Introduction (Does It Do What It Should)

I’ve got a wife who is really into scrapbooking, and she has often talked about getting a Cricut. I’m going to say that it takes a certain type of hobbyist to appreciate what the Cricut is and does, and believe me, it is a lot.

The Cricut Joy Xtra, which is the model that I am reviewing today, is a smart cutting machine that can not only cut, but it writes, draws, and foils to make stuff like stickers, cards, T-shirts, vinyl decals and so many other things that it is crazy.

I have to admit that there is so much to do with the Cricut Joy Xtra, that I struggled to find something to demonstrate it. I settled for something that can write and cut letters, and there is some interesting vinyl sticker paper that it came with.

The Cricut Joy Xtra has this blade that can somehow cut through the sticker paper, but not the Teflon underneath it is stuck to. How does it do that? I really have no idea, seriously. I mean, what is the thickness of that, less than a millimeter?

So, yes, I really just used this to make a cut like a stencil on some sticker paper, but I probably could and probably should have done a better demonstration. In addition to working with the sticker paper, it works with cardstock and iron-on materials as well. I think I mentioned that I wished that the Joy Xtra should accept paper that is 8 1/2 x 11 inches, but it doesn’t seem to be that way. I suppose that you can trim it down, of course.

I also will have to admit that you have to be very specific about what type of paper that you are using. You might notice that in the video, I couldn’t get the Cricut app to work on my laptop. The Cricut app did work on my phone, and synced to the Joy Xtra a lot easier than the laptop.

The app can do a lot, and I have to admit that this is where I’m going to go minimalist on. I mean, not only can you create text, but import a picture. It’s kind of like having a Paint Program so you can make things happen, and there is a lot that you can make happen here. For example, there is a Circut Design Space library with a lot of images to download. There is also a free trial subscription to Circuit Access for new subscribers.

I forgot to talk about some things that came in the Joy Xtra products that came in the box. There is the Cricut Joy Fine Point Pen, along with a Cricut Mini Weeder. Yeah, I probably should have covered those.

I also really should have done a lot more demonstrations. I mean, I never did any foil or T-shirts. The truth is that I had to review this and move on, as I had it for a while. I honestly think I would need several hours for a proper review.

Facts About The Company

I feel that if you haven’t heard of Cricut, then I don’t honestly know what to say. I mean, if you like being creative with paper, then the Cricut is for you. They are designed to make projects “beautiful, fun, and easy”. So, this company makes cool machines that can do all kinds of things.

What Does This Company Make?

In addition to the cutting machines, Cricut also makes these really cool heat presses as well. So if you want to take your craft on cloth or a coffee mug, you can do that.

Just the Specs, Man

If you’re the type that needs this info, this section is for you!

Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock
Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs
Cuts intricate designs with precision
Writes, draws, foils, and more
Works with popular material sizes, including US Letter and A4
Free, easy-to-learn Design Space® app
Bluetooth® wireless technology
Upload & cut your own designs or choose from the Cricut Design Space library
Free live workshops, online courses & beginner cheatsheets
World-class customer support is available via phone or chat
Cricut Manufacturer Warranty

If there is something on this that I didn’t cover, please let me know.

What Do the Reviews Say?

According to the Cricut website, the Cricut Joy Xtra has a rating of 4.6 stars overall. On Amazon, it rates at 4.2 stars out of 44 ratings.

Okay, Get To The Unboxing Already!

Okay, I Like It, Just Give Me The Link So I Can Buy It Already!

Maybe I Want It, But Is There Anything Else Like It? Maybe For A Lower Price? Please?

I don’t really know anything like a Cricut, so I’m not really going to try. Seriously, maybe there is some other company that makes a product like this, but I can’t help but think that it is some kind of knock-off. Maybe it is the Android version, with Cricut being the Apple in this not-working illustration.