Learn a few hacks and tricks to make working with Cricut Joy Insert Card Kits easier and faster than ever.
Raise your hand if you love getting a handmade card in the mail. Yep, I see your hand high, and mine is up too. There’s just something so special about a handmade card that makes a store-bought version seem almost pointless.
Over the years, people have stopped sending handmade cards, mostly because they take SO MUCH TIME to create. But when I got my Cricut Joy, all that changed with the Cricut Insert Card Kits.
If you haven’t seen these yet, they’re basically a package of ten blank cards, ten envelopes, and ten little cardstock rectangles. Pair this kit with your Cricut Joy machine and your Cricut app, and you can have GORGEOUS homemade cards in less than three minutes.
Everyone has been loving these card kits since they launched in early 2020, but they do take a little getting used to. So today I want to share 4 tips on how to work with the paper and the card mat so you get beautiful, seamless cuts and pull off any card design like a pro.
Read More: My Exact Guide To The Cricut Joy App
Tip 1. Dull Blades Make Crappy Cards
If you bought a Cricut Joy back in March and you haven’t changed the blade yet, you’re probably frustrated with some not-so-great cuts on your cards. The cards are made of thicker cardstock and a lot of the designs have super thin, intricate, and tiny shapes to cut out.
If you’re noticing that your cut lines are starting to drag a little (not a crisp clean cut line) it’s probably time to change your blade. I like to keep an extra one on hand as my backup at all times. That way I don’t have to stop mid-project because my cuts are starting to look inconsistent.
Tip 2. Regularly Clean Your Card Mat
The key to a perfectly cut card design is using the Cricut Card Mat correctly. This mat will make or break your entire project, so it’s really important to take care of it.
Make sure you always cover it with its plastic sheet when not in use, and clean the mat every 3-5 times you use it. Some people like to clean their mat with baby wipes and that works well. Cricut recommends cleaning with warm water only.
You’ve probably seen articles online that say to clean with Dawn Dish Soap. Please don’t do this! While it will clean your mat, it causes the stickiness to break down faster.
Tip 3. It Will Always Write Before Cutting
I guarantee you’ve ruined a card and had to start over because your Joy cut the draw lines at least once. Even though the pen prompt comes up on the screen, it’s not super noticeable and can easily be forgotten or missed.
So here is your quick reminder/verification that if you’re using a design that has drawn and cut features, Joy will always draw first.
Tip 4. Keep A Roll Of Double Sided Tape On Hand
When you’re making a design that has lots of intricate cuts, sometimes your card will pull away from the insert piece like a little air pocket. Having that bowed out gap makes your card look less finished.
I like to keep a roll of double sided tape on hand with my Cricut Joy card making supplies, and if that happens, I just add a few small pieces of the tape in between the card and the insert to keep it together.
Want To Learn To Make A Card Step By Step?
This blog post has you covered on exactly how to make your first Cricut Joy Insert Card, from start to finish, and I even show you how you can use the Joy to address the envelope, too.
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Cristie says
I’m having trouble with the inserts. My card cuts well — design and slots for insert — but the insert cards seem too large or slits are too small. I have to trim the insert each time. I have the settings correct for the size of card. Why are my inserts not fitting?
Brad Gandy says
Hi Cristie, sometimes we have that problem with decorative slits. The best solution we’ve found so far is to trim the insert.
Maria Nunez says
I was wondering… Why at times does the pen not completely write or draw? Is there a pressure setting for pens? I’ve been making Christmas Card, and the drawing or message skips at times
Lela Burris says
Hi, sometimes the pen can get fatigued when you’re doing a more intricate project, and other times the pen is reaching the end of its lifetime. If it’s a pen you’ve been using often, it may be time for a replacement. I use my black pen the most and I have to replace every few months.
Cheryl Stenstrom says
I live in South Florida and I guess it’s just the hot humid weather that kills Joy mats so quickly. I have literally bought a dozen and most only last for three cards before they stop being sticky – if they were even that sticky to begin with. I tried everything. Cleaning, lint rollering.. Finally I just broke down and use the Alene’s Tack and ReTack brushed onto a few mats. It got me through 30 cards on one mat, no problem. I LOVE my Cricut Joy. I actually wish I had bought it before my Maker because the learning curve is just so much shorter with the Joy and instant gratification is a beautiful thing!
Lela Burris says
Hi Cheryl! The humidity could definitely be the culprit. We recommend buying a humidity meter for your craft storage space. They’re only about $10 and give you a good sense of the humidity in your home. Then you’ll know if you need to add some plants or a dehumidifier, and you’ll be able to visibly see if the levels are changing.
Alisha Brockwell says
How long exactly does a card mat last? Would it not get so cut up that other cut do not work? Sorry if this is a stupid question just new.
Lela Burris says
Not a stupid question at all! So far I have probably made about 60 cards on one mat and it’s just now starting to get a little less sticky. But the cuts won’t damage it at all. You’ll get a lot of life out of your card mat. I like to have two on hand all the time though, because it’s faster to have one loaded and ready while the other is being cut when I’m making a bunch at one time.
Megan says
Great tips! I love so many of the new card designs, especially that whale! I haven’t made many since the beginning of the year, so I’m excited for the holidays to get me back to it!
Brad - Admin says
Thanks, Megan! The whale is actually Lela’s favorite too. Mine is the goat, but they’re all fun, and your holiday cards are about to be unbelievable. They’re so much faster and more personalized this way.