects:
–>>Click here to see the latest bundle with the best SVG files at Design Bundles!
–>>Click here to get Unlimited access to over 4 million fonts and designs for just $1!
Be sure to subscribe to get my emails and updates with more free SVG files to use with your Cricut machine!
Let me know on my Instagram page if you have any questions about Cricut!
What is a Good First Cricut Project?
This 10-Day Cricut Starter Challenge includes some good first Cricut projects. I highly suggest completing the first Cricut project included with your machine. Cricut includes instructions and materials to complete your first project.
How do I make my first Cricut Project?
Refer to the instructions in your Cricut box. If you purchased a used Cricut Explore Machine, you do not have the instructions or materials. If that is the case, I found this reference with a simple first Cricut project video tutorial.
10-Day Cricut Beginner Challenge
I created this challenge for new Cricut users to learn how to make the following:
- Cricut Projects with Cardstock
- Cricut Projects with Vinyl
- Practical Cricut Projects
- Cricut Paper Craft Ideas
- Cricut Iron-On or Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Fun things to make with a Cricut Explore Air!
I’ve written many Cricut DIY tutorials and created many Cricut video tutorials over the years (I’ve been using Cricut machines since 2013!). So I have linked to relevant posts with a full tutorial for each of these daily challenges. I hope you find my tutorials helpful but please don’t feel limited to completing the same projects as mine. I suggest thinking outside of the box and using all the tools that Cricut has to offer!
Let’s get started with the Cricut Challenge!
Day 1: Make a Thank You card using Cardstock.
The first project I made with my Cricut Explore Machine in 2014 was a Thank You card. In fact, it was this exact Thank You card!
I’m including the link below so you can make it now! Just follow the instructions to make this Thank You card.
You will need cardstock and a Cricut pen. The card doesn’t have to look exactly like the one pictured 😉
—>> Go here to find the Cricut Thank You Card in Design Space
Day 2: Use Vinyl to make a decal for a mug.
One of my favorite materials to use with Cricut is vinyl. I prefer using Oracal 651 vinyl because I never have an issue weeding it!
I put together a tutorial so you can learn how to make a vinyl decal like the one pictured below to use on mugs and other items.
—>> Go here to find the Cricut Tutorial to make a Mug Decal
Day 3: Make Print then Cut stickers.
This is a project in the works… I plan to have a tutorial soon showing how to make Print then Cut stickers with your Cricut machine. For now, I’m including a fun sticker video from YayDay Paper Co (Damask Love) on Instagram 🙂
View this post on Instagram
—>> Go here to find the Cricut Print then Cut Stickers Tutorial
Day 4: Use cardstock to make a bookmark.
One of my very first Cricut projects was making bookmarks. I made some Valentine’s Day bookmarks for my daughter in this post.
I used my Cricut machine to make some cardstock bookmarks and also Print then Cut bookmarks.
–>>Use your creativity and design your own bookmarks to cut with your Cricut machine!
Day 5: Create a pretty cork board using Iron-On Vinyl.
I made a small corkboard using Dollar Tree items and Cricut iron-on for our command center.
Did you know you can use heat transfer vinyl (HTV) on a corkboard? Yes! It turns out beautiful!
You can use a regular clothing iron but I highly recommend using a Cricut EasyPress or EasyPress Mini.
—>> Go here to find the Corkboard tutorial
Day 6: Use Cardstock to make a paper lantern.
A Paper lantern is super easy to make with your Cricut machine. You can add your own design or use one already available in Cricut Design Space. You literally only need cardstock, glue, and your Cricut machine to make a beautiful lantern like the one shown below.
–>> Go here to find the DETAILED video tutorial on how to make this lantern!
Day 7: Cut felt to make a banner.
I used my Cricut Maker Machine to cut this Bunny Felt Banner for Easter, but you can use a Cricut Explore Air 2 to cut felt!
You don’t need to limit yourself to a Bunny Banner! Think outside the box and use your machine to cut felt sheets to create a unique banner!
–>> Go here to see the full tutorial to make a Felt Banner
Day 8: Use Cricut pens to address envelopes.
Add some flair to envelopes by using the pen feature on your Cricut machine to address an envelope.
I found a YouTube tutorial to help you get started!
Day 9: Make a Dry-Erase Menu Board using Vinyl.
I made a small Dry-Erase using Dollar Tree items and Adhesive Vinyl for our command center.
I put magnets on the back to it sticks to our fridge! It makes meal planning so easy!
—>> Go here to find the Whiteboard Menu tutorial
Day 10: Use heavy Cardstock to make a stencil.
Many Cricut users do not know how easy it is to make stencils using heavy cardstock. A stencil made with heavy cardstock can be used 1 or 2 times and is a cost-effective method to creating your own stencils.
You can also purchase stencil material and use your Cricut machine to cut a stencil that you plan to use multiple times.
My favorite DIY projects using a cardstock stencil are DIY Doormats!
I’ve made several doormats over the years using 12″ x 24″ cardstock from Cricut and cheap doormats. You can easily personalize a coir doormat (or even Dollar Tree doormats!) using your Cricut Machine.
–>> Go here to see how to make a Cricut Welcome Mat
(This is the link to the “LOVE SHACK” Valentine’s Day doormat with Free SVG. I also have a Fall “HEY THERE PUMPKIN” welcome mat tutorial here and a Halloween “TRICK OR TREAT, SMELL MY FEET” doormat here)
Download the Free Printable!
I hope you enjoyed this Cricut challenge! Please share this printable with your friends and family that are new to Cricut so they can make the most out of using their Cricut Machine!
New to Cricut?
Here are some Cricut Basics!
–>>If you want a Circut Machine but aren’t sure which machine is for you, be sure to read this post, How to Choose Which Cricut Machine is Right for you.
–>>Want more tips on finding inexpensive Cricut supplies? Read this post, How to Save Money on Cricut Craft Supplies.
What Cricut Accessories Do I Need?
Cricut Essentials make putting the pieces together a joy. From tweezers that handle delicate parts to Cricut EasyPress for foolproof iron-on, every Essential makes a great project even greater, every step of the way.
These are the Cricut Tools & Accessories I recommend for the serious crafter:
Cricut Easy Press
I highly recommend purchasing the Cricut Easy Press if you plan to do any iron-on or heat transfer projects. The Cricut Easy Press will make your Cricut DIY’s so much easier!
The Cricut Easy Press comes in 3 different sizes, however, I own the 9 x 9 and it’s the perfect size for most projects.
–>>Get the Cricut Easy Press here!
Cricut Easy Press Mat
If you purchase the Cricut Easy Press, don’t forget to get the coordinating Easy Press Mat, which will protect your surfaces and projects from burning. Alternatively, you can use a folded towel, however, the mat is sleek and easier to store in the craft room 😉
–>>Get the Cricut Easy Press Mat Here!
Cricut Bright Pad
The lightweight, low-profile Cricut BrightPad makes crafting easier while reducing eye strain. It illuminates fine lines for tracing, cut lines for weeding, and more.
–>>Get the Cricut Bright Pad Here!
Cricut Cutting Mats
I suggest having a variety of cutting mats that are customized to match the weight of commonly used crafting materials. With three different mats specifically designed to work with different weights of materials, you can ensure success in all your projects.
–>>Get the Cricut Machine Mat Variety Pack Here!
Cricut Tool Set
You will thank me later for telling you to just get the Cricut Tool Set instead of buying each tool individually! The tools included in the Cricut toolset are all helpful when using your Cricut machine.
–>>Get the Essential Tool Set Here!
My favorite non-Cricut brand materials
You can find other brand vinyl, iron-on, contact paper, and more outside of Cricut.com. A few of my favorites are:
- Oracal 651 Permanent Vinyl (find it here or at your local craft store)
- Siser HTV
- Dollar Tree clear contact paper (or shelf liner)
- Various fat-quarter fabrics at Walmart
- Felt sheets at local craft stores
Learning how to use your Cricut is really easy and fun once you get the hang of it. If you don’t have a Cricut Access Membership, I highly recommend it. I’ve had a Cricut Access Membership for years and it’s definitely worth the cost for all the benefits!
CRICUT ARTICLES YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…
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32 Easy Cricut Projects for Beginners – Free Cricut Projects!
Pin this Cricut Tutorial for later…
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