Check out this ultimate resource for Cricut Ideas. Ideas for DIY Cricut home decor, gifts, wall decor, iron-on vinyl, easy Cricut projects, Cricut Christmas ideas, and Cricut How To Videos!!
Congrats! Maybe you’ve just received your first Cricut machine, taken it out of the box, and now wondering what to do with it??
Or you’ve had your Cricut for a while now and have only made cards with it and thinking “I need some new Cricut ideas”?? Or maybe you don’t own a Cricut yet, but wondering about this machine and what it can do for you??
No matter which one you are, you have landed in the right place! I have a ton of written Cricut tutorials and also Cricut how to videos to get you started!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links from Shareasale, Cricut, Awin, and Amazon.com. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my links (purple text). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is a Cricut Cutting Machine?
- A Cricut cutting machine is your personal DIY cutting machine. You can make custom vinyl stickers/decals, personalized home decor, unique greeting cards, custom-designed apparel, amazing gifts and more!
- There are three different lines of Cricut machines. Cricut Explore Air family (Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Explore 3), Cricut Maker family (Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3), and the Cricut Joy.
- You can upload almost any image for free to cut or print. Or you can pay a small fee for access to Cricut Access.
- With Cricut Design Space, you can design your own cut files from anywhere you have Wifi. It is a simple and easy to use free program! (see bottom of the post for a list of CDS tutorials)
- Cuts tons of materials including basic and specialty Vinyl colors, Heat Transfer Vinyls, Cardstock, Faux Leather, Adhesive Foils, Specialty Paper, Poster Board, Fabric and more!
To learn more about the different Cricut machines, check out our post on which Cricut is right for your needs.
If you’re wondering if it’s worth the money, you can read my Cricut Explore review here, or my Cricut Maker review, or read about the newest Cricut Maker 3 and must have Maker accessories.
The super mini Cricut Joy is out now too! Make sure to check out my post on three easy projects to make with the Cricut Joy. that includes a Cricut Joy how to video.
If you have a Cricut Maker, make sure to check out my roundup of Cricut Maker projects.
So, now let’s get into some Cricut inspiration!
Cricut How-To Videos
I know everyone learns differently, that’s why you’ll find a how to video tutorial in the majority of my Cricut tutorials. Some of them will have a quick overview video and others will have a full length YouTube Cricut video tutorial embedded in the post.
To check out all of my Cricut how-to videos, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel!
My most popular and best beginner how to Cricut videos to start with are:
- Learn how to make a shirt using a Cricut from start to finish in a full video tutorial.
- Learn how to edit a Starbucks logo image in CDS and then apply it to a cup in this step by step Cricut video tutorial.
- Learn how to cut and roll 3D Cricut flowers to make a shadow box in this video and step by step directions.
- Learn how to make invitations with a Cricut along with other party favors in this video Cricut tutorial.
Cricut Ideas to Get You Inspired!
Simply click on the colored text next to each Cricut idea project to check out the full detailed step by step tutorial.
Easy Cricut Ideas
Are you just starting out with your Cricut Explore Air and want some easy Cricut project ideas? Creating amazing Cricut projects just takes practice.
I'm not going to lie, it takes a while to figure out your machine. The Cricut has made it easier with the preprogrammed blade settings. If you have the Cricut Expression, figuring out the settings was half the battle!
I remember having to redo cuts so many times because they would rip or wouldn't cut deep enough. Now, with Cricut Design Space that problem is pretty much gone.
The Cricut Maker has taken it a step farther with its new blade technology and the extensive list of material setting.
So let's take a look at some great first projects!
DIY Funny Succulent Pots using a Cricut!
Cricut vinyl projects are probably the easiest way to get started. Learn how to cut some vinyl and apply it to a pot with transfer tape!
Custom Cutting Boards
Using Dollar Tree blanks is a great way to save money. Another easy way to get started.
Vinyl on Mugs Tutorial
Apply vinyl on mugs to create unique and cute gifts with this FREE SVG cut file.
Applying Vinyl to a Tumbler So That's It's Always Straight!
Learn some tricks and tips to get a vinyl decal straight on water bottles and tumblers.
Cricut Shirt Making for Beginners: Step by Step Tutorial!
Cricut shirt making is a great beginner project for Cricut users! Learn how to make t shirt designs, cut iron-on vinyl, and apply HTV to shirts.
Cricut Cards using 2x2 Card Mat
Making cards with the Cricut card mat has never been easier!
Cake Toppers
You can easily make a personalized cake topper with just a few materials.
Personalized Party Favors
Adding names to party favors or school supplies is a great beginner Cricut project.
DIY Budget Friendly Decor Using Tiles and Adhesive Vinyl!
Another medium to add vinyl to is tiles.
Cricut Gift Ideas
One of the things I love most about my Cricut is that I can make personalized and sentimental gifts for anyone. Everyone loves customized gifts either with their favorite saying, sports team, or their name.
You can make gifts for the holiday season, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, really anytime!
Personalized Yeti Cups or Tumblers
Making custom tumblers is one of my favorite gift ideas.
DIY Hat with Cricut
Learn how to use a Cricut hat press to make your own unique hat for anyone!
Glitter Wine Glasses
Fun wine glasses make great hostess gifts.
Personalized Stuffed Animals
Kiddos love have anything with their names on it.
Special Kid's Artwork on Tote Bag
Using Infusible Ink and a child's drawings to make a one of a kind tote bag.
Cake Topper
Making cake toppers is a nice before-wedding gift idea that is sentimental and budget friendly!
Graduation Card DIY
Making money holders with many different Cricut materials.
Personalized Shirts for Mom
Great Cricut idea for Mother's Day.
DIY Cricut Magnets Tutorial
Making DIY magnets has never been easier! Using a printable magnetic sheet, a printer, and a Cricut cutting machine you can design pretty much any kind of magnet with the print and cut feature.
Adorable Birth Stat Elephant Tutorial
Everyone I have given this adorable personalized baby gift to has loved it!
Decorated Glass Block
Glass blocks make great gift ideas and are super easy to make.
How to Make a Stencil with Cricut {Reusable}
Learn how to make a reusable stencil with a Cricut and a few different stencil materials. Which stencil material is best?? Let's find out!
FREE SVG for DIY If You Can Read This Socks!
Simple project and super fun gift!
Old Hand Written Recipe Transferred
Probably my all time favorite sentimental gift I made using my Cricut was transferring my Grandma's beloved recipe to a pot holder.
Stickers
Maker your own waterproof stickers with a Cricut, printable vinyl, and a single sided self laminating sheet. Make great party favors or gifts for anyone.
Personalised Swimming Towel!
Adding a name to anything makes it more special!
DIY Your Own Custom Stadium Seats!
Sports equipment that is personalized with team mascots is always a great gift idea.
DIY Journal Cover using Heat Transfer Vinyl!
You can personalize a journal with what the student or friend loves to make it extra special.
Makeup Glitter Brush Holder DIY Tutorial
Fun and cute gift for any girl using dollar store glass jars.
Personalized Tile
Adding vinyl to a tile is easy and cheap, but can make a big statement for babies, weddings, or any holiday.
Coffee Cup Gift Card Holder Template FREE PDF and SVG File!
Make a cute coffee gift card holder with a free PDF file or a SVG file. Perfect small gift for friends, teachers, mail carriers, etc.
How to Make a Flower Shadow Box
Make a custom shadow box with paper flowers with your Cricut. A gorgeous gift idea for anyone!
DIY Personalized Minky Baby Blanket with Tags!
Adorable baby blankets using Infusible Ink so those colors stay permanent and vibrant!
DIY Wine Gift Basket using a Cricut Joy!
Gift Baskets needed? No problem! I made everything in this wine basket, including coasters, the card, wine bag, custom wine glasses, and charms with the Cricut Joy.
Cricut Mugs
Learn how to use the Cricut mug press to make permanent and dishwasher safe DIY personalized mugs using Cricut Infusible Ink transfer sheets.
Best Friend Mugs
You can use Infusible Ink markers with the mug press.
Sublimation Tumblers
Make a custom sublimation tumbler with either sublimation paper or Infusible Ink and a Cricut mug press.
Etched Glass
Make your own personalized etched glass pieces with a Cricut and Armour Etch. Make vinyl stencils for glass with any Cricut cutting machine and use them to etch glass in under 20 minutes!
Cricut Home Decor Ideas
Want an easy and cheap way to decorate your house? Then the Cricut machine is your answer!
My house is full of Cricut home decor and wall decor that I made from old scrap wood or pieces I get from friends. It's amazing to have your own unique decor in your house that wasn't purchased at Home Goods or Target.
You can be proud and smitten knowing how easy it is to make home decor when you own a Cricut.
Paper Cut Light Box DIY
Making a gorgeous intricate papercut lightbox out of cardstock.
DIY Wood Signs
Painted signs are my favorite. Learn how to make your own plus grab this free SVG file.
Our Love Story Sign Tutorial
Reverse canvas sign using a Sharpie marker.
DIY Chalkboard Sign
Upcycle old decor with some chalkboard paint and a stencil cut with our Cricut.
Cricut Stencil sign
Grab some free SVG files or use you own designs to make some simple but elegant wood signs.
Cricut Music Plaque
Use the free Spotify barcode to make a glass art music plaque as seen all over TikTok.
DIY Patio Sign
You really can make a sign with any smooth surface and your Cricut!
Wood Dog Sign DIY
A dog sign is a great project in remembrance of a beloved furry friend.
Large DIY Scrabble Tiles
Scrap wood turned into scrabble tiles for the wall.
How to Make a Beautiful Cross with Ribbon
Signs with scripture.
Cricut Chipboard Letters Make Great Wall Art!!
If you have the Cricut Maker, then you can cut chipboard to give some great depth to a wall sign.
Cricut Foil Sign
Use the new Cricut foil kit to make all sorts of shiny crafts and decorations.
Word Art on Wall DIY
You can apply vinyl right on a wall!
Cricut Shirts and Iron-On Vinyl Projects
More amazing Cricut ideas have to do with using heat transfer vinyl or HTV, especially making Disney shirts! Cricut has Disney cartridges and Disney cut files in their store. There is no limit to the amazing gifts and apparel you can make for your Disney loving friends!
You can also design and make almost any personalized shirt, pillow, or bag with HTV. You can browse through all of Cricut projects if you like!
Please check out my 3 Part Cricut Tutorial on how to make a t-shirt with iron by clicking here! I have video tutorials on designing an image in CDS (in the previous link!), cutting and weeding video tutorial here, and finally a video tutorial on ironing on the HTV here!
Click here to learn how to make Cricut Disney shirts including Cricut Design Space Tutorials on how to split the images! If you need help with a heat press you can find a video tutorial here!
I also have a roundup of 65 iron-on Cricut projects from around the blogosphere and a start to finish in-depth tutorial for making shirts with a Cricut for beginners.
If you have an EasyPress or are wondering about it, make sure to check out my EasyPress 2 directions here.
HTV on Burlap
Learn how to apply iron on vinyl to burlap for easy interchangeable signs.
Koozies
I think making koozies are so much fun! Personalize to your heart's desire.
Easy Dad Gift! DIY Dad Shirts
Learn how to use your kiddo's own handwriting on a shirt with heat transfer vinyl.
DIY Disney Shirts Tutorial with CDS Video Tutorials!
A little more advance Cricut idea with layering iron on vinyl and splitting images.
Easy Party Shirts
An easy birthay party favor idea is making personalized shirts for everyone. I made one for my son's football party with their last name on the back and had two different color shirts for the teams.
Cricut Ideas for Christmas
Christmas is my favorite time to bust out my Cricut and craft to my heart's content. Making projects to sell, give as gifts, or use for decorations is so easy and rewarding!
Read my full list of Cricut Christmas Ideas with their tutorials here and more Christmas project ideas here!
If you love Christmas crafting and free stuff, make sure to check out my roundup of over 30 cute free Christmas SVG files to craft with!
Personalized Stockings
Making stockings with different materials and then personalizing them is fun and a money saver idea.
How to Easily Make Pretty Felt Poinsettias with a Free File!
Make felt flowers.
DIY Light Up Canvas Wall Art with Cricut!
A reverse canvas sign with iron on vinyl and a little bit of paint!
Learn How to Paint on Burlap with a Freezer Paper Stencil!
Make rustic Christmas decor using a freezer paper stencil.
DIY Christmas Wood Sign Tutorial
Christmas signs are fun to make and sell!
Cricut Christmas Ornaments
Check out super easy Cricut ornament ideas.
Glitter Ornaments
I love Cricut crafts that include glitter!
Cricut Design Space Tutorials
If you need help with Design Space software, I have a Design Space 101 Cricut how-to video series to walk you through some of the features.
- Part 1: Cricut Design Space for Dummies – An Overview of Cricut Design Space
- Part 2: All Things Font in Cricut Design Space – watch this video to find out where to get free fonts, how to upload, how to attach cursive letters, and much more in this tutorial. (click on the purple title!)
- Part 3: Accessing Extra Characters and Fonts to use in Cricut Design Space – learn how to easily access those secret glyphs to make your font stand out in CDS.
- Part 4: Making a Split Layer Monogram in CDS – learn how to design a basic split letter monogram and an ornate one
- Part 5: How to Write and Cut in One Step
- Part 6: How to Make Layers and Upload
- Part 7: How to Use Slice in CDS
- Part 8: How to Weld in CDS
- Part 9: All About Using Patterns
- Part 10: How to Use Cricut Offset
- Part 11: How to Make Stickers with a Cricut
I recently launched a full 30 video Cricut 101 course for beginners that takes you through every part of the machine and CDS.
Cricut Machine Project Ideas
The list keeps going on and on, right? Possibilities for Cricut ideas are endless! I asked some of the best craft bloggers around the web what their favorite Cricut machine ideas were and this is what they told me.
Find the full roundup of Cricut projects here!
Recent Cricut Releases
Cricut introduced Infusible Ink in 2019 which has changed the game when it comes to making a variety of items. Find out all you need to know about Infusible Ink here.
Four new blades and tips were also released in 2019 to work with the adaptive tool system of the Cricut Maker. I was one of the first to try out all of these amazing blades and made a bunch of new projects using the Cricut Maker blades.
The newest Cricut machine released is the compact Cricut Joy! This little but mighty machine can cut a ton of materials and is super portable. Learn all about the projects you can make with a Cricut Joy here.
Cricut foil transfer kit was released in 2020 and in my opinion, it’s a game changer! It is affordable and really kicks up crafting to the next level with extra shine! Make sure to browse through my Cricut foil projects.
Favorite Apps and Websites to Use with a Cricut
There are a few websites and tutorials I use often when creating designs in Cricut Design Space. They save a ton of time!
- Wordmark.it – I have this on my toolbar! That’s how much I use it. You can enter any text you want to use and it will show you the text in every font you have on your computer! You just scroll through and you can click on some that you are deciding between and then it will show you just those. It’s a lifesaver!
- Monogram It app – this is a free app for making simple monograms. You can pay the $0.99 and get the full version which I have that gains you access to more fonts and monograms. I design it, save it, email it to myself, and then upload it in Cricut Design Space.
- FontLab Pad – I use this to attach my script words together. I just type in the words I need, select what font I want, download it to my computer, then upload it to CDS. It’s so much easier than trying to move all your letters separately to connect to each other.
- The late Melody Lane Youtube channel – Melody has tons of great video tutorials and resources for Cricut users.
- Inkscape – this is a free program that you can design SVGs in to then upload to CDS. I have a few CDS tutorials you can find here but I am definitely no expert. I learn from watching Troy Tube’s tutorials!
Where to Buy a Cricut Machine
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for you shopping through my affiliate links at absolutely no additional cost to you.
There are a few great places to buy a Cricut machine and accessories!
- Shop at Cricut.com! Here is a great coupon just for you: Sign up for Cricut Access™ Standard and get 10% off all orders on Cricut.com and in Cricut Design Space™ !! That’s where I get most of my Cricut vinyl from.
- Expressions Vinyl – they have a great assortment of all sorts of vinyl!
- Sometimes you can find deals at craft stores like Michael’s, Joann’s, and Hobby Lobby.
- Amazon – they can have great sales on Cricut machines and accessories!
I hope this has given you some great Cricut ideas. As I said, the possibilities are endless once you get a grasp on what your machine can do. Feel free to scroll through all my new and older Cricut projects by clicking here!
If you’d like to save this list of over 50 Cricut ideas for later, simply PIN It now!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
