Cricut’s newest cutting machine makes cards in a snap! The Cricut Joy Card Mat makes it SO easy to make all sorts of greeting cards for birthdays, baby and bridal showers, holidays, anniversaries, and more!
Earlier today you met Cricut Joy, and I’m going to show you how easy it is to make quick cards using the Cricut Joy Card Mat (yes, two posts in one day!).
Cricut Joy launched March 1, 2020! Want to learn more about Cricut’s newest (and tiniest!) cutting machine? Check out these posts:
- What is Cricut Joy and What Can It Do?
- How to Cut Cards with Cricut Joy Card Mat
- Matless Cutting with Cricut Joy
- Writable Labels with Cricut Joy
- 5 Ways to Make Labels with Cricut Joy
- Cutting Adhesive Paper with Cricut Joy
- Must-Have Cricut Joy Accessories
Cricut Joy Card Mat
One of the exclusive features of Cricut Joy cutting machine is the Cricut Joy Card Mat. I was lucky enough to be invited out to Cricut headquarters to learn about the Cricut Joy before it was announced (a big thank you to Cricut for hosting us!), and the second they mentioned making cards in a single go, my mind started trying to engineer the mat that would be needed to make cards in the way they were describing.
It turns out they have created a double layer Cricut Joy Card Mat! You slide a pre-folded card with the back between the two layers and the front sticks to the top layer. This allows you to cut with the front of the card without cutting the back of the card. It’s a simple, elegant solution for quick cards.
Remember, these are quick cards. You can still use your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker to make multi-layered personalized cards. But if you’re in a rush, these cards can be made in a flash with your Cricut Joy!
Important: when you use the card mat for the first time, remove the plastic covering that protects the mat (it’s similar to what you find on other Cricut mats) to reveal the sticky mat surface.
Cricut Joy Card Insert Sets
If you want to make a card using your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker, you’ll need to cut the card itself, score it, and in some cases, make the envelope. Cricut Joy is designed to simplify this process so you can make quick cards. Forgot that baby shower was today? You can make a card in less than 5 minutes.
One of the ways Cricut is helping facilitate this quick card making is with their Card Insert sets and Quick Corner cards in Cricut Design Space. The Card Insert sets contain 10 pre-scored cards, 10 coordinating insert pieces, and 10 envelopes. They are designed to work with Quick Corner card images in Cricut Design Space—choose one, cut, and go.
I also love the idea of making my own card inserts with patterned paper!
Making a Card with Cricut Joy
Let me show you how easy it is to make a card using Cricut Joy and the Cricut Joy Card Mat. Remember, all of these go on sale March 1!
Supplies
Note: there is a new toolset specifically for Cricut Joy that has the basic spatula, scraper, and weeding tool. I’ve long wanted a set with these basics—it’s great set for any machine you have!
Instructions
To show how this works, search for #MFA32A2E in Cricut Design Space and insert the card onto your Canvas. You may actually not see this yet—because I’m writing this before the official launch, things might change. I will update with more information as we get closer to launch.
That’s it—you can just hit Make It in the upper right to be taken to the next screen. Here, you’ll see a pop up asking you which type of mat you are going to use. For this card, select Card Mat.
Then click Continue to be taken to the Make Screen. Plug in your Cricut Joy (it turns on automatically—no power button!) and Design Space will connect to your machine. Then select Insert Card cardstock as your material.
From the Insert Card set, choose a card and insert it into the card mat. Align the card at the top left of the mat, with the back of the card between the two layers of the mat, and the front of the card stuck to the mat surface on top.
When you insert your card into the machine, the rollers will automatically grab and straighten your mat (remember, there are no buttons on Cricut Joy for inserting or releasing your mat). Then you’ll hit “Go” in Cricut Design Space and your Cricut Joy will cut your card!
Normally, I bend the mat away from cardstock to remove it from the mat. But because the card mat is two layers thick, it’s difficult to bend. Instead, the spatula comes in really handy for removing your card from the Cricut Joy Card Mat.
Once your card is removed from the mat, you can slide the insert card into the corner slots from behind to finish!
I am SO excited about the Cricut Joy—I can’t wait for you to get your hands on Cricut’s newest little machine!
For some more Cricut Mat information, check out my blog on How to Use the Cricut Card Mat: Maker and Explore Machines!
Comments & Reviews
Alex says
Love that you can your previous vinyls with this! I have so many little scraps that would fit this perfectly!
Cori George says
It is BRILLIANT for scraps!
Reggie says
This is a game changer! Thank you Cori for the perfect introduction!
Cori George says
You’re welcome! Let me know if you have any questions :)
Jessica says
Such a cool idea for those that make cards regularly. I don’t currently, but might have to consider it now.
Cori George says
I already make so many more cards than I did with my machine. Not having to make envelopes makes me happy, ha!
Rebecca says
Hi….are you able to customize and/or design the cards? I can’t tell if you can ONLY use the “Pre-made Cricut template” for the card design. Just wondering if you can actually design the card and customize it. Tks
Cori George says
With these particular cards, I’m not sure there is a way to really customize them. They are designed to be cut as-is. That being said, you can bring them onto the canvas and manipulate them if you’d like!
Jewell Renee Turner says
I can’t wait to get this and start creating my cards. I prefer to make mine and had gotten out of it for a few years but now——I can’t t wait to create!!!
Christie says
OK, now this is cool!
Joanne says
I can see this as a travel buddy for crafting on the go! Love it.
Nancy says
That is a wonderful mat! Great invention!
Kiri says
I already have so much paper for cards at home, will I be able to use this paper or will I need to purchase the insert card sets?
I have a cabin I go to a lot and it will be great to take the Joy with me so I can craft there as well.
Patricia Centlivre says
The mat is a clever idea.
Nadine Dunker says
What a great idea. When you travel this will certainly make life easier.
Nadine
Sheila Rogers says
I go to crops at least twice a month and this would be perfect to take. Oh I need this baby!
Kathleen Bluett says
I can definitely see using this with my Cub Scout Den! This is something my Lion’s(kindergarten-age) could try out to write thank you notes to different presenters. Their printing skills are not there yet, but most are able to recognize their letters, so making the cards would be awesome!
Eva says
I am always interested in sticker and card making, and I have been looking at the circuit machine for ages. As you have mention I am one of those person not dare to buy the machine and try it as it is costly and bulky in my small space. I am very excited to see they have mini version. I think that’s is it, that’s the one I need . Thank you for introducing it, I wouldn’t know they have new version until I see your post.
Donna Wilson says
I can’t wait for it to come out so i can get one for i caft all the the time at at home
Ashley says
I am so excited!! My Craft room and Cricut Maker are upstairs and our living area and toddlers toys are downstairs. As you can imagine I don’t get much crafting done these days. When I do I have to tote everything up and down the stairs and completely pick up when I’m done. The Cricut Joy is going to be a perfect solution for small projects! I also never make cards but this looks so quick and easy. I have to know what card pack came with those rainbow inserts! Everyone is going to get Cricut made cards out of that one this year lol! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lorah says
I am so excited about the Cricut Joy! Thank you for your video!
andi says
this looks amazing! Love the small size since I don’t have a lot of craft space
Lisa says
This little gem needs a place in my craft room!!
Teresa Bond-Mason says
Great video! You’re right, it’s great for us teal lovers!
Donna says
I just got one and learning how to use it now. I was so excited when i seen it so i got one so i can i make cards for all the grandkids for their birthdays.
I’m going to love it when after i learn how to use it.
Anne Berriman says
I’m in Australia and just received my new cricut joy, will it take any card stock and do you know when we might get the prices for Australia, I am looking forward to using it, any help would be appreciated.kind Regards Anne from Big Blue Owl
Cori George says
It will take any cardstock! I am not sure about pricing or availability of other supplies in Australia, though, sorry!
Jeanne Perez says
would like to know if I can write with the Cricut joy inside the cards?
Amy Motroni says
Hi there,
Yes, you can. Just flip the card inside out, then write your sentiment in Design Space. You’ll have to move it on the mat preview to the middle of the card.
Happy Crafting!
Amy, HLMS Reader Support
Celia says
Thank you so much for posting this. VERY HELPFUL!!!
Nadia says
It’s not cutting the design all the way through the card stock. I just purchased the cricut joy. What should I do
Jeanne Perez says
I have a cricut JOy but I struggle with it when I want to write in side the card. What is the best way to do that .
Mary Collins says
I cannot get my Cricut Joy to cut through my card stock. I cannot change the type of paper that I cut on.
Krista L Morisen says
My joy is not only destroying my cards, but, the card mat as well. How do I prevent this? I’m already using the “less” feature on the cutting pressure.