I have done crafting with all Cricut machines and have had great experiences with Cricut Joy. I first got this portable machine when the Cricut machine launched it. It was easy for me to set up and use it, as I had been using other Cricut machines for a long time. If you are a complete newbie with this machine and are eager to learn how to use Cricut Joy, then it may be overwhelming for you at first.
In this blog post, I will cover everything about this machine, from setup to getting started creating your first project. So, get ready and unbox your machine, follow the instructions in the guide below, and enjoy the features of the Cricut Joy.
How to Setup Cricut Joy on Your Device?
If you are using Cricut Joy for the first time, you will need to set it up before you start a craft with this compact and powerful machine. Therefore, let’s complete the Cricut Joy setup.
Step 1: Download & Install Cricut Design Space
Unbox your Cricut Joy, place it on a clean surface near the power switch, and plug the machine into the power outlet. Then follow these steps:
- First of all, turn on your computer, connect it to the internet, and visit cricut.com/setup.
- Next, agree with Cricut’s Terms and Conditions and click on the Download option to start the software download.
- Once the file is downloaded, locate and install it by following the on-screen instructions.
- If you want to learn how to use Cricut Joy from your mobile, you can install the Design Space app.
Step 2: Login to Your Cricut Account
Once the Cricut app is installed, it will show up on your screen. Now, to access it, we have to log in with Cricut ID and password.
- First and foremost, launch the Cricut app and select Create Cricut ID.
- Next, fill in the requested information, such as your full name, email address, and country code.
- In the following screen, tick I accept the Cricut terms of use and then click on the Create ID.
- Finally, relaunch the software, and this time, click on Sign In, use the same credentials, and log in.
Step 3: Setup Your Cricut Joy Machine
The Cricut Joy is still being prepared. We need to add it to the Design Space and connect it to Bluetooth.
- First of all, enable the Bluetooth option on your computer by going to the Settings.
- After this, you’ll need to wait a few seconds for the Cricut Joy to appear on the screen, enter the PIN code – 0000, and connect the machine to your computer.
- Open the Cricut app, go to the menu, and click on New Machine Setup.
- Now, we have to select our Cricut machine > Cricut Joy.
- Finally, the setup part of this machine is complete. Let’s do our first project.
How to Use Cricut Joy for Creating a Project?
The project I’m going to tell you about is a plant pot pun; we will be personalizing one of the ceramic plant pots with the Cricut Joy. You will need the supplies mentioned below:
- A Detailed Guide
- Plain Ceramic Plant pots
- Transfer Tape
- Cricut Joy
- A computer with Design Space
- White Smart vinyl
- Weeding Tool
Step 1: Design Your Project
- First, we need to create a design for the project, open Cricut Design Space, and click on New Project.
- Next, use the text function and type something that you want to cut simultaneously from the text edit option and change the font.
- Drag and resize your design to fit on the plant pot and click on “Make It.”
Step 2: Select the Material Settings
In the new step, we will be on a page of the software.
- Since we are using smart vinyl, select the option of mirror off and without.
- Now, select the project copies on the left-hand upper portion of the screen.
- Next, Browse All Materials, access the vast list, and choose White Smart Vinyl.
- Subsequently, leave the pressure option default.
- The right material setting is more important to learn how to use Cricut Joy.
Step 3: Load the Vinyl and Cut
As I mentioned in the above step, we do not use the Cricut mat, so we use the roll of smart vinyl directly into the machine.
This time, back on the computer screen, click the Continue option on the software. Finally, let your Cricut Joy do all the work from here.
Step 4: Weed Out Your Design
After the machine has cut the design, first take off the vinyl roll from the machine and cut it with your design using scissors. Now, use the weeding tool to remove the negative and unwanted parts from the vinyl and leave the individual letters with the clear backing.
Step 5: Apply the Design on the Selected Surface
Now, place the vinyl design on the plant pot and use the finger and scraper tool to stick it. Then, lift the corner of the transfer tape and slowly separate it from the pot. And here is your final result on the surface.
Final Words
There was no portable crafting machine on the market until the Cricut Joy. And once Cricut launched it, crafting from anywhere has become much easier and more convenient. But before you start using this machine, you need to learn how to use Cricut Joy, as discussed above in this guide. First, download and install the software and complete the setup of the machine. Then, test the machine by creating a project.
cricut create connect to computer 
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