The Best Beginner Project to Make with a Cricut

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions and thoughts are mine. This post contains affiliate links.

There is no other crafting tool that is a better investment than a Cricut machine.  Period.  The versatility and capabilities are amazing and it’s worth every cent.  I couldn’t love my Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker, or Cricut Joy more {yep, I have all three!} and I use them multiple times every single week.  Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing some informational posts all about the Cricut machines so you can get the most out of your machine.  Let’s start today with the best beginner project to make with a Cricut!

I’ve talked to so many new Cricut owners and they’re often completely overwhelmed with where to start.  They’ve got the machine … now what?  I have friends who have never even taken it out of the box.  I promise, it’s really easy to use and you won’t find it overwhelming once you tackle your first project.

The Best Beginner Project to Make with Your Cricut

I think a vinyl project is the best project for a Cricut newbie.  Vinyl is easy to use, doesn’t require any special blades, requires very little knowledge, experience, or preparation, and is the perfect way to quickly transform an item.  Plus, if things do go awry, you can peel it off and start again.

Supplies Needed for a Cricut Vinyl Project

To get started with a vinyl project, you’ll need the item you want to personalize, vinyl in any color or pattern, transfer tape {this is what you use to transfer the vinyl from the liner to your project}, a standard grip machine mat, a scraper, and weeding tools {both found in the starter tool set}.  A BrightPad makes weeding much easier but you can definitely weed without it.

Not sure what kind of vinyl to use? You can’t go wrong with Cricut premium vinyl, especially for a first project.  It won’t tunnel or bubble on the cutting mat and it can be cut on any Cricut machine.

One thing to note: certain types of vinyl, like glitter vinyl, require a heavier duty, strong grip transfer tape.  I like to make sure I always have both kinds of transfer tape in my craft stash. 

Why is a Vinyl Project Best for a Beginner?

As I said, vinyl is a super easy medium to use.  You need very few tools and supplies, and in just minutes, you can personalize or transform anything.

I’ve added vinyl to thrift store knives and wood pieces to create garden markers, I’ve personalized candles, I’ve made party decor, and I’ve created fun and unique wall art.  You’re only limited by your imagination.

You can create your own text or images or use one of the thousands of images available in the Cricut library.  I highly recommend getting a Cricut Access subscription so you can get unlimited use of the thousands of fonts and images.  However, if you’re just getting started and are trying to minimize the initial investment, there are lots of freebies available in Cricut Design Space.

One of the things I love about using vinyl is the adaptability.  You can use it on so many different surfaces, from glass to wood to plastic and more.  If you’re just getting started, I would avoid using it on an uncoated painted surface where the paint may peel back {like chippy furniture or a freshly painted piece of wood}.  It can get a little tricky using transfer tape on those surfaces because the tape can peel back some paint.  However, if the paint has had a bit of time to cure, it’s usually a pretty simple process.

Vinyl isn’t just used as an application, it can also be used to create a stencil.  You can lay it over a surface, paint your design, and remove the vinyl.  That’s the method I used to create my whimsical welcome mat.

The great thing about vinyl is it’s rarely absolutely permanent.  I’ve peeled it off all kinds of surfaces, including wood and chalkboards.  You obviously need to consider whether the base will be damaged by peeling it off but in many cases, it’ll be just fine.  If you want to be completely sure, use removable vinyl.

Ideas and Inspiration for Cricut Projects

Ready to get started?  You can find all kinds of inspiration by clicking on Cricut projects under the Crafts heading on my website!  There are all kinds of projects, from beginner ideas to more advanced options.