Looking for an overview of the four new Cricut Maker tools? Don’t miss this overview of the perforating blade, wavy blade, debossing tip and engraving tip.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Earlier this month I shared a sneak peek of the four new Cricut tools available on my Instagram Stories. I’ve had a few weeks to play around with the tools and I’m excited to share a few first impressions with you.
New Cricut Maker Tools
A few months ago when I upgraded to the Cricut Maker, I shared a post detailing the differences between the Maker and the Explore machines. The key difference? The number of tools available for use (and potentially available for future use) with the Cricut Maker and the potential for future tools.
I am so excited to be sharing a preview of the four new tools – the perforation blade, wavy blade, debossing tip and engragving tip – available as the expanding Adaptive Toolset. These tools allow crafters to employ more creative techniques with the Maker than ever before!
You can view all of the amazing Cricut Maker tools that are currently available here.
New Cricut Maker Tools Are Easy to Use
Whether cooking, crafting or simply playing around, I like to stick to the basics. I was a little nervous to pick up the new Cricut Maker tools and try them out. I am happy to report that Cricut has made them incredibly easy to use.
Cricut QuickSwap Housing + Tools
Each of the new tools utilizes the Cricut QuickSwap Housing. The housing allows a quick transition between tools. Simply snap the tip you want into the QuickSwap Housing and press “go” on your Cricut Maker.
Don’t worry that you may or may not have the “right” tool in place. In addition to the identification number on the tip of each tool, the Circut Maker can identify which tool is snapped into the QuickSwap housing.
The QuickSwap technology is great for quick projects transitions, but the ability to purchase just the tip of the tool results in an overall cost savings. The new tips are available for about half the cost of purchasing the tool in the full housing.
New Cricut Maker Tools Design Space Integration
In conjunction with the release of the four new Maker tools, Cricut has updated its Design Space platform. I am happy to report that the changes make utilizing these new tools sooooo simple! You’re just one mouse click away from success.
Visit the “Line” drop down in the top left of Design Space and simply click the line/tool you want to utilize in your project…Told you it was simple!
Working With The New Cricut Maker Tools
If you’re a Cricut fan, you’ve probably already seen a preview of the the perforation blade, wavy blade, debossing tip and engragving tip, but today I am going to show you a closer look at just what can be accomplished with each individual tool.
Cricut Wavy Blade Leather Rose Hairpin
I am going to be honest, when I first heard about the new wavy blade I was a bit skeptical as to how much I’d actually use it…then I tried it on a flower petal.
I love the added texture this blade provides when creating flowers and I can’t imagine using anything else. I’ve used this blade on everything from tissue to leather and I really like the result.
Leather Rose Hairpin Instructions
I decided to whip up a quick Cricut Access leather flower hair clip project to show you just how simple using this tool is.
Note: If you’re unfamiliar, Cricut Access is an inexpensive monthly subscription that provides access to thousands of images, hundreds of fonts and many step-by-step project plans.
For this project you will need:
Cricut Maker
Cricut Wavy Blade
Cricut StrongGrip Mat
Faux Leather
Clip or Bobby Pin
Hot Glue+ Glue Gun
To recreate this project using the Cricut Wavy Blade:
- Open Cricut Design Space and create a new project.
- Search “Projects” for Leather Rose Hairpin.
- Open the project and select “Customize” from the bottom right.
- Customize your project to include the number of rosettes you’d like to create AND select “Wave” in the Linetype dropdown in the upper left.
- Place the Wavy Blade into Clamp B in the Cricut Maker.
- Place faux leather on the Cricut StrongGrip cutting mat and let your machine do the rest.
- Once the cut is complete, roll the flower and secure with a dot of hot glue.
- Secure to hair pin with hot glue.
I can’t wait to give these little hairpins to my nieces. I might even make a similar piece for myself!
Cricut Engraving Blade Mini Leather Scrapbook
I first tried the engraving blade out on a sheet of acrylic. The engraving blade cut the material perfectly! I moved on to try several other mediums, including cardstock and leather.
While I’ve considered using acrylic in my wedding this fall, I really love how this my Bear Lake mini leather scrapbook turned out, so I thought I’d share a quick peek.
Mini Leather Scrapbook Instructions
For this project you will need:
Cricut Maker
Cricut Engraving Blade
Cricut Deep Point Blade
Cricut Scoring Wheel
Cricut StrongGrip Mat
Genuine Leather
Cardstock
Baker’s Twine
Larger Gauge Needle
To recreate this mini leather scrapbook follow the instructions below:
- Open Cricut Design Space and create a new project.
- Search “Projects” for Floral Metallic Leather Journal.
(Note: There are a number of cute journals and scrapbooks available in Cricut Access, but this happens to be the project base I used.)
- Open the project and select “Customize” from the bottom right.
- Customize your project to include the design you’d like on the album cover AND select “Engrave” in the Linetype dropdown in the upper left.
- Place the Engraving Blade into Clamp B in the Cricut Maker.
- Place faux leather on the Cricut StrongGrip cutting mat and let your machine do the rest, switching out tools when prompted to do so.
- Once your Cricut is done engraving, scoring and cutting this project out, stitch your book together with a bit of baker’s twine and a large needle.
I can’t wait to add Instax photos to this little scrapbook while we’re on our Labor Day trip!
Cricut Debossing Tool
One of the tools I am most excited about using is the debossing tool. I think it will be so fun to create my own patterned paper and I can’t wait to try it a project like the aluminum jewelry box I saw on Cricut Access.
I’ve tried the tool on smooth cardstock, textured cardstock, faux leather and genuine leather. Thus far I’ve had the best results on smooth cardstock, BUT I wanted to show you how beautifully this tool works on even a textured paper. The pattern is so crisp!
I love the weight and added dimension this honeycomb pattern adds to my textured paper box! These boxes are so simple to make. They’re perfect for wrapping up a gift for my girlfriends.
Cricut Perforating Tool
The Cricut perforating tool is the tool I’ve probably been the most excited about. The possibilities are endless…coupon books, tear off fliers, countdown chains, raffle tickets.
I am super happy about the clean perforation and how well this tool works even on heavy, textured cardstock.
If I am entirely honest though, it’s also the one that I’ve had the most difficulty designing around.
I love the project that my friend Amy created. This surprise card would definitely make an impact!
Overall I am really happy with each of the new tools I’ve been able to try out. I think I will be able to use several in preparations for my upcoming wedding!
Be sure to check out details on all of the new Cricut Maker tools here!
