Check out all the projects you can make with the Cricut Joy Xtra or other cutting machines!
Having trouble deciding where to start with your new Cricut Joy Xtra? Not to worry, I have 25 ideas for you to consider! Many of my most popular projects will work on the Joy Xtra as is or with a little resizing, but I’ve picked some of my favorites to get you started. These Cricut Joy Xtra projects use the machine’s cut, draw, and foil functions that make it a great starter machine. And with its wider cutting area and Print then Cut capability, you can open up a world of new projects!
If you’re still deciding if the Cricut Joy Xtra is right for you, watch my full and honest review of the Cricut Joy Xtra with all its pros and cons here:
Which Projects Can Cricut Joy Xtra Do?
The new machine can work with materials up to 8.5″ wide by 12″ long on a mat. and up to 9.5″ wide and longer if you use Xtra-sized Smart Materials. There’s even a new Prismatic Glitter Iron On, which is a microplastic, flake-free glitter Smart Material. You can even sublimate on it!
The Joy Xtra can cut, draw, and foil using Joy-compatible tools. And watch out for new products for the smart cutting machine! However, it can’t score, engrave, deboss, or use the QuickSwap tools made for the Cricut Maker series. And the mats are sized for the Joy Xtra, so don’t mix up your mats if you have an original Joy.
One of the best new features is the addition of Print then Cut capability, which means you can make STICKERS! And if you have a sublimation printer, you can use the machines together to make your own shaped sublimation images. Or, there are even printable iron-on sheets for light and dark fabrics!
There are LOTS of materials compatible with the Cricut Joy Xtra machine, from the tried-but-true HTV to new and improved sticker paper! I can’t wait to try some of these projects on the new materials. Of course, you don’t have to stick to Cricut brand materials, just make sure your choice is compatible with the machine! You can cut over 50 different types of popular materials, including cardstock, vinyl, and labels.
25+ Free Cricut Joy Xtra Projects
Unicorn with Flowers Framed Art
Learn how to make the cutest personalized framed art with a unicorn with paper flowers!
Paper Flower Shadow Box
Determine how many paper flowers you need to fill your paper flower shadow box frame with this step-by-step tutorial!
Print & Cut Stickers
Since the Cricut Joy Xtra has Print then Cut capability, you can create sticker sets with ease!
How to Make Stickers with Cricut
Printable sticker paper works so well with the Joy Xtra, you can make waterproof, full-color stickers!
DIY Photo Keychains
Learn how to make and personalize photo keychains for all the awesome people in your life.
How To Use Printable Vinyl With Cricut
Learn how to make decals and T-shirts using printable vinyl and your Cricut!
How to Sublimate Clear HTV
Learn how to sublimate clear HTV for use on 100% cotton T-shirts AND dark-colored shirts.
How to Fill Letters in Cricut
Learn to make foiled and drawn gift tags, with filled in lettering! Remember, the Cricut Joy extra fine point pens and other pens fit the new cutting machine.
Diamond Painting for Beginners
Learn how to make your own diamond painting patterns using Print then Cut.
DIY Watercolor Cards
Learn how to make DIY watercolor cards featuring birds your Cricut Joy Xtra can draw with watercolor markers!
How to Screen Print a Shirt with Cricut
By sizing your design to Learn how to make your own two-color screen printed shirt with your Cricut that rivals the quality and durability of one from a store!
Frosted Vinyl For Glass
Learn how to easily get an etched glass look without the messy etching cream by using frosted vinyl for glass!
How to Make Cricut Labels Six Different Ways
You can make custom labels to fit any need with the Joy Xtra, especially with Smart Materials.
Layered Iron-On Vinyl Shirt (Sunflower)
How to make a beginner-friendly T-shirt with layered iron-on vinyl!
Custom Cork Coasters
Learn how to make custom cork coasters for everyday use and the holiday season!
Ready to make some Cricut Joy Xtra projects? This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
Materials And Tools for Cricut Joy Xtra
You can find full material/tools lists and additional details with each project, but here are popular materials and tools you’ll definitely want to have on hand to get you started with your new Cricut Joy Xtra!
- Cricut Joy Xtra cutting machine (here’s the Canadian link!)
- Cricut Joy Xtra machine and materials bundle (here’s the Canadian link!)
- Cricut Portable Trimmer or scissors
- Cricut Joy Xtra™ Card Mat, 4.7 in x 6.6 in
- Cricut Joy Xtra™ Light Grip Machine Mat
- Cricut Joy Xtra™ Standard Grip Machine Mat
For stickers:
- 8.5″ x 11″ Printable Sticker Paper
- Printable Waterproof Sticker Sets
- Printable Waterproof Holographic Sticker Set
- Printable Vinyl in gold or silver
- Printable Vinyl in white or transparent
For T-shirts:
- Printable Iron-On For Dark Fabrics
- Printable Iron-On For Light Fabrics
- Cricut Joy Xtra™ Smart Iron-On, Holographic
For Cricut vinyl projects:
- Cricut Joy Xtra Transfer Tape
- Cricut Permanent Smart Vinyl in red, black, white, blue, mint, orange, gold, silver, Aqua, Party Pink, Purple, Grass, Ocean, Maize Yellow
- Cricut Joy Xtra Permanent Smart Vinyl Matte Metallic in champagne or silver
- Weeding Tool Kit
- Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Vinyl – Removable in black, white, red, gold, and silver
For iron-on vinyl projects:
- Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Iron-On Heat Transfer Vinyl which comes in black, white, red, gold, silver, Bright Teal, Pink, Royal Blue, Neon Pink, Neon Yellow, and Neon Orange
- Cricut Joy Xtra Prismatic Glitter Smart Iron-On in Coral, Mint, Rose Gold, silver, or gold
- Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Holographic Iron-On in Cobalt, Transparent Blue, Dahlia
- A heat press like a Cricut EasyPress or Autopress
For sublimation and other heat-related projects:
- Cricut Joy Xtra Prismatic Glitter Smart Iron-On in Coral, Mint, Rose Gold, silver, or gold
- A heat press like a Cricut EasyPress or Mini Heat Press
- A sublimation printer with compatible ink and sublimation paper
- White cardstock
- White uncoated butcher paper
- Heat resistant tape
For cardstock projects:
- 8.5″ x 11″ Cardstock in all your favorite colors
- Bearly Art precision glue
- Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Label Paper – Permanent
- Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Vinyl Writable Vinyl – Permanent
- Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Vinyl Writable Vinyl – Removable
For writing, drawing, or foiling projects:
- Watercolor Markers and Brush Set
- R20 Watercolor Cards
- Foil Transfer Kit
- Foil Transfer Sheets
- Sparkle Pens and any other Cricut Joy pens
- Fine Point Pens, .4
- Extra Fine Point Pens, .3
- Infusible Ink .4 Markers
- Metalic Markers
Find the links to all my free SVG files and more in my free resource library! Get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
Answers to Your Questions About Cricut Joy Xtra Projects
Q: Can you use Cricut Joy Xtra without subscription?
A: Yes! You do not need to be a Cricut Access subscriber to use Cricut Design Space with your new cutting machine. Cricut Access subscribers do get discounts on materials, and access to nearly endless design elements though! Check out Cricut Access and see if it’s. right for you!
Q: Can Cricut Joy Xtra cut wood?
A: No, the Cricut Joy Xtra cannot cut wood.
Q: Which Cricut should I buy for stickers?
A: In my opinion, the Cricut Joy Xtra is a fantastic choice for sticker-making. You can make full-colored stickers on lots of the new printable materials! Here’s the Canadian link!
Q: What can the Cricut Joy Xtra cut?
A: The Cricut Joy Xtra is compatible with 50+ different materials. You can make vinyl wall decals, stickers, cards, T-shirts, sublimation designs, and more! I can’t wait to see everything else I’m able to make with this fun new machine. The Joy Xtra can cut, draw, and add a metallic shine with the foil tool. Plus, unlike the original Cricut Joy, it can do Print then Cut projects
Q: What can Cricut Joy Xtra not do?
A: The Cricut Joy Xtra can’t score, or take materials wider than 9.5″ without a mat. If you want to do either of these, check out the Cricut Explore machines. Also, the newest machine cannot do functions unique to the Maker series, like engraving, debossing, etc.
Q. What is the most recent Cricut machine?
A: Cricut’s newest cutting machine, the Joy Xtra, is between a Joy and Explore. Its compact size makes it perfect for any workspace or craft room, but it can work with 8.5″ x 11″ materials to make bigger projects and do Print then Cut!
Q. What is the best Cricut machine?
A: Each Cricut has its pros and cons, and it depends a lot on what you need. I recommend reading my post all about the Cricut Joy Xtra, and compare the other Cricut machines to figure out your best option. I do think the addition of Cricut Joy Xtra to the company’s industry-leading products will open up new opportunities for many crafters and business owners!
Get my free files for Cricut Joy Xtra projects!
I’d love to see what you make with the latest addition to the Cricut lineup! Please share a photo in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.
Love,
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