Cricut’s $99 Cutting Machine Rekindled My Creative Spark

I’ve always been a bit skeptical about gadgets that promise to boost creativity, but the Cricut Joy 2 has changed my mind. After three weeks of using this smart cutting and drawing machine, I’ve found it incredibly easy to dive back into making stickers, cards, bookmarks, and more.

This compact $99 device isn’t flawless, but its features and the templates available through the app were exactly what I needed. Balancing caregiving, self-doubt, and mental health challenges has made it hard to engage in creative activities like I used to, but the Joy 2 reignited that spark. It delivers quick wins that are perfect for those moments when inspiration strikes.

I’ve been testing the Cricut Joy 2 along with the Ultimate Plus Bundle, which typically retails for $229 and includes extras like smart vinyl, iron-on sheets, and tools such as a fine-point blade. Getting started was a breeze. I connected the machine, installed Cricut’s Design Space software on my laptop (also available on mobile), and completed my first test cut in under 30 minutes. Watching that initial design come to life was exhilarating.

While the setup was straightforward, the app’s onboarding process could use some improvement. For a product aimed at beginners, it doesn’t clearly guide you on what to do next or how to maximize the machine’s potential. Although the tasks—like mat placement and material alignment—aren’t difficult, they can be confusing for newcomers. I initially struggled to create something from scratch and felt discouraged after wasting some materials.

The Design Space interface contributes to this confusion. Helpful tutorials and project checklists are tucked away at the bottom of the landing page, and many instructions are text-heavy, which might not be ideal for visual learners. It’s odd since Cricut has a wealth of clear, engaging YouTube tutorials that would be perfect for the app.

On the plus side, Cricut offers a free 30-day trial of Cricut Access, which costs $9.99 a month after the trial ends. This subscription provides access to a variety of templates, tips, and guided projects created by both Cricut and the community. It’s especially beneficial if you prefer some structure in your creative endeavors. More importantly, it helps you learn how to use the materials and tools that come with the Joy 2. That’s when the real fun began. Projects came together quickly, and I felt the joy of transforming a design from screen to finished product in mere minutes.

The Joy 2 excels at simple projects, but it can tackle more complex ones if you’re willing to invest the time. For example, multicolor designs need to be cut in separate layers and assembled manually, which requires patience and focus. This isn’t a drawback, but it’s something to consider before diving into new projects.

If you’re looking to create stickers or printed designs like iron-on transfers, the Cricut’s “print then cut” feature is a game changer. It allows you to print a full-color design using your existing inkjet or laser printer, then cut it out precisely with the Joy 2. I was pleased with the results, and the process is straightforward: the Design Space app adds cut lines around your uploaded design for the machine to follow. You simply feed the printed sheet into the Joy 2, and it scans and cuts with precision.

While the Joy 2 can technically handle larger projects like wall decals and full-shirt graphics, it can only cut about 4 to 4.5 inches at a time. You could break the design into sections, cut each piece manually, and then assemble them, but if you plan to create larger designs frequently, consider upgrading to the $199 Cricut Explore 5. The $349 Cricut Maker 4 is another option, capable of cutting thicker materials like fabric or leather and offering engraving, debossing, or perforating features.

Even though my expectations for a “beginner-friendly” cutting machine differ from what Cricut offers, the Joy 2 is a fun and relatively affordable gadget that I can easily recommend. While I’m not planning to reopen an Etsy store anytime soon, I finally feel inspired to keep creating.