This post is in partnership with Cricut and includes affiliate links. This means that Cricut not only gave me the Maker, but I can earn a little bit of money if you purchase something from Cricut after clicking through from this site. All opinions, of course, are my own!
I am sure that you have felt my excitement over the Cricut Maker. But I am sure you are also asking yourself, "Do I really need another Cricut machine?!" The truth is that it completely depends on what kind of crafter you are.
The Cricut Explore machines are still really valuable and will continue to be relevant for all paper crafting needs. In fact, it cuts hundreds of different materials including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, glittery paper, polished foils, and bonded fabric. So, most of your regular crafting needs.
But, if you are a sewer of any kind, like working with fabric, or have dreams of cutting thicker matierials like balsa wood, basswood, matboard, chipboard, or even heavy leather, then the Maker is a dream come true.
For me personally, the Maker has opened up loads of possibilities. I know how to sew, but patterns have always been very difficult and intimidating to me. Now, the Cricut Maker can take care of that part and leave me with the satisfaction of creating something that will last a lifetime.
Plus, let's talk about FELT! These masks (all found in Design Space) have been in my projects list for more than a year. In fact, I tried to make the bunny once around Easter. I cut all of the pieces out of paper and used them as templates to hand-cut the felt. Sure, a paper mask would be fun for a little bit, but for play items like this, I always envisioned them in felt. Long story short, the eyes looked weird, the ears uneven, and it was not worth the time I put in.
Within minutes of turning on my Cricut Maker (Cricut sent me the Maker to play around with and review before the official release date), I slid in some gray felt, and watched it cut through my cheap, flimsy felt like butter. Within five minutes, I had all the pieces needed to create three masks and was giddy with excitement.
So, if you think about the Maker as an investment, these masks are a good example. Masks similar to these are sold online for around $20. Let's see how many masks I would need to make back my investment in the machine.
Maker = $399
Mask cost = $1 per mask
Mask value = $20
If I made 21 masks and either sold them or gave as gifts, then I would break even. That is one afternoon of work.
Think about your skills - how many quilts would it take, sets of mittens, felt play food, doll clothes, puppets, Christmas stockings, wooden puzzles, garlands, ornaments, signs, etc. would it take to make up the value of the Maker?
Here is how you can make the masks:
1. Look up "Party Animal Masks" in Design Space. This was originally intended to be made with cardstock and is free with Cricut Access.
2. Adjust the image to fit your child's head.
3. Use your Maker to cut out each of the pieces on felt.
4. Next, I layered each mask with their corresponding pieces to make sure everything fits and is in the right order.
5. I then measured my kids' heads and cut elastic to fit from ear to ear. Making sure to stretch the elastic a bit while measuring. If it isn't snug, then it won't stay up during play.
6. Last, I used a hot glue gun to adhere all of the pieces together! I placed each end of elastic about half an inch between two layers of the mask. You could also sew them together for an extra special touch.
This project took less than 30 minutes and was very simple, yet satisfying!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
