Cricut Maker – Your New Favorite Makerspace Tool

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

You know when you have a project idea but it feels like there are barriers to getting it done? Like there’s too much cardboard to cut. Or you can’t get the shapes just right. Or you have too many kids to prep supplies for. I have a laundry list of no can do’s in my project list. Until I got my new, fave, makerspace tool. My Cricut Maker is my favorite barrier breaking tool. And my favorite hand-saving tool. And today I’m so excited to share that I’m working with Cricut to bring you cool STEAM-inspired, hands-on learning and creative projects for the Cricut Maker.

What is the Cricut Maker?

You might have heard of Cricut already, but in case you haven’t the Cricut Maker is a cutting machine. An amazing cutting machine that hooks up to your computer or mobile device and cuts whatever you can dream up. And for this creator, it makes dreaming up new projects so much cooler. And easier. And it’s simple enough to use that my 8 year old daughter dreams up her own projects too. It’s great for your own creative inspirations, but some days when the well is dry, you might need some creative inspiration. Cricut Design Space has a huge variety of projects already mapped out, ready to create.

Cool stuff like this cool thank you card we whipped up after my daughter’s birthday party. It even drew the cool design, scored the paper so folding the envelope was super easy, too.

What can the Cricut Maker cut?

The Maker can cut so many different materials! From recycled cardboard (your hands will thank you!) to fabric for your next sewing project (who needs a paper pattern!), it’s cutting everything I need. Chipboard, vinyl for decorating 3-D printed pieces, card stock, watercolor paper, the list goes on and on. There’s a whole list of what it can cut here.

What kind of projects can you use the Cricut Maker for?

I love how I’ve been able to incorporate this tool into so many different projects. Here’s a list of some of my favorites!

First up is a brand new project…  Recycled Cardboard Friendship Bracelet Looms! Grab a cereal box from the recycling bin, some yarn, and your Cricut Maker and you’re on your way to a creative afternoon with the kids. I whipped up a sheet of these for a playdate for my daughter and her friends. All I had to do was load it up, and let it go.

How to Make a Cardboard Friendship Bracelet Loom with a Cricut Maker

This is a great first project for the Cricut or a fun way to introduce the tool to your kids. My 8 year old can run it all by herself, the interface is so easy! Here’s how to make the looms.

1. Start up Cricut Design Space with the template I’ve created for you.
2. Cut out one large panel of a cereal box and place on a standard grip mat.
3. Click Make It on the project, select Cereal Box as your material, and adjust pressure to More. I find that helps cut through the glossy part of the cereal box the best.

And what you have is a gorgeous set of cardboard looms all ready for after school, art class, or scouts!

How to Make a Friendship Bracelet on the Cardboard Loom

1. Cut 7 pieces of yarn, 2 feet long each.
2. Line up pieces and tie a knot at the end.
3. Insert knot through center hold of cardboard loom. Then insert one piece of yarn through each notch in the loom. You will have one empty notch left over.
4. Hold the loom with the empty notch up and count three pieces of yarn to the left. Pull that piece of yarn out of it’s notch and move it to the empty notch.
5. Repeat with the new empty notch and grab the piece of yarn three spots to the left. Move it to the empty notch.
6. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
7. When it gets long enough, remove it from the loom and tie the two ends together and you have a bracelet!

More Projects to Make with a Cricut Maker

I’ve loved how I’ve been able to make some of my favorite projects even easier.

Watercolor Houses: These gorgeously drip painted houses are a cool STEAM project that introduces architecture and gravity induced process art. The only thing is that if you’re going to do houses with a crowd, it can take a while to prep. But add a Cricut Maker and cutting all that watercolor paper is a breeze.

Balloon Cars:If you do STEAM type projects, you’ve probably built a recycled vehicle or two. Cutting cardboard is tedious and can be really difficult for little kids. Especially when you need something to be round. I whipped up these perfectly round wheels on my Maker and now the car really goes!

I’ve even organized my makerspace storage with the Cricut Maker too! These labels are amazing… Just print and cut on sticker paper sheets. You can grab the template over in Cricut Design Space.

I can’t wait to show you the new projects I have coming with Cricut!! Stay tuned for custom notebooks, shadow puppets, STEAM building cards, and more! Be sure to click over to Cricut to learn more about what you can do in your makerspace.