Did you recently get a Cricut Maker 3 and it’s still in the box? Or are you thinking about investing in a Cricut Maker 3 and you’re just not sure if it’s the right machine for you? Well, I’m here to help you out! So let’s get that Cricut Maker 3 out of the box and get started!
Disclosure: I received the Cricut Maker 3 and some supplies from Cricut. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you. #cricutmade
Cricut Maker 3 – Getting Started
I know, getting a new machine can be intimidating. You may be thinking “Ok I got the Cricut Maker 3, now what’? Well, don’t worry, I’m here to help you every step of the way. We’ll start with getting it out of the box, registered, and even cut the first cut!
I created a video for you to help you along the way, check it out below, and feel free to pause and rewind/replay as we go!
Getting Started
The process is basically the same as shown in the video. If you don’t have Cricut Design Space on your computer, you’ll want to install it before you begin. Create an account.
Start the new product setup process and select the Cricut Maker 3 from the machine.
You can pair your machine with either a USB (Included in the box) or through Bluetooth. I use Bluetooth. So if you do the same, you’ll want to make sure the Bluetooth is turned on your computer and you connect to it.
Once your machine is paired with the machine, the setup wizard will prompt you to cut your first cut as I show in the video. It’s really that easy! Now you can explore Cricut Design Space for your first real project.
You can follow your favorite creators there too! So be sure to look me up, I share lots of projects for levels of expertise! 😉 Here are a few favorite projects I created here on my blog for Cricut Beginners that can easily be made with the Cricut Maker 3! There’s a little bit of everything, such as vinyl projects, cut and draw projects, and more!
BEST CRICUT PROJECTS FOR BEGINNERS
HEART TIC TAC TOE PILLOW
EASY SNOWFLAKE GARLAND WITH CRICUT
Ok now that we went over the basic setup, let me help ease any hesitation you may have and answer some common intial questions…
“Is it easy for someone like me?”
Absolutely! Don’t be intimidated by the power and capabilities of the Cricut Maker 3. It uses the same software as the Cricut Joy! Cricut Design Space is one of the easiest software programs to use and there are tons of tutorials available on the Cricut.com website!
“Will I be able to learn how to use it?”
Yes! With all the projects and tutorials available online on blogs and YouTube channels like mine, you won’t be alone! THere is a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips and the Cricut community in general is so very helpful!
“Do you need to be an advanced crafter to use it?”
No! The Cricut Maker 3 is for all skill levels. From simple cardmaking to advanced 3D projects and techniques like engraving and foiling, the sky is the limit to your abilities. My best advice is to not be afraid to try new things! Want to try scoring a card, or layering designs? Give it a go!
“Do I have to pay for a subscription?” “How much will it cost to use it?” “Are there hidden costs?”
Besides the upfront cost of the machine, there aren’t any other fees to use the machine. Cricut Design Space is free to use. You can create projects with simple shapes and text within the program without incurring more costs. And you can upload your own images and SVGs. However, if you want to use the Cricut Access library of projects, graphics, and fonts you will need a subscription. You can also purchase graphics and fonts individually within the program if you don’t want to incur a monthly or annual fee. For the full experience, I would recommend purchasing the Cricut Access subscription. Cricut Access has 3 plans: Free, Standard $9.99 a month or $95.88 a year ($24 savings), and they have Premium $119.88 a year. Your membership also includes special discounts on select items at Cricut.com.
“Are there maintenance things I need to think about?”
YOu will want to make sure you have a supply of blades on hand. If you are using your machine regularly, your blades will get dull and you may see a difference in your results. Also, you will want to make sure you keep your mats clean for the best performance. I also keep my machines in a cabinet when not used to reduce the amount of dust. Dust covers are a good idea if you don’t use your machine regularly.
“And what all do I need to get with it?”
I recommend purchasing the machine bundle but if you didn’t/don’t, these items are must-haves:
If you are brand new to Cricut, I would also recommend looking at the Learning Kits.
“What’s included?”
- Cricut Maker 3 machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
- Welcome card
- USB cable
- Power adapter
- Free trial subscription to Cricut Access™ (for new subscribers)
- 100 free, pre-designed projects in the companion app
- Materials for a practice cut
“Can I use my own designs?”
Absolutely! You can upload images in formats such as PNG and JPEGs as well as SVGs directly into Cricut Design Space. You can use them as cut images or even print then cut images as well.
So how are you feeling? Are you excited to dive into all things Cricut? Are you ready to start your journey with your new Cricut Maker 3? Don’t forget to follow me on social @michellespartyplanit, where I share Cricut projects daily! I’m mostly active on Facebook, so don’t hesitate to drop me a note if you have a question!
In the next chapter of this Cricut Maker 3 Series, I will be going over all the different materials this machine can cut and more. So be sure to bookmark my blog! 😉
Happy Crafting!
PIN FOR LATER!
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