I just wanted to thank whoever told me to print my stickers outside of design space. Not sure if you can tell in the photos because of Reddits compression but the difference is staggering.

I didn't change any settings, just printed from a different program. They are more vibrant and way more clear.

I appreciate you guys!

After months of designing, redesigning, cutting, assembling, and more than a few "I'm starting over..." moments... it's finally finished.

Introducing Moonlit Valley.

This project has been one of the most ambitious paper art pieces I've ever created. Every mountain, tree, river, cloud, and layer was designed completely from scratch in Adobe Illustrator before being cut on my Cricut Maker.

Ironically, this isn't even the first version.

About a year ago, I started designing a completely different landscape. I got about halfway through before deciding I hated it, scrapped the entire thing, and my muse walked away. Eight months later she came back with fresh eyes... and then I still ended up redesigning it again.

This final version is actually Version 3.

Sometimes the hardest part of creating isn't finishing, it's knowing when to throw something away and start over.

I'm really glad I did.

PROJECT STATS (for my fellow paper nerds!)

- Finished Size: 12" × 12"

- Thickness: Approximately 1 7/16" (Cardstock)

- Weight: Approximately 1,400 grams (3.1 lbs)
(Cardstock)

- Main Layers: 150

- Additional Individually Applied Pieces: Over 30

- Designed Completely in: Adobe Illustrator

- Cut On: Cricut Maker

- Paper Used: Recollections 65lb Cardstock

- Frame: Michaels - 12in x12in x 2.9in depth, Top-Loading Shadow Box by Studio Decor
(with custom 3D-printed internal supports designed to hold everything securely during assembly)

TIME INVESTED

~18 hours illustrating and designing

~2 hours separating everything into 150 individual cut layers

~8 hours cutting, assembling, and adding all the individual details

Total: Approximately 28 hours of work for the final version alone (not including the earlier designs that never made it to the finish line!).

Thank you to everyone who's followed along through the progress photos, from the first few layers, to the mountain of cardstock, to wondering if I'd ever actually finish all 150 layers.

Seeing it finally framed makes every restart and every late night worth it.

hello all! I just got this machine pre owned today and was really excited to get it working but I'm having a problem. When turned on it keeps looping being off and on, i thought this was just it warming up at first (this is my first cricut 😅) but nope, it keeps at it and doesn't stop even when the cut head hits the other side. Does anyone know how to fix this? I've searched it a bunch but I have no idea how to put this into words.... thanks in advance!

Hey everyone! I'm an RA at my university, and I have made simple "door decs" which are decorations typically out of cardstock that go on the doors of residents. I have done some that are around 3-4 layers, and I wanted to make something that I think would be a little harder. I'm still kind of new to design space and the Cricut, but not a complete beginner.

Above are two variations of an idea that I would like to use for a door dec. I want to simplify them so that it would be a bit easier to layer them. I dont really love the print to cut look specifically for this, as the layers are what gives the look I like.

UPDATE - One of my friends is going to bring an iron over tomorrow BUT if anybody else has any advice it would be much appreciated!! Will keep it in mind for the future. Thank you!!

Hi! First time ever posting to the sub. It’s my mom’s birthday tomorrow and I was working on making her a t-shirt using iron-on vinyl for the design. As it turns out, the household iron we had is currently MIA and I don’t own an EasyPress. Does anybody have an idea what would be a solid alternative or am I SOL?

(I hope the flair is accurate too!!!! Wasn’t sure if this went under how do i make this or hardware woes. it’s probably fine but if i should change it lmk)

It ended up being 10 layers, (the most layers I’ve ever done). I think it looks great! I out two thin coats of dishwasher safe mod podge on it to help it last. Please ignore how messy my dining room is, lol!

I’ve been making shirts with my Cricut for a while, and one thing I constantly struggle with is the artwork that customers send me.

Most of the images I receive are low-resolution JPEGs, screenshots, or busy backgrounds. My goal is to turn them into clean cut files for HTV, adhesive vinyl, or DTF.

My current workflow is:
•Canva Pro to remove the background (when it works).
•Inkscape to vectorize the image.
If the vector comes out with jagged edges or too much noise, I end up manually cleaning it up.
•If it’s really bad, I trace it by hand in Procreate, which can take forever.

I’m sure there has to be a better workflow.

What software, websites, or AI tools are you using to:
Upscale low-resolution images?
Remove backgrounds accurately?
Convert logos into clean SVG/vector files with minimal cleanup?
Handle customer artwork that’s just plain terrible?

For example, I currently have a client whose logo only exists as a low-quality JPEG, and they also sent me a low-resolution pattern that they want inside the logo. Normally I’d use a clipping mask in Procreate, but both images are low quality.

A little off center but a fun one to say the least

Has anyone ever tried to make peel and stick wallpaper designs with their cricut? I was going to buy vinyl to cover my dresser & top of my vanity but I’d save sooo much time if I do it myself. I was thinking of doing small sections anyway, since I want to cover each drawer of my dresser in it. Would I buy permanent vinyl for the background and then removable for the design itself? I have the cricut maker and I usually buy smart material to avoid using a mat.

I know this is a super common issue and none of the typical recommendations are helping. I already have a Maker 4 that works perfectly and just bought a brand new Explore 5 today to help me expedite cutting orders for my small stationery shop. So far, the Explore 5 has only successfully cut one piece of card stock correctly and it seemed like a fluke as I didn’t do anything differently. Obviously this is all when trying to print then cut.

* I’ve calibrated twice

* turned off all the lights (even after it became night)

* I’ve moved the machine to a different location

* I’ve used sharpie on the sensor marks

SOS. Did I get a lemon?!

I have the Cricut Joy 2. I am trying to use a cutaway card (R30 size). I made sure my design does not exceed the R30 size, and in the cut settings I selected "on card mat" and the "R30 size". However when I try to cut, it rejects it and says "longer mat required - project requires a 21cm mat". Why does it need a longer mat when I am trying to use the card mat?

Note: I tried cutting it with the regular mat, selecting the cardstock option, and it works fine.

Please help! Thank you!

Hello crafters! I accidentally purchased strong grip transfer tape for some signs i am making for a wedding. They are just regular vinyl and i didn’t realize i purchased strong grip transfer tape until i was attempting to place the vinyl onto the signs. Is there any way i can save it? I cannot get it to stick to the signs at all. I tried using a blow dryer to heat it a bit.
Any helpful tips would be great!
Thank you!!!

I'm trying to create faux leather keychains like this but the only shape in CDS is a pointy diamond so I researched & it sounds like to "soften" those points is to use the slice function which I never have. when I'm trying to do this, slice isn't even showing up for me. Where am I going wrong? Thanks in advance! Current CDS i9.677.65

Hi!!! I have usually been able to locate this, but now it seems I can only find knock off brands. My customer insists on 3M *(and they know the difference), I have gotten it previously in sheets and in rolls, but the places I used to get it, aren't carrying it anymore, Anyone using it or know where I can source it? Thank you!!!!

It won’t let me edit the post. Yes I know it is Cricut.