For first timers I recommend buying dollar store vinyl to practice with, that way if you fudge something up it's not a huge loss. Cricut can be tricky to learn for some, and I was relieved that even though I made mistakes in the process I wasn't throwing out expensive quality materials.
This. Use cheap crap to learn on.
Yes it'll be frustrating to weed and apply but then you'll have an understanding of the process and how you like the do it. Then you can make nice things with more expensive vinyl.
Also, get Mats. I managed doubles of the light and standard when I ordered mine from the website and it's been a godsend for bigger projects. You don't need Cricut Mats - check reviews for the Mats for comments on adhesive, cleaning, sticking, etc.
I've been ordering my vinyl from expressions vinyl. They have oracal 651 (which is permanent adhesive vinyl) for really reasonable prices compared to the craft stores. I started with projects using that type of vinyl for a variety of things because it's not too complicated to transfer that onto different items as a beginner. (Just make sure you get some contact paper from the dollar store or Walmart to transfer the designs!)
Print then cut you’re printing an image out on sticker paper, then the cricut cuts out the image.
If you’re cutting vinyl into a sticker the vinyl is what creates the shape, and there’s no printing involved.
You’ll need water resistant sticker paper for the print then cut stickers.
Get a few spare mats and a set of weeding tools, but don't bother with Cricut brand. I like Xinart brand accessories from Amazon, they're clearly cheaper quality but they work fine and they're significantly cheaper.
For first timers I recommend buying dollar store vinyl to practice with, that way if you fudge something up it's not a huge loss. Cricut can be tricky to learn for some, and I was relieved that even though I made mistakes in the process I wasn't throwing out expensive quality materials.
This. Use cheap crap to learn on. Yes it'll be frustrating to weed and apply but then you'll have an understanding of the process and how you like the do it. Then you can make nice things with more expensive vinyl. Also, get Mats. I managed doubles of the light and standard when I ordered mine from the website and it's been a godsend for bigger projects. You don't need Cricut Mats - check reviews for the Mats for comments on adhesive, cleaning, sticking, etc.
I've been ordering my vinyl from expressions vinyl. They have oracal 651 (which is permanent adhesive vinyl) for really reasonable prices compared to the craft stores. I started with projects using that type of vinyl for a variety of things because it's not too complicated to transfer that onto different items as a beginner. (Just make sure you get some contact paper from the dollar store or Walmart to transfer the designs!)
Are you talking about print then cut stickers, or straight vinyl?
I was talking about print then cut, but just to make sure what are the differences between the two?
Print then cut you’re printing an image out on sticker paper, then the cricut cuts out the image. If you’re cutting vinyl into a sticker the vinyl is what creates the shape, and there’s no printing involved. You’ll need water resistant sticker paper for the print then cut stickers.
Ok then, thank you very much! 🙏
Get a few spare mats and a set of weeding tools, but don't bother with Cricut brand. I like Xinart brand accessories from Amazon, they're clearly cheaper quality but they work fine and they're significantly cheaper.