Are you looking for some ideas on how to use your Cricut machine? If you’re just starting out, cardstock is a great material to work with. Here are fifteen creative ideas for beginners.
So you got your new Cricut machine – hooray! Now comes the fun part. You get to create virtually anything you want, and the options are endless. It might even seem a little overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to the Cricut and crafting world. But not to worry – there are hundreds, if not thousands of great ideas to choose from and you can always make them your own.
If this is your first time using a Cricut, I totally understand how overwhelming it can be to get started. The limitless options and possibilities can be a blessing and a curse! You might be tempted to put the Cricut in your closet and wait until you’re feeling more creative and confident to try it out, but there’s no better time to start than now. Start with an easy project you know you can accomplish, then move to more intricate cuts.
Before we get into the cardstock Cricut ideas, the first thing you need to know is that Cricut is compatible with many different types of materials and paper. You aren’t limited to cardstock paper only! However, we wanted to focus on cardstock for this post because it’s one of the simpler materials to use with your Cricut.
What different materials can I use?
- Standard paper
- Cardstock (you could even use glitter cardstock)
- Vellum
- Adhesive vinyl
- Posterboard
- Cricut brand paper or cardstock
How do I start?
Before you load your Cricut with cardstock and start creating, you’ll want to get acquainted with the cutting machine. Learn what the buttons do, how it works, how much pressure the blade will need, etc. I would recommend reading through the user manual for your specific model, or you can read the Cricut 101 for Beginners blog post I wrote to help people in your exact situation.
Now that you’re ready to start crafting, here are a few of my favorite creative cardstock Cricut ideas for beginners.
1. Gift Tags
I always feel like I’m looking for gift tags, even if it’s not Christmas time. From birthdays to showers to “just because” gifts, having a bunch of homemade gift tags is convenient. Plus, they’re extremely simple to make out of cardstock on your Cricut!
Here are some gift tag projects you can make in Design Space:
2. Cardstock Garlands
Garlands are the perfect accessory for any party, holiday, or classroom. Simply cut your favorite shapes out of cardstock and string them together – you’ll want to make one for every occasion and holiday season! They are some of the best things to have on hand when you need to spruce up a space.
3. Banners
You can cut out letters of any size on your Cricut, so why not make a cute banner out of them? “Happy Birthday,” “Merry Christmas,” “Congratulations” – the options are endless. And since cardstock is sturdier than standard paper, you’ll be able to reuse them.
4. Scrapbooks
I know most people are doing digital scrapbooks now, but there’s something special about a handcrafted memory book that fills me with nostalgia. You can cut out so many different shapes using the Cricut, so get creative when documenting your kids’ lives and adventures. You can even create beautiful shadow boxes with your paper crafts!
5. Planners
If you’re anything like me, I love to have a planner to schedule my days (especially during the school year when everyone is so busy)! You can make a custom planner using your Cricut and cardstock. Cut out different shapes to mark appointments, classes, lessons, and activities – you can even use a different shape/color for each child to stay more organized.
6. Storybooks
Are your kids getting tired of the books you have at home? Instead of going out and buying new ones, have them help you come up with stories you can write and decorate with the Cricut! They’ll love being involved in writing a story and it will really get their creative juices flowing – it’s a fun project for everyone and a great way to involve your kids.
7. Paper Flowers
Flowers are so simple to make with a Cricut and you can use them for so many different things. Put them on cards, use them in your gift wrapping, or use them as home decor. They make great gifts too!
8. Crowns
Have a little prince or princess who loves to play dress-up? Make them a crown out of cardstock using your Cricut! Bonus points if you let them decorate it themselves – they’ll absolutely love it. The best part is they can reuse them!
9. Greeting Cards
You can never have enough greeting cards on hand. Thank you cards, happy birthday cards, or “just because” cards are always great to have around, and hand-making them gives them an extra special touch for the recipient.
There are way too many greeting cards in Design Space to highlight – just search “card” or “occasion + Card” in the search bar to find your perfect card!
Also read: The Ultimate Cricut Joy Card Making Guide: FAQs Answered!
10. Valentines & Boxes
Valentine’s Day is either the best or worst day of the year if you’re the parent of an elementary-aged child. If you’re someone who likes to keep it simple with the Valentine’s and Valentine boxes at school, the Cricut is perfect. Cut out cute shapes, glue them to a box, and you’re done!
11. Gift Card Holders
Everyone loves gift cards, but sometimes giving them as a gift can seem impersonal. If you want to add that personal touch, you can make a darling gift card holder out of cardstock with your Cricut.
12. Invitations
The Cricut is the perfect machine for creating invitations. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, shower, or anything else, you’ll love how simple it is to create the invitations using your Cricut machine.
13. Photo Props
Hosting a holiday party with a photo booth? Create cardstock photo props with your Cricut! You can create sunglasses, hats, funny sayings, lips, and more.
14. Bookmarks
Every parent wants to find ways to get their kids to read more. If your kids aren’t big readers, a fun, personalized bookmark might just be the motivation they need to dive into a new book! You can even let them help decorate it.
15. Cake Toppers
Cake toppers are so fun and easy to make with the Cricut. From sayings to shapes, there are endless possibilities to choose from!
What is the best cardstock to use with Cricut?
That’s a great question! Luckily for you, we’ve written an article all about this here – 6 Best Cardstocks for Cricut Projects and Machines
What are your favorite ways to use your Cricut? Leave a comment below with your cardstock projects, share your best tips, and spread the Cricut joy. For more easy Cricut project ideas, check out this post!
More Cricut Posts You May Enjoy:
- 20+ Easy Cricut Mother’s Day Card Ideas
- 5 Easy Dollar Tree Cricut Christmas Projects
- How to Make Car Decals with Cricut 101
Katie is a Colorado-native, BYU graduated, and most importantly, wife to one and mother to three beautiful boys. She is passionate about sharing her experiences with others – especially about pregnancy, breastfeeding, cooking, and crafts. She is currently training to be a Certified Lactation Educator. She loves spending time with her family and helping others find joy in family life.
Looking for even more Cricut help? Be sure to check out our Cricut Tutorials guide which has all of our best tips, tricks, and tutorials for mastering your Cricut machine!
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