The Cricut Joy raised our expectations for this tiny crafting machine and confirmed what it can’t do. Cricut has earned a reputation for providing crafting machines that can do just about anything, from fabrics to cards to wood projects, but the Cricut Joy breaks with that tradition. This machine miniaturizes Cricut technology and focuses on making cards, stickers and hot stamp designs. The principle behind the Cricut Joy is a small machine that makes craft cutting easy and accessible. In this regard, the machine works incredibly well out of the box.
Unfolding the packaging reveals the small device, and all you have to worry about is the power cord. The best part is that Cricut includes some pattern cards, Smart Materials, and vinyl sticker sheets to experiment with. So you can start crafting right away. To help, the package also includes the StandardGrip cutting mat. You do not get the new CardMat, which is specifically designed for card making and is a must-have for Cricut Joy users.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]The included cutting tools are limited to the standard blade and a black pen with a fine tip – the basics to get you started right away. You can create intricate cards with these accessories, but you’ll need to buy other extras, such as colored pens and different blades, which we feature in our guide to the best Cricut accessories.
The Cricut Joy is a compact and uncluttered device that lets you craft anywhere. Thanks to its small size – it measures 5.50 x 8.40 x 4.25 inches, about the size of a small digital radio – you can easily slip it into a bag and drop by a friend’s house to spend an hour or three crafting. Plus, it weighs only 1.75 kg.
The design matches the practicality of the device. The Cricut Joy has the tactile smooth edges of the other Cricut crafting machines, except here you can hold the device in your hands. The Cricut Joy has a simple elegance, and the lack of ports ensures that it doesn’t feel cluttered. The practical features of the Cricut Joy are all hidden inside. The front flap has a nice smooth motion and snaps into place with satisfying firmness – you know it won’t pop open and get damaged on your travels.