Cricut Orientation

An Innovation LAB & Maker Space

The Harris County Public Library offers an Innovation Lab and Maker Space to foster creativity and learning. A maker mindset, combined with these resources, helps build a better world.

Innovation LAB:

• A physical location that is stationary or mobile.
• Filled with resources that inspire, including lab machines and tools for projects involving cardboard and duct tape.
• Staffed by facilitators knowledgeable in various areas to assist with project completion.
• Facilitators are available to explain how the innovation lab resources function and assist makers.

Safety Note: Safety precautions need to be taken for machinery and tool use.

Maker Space:

• A space to gather as a community, either physically or virtually, to learn and grow together.
• A place for like-minded people to share ideas and be inspired by others.
• Helps create producers in a world of consumers.
• Fosters an understanding of how technology and our world works.
• Facilitators are needed to create programming for the making area.

Note: The Maker Space does not have to be limited to a single room.

The word 'MAKER' is displayed, spelled out with colorful, blocky letters, resembling building blocks or LEGOs, with various mechanical and artistic elements integrated into the letters.

A collage of various maker tools and machines is shown, including a 3D printer, a laser cutter, a sewing machine, a drill, screwdrivers, and a drone.

Support for Cricut Machines

Cricut machines and other services at HCPL are made possible through the support of the Harris County Friends of the Library and other generous donors.

The Maker Central @ HCPL initiative is supported by these contributions.

Digital Fabrication

Digital Fabrication is a manufacturing process where tools and machines are controlled by a computer.

Featured digital fabrication machines include:

• Cricut Maker
• Polyprinter 229 (3D Printer)
• Nomad (CNC Machine)
• Another 3D printer

Digital Fabrication Opportunities @ HCPL

HCPL offers various digital fabrication tools, including Cricut and Vinyl Cutters. Available equipment includes:

• US Cutter MH 871-MK2
• US Cutter SC2 53 inch
• Cricut Explore Air 2
• Cricut Maker
• Cricut Maker 3
• Heat Presses

For more information, visit: https://hcpl.net/cricut-vinyl-cutters/

A map of the Harris County area displays various locations marked with red circles, indicating where these digital fabrication opportunities are available.

What is a Cricut?

A Cricut is an electronic cutting machine used for cutting a variety of materials, including:

• Cardstock
• Construction paper
• Vinyl
• Foam
• And more.

Note: Some materials may require a specialty blade.

A white Cricut Maker machine is displayed.

Cricut Projects

Cricut machines can be used for a wide range of creative projects:

• Scrapbooking: A scrapbook page with a mermaid theme.
• Clothing & Iron Ons: A t-shirt with a graphic and text.
• Stencils: Intricate designs on fingernails.
• Paper Art: Detailed silhouette scenes.
• Décor: Decorative candle holders.
• Appliques: Geometric patterns on a phone case.
• Personalized Gifts: Custom mugs with designs.
• Sewing Patterns: Fabric items with printed patterns.

Machine Specifications & Materials

Cricut Maker Specifications:

• 12" x 12" Working Area
• Fine Point Blade cuts most paper and vinyl
• Cricut Markers available
• Specialty tools available, including:
  • Knife Blade
  • Scoring Tool
  • Rotary Blade
  • Perforation Blade*
  • Foil Transfer Tool*
  • Deep Cut Blade*

*not available at EV

Materials:

• Paper
• Vinyl and Smart Vinyl
• Cardstock
• Sticker Paper
• Poster Board
• Fabric
• Iron-Ons
• Thin Plastic
• Thin Wood
• Thin Leather
• And more...

Special Material Considerations

The newest Cricut Machines, Explore Air 3 and Maker 3, utilize special "Smart Materials" that feature a built-in cutting mat.

Cricut Machines Compatible with "Smart Material":

• Cricut Maker 3
• Cricut Explore Air 3
• Cricut Joy

Images show a light blue Cricut Joy machine, a light grey Cricut Explore Air 3 machine, and various packages of Cricut Smart Materials, including "Smart Iron-On".

Cricut Accessories

A variety of accessories are available to enhance your Cricut experience:

• Tools: Weeding tools, scraper, spatula, scissors.
• Cutting Mats: StandardGrip and StrongGrip mats in various sizes.
• Pens/Markers: Packs of colorful Cricut markers.
• Heat Presses: Cricut heat presses for applying iron-ons and Infusible Ink.
• Blades: Specialty blades such as Rotary, Knife, Deep Cut, Wavy, Perforation, Fine Point, and Bonded Fabric blades.
• Other: Heat-resistant tape, and Cricut Infusible Ink products.

Cricut: Digital Fabrication Workflow

The digital fabrication process using Cricut involves three main stages:

1. File Creation: Using Cricut Design Space software.
2. File Preparation: Selecting materials and tools.
3. Machine Operation: Using tools, mats, and accessories.

A three-step workflow is visually represented with icons: 'File Creation' (checkmark), 'File Preparation' (folder), and 'Machine Operation' (gears).

Cricut Design Space (File Creation)

Cricut Design Space is a free, easy-to-learn design software compatible with all Cricut machines. It is available for computer desktops (Windows or Mac) and iOS devices. The software must be downloaded and installed on your device. Design Space features cloud-based access, allowing you to access your projects from any compatible computer or iOS device after initial installation.

A diagram illustrates the connection between 'Cricut Design Space™ for computer', a cloud icon, and 'Cricut Design Space™ app for iPad®'.

Getting Started with Design Space

To begin using Cricut Design Space:

1. Visit design.cricut.com.
2. Download the Cricut Design Space Application to your desktop and create a FREE account.
3. You will need an email account and a password for this step.

A screenshot shows the Cricut Design Space for Windows login and download screen, along with account creation fields.

Design Space last updated 7.10.23. Click HERE for release notes.

Cricut Design Space vs Cricut Access

Cricut offers different tiers for its Design Space software:

Free Tier:

• DESIGN PERKS: 1,000+ images, 15+ fonts, A la carte digital purchases, 250+ ready-to-make projects, Up to 5 collections.
• SAVINGS BENEFITS: 10% off cricut.com purchases (up to $50 savings per item), 20% off all materials, FREE economy shipping on $50+ orders.
• PLUS: Priority Member Care.

Standard Tier:

• DESIGN PERKS: Unlimited use of 200,000+ images, Unlimited use of 700+ fonts, 10% off licensed images, 1,000s of ready-to-make projects, Unlimited collections.
• SAVINGS BENEFITS: 10% off cricut.com purchases (up to $50 savings per item), 20% off all materials, FREE economy shipping on $50+ orders.
• PLUS: Priority Member Care.

Premium Tier:

• DESIGN PERKS: Unlimited use of 200,000+ images, Unlimited use of 700+ fonts, 10% off licensed images, 1,000s of ready-to-make projects, Unlimited collections.
• SAVINGS BENEFITS: 10% off cricut.com purchases (up to $50 savings per item), 20% off all materials, FREE economy shipping on $50+ orders.
• PLUS: Priority Member Care.

Cricut Design Space Interface

The Design Space interface includes several key areas:

• Discover: For finding projects and inspiration.
• My Stuff: Access to your projects, images, and uploaded files.
• Projects: Browse and manage your projects, including categories like My Projects, Bookmarked, Ready-to-Make, and All. Collections can also be organized here.
• Images: Search and filter a library of images.
• Text: Add and format text.
• Shapes: Insert basic geometric shapes.
• Upload: Import your own images or designs.

Screenshots display the 'Discover' screen with 'Get Inspired' sections, the 'Projects' screen with various project examples and collections, the 'Shapes' panel with a grid of shapes, the 'Images' panel with search and filter options, and the 'Text' tool interface.

Workspace and Project Creation

The Design Space workspace features:

• Untitled Project: The canvas area for your design.
• Toolbar: Icons for various tools and functions.
• Options Bar: Context-sensitive tools for selected elements (e.g., Edit, Align, Arrange, Flip, Size, Rotate).
• Layers Panel: Manage different elements of your design.
• Artboard: The main design area with a grid.

Tools like Slice, Combine, Attach, Flatten, and Contour are available for manipulating designs.

To start a new project, click '+ New Project'. You can select the type of Cricut machine you are using (e.g., Cricut Maker, Explore Air 3, Cricut Joy).

Make It! (File Preparation)

When preparing a project to cut:

• All items will be grouped together by color/material.
• Mats show previewed cuts that the Cricut machine will make.
• Material size can be adjusted.
• Objects can be rearranged on the mat.

Screenshots show the 'Make It!' screen with project mats displaying previewed cuts for a heart, a star, and text.

Design Considerations:

• Objects will be grouped by color during the cutting process. Use the 'Attach' tool to keep objects in their relative positions.
• Consider how pieces will be assembled. Using a font or image that connects individual letters or pieces is more convenient than cutting and gluing them separately.
• For customized artwork, create your file in design software like Inkscape or Illustrator and save it as an SVG. This ensures precise uploading of your objects as they appear in your design software, compared to uploading a standard image file.

Screenshots compare 'Not Attached' text on a mat grid versus 'Attached' text on a mat grid, and show a comparison of text styles ('happy birthday' vs. 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY'). Another screenshot illustrates uploading an SVG from design software versus a standard image.

The 'Set Base Material' screen in Design Space allows you to select material settings and machine configurations. The Cricut machine uses different tools and pressure levels for various materials.

Operating the Cricut Machine

Material Settings:

• On the Cricut Explore machine, use the material settings dial.
• On the Cricut Maker, settings are managed digitally within Design Space.

The material settings dial is depicted, showing options like Custom, Paper, Poster Board, Vinyl, Fabric, Iron-on, Cardstock, and Light Cardstock.

Inserting Tools:

1. Open Clamp B and remove the blade housing.
2. Place the blade housing in Clamp B, ensuring it is seated correctly. For Rotary and Knife blades, ensure the gears align.
3. Close the clamp.

Diagrams illustrate the process of inserting tools.

Inserting the Mat: A hand is shown placing a mat with material into a Cricut machine.

Policy & Procedures

Key points for using the Cricut machines at HCPL:

• Patrons need to be badged to request machine use.
• Patrons must be present throughout the use of the Cricut machine.
• Patrons under age 16 must be accompanied by a badged adult guardian.
• Default reservation time is two hours, with extensions possible based on machine and staff availability.
• Library staff supervision is required at all times.
• Makers supply their own material, subject to approval from Lab Staff.
• Food and drinks are not permitted in the iMaker space.
• Illegal or inappropriate items, or items that violate copyright laws, are not permitted.

The complete policy can be found at: https://www.hcpl.net/services/makercentral

Sign up for Maker Central

To book Maker Machines, you are required to enroll in the Maker Central Challenge.

Visit Hcpl.beanstack.org to sign up.

Please use the same name and email you wrote on the sign-in sheet.

A graphic illustrates the steps to become a MAKER: 1. Orientation, 2. Badge with Beanstack & Reserve Equipment, 3. Make! This leads to earning badges for 'Cricut Design Space Intro' and 'Cricut Machine Badge'.

Earning Your Badge

To earn your Maker Central badge:

• Access "Maker Central" at hcpl.beanstack.org.
• Create an "Individual" account. (If you already have a Beanstack account, e.g., for the Summer Reading Program, you do not need to sign up again).
• After signing in, activate the Maker Program if it's not already checked.
• Staff will register your orientation completion in the Beanstack system within 2 business days.
• You will receive a confirmation email for your badge.
• After being badged, you can access the rewards tab to make a Cricut reservation.
• Enjoy the perks of being a badged HCPL Maker!

Social media icons for YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are displayed, along with the hashtag #HCPLmadeit.

HCPL encourages users to share their creations on social media sites.

DEMO - Creating a 2-tone bookmark

Follow these steps to create a 2-tone bookmark:

1. Add your initials into the pre-created text box and choose your font.
2. Select the text and the upper layer. Click 'Slice'.
3. Delete the two sliced text objects.
4. Your creation is ready to make.

Screenshots show the process: adding initials 'MM' to a star shape, the 'Layers' panel showing 'MM' and 'Star' with an 'Offset_result', the result of slicing and deleting, and the final two-tone bookmark design.

Thank You

A pink greeting card with a hexagon design and the text 'thank you' is shown.

Presenter Contact Information:

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Email:
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Maker Central @ HCPL