Cricut Joy - Learn About All The Things You Can Do (including project lists)

Learn everything you need to know about the Cricut Joy accessories, starter kits, and essentials that you should have to start!

As you know, I'm in love with the new Cricut Joy (learn all about the Cricut Joy here). With this little machine, you do not need to be tied to your craft room in order to create. You can easily create projects on your kitchen counter, coffee table, living room floor in less time than it takes to make a coffee.

With the ability to be untethered from your craft room table, the possibilities on where you can create is endless. This little machine is under 4 pounds and has a ton of accessories that were released with it.

I'm going to share with you all of the essentials and starter kits that you can purchase with your Cricut Joy as well as all of the different projects you can complete with this amazing crafting machine.

Below, I'm sharing with you two categories of products - the ultimate essentials and the luxury items for the Cricut Joy.

While there are overlapping Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 accessories, there are a few Cricut Joy specific accessories and tools you might want to be aware of, and I'll cover that as well.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the things that Cricut has to offer, so I'm going to share with you two perspectives: what to get if you don't already have a machine versus what to get if you already have a Cricut machine (or any die cutting machine) at home.

Table of Contents

Cricut Joy Essentials and Accessories Overview

Cricut Joy is one of the best little machines with a big talent stack to boot! You can quickly and easily personalize any project with this amazing machine. If you are wanting a machine around that does simple things like cutting and drawing, this is definitely the machine for you.

With this small little machine, there is a large product line of materials and accessories that complements the Cricut Joy. While it is small in size, it can do a lot. It's portable, lightweight, easy to operate with easy software.

Where to Buy Cricut Joy Accessories and Tools

Below are a list of places where you can buy Cricut Joy Accessories and Tools. Some places have a larger variety of products than others, so make sure you check them out.

Cricut.com - Obviously, the official choice for all things Cricut. They have some amazing deals and you can often catch up to 40% off deals and free shipping on their sale days.
Amazon - With Amazon Prime, you can get free shipping!
Michaels - With all craft stores, you can often search for 20% off deals that often may include Cricut.
JOANN - Buy online and pickup in store!
Target - Cricut is now being sold at Target, which is amazing.
Hobby Lobby - Generally, you can't use the coupons on Cricut so word to the wise.
Cricut Joy Accessories and Tools: The Must Have Essentials List

Below are what I would consider must haves when purchasing your Cricut Joy. Often, you'll be able to find bundles with these items included so make sure you know what project you want to attempt to do first so you can at least get started. Remember, you can always add to your collection later!

Below is a list if you are using Cricut Joy for the first time without any other Cricut machines (even though the Cricut Joy is marketed as an accompaniment to the Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker).

Cricut Joy Accessories and Tools: Must Haves (If you don't already have a Cricut machine)

When you get a new Cricut Joy machine as your first machine, below are my recommended accessories that you should get. I then talk in detail about each of these so you know why to get them and where you can purchase them.

Smart Vinyl (Removable, Permanent, Writable, and Iron-On)
Weeding Tool
Scraper Tool
Cricut Joy Pens (pen, regular marker, glitter, metallic)
Transfer Tape
Cricut Joy Blanks

Smart Vinyl

While you can use Cricut Joy with your current vinyl with a mat, you can just purchase the Smart Vinyl line and already have vinyl that is precut for the Cricut Joy WITHOUT using a mat.

Just make sure you learn the differences between all the vinyl types (you have regular vinyl and heat transfer vinyl - heat transfer vinyl is used to commonly adhere to apparel).

Here are all the differences:

Smart Vinyl Removable - This is for use with Transfer Tape. Examples of projects include putting stylizing designs for your laptop, drawer labels, and decorating your house walls. These are, like it says in the name, removable.
Smart Vinyl Permanent - This is for things you want to permanently attach. Example of projects include decorating coffee mugs.
Smart Writable Vinyl - This is for when you want to personalize things around your house, like my DIY Cricut Joy pantry labels I made.
Smart Iron-On - These are also known as "heat transfer vinyl" and are often used in apparel and pillow cases.

Weeding Tool

Weeding tools are important if you will be using any type of vinyl, as this will allow you to pick off the negative pieces of the vinyl for removable easier. Here's a starter tool set that includes three tools.

Scraper Tool (also called Burnisher Tool)

The scraper tool will allow you to not only pick up large pieces of vinyl, but it will also allow you to scrap off the remnants of vinyl left over from a mat. If you use Smart Vinyl, this won't be necessary.

You can also use it to smooth out materials on the mat, clean it, and when trying to adhere the vinyl pieces to transfer tape during the transfer process. Here's a Cricut basic tool set that includes five tools, which includes scissors and tweezers.

Cricut Joy Pens

Cricut Joy Pens are different sizes than the regular Cricut pens and markers. They come in a combination of colors, point sizes, and packaging.

Regular Writing Pens
Markers (that they call pens)
Glitter Pens
Metallic Markers
Infusible Ink Pens and Markers (this is for heat transfers using drawn images)

The point sizes range that I have seen include:

0.3 points
0.4 points
0.8 points
1.0 points

Again, so much variety in their product line, you can't go wrong. They are always coming out with new colors and sizes.

Transfer Tape (if using Removable Vinyl)

If you are wanting to cut things that you'll need to remove the vinyl and stick it on something other than cloth and apparel, you'll need transfer tape. Example: mugs, vases, and plastic covers.

Cricut Blanks

Cricut has a whole line of blanks that are guaranteed to work with their product line. You should definitely check out their blanks first before going cowboy on your own just to get the hang of how materials SHOULD cling to blanks. I wrote in detail about specifically Cricut infusible ink blanks here.

Cricut Joy Accessories and Tools: Must Haves (If you already have a Cricut machine)

If you already have a Cricut machine like the Explore Air 2 and Maker, you'll likely already have some of the materials to get started with this machine. Below are the recommended items I would suggest getting to get yourself ready for making with the Cricut Joy!

Cricut Joy Cutting Mat - StandardGrip, LightGrip, and Card Mats
Cricut Joy Writable Vinyl
Cricut Joy Pens

Cricut Joy Accessories and Tools: Nice to Have

Below are items that I would consider on the "Nice to Have" list for the Cricut Joy. Most of these I consider optional because most beginner projects don't necessarily begin with greeting cards!

Cricut Joy Insert Cards

If you are wanting to make birthday, anniversary, wedding, new baby or any greeting cards on a whim, their line of Insert Cards are amazing.

Make sure you pick up the Card Mat that allows you cut only the top layer!

Note: Mats are optional with the Cricut Joy. What's great is that it has a suite of brand new material called Smart Vinyl that do not require a mat, which means there is less accessories to buy as well as fewer steps to allow for faster projects.

Cricut Joy Cutting Mats

There are three different types of cutting mats that are available with the Cricut Joy.

StandardGrip Green Mats - This is for medium weight materials like vinyl, infusible ink, and cardstock.
LightGrip Blue Mats - These are for thin materials like vellum and copy paper. It comes in 4.5" by 6" and 4.5" by 12 sizes.
Cricut Card Mats - I mentioned this before, this is for use with the Insert Cards.

Cricut Joy Replacement Blades

If you are going to be doing a lot of projects, which you will find yourself doing because this thing is so dang portable, you are going to want to get some replacement blades.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself in a bind, you can use aluminum foil, roll it into a ball, and stick the blade with the housing into the foil to clean off and sharpen the blade without having to replace it!

Cricut Joy Housing

This is great to have as a backup. You probably honestly don't need this, but it's always nice to have a spare just in case something goes wrong.

Cricut Joy Tote Bag

This Cricut Joy Tote Carry Case will protect your Cricut Joy because it is padded! If you are a crafter that likes to take your things on the go, this bag is definitely worth the splurge to protect this machine. It's small, has room for the charter, the machine, and a few accessories.

Cricut Easy Press

Cricut Easy Press is amazing to have if you don't already have a heat press. I love how this heat press is absolutely portable, unlike the one that is attached to my Ikea cabinet! This is a great complement to the Cricut Joy.

Five Beginner Projects with the Cricut Joy with Essential Accessories and Tools

Here are five awesome projects you can do with your Cricut Joy. I list out the specific material, accessory or tool you'll need to ensure you have success right from the beginning with the right set of tools.

Some of these projects in post are made with the Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker, but there's nothing stopping you from modifying it to make a small version of the same process. It's all the same process, just a smaller version of it! So adapt your projects accordingly.

1. Pantry Labels with Cricut Joy - Using Smart Writable Vinyl

2. Personalized Coasters - Using Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Pens

3. Personalized T-shirts - Using Cricut Joy Smart Iron-On Vinyl

4. Home Decor Using Stencils - Using Cricut Stencil (you'll need to cut it down to size)

5. Oversized Letter Board - Using Cricut Smart Vinyl Removable

Frequently Asked Questions About Cricut Joy

How do I choose between the Cricut Joy versus Cricut Maker versus Cricut Explore Air 2?

I created an entire video on the comparison between the Cricut Joy, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Maker that you can watch below.

Does a regular Cricut pen work with the Cricut Joy?

A regular Cricut pen does not work with the Cricut Joy. The reason why is because they are different sizes. The diameter is completely different.

Does the Cricut Joy use a pen adapter for the classic pens?

There are no adapters to use with the Cricut Joy that will allow regular Cricut pens to work with the Cricut Joy machines.

Can Cricut Joy cut materials without a mat?

Cricut Joy vinyl that can be cut without a mat include the Cricut Joy product line that has the word "smart" in the name.

Do I need a computer to use the Cricut Joy?

Cricut Joy does not need a computer to operate, but it does need an Android or iOS device to use the app. The app is not as robust and powerful as the desktop companion software.

What computer software is used with Cricut Joy?

If you are using a desktop, Cricut Design Space is the software that is used with the Cricut Joy. Cricut Design Space is also used by the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2. It is intuitive and easy to use.

Summary of Cricut Joy Essential Accessories and Tools

If you got yourself a new Cricut Joy, you should now have a good understanding of what type sof accessories you truly need and which ones can wait.

Now that you know what to get in terms of basics for your new Cricut Joy, you are ready to craft to your heart's content. The Cricut Joy makes it easy to personalize a variety of different projects. With the essential tools and knowing what is available out there, I hope this guide to the best essential accessories and tools for your Cricut Joy helped you in your journey to creating beautiful crafts!

Ultimate Guide on Cricut Joy Essentials - Accessories and Starter Kits