Crafty Uses for the Cricut BrightPad

The Cricut BrightPad is for more than just vinyl! Read my crafty uses for the Cricut BrightPad, and put one on your crafting wish list. This post is sponsored by Cricut. This post contains affiliate links, which, at no additional cost to you, supports this site and allows the the Cricut tutorials to keep coming!

The Cricut BrightPad has been a popular item over the past month. I’ve read many consumers’ thoughts on the BrightPad, and they range from love to uncertainty. What surprised me the most is that, while crafters commented on the price or the brightness, I didn’t see many (if any at all) who were along my train of thought: Would I actually use the BrightPad enough to justify the extra price?

I know that a Cricut Explore Air machine is an investment in itself, and I always like to evaluate any additional Cricut purchases for quality and necessity. How many uses could I find for the Cricut BrightPad? I’m sharing the ones that I will be utilizing so far today!

Weeding Glitter Vinyl

This appears to be the most popular use of the BrightPad. Most Cricut crafters are excited to use the BrightPad to see the cut lines on the vinyl better. If you have ever weeded glitter vinyl, then you know what I’m talking about! The texture of the glitter vinyl makes it very difficult to see where to weed the vinyl, especially for intricate cuts. This was my first usage of the BrightPad, and I can attest that it truly makes a positive difference.

 

 

Additional light for crafting projects

I have dabbled in jewelry crafting, and I have often uses a popular standing bright light brand. The standing light is okay, but the actual bright area is relatively small. The BrightPad boasts a 9″ by 11.5″ lit area, which is plenty of room for working most jewelry projects. The BrightPad makes the tedious work with jump rings and small jewelry findings easier.

 

Paper Tracing and Handlettering

My daughter likes to borrow the BrightPad for this. She likes to trace pictures and then color them in different ways. I like to practice my handlettering with worksheets that I’ve printed from popular handlettering bloggers.

Tracing on Fabric

It has been a long time since I have embroidered, but it used to be one of my favorite past times. Using a fabric friendly pencil, trace patterns onto fabric for embroidery or any other use with additional light from the BrightPad.

I recap these crafty uses in the following video:

 

Here are a few specs for the Cricut BrightPad:

• Lightweight, durable Cricut BrightPad™ in Mint with adjustable LED light
• 5 brightness settings
• 6H Hardness* Surface (scratch resistant)
• 9 in. x 11.5 in. lit area
• 6-ft. USB power cord with wall power adapter
• Nonslip base for ease of use on desk or table

So what is my final verdict on the Cricut BrightPad? Any regular crafter will find it a handy addition to their craft room for uses that include more than just Cricut related materials. It is bound to be a hot item through the remainder of the year!