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Home » Blog » Cricut » 10 Things You Want to Know About Cricut Joy

10 Things You Want to Know About Cricut Joy

Feb 12, 2020 · Modified: Apr 21, 2020 by Pam Dana · This post may contain affiliate links · 31 Comments

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You’ve heard about the all-new Cricut cutting machine and now you’re wondering What is Cricut Joy? And do I need it! Today, I am sharing 10 Things You Want to Know About Cricut Joy to help you become acquainted with this small, but mighty cutting machine!

I am so excited this day is finally here! I was beyond flattered that Cricut allowed me early access to their newest cutting machine, Cricut Joy! This machine may be small, but it is mighty! Cricut Joy makes it easier than ever to customize your life! Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing more information and projects that I made using Cricut Joy, so stay tuned!

Feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them! Without further ado —

10 Things You Want to Know About Cricut Joy

Available to purchase on Cricut.com or at your local craft store on March 1, 2020!

If you’re shopping on Cricut.com for Cricut Joy or other machine accessories, use code OTBM10 to save 10% and get FREE shipping on all $50+ orders. That’s on top of the 10% discount Cricut Access members get automatically!

 

Cricut Joy machine open on white countertop with an aloe plant next to the machine.

1) MACHINE FOR EVERYBODY

One of the very first things I thought when I was introduced to Cricut Joy is that this is the cutting machine for anybody and everybody — seasoned crafters, sporadic crafters or for people brand new to the crafting world! Cricut has created a machine to help everyone live a creative life!

If you’re a long-time or sporadic Cricut crafter, there is still a place in your crafting life for Cricut Joy! It makes the perfect companion machine to the Explore Air 2 and Maker! Because of its compact size, Cricut Joy can be taken all around the house for crafting room to room! It’s perfect to take for craft nights at friends or even to take on vacation! It’s the machine you’ll pull out to create last-minute cards, organization labels or to customize a shirt!

If you’re a brand new crafter, this machine is definitely less intimidating and will be a great tool to begin on! Plus, its price point will appeal to you! Get ready to find endless projects all around your home and in your life that you’ll want to personalize with the help of Cricut Joy!

This machine also will be the perfect machine for those that don’t have a designated craft space or are short on storage! It can easily be left out on a shelf or slide into a small closet!

Whichever type of crafter you are, this machine will make creating projects faster, easier and with less mess!  It is compatible to use with the Desktop or IOS app, so you can create from your computer, iPad or phone!

 

Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl lined up in the following colors - pink, gold, white, green and black.

2) CRICUT JOY CUTTING MATERIALS

Cricut is launching a whole line of consumables with the launch of Cricut Joy! Here’s a quick rundown of the new Joy sized products!

  • Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl
  • Cricut Joy Smart Iron-On
  • Cricut Joy Smart Labels
  • Cricut Joy Transfer Tape
  • Cricut Joy Infusible Ink
  • Cricut Joy Adhesive-Backed Paper
  • Cricut Joy Insert Card Sets

One MAJOR thing to note is that all the materials that are compatible with the Cricut Explore Air 2 are compatible to use on Cricut Joy. You will just need to cut the materials down to fit on one of Cricut Joy’s cutting mats.

 

Cricut Joy machine loaded with black Smart Vinyl.

3) MATLESS CUTTING with CRICUT JOY SMART MATERIALS

The all-new Cricut Joy Smart Materials are truly a game-changer for Cricut crafters! The Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl, Cricut Joy Smart Iron-On, and Cricut Joy Smart Labels do not require the use of a cutting mat!

They just load directly into Cricut Joy and before you know it, your project will be done cutting! This means you are going to be creating projects faster and easier!!

 

Decorated living room shelves with a women reaching down to pick up the Cricut Joy cutting machine.

4) MOBILE CRAFTING

Because of its compact size, this new cutting machine is by far the easiest machine to craft from anywhere! Cricut Joy measures just 18″x4″x4″ making it easy for you to take with you from room to room in your house when creating!

It’s also going to be the easiest machine to take with you for craft nights, to work, on vacations and more! No more having to run back and forth from your craft room to your bedroom or kitchen!

 

A women holding Cricut Joy machine.

5) WHAT DIMENSIONS CAN CRICUT JOY CUT?

Cricut Joy can cut designs up to 4.5 inches wide.

It can cut repeated shapes up to 20 ft long. Think stars, triangles or x’s for a DIY Wallpaper or an ABC border for your playroom or a classroom. No more having to load mat after mat!

It can also cut one continuous shape up to 4.5 inches wide by 4 feet long!

Not all of the Smart products will come with rolls that are 20ft long. At launch, the 20 ft rolls will be available in the Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl Permanent in black and white!

 

Cricut Joy Insert Card Sets and Card Mat.

6) CRICUT JOY CARD SETS

The new Insert Card Sets from Cricut make it possible to create cards in minutes! With the use of the new Card Mat, you can slide the pre-cut, scored card into the Card Mat and load it into your machine. It will draw and/or cut your card design on only the top layer of the card, without damaging the rest of the card.

Cricut Joy Card Mat with a gray card inserted into it.

At Cricut Joy launch, Cricut will have dozen of new card designs in Design Space that are compatible with the Insert Card Sets — with a lot more coming!!

This is actually one of the products I am most excited about! I love creating projects with Iron On, making organization labels and more. But, hand-making cards was something I never fell in love with. Now with the ease of the card sets, I have a new love!

 

Joy cutting machine open with its writing pens laying on it.

7) CRICUT JOY PENS

Even though Cricut Joy is the smallest cutting machine made by Cricut, it still comes with a ton of capabilities! Cricut Joy can still write using its own specialized line of pens and markers. This means you still have the ability to write on projects and cards!

I foresee using Cricut Joy Pens hand in hand with the new Smart Labels! I will also be using the Cricut Joy pens when making personalized cards for friends and family!

 

Infusible Ink, Standard Mat and regular Infusible Ink.

8) COMPATIBLE WITH INFUSIBLE INK

Thank heavens they will now be offering Infusible Ink designed to fit Cricut Joy! Infusible Ink has quickly become one of my favorite consumables to work with and now it will be even quicker to create projects! At launch, they’ll have 25 different SKUs available to fit perfectly in the Joy!

Cricut also released Infusible Ink Pens and Markers that are sized to fit in Cricut Joy!

 

Black and White Adhesive Backed Paper scattered in a pile.

9) ADHESIVE BACKED PAPER

Initially, when I heard about the Adhesive Backed Paper I wasn’t overly excited. I’ve never considered myself much of a paper crafter. However, what I have realized is the main reason I don’t love paper crafting is that it can be messy — scissors, glue sticks, and all the extra paper isn’t fun to clean up! The Adhesive Backed Paper takes most that mess out of it!

In a few days, I’ll be sharing how I put together these fun cork boards for my kids and added the fun shape elements onto them using Adhesive Backed Paper!

Initially, at release, they’ll have 8 different sets available for purchase.

Here are a few other ideas of what you can create or use the Adhesive Backed Paper on:

  • Cake Toppers
  • Buntings / Banners
  • Paper Flowers
  • Bookmarks
  • Cork Boards
  • Cards + more!

Black Adhesive Paper with space stickers removed from it and applied to a cork board.

Cricut Joy machine open with the some crafting tools laying around it.

10) CRICUT JOY ACCESSORIES

Because of Cricut Joy’s size, it will have its own set of accessories!

At the time of launch, the following accessories will be available:

  • Long Mat — Standard Grip and Light Grip
  • Short Mat – Standard Grip
  • Card Mat
  • Starter Tool Set
  • Cricut Joy Blade & Housing
  • Cricut Joy Tote

The Cricut Joy Tote will be a must-have accessory for those of you that won’t be leaving your machine out on a shelf or that will be crafting on the go!

Cricut Joy machine closed on white countertop with an aloe plant next to the machine.

Now it’s time to add a little personalization in your life….. with the help of Cricut Joy!

If you’re shopping on Cricut.com for Cricut Joy or other machine accessories, use code OTBM10 to save 10% and get FREE shipping on all $50+ orders. That’s on top of the 10% discount Cricut Access members get automatically!

 

CRICUT EDUCATION

If you’re new to Cricut and you’re going to order a

  • Everything You Need to Know about the EasyPress 2 – The EasyPress 2 is a game-changer when it comes to using Iron-On! Come learn everything you need and want to know about using it!
  • Cricut EasyPress 2 Questions ANSWERED– This is a follow-up post to the above post with some additional questions answered!
  • Tips for Using Iron On Vinyl – This is one of my most popular Cricut Educational Posts! Come learn all you need to know about using Iron-On Vinyl!

 

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I’d also LOVE you to pin this post for later too! Thanks so much friends! Have a great day!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kiki

    December 13, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    I bought a Cricut joy
    My problem is the cutouts I make will not transfer to the transfer tape no matter how many times I run it
    I have done regular Cricut never had this issue even talked to Joanne’s where I bought the supplies
    What can I do?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      January 11, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      That is so odd. Are you increasing the pressure or just doing additional passages? I would suggest increasing the pressure. If that doesn’t work, I’d contact Cricut customer service!

      Reply
  2. Melanie

    April 14, 2021 at 4:48 am

    I just purchased the Joy, when making cards the design is not centered and that leaves the notches at the top somewhat cut off. Any suggestions. I have wasted a lot of paper already. Thank you

    Reply
  3. Ashley

    February 27, 2021 at 11:50 am

    Hi! Can you tell me the best cricut for making stickers, logos, and decals? For a small business mainly. We include little stickers with every purchase and also want to offer our store logo in a decal and sticker version.

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      March 19, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      You could use the Cricut Explore Air 2 or the Cricut Joy! Cricut Joy is smaller and easier to pull in and out. If you’re going to be making large quantities, I would suggest the Explore Air 2. Let me know if you have any other questions!

      Reply
  4. Connie

    November 25, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    I tried doing a card and it kept shifting around and not cutting card ?

    Reply
  5. Connie

    November 25, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    I am completely new to using a Cricut. I just received my Cricut joy and I don’t know where to start.

    Reply
  6. Jennie M

    August 28, 2020 at 2:56 pm

    Can you make character stickers or iron one with the cricut joy? Like Disney characters for example?

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      September 16, 2020 at 10:45 am

      You can cut Iron On and Vinyl on the Cricut Joy! It sounds like you may be wanting to use Printable Iron for the characters!

      Reply
  7. Rhonda Doane

    August 19, 2020 at 11:26 am

    Why the joy over the explorer?

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      August 24, 2020 at 1:13 pm

      I wouldn’t say Joy over the Explore Air 2. It really just depends on the type of projects you’ll be creating, your crafting space and price point! I use both my machines! The Joy is just easier and quicker to get out and cut a quick project when I’m in a hurry or it’s smaller-scaled.

      Reply
  8. Ronica

    May 09, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    Can I cut plastic and leather with the joy?

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      May 15, 2020 at 11:40 pm

      No, you cannot! I’d suggest the Cricut Maker for those materials. You could also use a deep point blade to cut leather with the Explore Air 2!

      Reply
  9. Andrea

    April 18, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    Can you make centerpieces with the cricut joy or would the maker or air be better

    Reply
  10. Christine

    March 05, 2020 at 9:04 am

    Can the Cricut Joy cut through mylar film to make stencils?

    Reply
    • Lauren Paguirigan

      August 05, 2020 at 11:00 pm

      No. For a list of materials the Cricut Joy can cut, see the link.
      https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043299554-Which-materials-can-I-cut-with-Cricut-Joy-

      Reply
  11. Tammy

    March 05, 2020 at 1:20 am

    I had the very first cricut and loved it. Then I got the expression air 2. I spend most of my free time using this machine. I thought why would I need the Cricut Joy for… Well I saw it in action and now I can’t wait to use it. It will be great to use camping on those rainy days.

    Reply
  12. disneypal

    March 04, 2020 at 9:27 am

    Thanks for the information. I just ordered the new Cricut Joy – I had the original Cricut when it first came out but haven’t used a Cricut machine in over 8 years. The Joy seems just right for me, since I mostly want it for card making, labels and small embellishments for scrap booking.

    Reply
  13. Meryl

    March 03, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    A Smart Vinyl hack
    As nice as it is that Smart Vinyl allows us to cut without a mat, there are still a couple of issues that I found.
    1. Not all of my favorite vinyls or patterns or brands are available as Smart Vinyl. No Sizer and no Oracal of course.
    2. Once you use the Smart Vinyl you are left with the “backing” (really a mat) as waste. But, what if I could reuse the Smart backing with 651. Sure I can use the green mat the Joy comes with but why should I wear out my mat when I have free ones to use?
    I took the old backing and masked off about a 1/4″ on the left and right sides with masking tape.
    Then I used some repositionable spray adhesive to make the backing sheet tacky and then I put my trimmed section of…say infusible ink…on the backing. Remove the masking tape and loaded it into the Joy.
    It worked fine and saved my real mat.

    Reply
  14. Cyndi

    February 24, 2020 at 6:08 pm

    Can this make product labels, like for diy lotion and ingredients in smaller print? I love all the adhesive backed papers that would make cool labels but not sure how

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      February 25, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Yes! They can be made using Cricut pens and Smart Labels! I would be a little worried the adhesive-backed paper would be a little thick for the front of jars with the curves. But, it would be worth trying for sure!

      Reply
  15. YOLANDA COLVIN

    February 22, 2020 at 12:23 pm

    Can you print out stickers? I’m of buying stickers for my planner then I dont have enough for that month. Then I have to go back to the store then they be out of stock.

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      February 24, 2020 at 11:55 am

      Currently, the Cricut Joy doesn’t support the Print Then Cut feature. However, when using the Explore Air 2 or Maker, you are able to print stickers and then have your machine cut them out.

      Reply
  16. Lynda Wieland

    February 13, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    Can I cut scrapbook page titles and words from card stock on the Cricut Joy?

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      February 17, 2020 at 5:53 am

      Of course! Cricut Joy can cut out any words, titles, images, etc up to 4.5″ tall!

      Reply
  17. Judi K Shultz

    February 12, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    Looking forward to this new machine

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      February 17, 2020 at 5:53 am

      It really is so great! You’ll love it!

      Reply
  18. Patrice Chisholm

    February 12, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    I can’t wait to purchase the Cricut Joy!! I LOVE paper crafting and this is right up my alley!

    Reply
    • Pam Dana

      February 17, 2020 at 5:54 am

      It’s a paper crafters dream!! You’ll love it!

      Reply
      • Haley

        November 13, 2020 at 12:31 am

        Hello!
        I have. Cricut maker. Can I use the adhesive backed paper and make the labels with the pens on my maker?

        Reply
        • Pam Dana

          November 24, 2020 at 8:53 pm

          Yes. Just make sure the design is arranged to fit on the adhesive-backed paper.

          Reply

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Welcome! I’m Pam, a mom of 3 and a lover of reading, TV, the sun, and Mexican food! Here I love sharing easy everyday recipes, printables, Cricut crafts, holiday fun, and kids activities! Learn more about me over on my About Page or on Instagram! Have a fantastic day!

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Pam is a stay at home working mama that enjoys all phases of life! Between her 3 kids, fur baby (a beyond cute Goldendoodle), wonderful husband, friends and working, she stays pretty busy! But, she is loving every aspect of her life! Here on Over the Big Moon, she loves to share DIY's, recipes, printables, organization tips and more! Read More…

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