This post is sponsored by Cricut, a company that I adore. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Some affiliate links are included in this post for your convenience.
Last month I shared all there is to know about setting up and using Cricut’s Design Software, Cricut Design Space. In case you missed it, I’ll give you a chance to hop over, read it, or {better yet} pin it, so you’ll always have it as a reference.
My Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine is my most used crafting tool, and I just love sharing all there is to know and learn about it. For some, I think the idea of a cutting machine is intimidating. Some may be concerned they’ll be sucked into constantly needing to purchase supplies, tools, and accessories. Today, I wanted to share the tools and accessories that I highly recommend for successful cutting. The only thing that is a MUST {in my opinion} is a cutting mat. One single mat. The rest…are they necessary?? Absolutely not. Are they useful?? COMPLETELY. The tools and accessories I’m about to share with all of you make the entire Cricut experience so EASY. I’ll even provide links to get you exactly where you need to be to purchase these items!
What tools and accessories do I need to use a Cricut and how much do they cost?
Cricut runs sales often. I’ve listed the regular price of all items in my recommendations below.
It’s a President’s Day flash sale at Cricut! You can get $20 off machines including Explore Air 2! This is HUGE! It’s the first chance to get a discount on the new Explore Air 2 so don’t miss out! This deal started, 2/20 and runs through Sunday, 2/26.
As an added bonus, everything will ship for FREE with code LOVESHIP.
1. Cricut Tools Basic Set $24.99
Get all the Cricut Tools in one place! This convenient and stylish set includes five essential DIY tools and four interchangeable end caps.
Tweezers to lift and secure delicate material
Weeder to remove tiny negative cuts
Micro-tip scissors with protective blade cover
Spatula to lift cuts from the mat
Scraper to burnish material and clean all cutting mats
Interchangeable end caps to customize colors
My most used tools from this set are by far the spatula and the scraper. I like to use the scraper over my mat after a project to get any little pieces off for good. The spatula is extra handy when it comes to lifting a cut off the mat without having it curl or bend.
2. Cricut Cutting Mat Variety 3 pack $34.99
The new Cricut Cutting Mats have been customized to match the weight of commonly used crafting materials. With three different mats specifically designed to work with different weights of materials, you can ensure success in all your projects.
Includes:
One 12″ x 12″ Light Grip adhesive cutting mat
One 12″ x 12″ Standard Grip adhesive cutting mats
One 12″ x 12″ Strong Grip adhesive cutting mat
This is the one thing that is for sure mandatory. Your machine purchase will set you up with one mat, most likely a standard grip mat {the green one}. It’s been my experience that my favorite type of mat to use is the lite grip, blue mat. Of course, certain projects and materials require the use of different mats. You also don’t have to purchase each type. They offer each style individually in a 12×12 size and also a 12×24 size for longer projects.
Here are a few other mat buying options and prices:
12×12 Light Grip Mat $14.99
12×12 Standard Grip Mat $12.99
12×12 Strong Grip Mat $14.99
12×24 Standard Grip Mat, 2 pack $17.99
3. Cricut Explore Variety Pen Set, Black $14.99
Choose the perfect pen to write in a greeting card, customize a banner, add personal messages to your photo memories, and much more.
Cut and write with the Cricut Explore® machine
Includes (2) 0.3 tip, (1) 0.8 medium tip, and (2) 0.8 medium calligraphy tip pens
Water-based, acid-free, nontoxic, permanent after 24 hours
I’ve noticed that when I use the write option on my Cricut, I tend to use black. That’s why I’m a fan of this variety set that includes different size tips of their awesome black pens. There are {of course} many other color options and tips to choose from. I’ve listed a few others below!
Cricut Color Candy Shop Pen Set $12.99
5 fine-point pens in Blueberry, Candy Crystal, Sour Apple, Candy Corn, and Very Berry
Cricut Color Wildflower Pen Set $12.99
Cactus Pink, Lavender, Bluebonnet, Honeysuckle, Sage
Cricut Seaside Pen Set $12.99
5 pens in Teal (0.4 tip), Coral (0.4 tip), Silver (1.0 tip), Gold (1.0 tip), and Black (2.0 tip)
Cricut Explore Pen Pack Everyday Collection $19.99
3 medium-point (1.0) Gold pens; 3 medium-point (1.0) Silver pens; 4 fine-point (0.4) Black pens
And just because I’m a big sucker for things that match, just look at this gorgeous accessory pouch and essential tool set offered in MINT to match my machine! This is definitely on my wish list this year!
For use at home or on the go! This Accessory Pouch is thoughtfully designed to provide organization and storage for your Cricut tools and pens.
Cricut Essential Tool Set, Mint $49.99
Craft in style with our Cricut® Essential Tool Set. This 7-piece set comes with every tool you will need for a Cricut crafting session and perfectly complements your new Cricut® Explore Air2 machine with a classic blend of performance and style.
Tweezers to lift and secure delicate material
Weeder to remove tiny negative cuts
Scissors with protective blade cover
Spatula to lift cuts from the mat
Scraper to burnish material and clean all cutting mats
Scoring stylus to add fold lines to cards and envelopes
High-quality trimmer for materials up to 12″ wide
Replacement blade for the trimmer
Scoring blade allows you to add score lines to your projects
Please note: Color of the pouch does not match machine exactly
For those that want the most “bang for your buck”, I’d go with this…
Cricut Explore Complete Starter Set $118.94
Everything you need to get started with your Cricut Explore Air 2
This bundle includes:
Cricut Explore® Deep Cut Housing with Blade | Cricut® Tools Scoring Stylus |Cricut® Metallic Medium Point Pen Set
Cricut® Tools Basic Set| Cricut® Cutting Mat 12×12 Variety 3 pack| Cricut® Window Cling Black
For those that just kind of “want it all”, I recommend going with a bundle. There are a few options for your accessories and tools as far as bundles that are offered. I think the Complete Starter set is certainly giving you the most bang for your buck, so to speak. You’ll get all three mat grips offered, the basic tools set I mentioned before, pens, and much more! You really can’t go wrong with this option!
Of course you’ll also need materials to cut. My most used, by far, are vinyl and cardstock. I’ll share more about the cutting materials in my next Cricut post!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
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