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Cricut’s smallest die cutting machine the Cricut Joy.
My Cricuts are by far my favorite crafting tools. So when Cricut sent me the new Cricut Joy I was very excited to try it out and give a review of what I honestly thought about their smallest die cutting machine. I have to say I am 6 projects into using the machine and I have some opinions.
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What is the Cricut Joy?
Cricut Joy is a smaller die cutting machine that’s new to the Cricut family coming in less than half the size of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker. It’s the perfect crafting machine for small living, home organization and creating cards! Don’t let the size fool you it’s small but mighty. No craft room required.
Have a Cricut Maker or Explore Air 2? Check out some other projects here.
Pros and Cons of Cricut Joy
Now as with anything there are pros and cons. So let’s talk about my favorite aspects of the Joy and some of the limitations of the machine.
Pros
- Compact Size
- Portability
- Mat-less Cutting
- A great first digital die-cutting machine
- Great addition to your Cricut Family
Cons
- Versatility
- Size can only cut up 4.25 inches wide
- Cricut Joy only materials
- Smart Vinyl
- Mats
- Pens and Markers
Overall I love the portability and size of the machine. It’s able to sit on my kitchen counter or stored away in my coffee table without being in the way. I have used it for small vinyl projects and a quick card. I really enjoy how easy it is to use at the kitchen table or island without having to go down into my craft studio. I think this is a great machine for beginners or in addition to your other Cricut machines. It is also really easy to travel with whether to a friends/clients house or for a weekend getaway crafting and scrapbooking.
Cricut Smart Vinyl
No mat required. Cricut has created a new material called Smart Vinyl that no longer requires a cutting mat. The smart vinyl has a border that allows the Cricut Joy to grab onto the vinyl load into the machine. The joy measures the amount of vinyl inserted to check that it’s enough for the project at hand. New Smart vinyl comes in extended sizes, with up to 20’ repeated cut capability, and no need to switch out multiple mats.
Types of Cricut Smart Vinyl.
Hoarding tons of vinyl like me? Don’t worry you can still use it on the standard grip mat. New Smart vinyl comes in extended sizes, with up to 20’ repeated cut capability, and no need to switch out multiple mats.
With a new machine of course there are new accessories that are exclusive to the Cricut Joy. Everything from pens and markers to mats.
Cricut Joy Accessories.
- Pens
- Markers
- Gel Pens
- Infusible Ink Markers
- Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
- Adhesive Backed Deluxe Paper
- Patterned Smart Iron-On
- Watercolor Cards
- Insert Cards
- Cutaway Cards
- Transfer Tape
- Cricut Joy Carrying Case
Type of Cricut Joy Mats
Overall I think the Cricut Joy is a great addition to my Cricut Family. It packs away easily and sets up instantly. No need to transport a mat, combined with the smaller material size, makes it compact and portable.
How did you become someone who Cricut chose to rest out their products? I’d love to do that!
Hey Sarah they have a great blogger program. If you have a blog you can apply to it.