NEW Cricut Card Mat for Explore and Maker Machines: Ultimate Guide

[@elizabethk8938]

I’ve made several cards since receiving the new mat. It works great on the Maker. I’m not a huge fan of all the paper packs since I think the color selection could be better. (my favorite is the cutaway). But this is no problem for me. I plan to experiment with cardstock and just cut my own inserts. It’s loads of fun to use. Thanks!

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Reneesfun]

Yes! I’m looking to go in the same direction. If anyone figures out what they are going to use for the insert and please share! Angieis the best!

[@DrgnflyDrmz]

Thanks for the explanation Angie. I saw this on HSN yesterday and purchased it. I have to tell you the host asked Anna Griffin if she could make 4 different cards at the same time using the mat. Anna answered, “no, you would have to make four of the same exact card.” Well you showed you can make different cards. Thanks!

[@AngieHolden]

HA! She probably meant that you had to make the same size. Which is true. But you can make 4 different ones as long as they are the same size!

[@yolandasmith6781]

I also watched HSN yesterday and heard Anna Griffin say you could only make one card at a time. After watching Angie demonstrate the opposite, I feel my purchase is really worth the investment.

[@AngieHolden]

Happy to help!

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Brother Scan N Cut machines don't have these restrictions. Our machines have built-in 600 DPI color scanners. We can scan our mats to know exactly where to place our designs. This lets us use up all the material we have. Full creation and editing tools right on the cutter itself! We can use any size material to fill the whole mat if we desire. Even with stuff we print ourselves.

[@chris_drgnflydrmz3650]

@@SlowPCGaming1 I have a Scan N Cut as well as 3 Cricut machines. I haven't quite mastered the SNC and have had more practice on the Cricut. You can also place your materials on the Cricut where you want, you just have to remember to also move it on the virtual mat before hitting the cut button. The reason this mat is essential for the card making is because the cards are actually folded in half. If you cut the card folded the design would cut completely through and not stop on just the top layer. Of course you could always cut a design on part of the paper and then fold afterwards.

[@maaike-4676]

If you choose the option ‘medium cardstock’ instead of the ‘insert cardstock’ than the explore air 2 cut it perfect!

[@AngieHolden]

WEll that is interesting!

[@maaike-4676]

@@AngieHolden I send you a message on instagram. With an example 🙃

[@LadybugLair]

Angie, you totally saved my "bacon" and....sanity, over trying to figure out why I couldn't get my 5" x 7" card base, that I created myself in CDS, onto the 2 x 2 card mat. Then.....I discovered your awesome (as per usual!!) vid. about the card "sizes" to use. Thank you sooooo much, Angie!!! ❤

[@AngieHolden]

Happy to help!

[@jrhodes3216]

When these came out on Sunday the very first thing I did was look to see if you had a video on them! I knew that you would be the best person to explain it to me, Angie! ✨🌟✨

[@AngieHolden]

Hope you enjoy!

[@sweetpeahunnybee]

I figured out a way to fix the off center cut for insert cards! At first my machine was cutting them off center so that the slits cut through the side of the card but I did a print than cut calibration and now its cutting the cards perfectly centered :)

[@AngieHolden]

Great tip!

[@lindaknight]

Just a thought, I will often contour out the insert lines and just glue a background cardstock - glitter is a favorite - to the inside of my card... Cricut cards are too expensive for me - I am on a budget and make lots of cards... Angie, I always learn something from your tutorials - THANK YOU!

[@AngieHolden]

Great idea!

[@JulieEbersole]

Thank you, Angie! I’m the type that would troubleshoot, as you did-I GREATLY appreciate the time and effort you put in to doing that up front for us. While I personally feel confident, with your shared knowledge, that I will purchase the 2x2 mat, it truly baffles me that the company doesn’t hire YOU, as a consultant, to test all of this AHEAD of production and release, to ensure ease of use by the average consumer, who really should not have to fuss. At any rate, standing O to you, from me, LOL! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@AngieHolden]

Thank you so much!

[@ericasherlock7597]

Wow! I just don't understand why Cricut didn't leave the cards alone. This seems like A LOT more work than the simple way with regular cardstock they had before!

[@AngieHolden]

You can still make cards with regular cardstock. This is just for quicker cards.

[@peanut0426]

There aren't that many color choices and I'm not overly excited of the choices they have. Great video!

[@AngieHolden]

I totally agree!

[@kasscousins1080]

Great presentation from you. Seems to me cricut didn’t think through the release of this mat and cards. Way too much work and too much room for error. You are a pro but for the occasional crafter it’s a high risk of ruining material and wasting money. A card shouldn’t be so restrictive or so much work to make multiple variety of cards at once. There should be an adjustment of design to match card. Thanks for another great demo

[@AngieHolden]

I did expect this video to be quick and easy to make. It was NOT! HA!

[@kellypagan744]

I agree. Cricut needs to improve on these issues. It seems they are doing the same thing they do with there new updates. Send them out for us to try and then fix the problems later when they get complaints. That is why they they get poor reviews from some. You did a great job walking us through this. Will be fun to use once they get the issues fixed.

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Brother Scan N Cut machines don't have these restrictions. Our machines have built-in 600 DPI color scanners. We can scan our mats to know exactly where to place our designs. This lets us use up all the material we have. Full creation and editing tools right on the cutter itself!

[@michiganlighthouse]

Great detail. You covered so much I needed. I will refer to your video as I try out those newfound skills. I'm 73 and limited in how much I can accomplish and still contribute to my household (doggie & active hubby). As a creative type, I've made many saleable items over the years so I look for efficiency that also allows me to use my creative skills. I've spent a week trying to use this mat successfully and finally 'got it'. I found my little scraper worked well for removing the cards and is easier to keep clean vs the spatula. Great video.

[@AngieHolden]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@brendalawrence6732]

As always you hit on everything when something new comes out. I love that you tell the good, bad and ugly. I like the concept of this mat, but don't like the price of this mat and I don't like how the designs don't line up perfectly each and every time depending on your machine. This is why I'm not a huge fan of the insert cards too. I haven't tried the cutaway cards yet and I'm not to sure about those. lol But I can see this mat coming in handy if you have to mass produce invitations, etc...Still needs some tweaking to me though. Thanks so much for showing how everything works with this mat, you always do an amazing job. Hugs, Brenda

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching! Definitely not a product for everyone!

[@kristieroy1024]

Try to use the mat upside down. The slot is longer and allows you to adjust placement of card since you can’t adjust design. I have maker 3 and explore 2 and both gave unbalanced designs . But using with mat reversed I’m getting perfect results.

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Brother Scan N Cut machines don't have these restrictions. Our machines have built-in 600 DPI color scanners. We can scan our mats to know exactly where to place our designs. This lets us use up all the material we have. Full creation and editing tools right on the cutter itself!

[@SharoninKentucky]

@@kristieroy1024 I need a video! I haven’t got my mat yet so not sure what to do. I’m sure I’ll have some questions when I do. I have to cut my card stock from what I have. What is the most popular size? Thanks

[@kristieroy1024]

@@SharoninKentucky I’m not a KZbin content maker. But I could this weekend (when I have time to craft) make a video and upload to my page so you can see what I mean by using mat reversed. As far as popular card sizes, all the card sizes that can be used with the mat are great choices as they can all be sent through U.S.P.S with a single stamp. So it’s more your preference. But many crafters go with A2 card size because you can make 2 cards with each sheet of card stock so it cuts waste and cost.

[@Dee-nl2jk]

Hi Angie, thanks for the great video. Can you explain more in detail how to put the slightly smaller design evenly on the cutaway card in design space without ruining one card first.I have an explore 2 also. thanks!

[@AngieHolden]

You should be able to center it after you click make it and say you are using the card mat.

[@star1d]

Now I am sorry I ordered the new mat and the cards before I watched your video, but I got too exited. It seems the design of the new mat was a bit ambitious. I would rather make 2 cards at the time instead of 4. A bit of a bummer I can't do my favorite size of cards (5x7) and already have to think about a work around of the errors I might make with the new mat. 🤷 However, thank you for your honest opinion. Always greatly appreciated. 😊

[@AngieHolden]

Your machine may do perfect cards every single time but I didn't want to cut out all of the errors that I experienced.

[@obobob1867]

I saw this item a long time ago from a person that bought it early, asking about it. FINALLY IT'S BEEN RELEASED. Hallelujah. If I ever buy myself a Cricut Maker, it is in the cart. :3

[@AngieHolden]

I found it at a store weeks ago and I have been patiently waiting. Okay not so patient! HA!

[@LetsTryThatDIY]

Thank you for this video. You do such a nice job of explaining and demonstrating!!!

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@jamiedones3266]

Yeah! What Stephanie said. Thank you!

[@1LineAtATime]

Yes, she explains so well 💝! Much love Creatives!

[@Rachy71]

Thank you for another great video for Cricut. I'm going to try and make some cards today. What I'm doing with the card I bought that don't have the letters and numbers on then is opening the box pulling it out a small amount and writing what the letter number combination would be. I have the Cricut Joy card boxes and looked at the measurements matched to the letter system and added. I would most likely forget to look at a cheat sheet with the info so for me this is simpler. Just waned to share with you. Thanks again Angie for all the amazing tips.

[@AngieHolden]

You can DEFINITELY do that! I was just getting confused myself on the video filming so I made a chart!

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Brother Scan N Cut machines don't have these restrictions. Our machines have built-in 600 DPI color scanners. We can scan our mats to know exactly where to place our designs. This lets us use up all the material we have. Full creation and editing tools right on the cutter itself! We can use any size material to fill the whole mat if we desire. Even with stuff we print ourselves.

[@zoedoodle9824]

Thanks for taking so much time to show how this works. I love my Cricut but have not used it for writing and drawing. And from what you show here, I will not use this new tool. It is a good idea but clearly, Cricut folks have not perfected it yet. Cricut accessories are always quite spendy and since the result is not placed correctly and the cutaway product is time consuming to remove, I think I'll wait. It would surely be a blessing for batch card making once it works better.

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Brother Scan N Cut machines don't have these restrictions. Our machines have built-in 600 DPI color scanners. We can scan our mats to know exactly where to place our designs. This lets us use up all the material we have. Full creation and editing tools right on the cutter itself! We can use any size material to fill the whole mat if we desire. Even with stuff we print ourselves.

[@ashlymatthews8819]

Thank you for going in such detail explaining what to do step by step

[@AngieHolden]

My pleasure 😊

[@dipaolav]

Honestly, this is a lot more effort than then result is worth…if you’re a frequent card maker it make be worth taking the time. I’m going to do a test run on my Maker and see what happens!

[@aloknight3656]

I thoguht I had to use a weeder and ended up scraping the card a little, then I watched your video and the rest of ot came out good. Thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad I could help!

[@donnathomas2981]

Thank you for the information in this video. You showed me things that I would've never known, for instance, the film needing to be peeled off of the card mat and the moving of the star wheels. The mat doesn't come with instructions, and I don't understand that. Thank you again, Angie!

[@melissaholbrook9850]

I cant get my star eheels to move.

[@allieg.1656]

I just got mine today, I'm excited, I love my card mat for the joy was so excited when it came out for the maker too

[@pokeywatson1]

Where did you get your card mat from please. i cannot track them down.

[@dorothygani5348]

Wonderful, informative video! I spent 2 hours watching a 'live video' which kept losing me because she kept answering questions and comments as she was working on the project. I was totally lost with her!!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charlottec748]

I bought the 2 x 2 mat because I have to make 40 insert baby thank you cards for a friend. Now I'm holding my breath that the cuts don't go off the edge like yours did. Guess I'll have to wait and see. Thanks for the great video.

[@AngieHolden]

Good luck!!

[@annettebecker9719]

This caused me SO much frustration today trying on find a card to make for my Mom today.

[@shuggaraecreation2009]

Thank you so much for the tutorial very thorough and transparent. I have a brand new air explore2 and you save me 20.00 the cost of the mat and frustration that will come creating cards. Shame on Cricut not working out the kinks before releasing the mat they know most creators thrive on perfection.😊

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Brother Scan N Cut machines don't have these restrictions. Our machines have built-in 600 DPI color scanners. We can scan our mats to know exactly where to place our designs. This lets us use up all the material we have. Full creation and editing tools right on the cutter itself!

[@debbier1645]

What kinks? Within 20 minutes of receiving my mats I had 4 different cards made - all cut out at the same time.

[@maureenpluthero8543]

This mat looks great however I will probably make my own cards instead of buying the packages. I have so much cardstock to use up.

[@AngieHolden]

That's a great idea!

[@bridget3027]

Great job thank you for showing me how to do these cards. I love that the writing works so much easier with this tablet than with the older single one.

[@LynneBWilson]

This is the best Cricut video I have seen ever! Thank you for being so clear in your explanations and your demo. I have subscribed. Thank you!!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Wow, thank you!

[@stephanietm9960]

Fantastic video! I learned so many details that will help me immensely. Thank you SO much for showing ALL of your processes and not just the "perfect" endings because that's exactly what I need to learn and fix my errors. It REALLY decreases frustration (and sometimes giving up) because you show that things happen and what to do to fix them. You always do such a nice job of teaching. Thank you!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@barbaramazzatenta9228]

Thank you so much! Great tutorial! So informative! You are a great teacher, you tell us, you show us, and you explain everything clearly! Thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbaramazzatenta9228]

@@AngieHolden you are a great teacher

[@amywalker4359]

I sure like that they made the protective cover a frosted look. I can't tell you how many times I've left the clear cover on my Joy card mat, 🤣🤣🤣. It's invisible!!

[@AngieHolden]

I actually LOVE that part!

[@tammywhite2119]

Great video. As seasoned card maker, it seems like too likely that I would be frustrated easily when something didn't work.

[@barbaranewman2977]

I found it almost impossible to weed the cutaway cards and I also had trouble getting the design to go exactly in the right place on the R20 cards even though I did push them to the top and all the way in. I guess maybe you have to cut MORE PRESSURE to get them to weed easier. I am thinking I prefer buying cards at Dollar Tree than making them. Thank you for demonstrating how to write on the inside using the card mat. I had not seen others demo that.

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't had trouble if I use the cutaway cards setting. I used the wrong setting on some and it was a challenge!

[@janetgaybradfield3978]

I agree. Dollar tree for me.

[@kristieroy1024]

I couldn’t get it to cut the cards design centered on card, so I used the mat upside down since slot is longer so you can adjust if needed. However I still matched the card up with white on mat and I got a perfect cut on my cards. Something to help those who are having issues.

[@AngieHolden]

That is interesting!! Thanks!

[@MerylRice26]

I have tried making cards using the card mat. I put the cards in as instructed all the way up to the top and against the fold. However the patterns consistently cut out too far to the top so that the slits that the inserts are supposed to go in are at the edge of the card and can't be used. What am I doing wrong?

[@AngieHolden]

It is probably your machine unfortunately.

[@kellypagan744]

Thank you for a great tutorial. I appreciate your honesty an showing potential flaws. Cricut is famous for releasing things without working out the flaws first. Using us as testers and fixing problems after the fact. Gives them a bad rap in some circles, which is a shame since I truly believe it is the best cutter out there.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BeyondTshirts]

Perfect tutorial! Makes DIY cards so much faster! Using my card mat for the first time today to make Christmas cards!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Have fun!

[@JoeGosling1964]

Help!! I have a Cricut Maker and saw your great videos for cutaway cards so today I had delivered the Card Mat 2 x 2 and a couple of packs of Cricutjoy Cutaway Cards. I followed your instructions to the letter but each time my machine cut not only the card but the backer as well. What am I doing wrong?

[@AngieHolden]

Hmmmm. I haven't had this issue with the cutaway cards. Do you have the fine point blade in your housing and not the deep point blade?

[@jk_sewingjamila1001]

i love how you explain things thanks for this i got this mat and dont have to confidence to try it but i will after watching this xx

[@AngieHolden]

You got this!

[@jk_sewingjamila1001]

Thank you I have watch you for a long time and love your honesty and how you explain things for us brits I get your terminology stay safe keep crafting I watch the foil video and I feel for you I too have arthritis people just don’t understand that don’t have it how debilitating it can be stay safe Lyn xxx

[@brendanbossard6928]

This is very helpful. We just got a card mat and this is just what we needed to help us get started!

[@mardellgrayhek9958]

Great video! I just received my mats today and didn't remember to buy the cards. It would be great to discover a way to use cardstock cut to size and scored...with a little ingenuity on what to put inside. I'm excited to get some of the cards next.

[@AngieHolden]

You can cut and score the cards just make sure they are the same size as the Cricut ones if you are using their designs.

[@emilygraham9008]

I had already bought this mat before I saw your video. I will still give it a try of course before getting rid of my Joy. I have a practically brand new Maker 3 so maybe I won’t have that problem. We’ll see. Thank you for making this video!

[@AngieHolden]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@huginanenvelope]

Awesome real presentation, I love the good the bad and the hack.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@craftwithlove5580]

Angie I am so so sorry to say, for me this mat Cricut need to go back to the drawing broad on this this . It’s a waste of time if it’s going to be off in trying to make the card size according to there R so and so sizes. I didn’t like it, so I will wait on Cricut to work out the issues with it. Thanks for sharing the video on it. In His Grace Lorisa

[@AngieHolden]

I do hope they work out any issues!

[@videokidz007]

Thank you for the very informative video that you explained very well!! The cutaway cards seem like such a convenient way of doing cards so I went & bought some before seeing your video. I own a cricut explore air 2. I would hate to have to invest in a new machine - DAMN!! I wish I would have seen this video before purchasing.

[@AngieHolden]

You can make cards with the Explore Air 2.

[@RavenDesi]

Thanks for all of your work on this! But this seems like too much to make some cards. I've been making cards for years without this...LOL

[@AngieHolden]

Definitely! Some people like it but you don't have to have it!

[@irishdawn8387]

I ust got m cricut can't wait to try this when the mat come in stocks soon

[@47bettie]

Thank you Angie another great helpful video! Just Brough the 4 card mat two weeks ago, so this has been good very helpful thank you for teaching us, you always explain very well and so helpful!! Hugs Liz 😊

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@47bettie]

@@AngieHolden very helpful thank you!!☺

[@jilly235]

Thank you for going over this. Now that I have watched this, I’m not so sure that I’m going to buy the mat. I have the cricut maker, so since you used the Cricut explore 3, maybe I won’t have that luck.

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@kathleenhodges5184]

You are a very good and thorough teacher. Thank you for your very valuable information. Very nice presentation!!

[@AngieHolden]

Thank you kindly!

[@brendabreton2954]

I am so thankful you did this video. Thank you thank you thank you❤️🇨🇦😊

[@bonniepillarelli6483]

Thank you so much. I just received the mat and two boxes of cards, so this has been so helpful. You have given me much more confidence than I did have.

[@AngieHolden]

I'm so glad!

[@MsSimpleTreasures]

Wish I had seen this video before I wasted money buying all different sizes and styles of insert and cutaway cards, I would have NOT bothered buying them. I have wasted so many of them trying to get one to come out right on my explorer air 2. The backer cards are a nightmare also. It makes a mess of the cut and then trying to weed the card is terrible with all the itsy pieces that you have to go through and scrape off as I have had no luck in having them weed well. I have watched several of these videos and am curious as to why my design space screen looks differently in images and project cards from most every presenter’s screens I have seen. Is that because I am using an Explorer Air 2 I wonder? Thank you for all your hard work. I appreciate seeing your tutorials and don’t know how i missed this one before impulse buying all this wasted cardstock.

[@AngieHolden]

I think I may have access to cards that not others have access to. I didn't realize that when shooting this video.

[@shandraparks7255]

This was an awesome video - learned alot! Love the details you always include in all your videos!!

[@foodgeekstampede]

Enjoyed the tutorial. This is just a thought - maybe the Air 2 needs to be calibrated. I never heard of calibration until 6 months ago when I was learning how to make stickers using print n cut. Calibrating my machine made a big difference. I know we are talking about cards here, not stickers. If calibration made a difference with stickers though, maybe it would make a difference in where the Air 2 puts the design on a card. Again, just a thought. Also, I didn't read through the entire thread. Someone may have already mentioned it. Happy Cricuting!

[@AngieHolden]

The calibration is for print then cut like you mentioned not for cutting paper.

[@josuss175]

Angie, I love your tutorial videos. They are so helpful. I just cut my first cutaway card using the 2 X 2 mat. It went well but the problem I'm having is that the cut out pieces don't just come out. When I use a tool, the paper peels away leaving and single layer over the backer that should shine through. What did I do so the design that's cut out doesn't just pick out clean?

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't had issues with the settings but I have had other people with that issue. You might check before you unload and click the go button again on your machine and make another cut.

[@josuss175]

@@AngieHolden Thank you for your reply. I think I forgot to set my Explore Air 2 to the right setting. But I have to figure out what setting that is. Your help is appreciated! PS I also have a Maker. I put the same problem card in my maker and it cut right through and removes easily.

[@lynda2483]

Thanks for another informative video, Angie. I bought the Joy not long ago so I had a simple way to make cards instead of using my Maker for them. I would most likely use this mat on the Maker if making multiples of the same card (i.e. Christmas cards) to save time. Someone made a comment on the Cricut Facebook page that they should make a double-length card mat for the Joy that would let you make two cards at a time on it - kind of like half of the 2x2 mat shown here, which I liked. I had the same issue with the insert card slots being cut off the top edge on the Joy card mat, and had to move the card up and the design down a bit to prevent it. I’m trying to use up my insert cards before purchasing the cutaway cards, but feel they will be less frustrating to use. Looking forward to your foil card video!

[@AngieHolden]

I would definitely agree with the insert slots getting off on my Joy mat as well! And a double mat for the Joy would be awesome!

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Brother Scan N Cut machines don't have these restrictions. Our machines have built-in 600 DPI color scanners. We can scan our mats to know exactly where to place our designs. This lets us use up all the material we have. Full creation and editing tools right on the cutter itself! We can use any size material to fill the whole mat if we desire. Even with stuff we print ourselves.

[@Pbjthings]

Good video thank you! Why not cut the cutaway and then stick the background on after?

[@AngieHolden]

Then you would have to pick up all of the small pieces and place them individually.

[@dudleyshandmadeshop]

Thank you for sharing, The card mat was a good think I have got thank you

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Thank you for going in depth showing Cricut users how to get the most use out of their cutting machines. As well as how to work around the limitations Cricut has for their machines. Now having said that as an owner of a Brother Scan N Cut 125 SDX I can do all of this without having to use special mats or guess where my designs will be marked or cut on my materials. I just load my mat in a manner similar to what Cricut users do except it is one big open mat. Feed it into my machine almost the same as you guys/gals do except our machines have just two pinch rollers at opposite ends of the feed bar. We then pull up a design on our cutter or in our FREE design software (for Windows / Apple PCs, SmartPhones, Tablets). Once we have our design loaded onto our cutter we can use the built-in 600 DPI color scanner to scan the entire mat 12x12 or 12x24 (for machines 225 DX or higher model numbers). My 125 SDX can only scan up to 12x12 inches. The scanned mat then shows up on the 5 inch color touch screen display on the cutter where we can drag, rotate, edit (subtract or add to) our designs, duplicate, resize, etc to make sure that it fits the space we have available to use. It also means we never have to guess or wonder where our designs will be placed. We see it in the live preview. We don't have to worry too much about the type or thickness of the materials we use. Almost any craft material up to 3mm (0.1 inches) thick can be cut. We an save variations of our designs to the internal storage (a "whopping" 1.5 MBs), to an attached USB Flash Drive of any capacity, or export back to our computers or online Canvas Workspace accounts via Wi-Fi. Our machines can only use one tool at a time. So for designs that involve cutting and drawing functions we generally perform the plotter/draw action first. Then we switch to a different tool. If it is our cutting blade it is an autoblade that the machine uses to automatically determine the thickness of the materials loaded on our mats. Once it knows how much pressure to apply the rest is taken care of for us. Although this is not perfect and it can be tweaked to -20 or +20 for speed and pressure it does remarkably well nearly all of the time. Kudos to the Cricut design team for the tabs at either end of the feed mechanism. That should have been used on the Scan N Cut too. It would make loading mats easier.

[@user-dn5bk9oo9y]

This is Cricuts mistake, they need to reconfigure it to cut cards correctly. The cutaway cards seem like a better way to get thing centered but weeding out all those cuts can be a pain in the ass lol. Great video.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@sandrahendon9952]

This video was awesome I was considering buying a Joy just for cards and now I am so excited to purchase the new mat for my explore air 2

[@AngieHolden]

Yay!

[@Babz67SS]

Nice demo. Cut away ares are definitely going to be my fav !

[@AngieHolden]

Mine too!

[@luciam.9094]

Thank you so much! I learned more watching two of your videos than a bunch of Cricut tutorials. You gave me all the answers I was hoping to get. Do you have a tutorial on the tools needed to cut cards and what they do?I keep seeing different tools mentioned and I already want all of them. Also, is there a wholesale site where we can buy Cricut precut cards, mats etc? I can already see how this will turn into a very expensive hobby! 😅

[@AngieHolden]

Try this for blade options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4Oppn2AqMp3iLs and I don't know of a good wholesale site!

[@sugarrushko]

Hi Angie - thank you for your videos; they are very helpful. When using the cutaway cards, I consistently have trouble with the machine not cutting completely through the adhesive layer. This makes it very difficult to weed, as often times the adhesive is left behind. I have better luck if I use "Cardstock, Adhesive-Based" for the material, but even then it is still an issue. The only solution I have is to use my blade and recut the design outline to make it weed cleanly - this is the only thing I've found to completely cut the adhesive, and it's way too intricate and time-intensive. Any suggestions, hopefully???

[@AngieHolden]

No suggestions as I haven't had any issues at all.

[@michiganlighthouse]

I had the same issue with the Cricut kit cards. It's quite thick. I may try some other settings, like glitter cardstock, but that may cut too deep. Idk. I ended up salvaging the kit card that didn't cut all the way thru by adding a cardstock layer to the front and making that one from a card sketch. Secondly, I must have gotten on old box of cards because the peel away did not peel cleanly even going slowly. The adhesive was a mess. I'm leaning toward just using my own cardstock instead of the kits.

[@leoniepreece1784]

Thank you, so very much ❤😊

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome

[@jeanharmon9561]

Thanks so much for this tutorial.. I make tons of cards on my Joy and Maker, didn’t know this mat was available until I viewed this! I design most of my cards but haven’t tried cutaway cards yet..this mat would be a time saver for me, and, now I need to try cutaways ! Cricut has specific packaging for cutaways I assuming? I’ll need to acquire some, thanks again…by the way I went to a 4.75 by 4.75 card standard for most cards, soooo much easier to manage…

[@AngieHolden]

Yes there is packaging that says "cutaway" on it!

[@esthervonhoffmann3429]

You are such a great teacher!

[@AngieHolden]

Wow, thank you!

[@pattishelton3169]

Thank you, great video! I just had total shoulder surgery a week ago and can’t do much of anything but, this video made me think I can get out my Joy and make some cards I think! So inspired!

[@AngieHolden]

You totally can! These cards are so much fun to make!

[@wadecrabtree8663]

What a GREAT demonstration! Thank you so very much. I’ve already ordered the card mat!

[@AngieHolden]

Have fun!

[@thejoyfullilyandco9537]

As always, you do a fantastic job walking us all though the process! After watching, I'm fairly convinced it's easier (and cheaper) for me to keep designing and cutting from scratch in Design Space. Especially since I don't have a Cricut Access subscription. This seems like a lot of steps to me. But again, amazing explanation! Thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

I do think it is just as easy to do that. This is for quicker cards to me if you have Access.

[@thejoyfullilyandco9537]

@@AngieHolden makes sense!

[@SlowPCGaming1]

Brother Scan N Cut machines don't have these restrictions. Our machines have built-in 600 DPI color scanners. We can scan our mats to know exactly where to place our designs. This lets us use up all the material we have. Full creation and editing tools right on the cutter itself!

[@debbieburton9212]

Another great explanation video by Angie! I stopped making cards with my joy because the mats didn’t stick anymore and the location off with so many…maybe I will try again with my maker 3?

[@AngieHolden]

Definitely worth a try I think!

[@ruthhyster5807]

Thank you for another excellent video. I understand the new mats much better than I did before. The only thing I missed is how you made the changes for 4 different cards on the 2x2 mat at the same time. Thank you again .

[@AngieHolden]

I am confused by the question? You can make 4 different cards on the same mat as long as they are the same size. Change all of the cut lines to the same color. Pen colors can be whatever you want.

[@ruthhyster5807]

@@AngieHolden I apologize for any confusion. I guess I just don’t understand 4 different cards with 4 different messages and designs on the same mat. I’m sure I’ll understand with I receive my new mats and start making cards on it. Again I apologize and thank you for your help.

[@AngieHolden]

Yep. I did a demo with two cards and making the cut portion the same color. You would just do that with 4 cards.

[@starbrown1219]

Great video. You certainly covered everything. I definitely would like to make the cutaway cards. I have the insert cards and had found in the past they did not always cut well, as you have shown in your video. Thank you.

[@AngieHolden]

I have ALWAYS had periodic trouble with the insert cards. I like the cutaway so much better!

[@ljc.youtube]

I think the off centered issue is probably just the cricut app, I had the same problem with that new feature they have where you can create a halo around text etc, it was always off center, I am sure in time cricut will tweak it and it will be perfect.

[@Reneesfun]

I’ve made some gorgeous cards so far using the S 40 cutaways and the R 10 foil transfer. I managed to cut through my mat on the first card Square with the foil part of one. However, most of my cards look great so far. I noticed that the card packs have become frightfully expensive. Any chance that you could make a video where we don’t have to use the card pack? I suppose we could figure out the dimensions and cut them from card stock that we have and figure out some inventive ideas for the insert. Do you think you will make a video showing us how to make our own cards without using the card pack? I certainly get it if that’s beyond the scope. Thanks for always sharing so much important information with us Angie!

[@AngieHolden]

I just feel like if you are going to do that, why use the card mat? You could just make cards using cardstock on the regular mat?

[@Reneesfun]

@@AngieHolden true. And I have. I like the consistency of the mat though.

[@Justin_W]

Thanks for producing a great video! This new mat looks amazing! Thanks for the in-depth walk-through! It's a HUGE help!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1CraftyBunnie]

Love the info. Got the card mat and a bunch of Cricut Card packs for Mother's day. Looking forward to the videos on how to use them!

[@AngieHolden]

Have fun!

[@Poohtle]

Thank you. Such a great tutorial. I was pausing to make along with you and you make it very easy to do.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

Angie, you’re amazing in my book!!! I appreciate you sharing your finding, tips, & hacks!!! Sending gratitude & blessings!!!

[@AngieHolden]

You're the best!

[@gailrhodes7771]

You are great at explaining everything!!! Thank you so so much!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@Sharie609]

Very helpful and informative video! I just ordered the card mat so I appreciate your tips. Looking forward to seeing more. Thanks!

[@AngieHolden]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@dawnscott5529]

Thank you for this video! And thank you for the card size chart. I love how you explain things. :)

[@AngieHolden]

I was getting so confused so I made a chart!

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Hi Angie, thank you for this video it was great and very helpful as always!!! You explain everything so well and give great info and tips!!! Thank you for sharing hugs Liz.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@kathleenhodges5184]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial. You do a great job providing the most important material.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you liked it!

[@karenwilliams1829]

Angie, your videos are so perfect! I love the way that you explain things. I do have a couple of questions though. At 33.07 your were talking about the insert cards and cutting or adjusting them-I'm not sure what you meant by that. I work with the Maker 3 and have yet to produce a card that cuts properly (this includes the pre-made designs without any adjustments) Its very frustrating. Do you have any thoughts or videos that are like this one, but using the Maker 3?

[@AngieHolden]

I find each machine is a bit different with the card mat and there is not a ton you can do about it. Learning your machine and how much it is off and adjusting things is my best advice.

[@karenwilliams1829]

@@AngieHolden thank you !

[@zaidagonzalez466]

Thanks, I was wondering what that was and when it ask you what Mat to use.

[@AngieHolden]

Well, here you go!

[@Jennifer85987]

such a helpful video, thanks so much, just love your channel, been a subscriber for a while now because your help is worth a million when it comes to Cricut making ... I just ordered that card mat and I'm sooooo happy you already made a video ❤

[@AngieHolden]

YAY! So happy to hear that!

[@cp21mimi]

what a GREAT explanation!!!! I feel like I know how to use the mat!!!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Yay! I worked hard on this one!

[@rookdebpoye6166]

Thank you Angie!! ❤️

[@ArtemisPen]

Hi Angie,Thank you so much for introducing your cards and especially you're cut away cards which I am totally obsessed with and my family and friends are too! Now if I can only figure out how to put the chalkboard vinyl on I think I think I'm must be chalkboard vinyl dyslexic or something.I managed to get the design that I wanted on but I think I might have it all the wrong we did off the wrong way. Any videos with step by step?? Thanks!!😊😊

[@AngieHolden]

I don't have a video on that! Sorry!

[@gerilynne1955]

Brilliant! Big time saver. Thank you for showing us this.

[@AngieHolden]

Yep! Anytime!

[@lindakempke8094]

Very well done and clearly presented. Thank you.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dorothynewsham3743]

I enjoyed this video using the new Cricut Card Mat. I have difficulty understanding what to do with the Card Mat but now I think I get it. I have a Cricut Maker I would like to make some cut away cards using my own paper for the card base. Is it possible to make your own sticky backing to put on the card you want to cut? If so what would I need to use? Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.

[@AngieHolden]

I am not sure if it is possible. You would need to find a glue that doesn't gum up your blade when cutting.

[@leacarpenter6074]

Very informative for a beginner. I was debating buying a Cricut Joy to make cards with the card mat or just buy a card mat for my Cricut Explorer Air 2. I think it’s worth trying on the Explorer first for a few $$ before spending $100-200 on the Joy.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnat4895]

So excited that this is out. Thank you for such a great video!!!! You’re so helpful and inspirational 👏👏

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@bhebhe15]

Thank you for doing this video❤️👍🏻😊