To use a Cricut cutting machine you put in your chosen shape or font cartridge, over the keyboard you put the rubber key overlay, turn it on, put on the mat a 6 inch piece of paper making sure it lines up with the arrow, press load paper and then feed in the mat to the machine, press the keys of what you want cut out and press cut.
New comers to crafting and this machine should get album scrapbooks that have protective sheets. There are affordable ones around there is no need to spend a lot of money. Try a color like black or royal blue, something solid although there are patterned ones if you so prefer. You also need paper of varying sizes 12×12, 6×6 or 8×8, some decoration materials such as stickers, ribbons, pens that do not bleed (Sakura Jelly Rolls, ZIG memory System, Marvy, ZIG Millenium are all good examples). A paper trimmer is also very useful to trim paper or photos with and adhesives (not glue sticks as they tend to mess up the project because they lift the paper.)
There is no need to go around buying lots of expensive things just get the basics for now. It’s easy to give into impulses when you see something that you love but often you end up loosing it, or not using it. Use sales and discount stores like the .99 cents stores. These are great for cheap supplies. Walmart is another good place to shop at. Online e-bay has some great deals.
A cricut manual - what to do:
• Choose the paper.
• trim the photo you want to use and add it to the paper.
• use the adhesive to fix it on dot the glue on corner and center.
• add details, decoration and embellishments i.e get creative.
• perhaps write on some comments that are linked to when the photo was taken.
• if it is relevant add a ticket or leaflet.
My last piece of advice is make sure you craft in a roomy area that is also nice and calm so you can focus on getting creative. And always use a cricut manual before using it.
Tags: cricut tools, cutter, discounted cricut, provocraft