Cricut Design Space 4+

It is so common to see users leave negative reviews, or frowny Facebook statuses in my Cricut groups, on how they purchased this expensive machine, and have just left it in their closets FOR MONTHS to collect dust because they are too intimidated. I’m sorry, but I honestly wish I had the money to just throw at a hobby I have never done research on, and just let it sit there. Then to complain that Cricut isn’t there to hold their hand in the process. I do my research before I make a purchase and at least watch or read a few tutorials so I know what is going on. Even though my Cricut purchase was done fairly quickly, with only a couple days to study what it was, I had enough knowledge to get it going same day, right after I got home with it. I am so glad I did because it is probably one of my favorite hobbies that I have. There are so many tutorials on the Internet, and even Cricut has their own guides if you take the time to do the research online. Sure the machine only comes with a basic blade and some sample vinyl, but what else did you expect? I don’t ever expect my other hobbies (3D printing or Laser Engraving) to come with a “Let me hold your hand guide” with steps on how to do EVERYTHING it can handle. It’s up to you to succeed and learn the product that you have invested hundreds of dollars into! If I can make multi-layer projects 2 hours after opening the box, so can you! The information is out there!

I got my first Cricut for Christmas 2020 from my husband. I had mentioned I wanted one a couple times after seeing some crafty YouTubers use them. But OH THE JOY I felt when I ripped the wrapping paper off and saw the pretty Cricut box shining back at me. I had a shiny new mint explore air 2. That intimidation was there for a week or so - but once I opened her up and followed the VERY simple start up instructions- in which they basically do hold your hand as best they can- I was hooked! I’ve never owned anything I love as much besides my cameras… ok and my chihuahuas. LOL.
I now own a Maker 3, Joy, and all the sizes of heat presses. I am a design space subscriber. I love it too. Yes, it has its glitches. I wish they could go in cahoots with Apple on their software because then Cricut would be freaking awesome! Until then I’ll just keep using design space. I love every new update. I’m usually in beta. I do also utilize Canva, a design bundles membership, and photoshop. I’m a Cricut snob. I plan on buying the Joy extra even tho I know I don’t need it. I just think they’re adorable, and they bring me much Joy. If you’re an empty nester like me, this is something I recommend to help. My kidults love all the tee shirts & sweatshirts they get. So if you’re on the fence or your poor Cricut is still in her box - go for it friend. You won’t be sorry you did.

A couple months ago my mother found a Cricut expression at a yard sale. She bought it for $30 and it came with 12 cartridges and no power cord or blade. She knew that this would be something right up my alley. We didn’t do our research and didn’t realize that the machine was basically obsolete as far as buying blades and equipment. We made due with what we could get and I was having a blast. I had so many ideas which I quickly realized were going to be hard for me to execute with what I had. We managed to pull together the money for an explore air 2. I have already made quite a few projects and I’m working on a more intricate one for my husband.

I love using the cricut design space on my iPad. So far I prefer to work from my iPad than the computer. I have only come across two issues. One- when I am uploaded an image from my photos and pre editing it, my image will go completely white. The first 5-6 times it happened I got really angry closed out and started over. Then I realized my undo button was still there and it fixed it. Two- This one is more human error than anything. I have lost two projects because I was a dummy and did not save my projects at frequent enough (or at all) intervals, then my app would glitch I would have to restart the app and come back to my project selections and it was gone.

Either way I am so happy to have bought this machine and can’t wait to see what my crafting future holds. 😀😀😀