teacher mom life blog
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • TPT Store
  • Amazon Favs
  • About
    • Contact

Where to get started with a Cricut in the classroom...

7/19/2019

4 Comments

 
Picture
Hi friends!  

​I have a pretty full Facebook group/community called Cricut for Teachers!  Where other teachers share ideas and inspiration for using their Cricut machines to in the classroom.  Feel free to join if you're a beginner, expert, Silhouette User or even if you're just thinking about joining.  Everyone is welcome!

Thinking about purchasing a Circut Machine for your classroom or personal use? 

Get started can be the hardest step. I have owned three machines over the past ten years and they are all high quality machines. I have owned the Expression, Air 2 and then I was gifted the Maker or I would have kept my Air 2 for YEARS.  I used it for my small business, classroom, and made signs and items to sell. It is a well loved machine that I still use. 

I thought I would make a post to answer some questions that seem to come up the most.  Let me know if you think of anything I didn't cover! 




Do I have to Pay to use the software?

Cricut has a software called Design Space (DS) that you can use for free.  They have a paid membership option (that usually you get a free 30 day trial of when you get started) that gives you access to their fonts and images).   

At this time you do have to have internet access to use DS and use your Cricut.

What Machine Should I get?

This depends on what you want to use your Cricut for!  I'll share a few options below. ​As an Amazon Associate I earn a small amount if you use the link to purchase.
Picture
 
Explore Air 2
This is the machine I personally use. It can cut paper, cardstock, leather, vinyl and heat transfer vinyl (HTV). I don't recommend the Air 1 because it does not have wireless capabilities unless you purchase an adapter. Admittedly I am on a budget and I haven't be frustrated with this decision once!
​
Explore 2
Explore 3
The Maker
The Maker has the functionalities of the Air 2 plus sewing projects, leather crafts, and balsa wood  models. Personally I don't do any crafting that needs the extras YET, but you just might!   If you can afford it, it is highly recommended.
Click to set custom HTML
Maker 2
The Maker 3

Cricut JOY

This little bundle of Joy is perfect on-the-go crafters traveling between school and home!  It isn't as wide as the other cutting machines, but it stores more conveniently, doesn't require a mat and would be perfect for bulletin boards. 

How do I use it?

Step 1: Take it out of the box!  Sure, it can be intimidating at first because there are so many possibilities, but you're not going to figure it out without step 1.  In fact, Cricut does a great job of having test projects set up for you to do right away! 

MAINTENANCE 

The blades do have to be replaced with time, but I will share I have had my machine for over a year and I haven't needed a new blade yet.  I have used it mostly for vinyl so I suspect that I would need to replace it sooner if I cut more paper.

The mats lose their sticky with time, but you can wash them.  I have used warm soapy water and heard of others that tried baby wipes.  Worst case scenario if it doesn't work you can buy a new one. I have about four mats that I use and I only need to replace them about once a year if that. 

The one splurge I recommend is an oversized mat!   I will post soon about heat presses and accessories.  Let me know if you have quesitons or suggestions.  

Using it at School

Personally I keep my machine at home, so this idea came from our awesome group.  If you plan to take your machine between home and school this carrying case came highly recommended. 
4 Comments
Maureen
7/20/2019 12:32:42 pm

I am curious about internet access, I teach up north in Nunavik and wifi is sketchy at best, can I print my own letters etc for boards without wifi?

Reply
Alissa
7/20/2019 05:54:29 pm

Hi Maureen!

The Cricut FAQ page might be better equipped to answer your question: https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009379794-Design-Space-Offline-iOS-FAQ

Reply
Patti
8/19/2021 08:13:42 am

Maureen,
I have one of the older models that use the font cartridges and that would be perfect for you. No internet needed.

Reply
Olivia
6/10/2020 07:35:28 pm

Hi! I love following this blog and your facebook group! :) I am new to Cricut- I am looking at vinyl and wondering if you know anyone who has used PVC free vinyl from Stahls or Eco-Friendly Crafts. I would love to buy it as it has far less toxins than the other vinyl products, however, I want to make sure that it will still stick well to my cylinder block walls, wood door and tshirts. Have you heard of this? I am also wondering if you heard how toxic the vinyl is... and if you think it is true? Sorry to ask so many questions!!

Thank you!

Olivia

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    What you're in for...

    Here you will find my ramblings of motherhood, teaching, & life while like many I try to balance it all.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases, but it does not cost you any more! :) 

    Archives

    February 2022
    September 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019

    Categories

    All
    Cricut
    Indiana
    Life
    Motherhood
    Podcast Episodes
    Reviews
    Teaching

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • TPT Store
  • Amazon Favs
  • About
    • Contact