The Cricut Finally Chirped - Part 1

With work at school as hectic as it is, I haven't had time to unpack and start using the Cricut I purchased on Amazon. It was a really great deal, one I just couldn't pass up. ;)  I've been gathering some ideas for using it on Pinterest and researching cartridges that I could get the most bang for my buck. While researching, my friend Kathleen, over at Projects at the Pickett's just started posting some projects she's started making with her Silhouette. I didn't even know there was a machine out there similar to the Cricut. After enjoying her posts I quickly figured out there was and I was going to get some great ideas from her as well.  I also found some much needed "get up and go" to start using this machine.

Last week I finally did it! Unpacked it, found a storage place, and decided on an easy (or what I thought was an easy) first project.  The reason I invested in the Cricut was to use it for some of those fun vinyl labels and sayings that seem to be popular. However, I decided to start by cutting paper for the first time through.  

I've been collecting various containers to cover with either paper or fabric. I like the fabric covered boxes, but I wanted to start labeling the boxes, which thought would work better with paper. So out came the containers, paper, Mod Podge and Cricut. 

I began by covering some containers fully. On a couple of the plastic containers I had  I just added some sections of paper . Once I finished, the Cricut went to work. I had no idea how easy it was to use.  After deciding what I was going to label the boxes with and the designs were cut, I Mod Podged them to the containers. 

These were some of the containers I know have for decorative storage.

 I like them a lot better than plain solid color boxes.

My Cricut and accessories have a couple of shelves they call home in my "office." You'll see this again in part 2.  

 I even labeled and Mod Podged a soap container that can now be refilled and reused.

And look who was watching me? Yes, this is our dog, Beasley. He has some anxiety issues an likes to be in the bath tub. Go figure... 

Lessons learned: 

1.  Use the correct Mod Podge for the material you are using it on. Although you can't really tell, the Mod Podge on the soap container dried a bit cloudy. I think there is one that would dry clear on plastic or glass. I'll have to see if I can't find it for next time. 

2. I need to learn how to spell "cartridges". 

Do you have any great ideas for using the Cricut or Silhouette? I'd love to hear about them.