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October 24, 2018 by: Melanie

Letter Christmas Ornament and 5 FAQ about the Cricut Maker

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut . The opinions and text are all mine. See how to make a Letter Christmas Ornament and read 5 frequently asked questions about the Cricut Maker. 

Last year, someone gifted us a letter Christmas ornament that represented our family. It is one of my favorite Christmas ornaments! As a crafter, I loved the look, and I immediately wondered if there was a way that I could create one to gift to friends and family. With my Cricut Explore Air 2, I didn’t think that I could cut a material thick enough to make a durable ornament. But this year I am a happy Cricut Maker owner, and these Letter Christmas Ornaments are so easy to create with the Maker and Cricut Chipboard!

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Supplies:

  • Cricut Maker
  • Cricut StrongGrip Cutting Mat
  • Cricut Heavy Chipboard (2mm)
  • Masking tape (or painter’s tape)
  • Cricut Knife Blade (This is necessary to cut the chipboard. Only the Knife Blade in conjunction with the 2mm Heavy Chipboard should be used.)
  • Ribbon

Cricut Maker machine AD

To make the ornament with your own personalized letter, begin by opening up Cricut Design Space. Open a new design canvas. Click on “shapes” and insert a circle. Size the circle to the size that you would like the ornament. The circle below is 5″ but feel free to change the size to an ornament of your choosing.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Click “shapes” again and insert another circle. Make the circle a bit smaller than the first circle. Center the second circle in the middle of the first, making sure that there is still an outer ring of the first circle showing.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Select both circles (both should be highlighted on the right hand panel).

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Click the “Slice” button at the bottom of the right hand panel.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Delete all the elements except for the outer ring.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Click the “text” icon. Type in the letter of your choosing and pick a font. This step usually takes me the longest as I’m playing around to decide which font that I like the best. Place the letter in the center of the ring and resize it to fit in the ring. The upper portion and the lower portion of the letter should overlap the ring.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Select both the ring and the letter (they will both be highlighted on the right hand panel). Click “Weld” on the bottom right hand panel.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Click “shapes” on the left hand side. Place a circle on top of the letter shape. This will be the hanger for the ribbon, so size it accordingly.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Click the “shapes” icon again. Place a smaller circle inside of the circle.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Select both of these new circles (NOT the one with the letter, but the other two smaller circles). Click the “slice” icon on the right hand panel.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

From the new slice result, delete the two whole circles.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Select the letter circle and the top ring (both should be highlighted on the right hand panel). Click the “weld” icon at the bottom of the right hand panel to complete the design.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Before sending the design to the machine, place a piece of Cricut Heavy Chipboard on the StrongGrip Cutting Mat. Use the masking or painters tape to secure the chipboard around all four sides.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

When using chipboard, the white star wheels on the machine rollers can make depressions in the material. Before turning on the machine, follow these instructions to move the white star wheels over to the right hand side of the machine.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Make sure that the Cricut Knife Blade is in the housing. Follow these instructions if you are unsure of how to install this.

Load the chipboard into the Cricut Maker machine.

Send the design to the machine, being sure to select “heavy chipboard” as the material.

Tip: For intricate chipboard cuts, the upward facing layer of the chipboard may show some rough edges. If cutting small or intricate designs, 

The ornament will take a while to cut. The Cricut Design Space cutting screen will display the progress of the cut. This particular ornament cut in approximately 25 minutes.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

This side photo of the ornament demonstrates the thickness of the material.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Tie ribbon or twine through the top for an ornament hanger.

If desired, tie ribbon around the top for additional color.

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Tip: Did you know that Cricut Chipboard can be painted? Change the color of the ornament with a light coat of paint to the top, bottom, and sides of the ornament. Be sure to use light coats of paint. 

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

I understand that a Cricut Maker can be a huge investment. Whether you’re a current Cricut user thinking of upgrading to a Cricut Maker or you’re looking at a Cricut Maker for your first purchase, you probably have several questions. Here are 5 of the most common Maker FAQ, answered!

Letter Christmas Ornament made with the Cricut machine AD

#1 Will I use the Cricut Maker enough to justify the price? I’m a craft blogger, so it is easy for me to say, “Yes!” I know that this isn’t the answer for everyone. The truth is, there isn’t a definitive answer. It will vary for everyone. But here are a few considerations that will hopefully help in making this decision. A Cricut Maker will come in handy for those thinking of opening an Etsy shop or selling handmade items. It will also be your new BFF in the craft room if you enjoy crafting several times a week. Whether you’re a card maker or a DIY decor goddess, the Cricut Maker can help create any of that! The Cricut Maker can make personalized home decor (think wall art or monograms), as well as personalized clothing items. If you have a school aged child, a Cricut Maker will come in handy for school projects.

#2 What materials can I cut? The Cricut Maker cuts the widest variety of materials than any Cricut machine to date! The Cricut Maker cuts leather, adhesive foil, balsa wood, burlap, canvas, card stock, vinyl, iron-on vinyl, felt, fleece, duct tape, chipboard, window cling, poster board, and a large variety of fabric. With the Cricut Maker’s ability to use different cutting blades, the cutting material possibilities are endless!

#3 Will it be easy for me to learn the Cricut Design Space software? Yes, but how quickly you learn it may be dependent on your familiarity with a computer. If you already use a computer regularly, then you should pick up Cricut Design Space easily. For those with little to no computer experience, you may need more practice with the software, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t be cranking out projects with ease soon!

#4 Can I upload my own images? Yes! This is one of my favorite aspects of the software. You may upload your own images that you have created or purchased. I share a step by step tutorial on how to upload your own images into Cricut Design Space here.

#5 Can I use my old cartridges? Yes, you may link your old cartridges into Cricut Design Space for use with the Cricut Maker. However, you will need a Cricut Cartridge Adapter to do this.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut . The opinions and text are all mine.

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Comments

  1. Mary K Hunnicutt says

    October 24, 2018 at 8:29 am

    I have some chipboard I need to play with so I think this is going to be my next project. It will be a great gift!

    Reply
  2. Alli Smith says

    October 24, 2018 at 10:30 am

    The letter Christmas ornaments are beautiful! I’ve been going back and forth about buying a Cricut and I love that you included questions to ask myself.

    Reply
  3. Jeanette says

    October 24, 2018 at 11:28 am

    What an absolutely awesome idea. I wish I had one of these machines so that I could do this. It looks like it would be a really creative way to decorate for Christmas.

    Reply
  4. Melissa Chapman says

    October 24, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    That is such a nice creation and looks so great on a tree. I don’t have a cricut machine but to make things so well would be a special thing.

    Reply
  5. robin rue says

    October 24, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    That is such a beautiful ornament. I would definitely buy one of those on Etsy 🙂

    Reply
  6. candy says

    October 24, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    Getting the knife blade to cut at just the right speed and depth is so important. Love this letter ornament and want to try making one now.

    Reply
  7. Amber Myers says

    October 24, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    I just love how this came out! I need to make one. But first I need to get a Cricut. I always hear such great things about them.

    Reply
  8. Terri Steffes says

    October 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

    I love this so much! I want a cricut so badly! It looks like fun and I am always begging my friends to cut things for me.

    Reply
  9. Lisa Martin says

    October 24, 2018 at 9:22 pm

    I haven’t tried to cut anything other than vinyl. I can’t wait to try this. Everybody is getting ornaments for Christmas!

    Reply
  10. Tasheena says

    October 24, 2018 at 10:00 pm

    Thanks for this informative post. Your ornaments turned out beautiful. I would love to create ornaments like this.

    Reply
  11. Melissa says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:22 am

    I really am thinking I need to get a cricut! I love all the stuff! Instead of paying for it I think it would be worth the investment. So cute!

    Reply
  12. Ashley Grant says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:52 am

    I love the diversity of projects one can create with the Cricut machines. And, what you created is just gorgeous. I’d love to make a few, and deck them out with glitter or gold leafing. Such a fun craft and gift idea!

    Reply
  13. Heather says

    October 25, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    I’ve been wanting to get one of these for a while. I love how many things you can make with it.

    Reply
  14. Kita Bryant says

    October 25, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    Man look at that thing go! I would really love to test drive one of those!

    Reply
  15. Lynsey says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:37 pm

    What an amazing tutorial! My husband bought me one of these a few years ago… it just sits there, I need to learn

    Reply
  16. HilLesha says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    I don’t have a Cricut, but I have seen so many creative ideas like this one that requires one. I may have to get one in the future, after all!

    Reply
  17. Bethel says

    October 26, 2018 at 11:31 am

    Wow, I never known that this thing exists! Such helpful to those who organizes decors in events! -https://www.travelberries.com

    Reply
  18. Tabitha l Merrell says

    October 27, 2018 at 8:55 pm

    At first I wasn’t sure which machine I wanted to get but I think i’m going to get the Cricut Maker. Thanks for such helpful answers to a lot of my questions.

    Reply
  19. Carin Kilby Clark says

    October 27, 2018 at 11:42 pm

    I have seen so many creative things created with a Cricut. My crafty friends all love theirs. I may have to finally get one for myself!

    Reply
  20. Jenny says

    November 4, 2018 at 10:54 am

    What a great project. I bought my Cricut Maker this year in April. I have made so many different customized things! I bought the knife blade when it came out, but haven’t used it. This will be my 1st project with it.
    I’m in the IT field, so very familiar with computers. It was a bit of work to figure out how to use some of the features. Each time I tried something new, I watched the learning videos by Cricut. Super helpful and now I am so busy with it, I am neglecting other things. So be careful! It’s addicting! Haha

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    December 5, 2018 at 11:09 am

    What font was this letter “E” from?

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      December 6, 2018 at 8:39 am

      I can’t remember. It was a Cricut Design Space font.

      Reply
    • Chris says

      March 5, 2019 at 7:01 pm

      It is the Elizabeth font.

      Reply
  22. Anonymous says

    December 20, 2018 at 5:24 am

    I cannot find the heavy chipboard (2.0mm) on my list of materials. Do you have any suggestions as to why it is not there and how I can add it? Thanks

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      December 27, 2018 at 12:48 pm

      What machine are you using?

      Reply
  23. Chris Baker says

    March 5, 2019 at 7:02 pm

    These are gorgeous!!! I am a pastor’s wife and started making ornaments for everyone in our church. I done it for years. 4 years ago I started making ornaments with their initials. SO EXCITED TO FIND THESE!!

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      March 6, 2019 at 7:40 am

      Wow, how awesome of you to do that!

      Reply
  24. Tanya says

    September 4, 2019 at 5:43 pm

    I love these but only have an Air 2. Any thoughts on what I could use instead of chipboard?

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      September 4, 2019 at 9:34 pm

      You could layer heavy card stock.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 25+ Cricut Christmas ornaments to DIY - Swoodson Says says:
    November 24, 2018 at 1:01 am

    […] Swirly, elegant letter Christmas ornament tutorial from It Happens in a Blink […]

    Reply
  2. The Best Cricut Crafts to Sell: 100+ Cricut Craft Ideas - Abbi Kirsten Collections says:
    April 30, 2019 at 10:33 am

    […] Wood ornaments […]

    Reply
  3. Personalized Christmas Ideas With Cricut | Kaleidoscope Living says:
    December 4, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    […] Letter Christmas Ornaments by It Happens In A Blink. These are easy to make with your Cricut and turn out beautiful! They are perfect for dressing up packages or gifting to neighbors tied to a treat. […]

    Reply

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DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of all information on this website, It Happens in a Blink, LLC, makes no guarantee to the procedures shared here. It Happens in a Blink, LLC, is not responsible or liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages or personal grievances resulting from the use of any information on ItHappensinaBlink.com. This website is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a professional.
    I love sharing my ideas and projects, and I love when others like them enough to want to share them too! If you would like to share a pattern or project, please refer to my Terms of Use for copyright details.This is a personal blog written and edited by me. If you have any questions, you may always contact me. I take great pride in maintaining the integrity of this site and building it as an honest and reliable source of information and inspiration for my readers. Please note that no photos of my children are to be republished on another blog under any circumstances. Read my full Privacy Policy Here: https://ithappensinablink.com/privacy-policy/ Read my full Disclosure Policy Here: https://ithappensinablink.com/disclosure-policy/

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