This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don’t know about you, but my social media feed has been full of people showing off their brand new Cricut Maker’s. This makes me so happy! I’ve been a Cricut user for over 11 years now and it is still one of my favorite crafting tools. One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive regarding my maker is: Is the Cricut Maker easy to use? And my answer is always YES!PS – this post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Cricut Maker cutting machine

Is it easy to use a Cricut?

I’ve owned 4 Cricut machines and each one of them has been easy-to-use. The Cricut Maker is so simple that once you get the machine set-up and connected to either your laptop or mobile device, you could start cutting a design within minutes! Yes, you read that right – you can use your phone to send designs to your Maker!

Cricut Design Space is the online design software that powers the machine. There are multiple ready-to-cut projects available to users, or you can create your own projects using the tools provided – such as custom text, adding clipart, or even uploading images and SVG’s.

DIY Window Clings Kids Activity

This sounds intimidating and I think that’s why so many people are hesitant to take their machine out of the box! In the video below I share how I created Potato Head Window Clings in Cricut Design Space using different shapes and images.

See? Not so bad. Once you start playing around in Cricut Design Space and become familiar with how each tool works, you’ll be a whiz in no time! If you’re a designer by trade, you’ll pick it up even quicker as it’s similar to most design software.

Below are a few more questions that I often get regarding the Cricut Maker.

What kind of DIY projects can I make?

Mermaid Hair, Don't Care DIY Hat with Cricut Maker

Honestly? Your imagination is the only limit! I’ve used my Cricut machines for hundreds of DIY projects, from designing a Mermaid Themed Bedroom, multiple custom hats, bags, shirts and sweatshirts, party decor, pillowcases, holiday and home decor, cards, umbrellas, room signs, Halloween costumes and so much more!

What materials can I cut?

The Cricut Maker can cut pretty much any material less than 3/32 of an inch, or 2.4mm, thick. So the list of materials is pretty extensive – papers of all kinds, vinyl, iron on material, 100’s of fabrics (with and without backing), chipboard, cardboard, foil, magnet sheets, leathers, wood and more.

Seriously, what project do you want to start, because this machine can probably help make it easier!

What add-ons do I need to use the machine (and are they expensive?)

The answer to this depends on your project needs. But typically if you’re getting the Cricut Maker over one of the Cricut Explore machines it’s because you want the ability to use the rotary blade or knife blade. Below are the details on the available adaptive tools:

Rotary Blade.With its gliding, rolling action, this blade cuts through virtually any fabric quickly and accurately – without backing material. $44.00, but there are always lots of sales, so keep your eyes peeled!

Knife Blade. An extra-deep blade that slices through heavier materials like 2.4 mm (3/32”) balsa wood and matboard with ease. $45.99.

Perforation Tools. Create uniform, finely perforated lines for any design with the line of perforation tools, including the scoring wheel, perforation blade, wavy blade, debossing tip, and engraving tip. Prices start at $29.99.

Pens.Fabric pens, glitter pens, gel pens, fine point, extra fine point – tons of options available starting at $2.99.

In addition to the above tools, Cricut also makes a line of heat transfer machines called the Cricut EasyPress. I have the 12×10 and the EasyPress Mini and use them both fairly regularly. If you plan to make custom clothing and apparel with iron-on vinyl, then I 100% recommend picking up a Cricut EasyPress!

Custom Shoes with the Cricut Maker

DIY Watermelon Shoes

Now that we’ve talked about just how easy a Cricut Maker is to use, it’s time to SHOW YOU! My daughter requested some custom Watermelon shoes, so we picked up a pair of inexpensive canvas slip-on shoes and I created them to her exact specifications (lol)!

DIY Custom Shoes with Cricut Maker

Using Cricut Design Space and the image library, I was able to customize an image that I sent to my Cricut Maker. I used a fine-point blade, coral and green iron on vinyl, a vinyl weeding tool and my Cricut EasyPress Mini to complete this project. Watch the video below to see the process, start to finish!

Cricut Maker and EasyPress Mini with Iron-on Vinyl

15 minutes, start to finish, for a custom pair of shoes! What would you put on your shoes?!