How to Insert & Choose Cricut Pens & Markers + Tips & Tricks

To learn more about writing with pens and markers, visit jennifermaker....
As you may or may not know, your Cricut is more than a cutting machine … it’s also a crazy writing machine! If you love the handwritten look but hate your handwriting (or the hand cramps that come with it), Cricut’s got your back. Just pop in a pen, set your design to “Draw” in Cricut Design Space, and click that Go button. But it’s not really THAT easy, is it? But almost! I’m going to share with you all of my Cricut pen & marker tips & tricks so can get compliments on your handwriting, too!
So first, how does it work? So your Cricut comes with two tool clamps - clamp A and clamp B. (switch camera) Clamp A is for accessories, and this is where we can put pens and markers.
To insert a pen or maker, simply open clamp A and insert the pen tip down while holding up on the bottom. If you’re inserting a Cricut pen, you’ll know it’s in place because you will USUALLY hear it click and the arrow will disappear. Be sure to close the clamp once the pen is in.
Here's an important tip: Always test your pens on a scrap piece of paper before you use them in your Cricut. If they are new, they may need to be primed a bit to get the ink going, so you’ll want to do that BEFORE your Cricut uses them on your project.
I have tried other pens and markers in my Cricut, and I have a tutorial on that over at jennifermaker....
In this video, I will focus on the really wide variety of pens and markers that Cricut makes, because there are now so many more than there used to be and you don't have to worry about them ever fitting in your machine.

[@pamelathomason3572]

Thank you, Jennifer and Maker Team, All of you have a wonderful CHRISTMAS!!!!!

[@kathleenwages2639]

Special thanks to the Jennifer Maker team! You’re the best!!!!

[@treyselman9794]

I can rarely watch these live, but I have learned so much watching them later. Thank you and your crew for taking the time to give us these lessons! Merry Christmas! Susan

[@gerryannbrown9645]

Thanks to the team Jennifer Maker, Love all of you for all you do.❤💜💜💛🧡💚

[@gerryannbrown9645]

Thanks for letting me know that, I found them on Amazon, The weather is kind of bad in Seattle area so I didn't want to go out , we are getting snow storms.

[@dianek.27]

Hi Jennifer! I also missed the live presentation, but have just watched it - and am thrilled to see your watercolour designs AND the watercolour pens. Woo-hoo! Can't wait to try them! Thanks so much.

[@karengates7154]

I am so appreciative of these amazing tips. As always, you have saved me time and money not to mention frustration. Thanks bunches Jennifer.

[@janetwallace5780]

Great tutorial. I recently purchased the Maker 3, but I haven't done anything with pens and markers. Thank you so much for all you share.

[@maryannemontague4249]

Great video! Thanks for all the great descriptions of the uses for the pens!

[@patriciagoodwin2492]

The Merriest of Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@denisejohnston6243]

I LOVE YOU CRAFT SPACE HOLIDAY DECOR! I BEEN USING MY PENS MORE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT KZbin VIDEOS

[@shariwilliamson7281]

Yay! Kids will be in school & I’ll hv time to focus. Thank you (& your team) so much for your time & expertise.

[@DarleneSzalay]

Ty for showing us all the pens that's another to choose from ❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome! 😊🌻

[@lynnehenry3532]

Thank you I will be watching how to do the writing video! I have struggled big time with writing in cards! Thank you for all the help! 💕

[@JenniferMaker]

So happy we could help! 😊🌻

[@mdelc622]

They actually do the ultimate pen set for Joy, I only bought it a week ago! ❤

[@barbbrown295]

I agree with your opinion of the Cricut watercolor artwork. They look like an elementary school project. (I too am sorry to the people who’s hard work resulted in it.) IMHO the Cardinal is the best of the set. They’re all beautiful! Thanks!

[@BeyondTshirts]

I went through both of my black fine point and gel Cricut brand pens in less than a year! LOL I have adapters for using my personal pens that I have around the house. I don't have to worry about a warranty; our Cricut Explore Air 2 was used when we got it, so I can play around.

[@dalesparkes5988]

Hi from NJ. Missed the live but I love this. I had no idea you can do this! Just want to let everyone know Michaels craft store has these pens for 50% off. Thank you team Jennifer maker!!!!!!

[@tealeadelmann3132]

Thank you and your team for all you do for us crafters. You all are absolutely wonderful in your generosity.

[@kayswick9210]

Looking forward to this whole upcoming week. Thanks to the entire JenniferMaker group for making it all possible. You guys are amazing!

[@tammylyons9253]

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful help and ideas. I love the new watercolor designs.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them!

[@kathleenwages2639]

Jennifer, Happy Holidays to you and your family. Thank you for being such a great inspiration to everyone. Together, we can do it!!! ❤️

[@TURB0TASTIC]

thanks for all the info

[@JenniferMaker]

Any time!

[@donnakasapidis6077]

So many awesome things to make. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas!

[@campfarm6910]

Thank you for sharing

[@JenniferMaker]

My pleasure💗

[@ingagreen317]

This information was very helpful! I didn't realize Cricut had watercolor markers.. I just recently purchased the gel pens!

[@lisakellett577]

Ooh that cardinal!

[@sashaenterpriseskk]

Hi from kilkenny ireland. Missed the live but tuned in now watching the video. Love your Crafts and tutorials. Thank you for all you give us all the whole year round. Happy Christmas to you and your family.

[@shariwilliamson7281]

Those are beautiful!!!! I hope you cn do this on explore 2 🙏🏼

[@MizBryteEyez]

Yes! You can

[@conniemartin7217]

Have a wonderful Christmas!

[@dmass7370]

love these videos, cant get to the livebut watch afterwards. DM from BC CANADA

[@lindamcintosh7603]

Love this

[@moiraesfate1]

I soooo want a dreambox. But the price is astronomical. Thank you for the info about the pens, I've been curious.

[@Alexa1850]

You are so sympatic. I am from Germany and I understand you very well ❤

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!

[@hannahsaurus7505]

I'm so glad I found you lol thank you so much for the help!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad I could help!

[@pschmitzer6515]

I missed todays live but watching and will be here tonight. I want to wish all of Team Jennifer and family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR> LOVE Cheryl Schmitzer

[@Simmonsv-ub4ij]

I have learned so much from you. You taught me so many new things to try and great links to free stuff. Love your videos because it's like really being present in your class and so genuine. Have a verry merry Christmas and I look forward to trying the watercolors next year when I get my pens. Vicki

[@cindywhite9754]

Loved your video, but would have loved to see you use the watercolor blending brush,to see how to blend colors. Maybe next time? :)

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! Noted!

[@pamelathomason3572]

I missed Live as well Chatsworth, GA

[@suzannemyerscab6508]

Can't wait to try these

[@michelleb2210]

Hello from Elizabeth Colorado ❤

[@xgirlbboy]

Thank you! Do you need to worry about the pen color not being dry before moving on to the next color? I had some smearing. Maybe it's the wheel?

[@JenniferMaker]

You may want to move the star wheels to the side while using pens and markers, just in case. 😊🌻

[@mariea3771]

They are beautiful!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!

[@mercedesenciso4132]

Thank you so much Jennifer and your team for a wonderful Xmas mingle. Happy Holidays!

[@tlillie-images]

I can hardly wait for tonight's video with the watercolor pens. BTW was there a bonus code? I watched the original, but I was crafting so may have missed it. I just now watched the replay and still didn't hear it mentioned. Thank you.

[@mrscapt19a]

Merry Christmas to you & your family.

[@Creole_marmalade]

Michaels has all cricut product 50 percent off today

[@bOrtiz0826]

Same for this year too! Lol

[@nancygonzalez2740]

Yesterday's The snowmen were amazing

[@gailmiller5327]

Late today, but hello from Missouri.

[@faridamorris5081]

Hi ,happy holidays seasons really enjoy watching and learning how to make new creative ideas wonderful

[@gailmiller5327]

Thanks, Jennifer, love the colored in cardinal. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you & your wonderful team. You & your team's dedication is awesome.

[@shariwilliamson7281]

Yay! I’m def going to do this project.

[@user-cd6mh8hu9z]

What do you use the infusable pen on before transfering

[@gerryannbrown9645]

I love the birds, unfortunately I have to order the watercolor pens. I love to watercolor so will get those ordered asap. thanks Jennifer for those beautiful birds.🙂

[@reneeboyd7695]

Just wanted to let you know Joann Stores, Michael's, and Hobby Lobby have them also.

[@karlaglover9693]

Missed the live. Hello from Newberg, Oregon

[@nancygonzalez2740]

Merry Christmas to you, your fammily and your team

[@almatho1]

Watching replay one more time ❤

[@katharinealley8657]

Hi from Maryland. I’m working on a sweatshirt and your angel

[@tonireyes6727]

Great video a lot to learn

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rebeccamacdonald7593]

Thank you

[@inespoirier]

Good morning Jennifer, from chilly Okanagan in Canada

[@jennifergimbrone7295]

thanks for making it so fun! merry christmas!

[@maryjanewill3056]

Hello from Southern Illinois!

[@1mrsblue84]

Hello from Louisiana

[@sherylcaron8215]

love this learning so much

[@user-nq3vu7sw1b]

I know this video is 4 years old; but, I’m hoping you would still receive questions/ comments, etc. I am really in love with that cabinet behind you. Can you share where you got that from?? 🥳😋

[@JenniferMaker]

That is the amazing DreamBox! makeracademy.com/dreambox-discount/?

[@leoniepreece1784]

Hi, Jennifer. Do you put the Canvas down before you put your image on the canvas? Thank you Leonie ❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm not sure I understand your question Leonie. 😊🌻

[@leoniepreece1784]

Thank you, but I think I have worked it out now. 🩷✨️👍

[@user-fi2mf3te5j]

I'm using a white gel marker on a black envelope and it made a line. I chose light cardstock and am wondering if that is why it created a line on the envelope. Any tricks on getting it not to drag and make extra marks?

[@JenniferMaker]

If the pen is seated in the housing properly, the next thing to check is that the envelope is fully stuck to the mat. 😊🌻

[@CherylJ2023]

♥♥hopefully I can be present tonight

[@nancygonzalez2740]

Good day from Estacada OR

[@suspow1267]

Hi from Wales UK

[@Susie-C-J]

@JenniferMaker Hi there lovely lady! I just got a Cricut Maker 3 as a gift for my 40th birthday. I am ecstatic & PETRIFIED! I’ve never used a Cricut or even seen one in person. (It’s being delivered TODAY, 10/27/23). Do you have any advice as to where I should start so I can get my feet wet & maybe gain a little confidence. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your tutorials are the hope I’m still holding on to.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes! Here is the place to start. Congratulations on your new Cricut! We have a free series of online classes that show you how to set up and begin creating with your machine as a new Cricut owner! Here's the link to sign up: makeracademy.com/cricutkickoff

[@lindabradford9591]

Jennifer has a ton of videos. Watch them thats how I started. I wasn't petrified but I was intimated until I watched her. Hope that helps.

[@kimgrobbelaar6344]

Hi I know this video is a year old, but I'm experiencing an issue with my maker and trying to write. The pen doesn't toucher the paper on the mat and therefore doesn't write, any idea what can cause this?

[@antonychambers4250]

An amazing cupboard you have, I’m in the UK and would like to get one for my wife, is it a branded item ?

[@JenniferMaker]

It's a Dreambox. You can find them here jennifermaker.com/dreambox2 🥰

[@leoniecochrane3108]

I have a Pfaff embroidery machine and wanted to know how a circuit would be beneficial to me. Would you be able to let me know how best to use on fabrics please Thanks Leonie

[@JenniferMaker]

Here is this tutorial. jennifermaker.com/cut-fabric-with-cricut-explore-maker/ You can ask this in our groups. facebook.com/groups/cricutcraftersandmakers/. facebook.com/groups/seweasy

[@lauraperkins6132]

They still have those: Crayola Color Wonder is what my kids have used.

[@karlaglover9693]

I am just starting out. I have a cricut Explorer Air 2. My first surprise box I got gel pens can I use them. I gifted myself my cricut Explorer for my Birthday and Christmas presents to me

[@janhanson6704]

Hi I am Jan from Southaven,MS I am new to all of this. Don't know how to get started

[@sadeecollins1469]

Hi from Buffalo NY

[@barbbrown295]

Used to have a Cameo, they have several pen adapters so I would think the Cricut pens would fit in the Cameo. I don’t recall if it would work in their software.

[@jaesmith8069]

Walworth NY. Etch ornaments

[@pennysmith2125]

Hi Jennifer, I think that these videos are great

[@billbat1]

Dream box is expensive, what other things have you used before you got it?

[@JenniferMaker]

Here is the craft room in my house I converted from a family room. jennifermaker.com/craft-room-tour-organization-storage-projects/

[@cynthiafelder9097]

hi jenn9fer do they sell holders for the pens that holds a lot of pens

[@cheryljohnson-hartwell9829]

Hey Jennifer! I'm having issues with the Cricut gel pens. I store them laying flat and I test them before I start my project - but just about every time, the ink stops working part way through the writing on my project. Any tips?

[@JenniferMaker]

Try storing them with the tip down 💗

[@cherylwilliams5686]

How long does the ink last?

[@JenniferMaker]

That depends on the use, but I've had many of my pens for years 😊🌻

[@bkbrp64]

Where can I get that pen cubby? I was hoping for a link. Thank you for your very helpful videos!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Here is a link. jennifermaker.com/dreambox-discount

[@darlenebakajwood3045]

I did get an ultimate set for the Joy on Amazon, it is by XINART and they work great 🙂

[@lasinmt106]

Thanks for your review of adapters today. I'm so frustrated I've searched high and low on all search engines and Amazon and Etsy even Ebay today for an actual REAL BRAND Cricut Joy pen adapter. I know there are many generic brands that work fine but since I bought the actual infusion pens made specific for the Joy I wanted the adapter to go with it that is made by Cricut. And no where is one to be found????? Anyone who can send me a link to an actual adapter for the Joy made by and sold by Cricut please I'd love to hear from you. I have my reasons and yes I did order a set that supposedly adapts just about any other pen and other cricut pens to the Joy but really wanted their adapter. Thanks Jennifer for allowing me to release some steam. Off I go in search for that still elusive little adapter thingy.

[@JenniferMaker]

Cricut doesn't make a pen adapter. You will have to purchase from someplace else.🥰

[@jaesmith8069]

My etching cream did not etch my ornament. The package stated that the ornament could be etch

[@pamelathomason3572]

Watercolor Pictures I love the birds

[@jenn4617]

How do I get my cricut explore 3 to do Single line font when writing?

[@JenniferMaker]

You have to choose a single line font in order to write a single line.🥰

[@rbts3617]

Hi, I tried to use the Cricuit Stylus pen multiple times with my Maker 3, but it never scored. The most recent time, I forced it further thinking it just wasnt in far enough and broke off the little clips in the clamp. The pens now wobble, so I will replace the insert in clamp A, but for the new clamp I don't want to damage it again, so is there a trick to using/ inserting the Stylus pen? It's all Cricuit products. thanks!

[@JenniferMaker]

You do not need to force it. Just push it in till you hear the click. The score lines will be faint. You can choose more pressure but they still will not be heavy score lines. Just enough for you to fold it with the scraper.

[@rbts3617]

@@JenniferMaker perfect, thank you so much!!!!

[@michellelathrop7018]

Colorado I am needle felting today

[@dbarr1403]

When using my new gel pen, sometimes they work and the next moment It won’t print or it will print a partial line. All on the same project page. How do I resolve this

[@JenniferMaker]

Gel pens of any brand are not as reliable as ink pens for consistency in my opinion. Store them on their side and always write with them before using them in the machine.

[@shariwilliamson7281]

Can you buy colors separately? Id hate to buy a whole set when I only need a few colors.

[@JenniferMaker]

Cricut come in a pack of 8 with a water brush pen.

[@MizBryteEyez]

Some pens have a longer shelf life and even some COLORS have a shorter/longer shelf life. I have found my orange markers/pens dry up quicker than others.

[@JenniferMaker]

True 😊

[@mckeon1960]

Can you draw with this say a picture of your dog, basic outline and shapes to you could colour in, is that possible. Thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes you can! Just if you wrote words they will be backwards.

[@mckeon1960]

​@JenniferMaker great thank you for reply, great weekend to. Could you do ademo of drawing an outline of a picture you drew please

[@creativeexpressionsbysky3962]

I just bought leather from cricut on sale Can I use it? It comes in 12X 12 sheets

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, that is made to be used with your Cricut.

[@elainefrail910]

I just bought the craveland adapter and it says it is not supported. I’m using the tombow marker

[@JenniferMaker]

Does it not work with both adapters and the list of pens that work with the Craverland? jennifermaker.com/cricut-writing-tutorial-tips-tricks-fonts/ jennifermaker.com/cricut-writing-fonts/

[@elainefrail910]

@@JenniferMaker It works with the Cricut fine tip that came with my explore 2. I followed the instructions included with the Craveland adapters. I inserted a Tombow and practiced writing a phrase. It printed it. I changed to the other end of the marker and used the recommended adapter. I got a message saying it was not supported. I could not get it to print at all. Everything was greyed out. The adapters were C$25.00 and worth it if I could use my larger collection of tombows. I also have various kinds of sharpies, but I was so disappointed I didn’t try any of the others.

[@katebayliss370]

when using a scorer in clamp “A” why does it jump out

[@JenniferMaker]

Make sure that it snaps in place. If there is a problem you can contact Cricut. help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020316674-Cricut-Contact-Information