Let’s unbox the Cricut Maker 3 and make your first cut!
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If you are new to cutting machines or debating on upgrading your Cricut machine this post highlights what is included with this new machine. I also show you the first cut with the Cricut Maker 3.
Are you new to Cricut? Do you just want to expand your crafting abilities? This is the right place. Start here to learn just what a Cricut is. You can also learn more about Cricut materials here.
Today is all about the ultimate smart cutting machine. Let’s open the box and see what’s inside. Inside the box, you will first find an envelope filled with instructions and a little piece of smart vinyl to get you started.
Further down in the box there are more materials. You will find some iron-on, transfer tape, black vinyl, and sticker paper. The maker can cut over 300 materials using 12 types of tools. The starter materials in the box are a great way to begin and get used to the machine.
There are many accessories that can be added and used with this machine, like the roll holder sold separately. Take a look at everything you can add on once you get started with the Cricut Maker 3.
The machine itself comes with a power cord and a USB cord. The USB cord can be connected directly to your computer or a tablet. The Cricut Maker 3 is also equipped with BlueTooth. So, once everything is all set up you can choose to run everything on BlueTooth if you wish.
Plug in the machine and open the top lid, the front will fall open on its own.
Remove the piece of foam that protects the tool housing. It comes with a fine tip blade to get you started. This blade will cut most materials, including those that come in the box.
This machine also comes with several storage compartments. This allows you to store some of your various tools and keeps everything in one place.
To set up your machine, download included Cricut Design Space. This is the software that allows you to create and cut whatever you can dream up. You can also use the free Cricut design space app to run this new machine as well as your other Bluetooth enabled machines.
In the left upper corner of Design Space, click on New Product Set Up and follow the prompts to set up your machine. It really is that simple. The prompts will lead you to easily get your machine all set up.
If you are wondering what to cut with this machine for your first time, a great place to start is the home page of Design Space, there are ready made projects just for this machine.
For my first cut with this machine, I designed some very simple labels for my pantry. In a blank canvas, I typed out several labels like snacks cereal rice and pasta. I chose to cut without a mat so that I could try one of the smart material sheets that came with the maker.
As I got the machine ready for the first cut, I had to select the base material first. In this case, I chose Smart Vinyl without a mat. The smart materials are a nice option to cut without a mat and come in lots of colors and varieties.
Heading back over to the machine, I find a button that is flashing. After pushing that button, the machine measures out the materials. Then, a play button will flash. Pressing this play button starts the cutting.
Cricut walks you through the whole process and makes designing and cutting so easy.
Once you have made the cut, it’s time to weed. There are a few tools I find helpful in this process. The essential tool set is a great purchase to grab off these tools and then some.
A trimmer allows me to cut a nice clean line so that I can use the rest of the leftover vinyl later. Smart Vinyl must be the width of the machine for it cut without a mat. So a clean cut preserving the width is essential.
A scraper, small pair of scissors, and weeding tool will also make your process simple. These can be bought all in one pack. I also used the transfer tape that came with the original machine box.
Be sure to watch the video to see how easy weeding and apply a vinyl label can be.
The process is smooth and easy. I ended up with some great labels for my pantry bins.
Cricut Maker 3 vs Explore Air 2 vs Joy
Now let’s talk about some of the differences between this new Maker and other machines. I also own the Cricut Explore Air 2. My new Maker 3 can cut different materials than the Explore Air 2. These include thicker materials, over 300 types in total! The Maker 3 can also cut smart materials without a mat. This allows for long continuous cuts without having to purchase a larger mat. The Maker 3 is also a lot faster and quieter.
The Cricut Joy is a cute little machine you don’t need a full craft room for. It can even fit in a little carrying case. It is great for making quick projects like cards or decals. Small quick projects work great with this machine.
However, if you are a dedicated crafter who wants the greatest versatility, the Maker 3 is the way to go.
So again, this unboxing and first cut with the Cricut Maker 3 showed that this new machine is a lot faster than previous generations. It can load and use smart vinyl beautifully without a mat. Making labels for my pantry was quick and easy.
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Are you ready to upgrade your machine? Or dive into the world of Cricut? What questions do you have, comment below and let me help you start crafting with Cricut.
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