When you purchase a new Cricut machine, you are often faced with choosing the right tools and accessories that accompany your new machine. In this blog, we will be talking about must-have Cricut Joy accessories, tools, and supplies. Cricut Joy is slightly different from Cricut Maker and Explore, so there is quite an overlap between Cricut Joy and other Cricut machines.
The machine has a fine-point blade, so you must buy replacement blades and housing. These blades are exclusive to Cricut Joy and cannot be used in Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker. That being said, let's move on to the accessories that you need with Cricut Joy.
Cricut Joy Cutting Mats
Cricut Joy can cut smart materials without the mat, but you will need a cutting mat if you plan to use other materials besides smart materials. With the Cricut Joy machine, you will get a green 4.5’’x6.5″ StandardGrip Cricut Joy cutting mat. But we suggest you get a longer 4.5’’x12″ cutting mat if you want to cut cardstock or standard vinyl. And if you are planning to use more delicate materials, such as thinner paper or vellum, you should get a blue LightGrip mat in 4.5’’x6.5.” or 4.5’’x12.”
Cricut Joy Starter Tool Set
The set includes the three most essential tools for any project: a weeding tool, a scraper, and a spatula. These three tools are helpful in weeding iron-on and adhesive vinyl, using transfer tape, and keeping your mat clean. The weeding tool, which looks like a dental pick, removes negative space vinyl from a project. It is a must-have tool if you work on vinyl projects. It's practically impossible to eliminate the excess vinyl and glitter iron-on without it.
The scraper tool removes the leftover material from your mat after cutting something with many negative bits. It works best with paper, but it also works with other materials. The scraper tool can also be used as a bone folder to get a crisp edge and as a burnishing tool when using Cricut's transfer tape. Pulling paper off a cutting mat can be tricky; that's where the spatula comes into the picture. The spatula easily slips under paper projects and lets you carefully ease them off the Cricut mat.
Cricut Joy Pen & Adapter Set
One of the coolest things about the Cricut Joy is that it is good at cutting and writing. Cricut's other pens won't fit in Cricut Joy as its carriage is too small. So, you first need to find the right Cricut pens that will fit in the Joy tool clamps. Cricut Joy pens are available, including gel pens, infusible ink, and metallic markers. They all are available in a variety of colors and sizes.
If you plan on making writable labels, you will need a pen. Note that the gel pens and metallic markers do not work with the writable labels but will work on cardstock and other materials. With Cricut Joy, you get a standard 0.4 black pen, but to create different types of writable labels, you will also need other colors. You can even use infusible ink pens and markers. When you insert the pen into the carriage, do not put it down; just set it there and close the clamp.
Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl- Removable & Permanent
Decals are a fun and inexpensive way to personalize your coffee mug, water bottle, phone case, laptop, wood signs, and walls. The smart vinyl is cleverly designed without a mat; you just need to place the smart vinyl into the machine. The decals made from removable smart vinyl can be easily removed and re-applied elsewhere.
The Removable Smart vinyl is available in various colors and sizes. We suggest you get a single 4-foot-long roll or a sample pack with five 1-foot-long pieces in different colors. If you want to make permanent decals, you must use the permanent version of smart vinyl. It also comes in various colors, finishes, and sizes.
Cricut Joy Transfer Tape
Transfer tape is handy when transferring complicated, delicate decals to a blank item. Cut some transfer tape and stick it onto your decal, and bond it using the scraper. Then lift the decal with transfer tape and press it onto your blank item. Use the scraper again to remove the transfer tape carefully, and you will notice that your decal is perfectly applied.
Cricut Basic Trimmer
You won't use this trimmer in every project, but it sure comes in handy when cutting something in a perfectly straight line and at the right angle. While making cards, this trimmer will give you precise edges. You can also cut down larger materials not made for the Cricut Joy.
Conclusion
We hope that this blog has given you some clarification about the essential Cricut Joy accessories. But if you are still not sure what you need to get started. You must first purchase Cricut Joy Starter Tool Set, plus the mat and pen. Next, you must decide what kind of project you will work on. If you want to create decals, you could start with Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl-Removable. For such projects, you will also need some Transfer tape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What accessories do you need for Card making?
If you are serious about making professional-looking cards with your Cricut Joy, you will need Cricut Joy Card Mat to make insert-style cards. For this project, you can use the card stock that came with the machine or envelopes. You can also buy a Card-making kit.
Where can you buy the accessories for Cricut Joy?
The Cricut Joy accessories are available on Cricut's official website and other online sites. You can also purchase them from offline shops like Joannn and Michael's. Check the shopping sites regularly so you don't miss out on some really good sales on accessories.
What is Cricut Infusible ink pen?
Cricut Infusible Ink pens have a special ink that merges with the base material in a chemical sublimation process. The ink in the pen turns into a gas when heat is applied. Next to iron-on is the best way to personalize your fabric.
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