If you’ve ever tried to cut a straight line with scissors and ended up with something that looks like it was chewed by a possum, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just someone who enjoys the occasional DIY label or birthday card, the Cricut Joy Starter Pack might be the gadget you didn’t know you needed, until now.
This isn’t a full-blown industrial cutter that takes up half your garage. It’s a compact, friendly-looking machine that fits neatly on a shelf, plugs in via Bluetooth, and quietly gets to work while you sip your coffee. Let’s take a closer look.
First Impressions: Small but Mighty
The Cricut Joy weighs in at just 1.75 kg, about the same as a bag of flour, and is roughly the size of a loaf of bread. It’s designed to be portable, easy to store, and even easier to use. You don’t need a craft room or a dedicated workspace. A kitchen bench or coffee table will do just fine.
The design is clean and minimal, with a soft teal accent that makes it feel more like a lifestyle product than a piece of tech. It’s not intimidating, which is a big plus if you’re new to the world of cutting machines.
What It Can Do
At its core, the Cricut Joy is a smart cutting and writing machine. It can cut over 50 different materials, including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, paper, and even Cricut’s own Smart Materials. These Smart Materials are particularly handy because they don’t require a cutting mat. You just load them in and go.
You can cut individual shapes up to 4 feet long, or repeated designs up to 20 feet. That’s a lot of labels, decals, or wall quotes, depending on your vibe.
It also draws. It’ll write out custom messages, labels, or doodles in your chosen font. It’s like having a robot pen pal who never complains about your handwriting.
What’s in the Starter Pack?
The Starter Pack is a great way to hit the ground running. It includes:
- The Cricut Joy machine itself
- Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl, Gold, Removable (13.9cm x 121.9cm)
- Cricut Joy Transfer Tape (13.9cm x 121.9cm)
- Cricut Joy Starter Tool Set
- Cricut Joy Card Mat
- Cricut Joy Insert Cards, Macaroon Sampler (12)
- Welcome card
- Power adapter
- Free trial membership to Cricut Access (for new subscribers)
- Thousands of ready-to-make projects in Design Space
- Materials for a practice cut
All you’ll need is:
- A compatible computer or mobile device
- And a high-speed internet connection
This means you can start making cards, labels, decals, and iron-on transfers straight out of the box, no extra shopping trip required. It’s a thoughtful bundle that covers the basics without overwhelming you with too many options.
Setup and Software: Surprisingly Painless
Setting up the Cricut Joy is refreshingly simple. Plug it in, connect via Bluetooth, and download the Cricut Design Space app (available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac). The app walks you through the setup and gives you access to a huge library of fonts, images, and ready-to-make projects.
Design Space is intuitive, even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. You can start with a template or create something from scratch. Want to make a custom label for your spice jars? Done. A birthday card with your dog’s face on it? Also doable.
There’s a free version of the app, but if you find yourself getting hooked, Cricut Access (a paid subscription) unlocks even more content and features.
Real-World Use: Who’s It For?
The Cricut Joy is ideal for:
- Label lovers: Pantry, office, cables, kids’ stuff - if you can name it, you can label it.
- Card makers: Birthdays, weddings, thank-yous - custom cards are easy and fast.
- Small business owners: Think packaging, branding, and signage.
- Parents and teachers: Classroom decorations, name tags, reward charts.
- People who like to pretend they’re organised: No judgment here.
It’s not designed for heavy-duty crafting or large-scale production. If you’re planning to make 500 wedding invitations or run an Etsy empire, you might want to look at one of Cricut’s larger and more heavy-duty models. But for everyday projects and casual creativity, the Joy hits a sweet spot.
What It Doesn’t Do (and That’s Okay)
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a laser cutter or a 3D printer. It doesn’t engrave, emboss, or cut thick materials like leather or wood. It’s not meant to. The Joy is about convenience, speed, and simplicity.
It also doesn’t have a built-in screen or USB port; everything runs through the app. That might be a downside for some, but it keeps the machine streamlined and affordable.
Ready to Get Crafty?
If you’re looking for a fun, functional, and fuss-free way to dip your toes into the world of crafting, the Cricut Joy is a solid choice. It’s not trying to be everything, and that’s what makes it great. It’s focused, friendly, and surprisingly capable for its size.
Whether you’re making custom gift tags, jazzing up your kid’s lunchbox, or finally organising that chaotic drawer of cables, the Joy makes it easy, and dare we say, enjoyable.
The Cricut Joy Compact Smart Cutting Machine Starter Pack is available now at PB Tech. If you’ve been thinking about adding a little creativity to your life, or just want to make your pantry look like it belongs on Pinterest, this might be your sign.
Just don’t be surprised if you start labelling everything in sight. Including your cat. (Please don’t label your cat.)
