My Secrets For Clean, Intricate Cuts on your Cricut

Get the free intricate hummingbird design at jennifermaker.com/intricate-c...
One of my favorite features of Cricut cutting machines is the level of intricate detail they're capable of cutting! These smart machines can cut, draw, and score tiny details on so many materials. Cutting cardstock PERFECTLY for layered designs can take some practice, though. I'm excited to share my best tips for cutting intricate cardstock designs. Tiny details made me think of one of my favorite wonders of nature: hummingbirds! So, an update to my layered Hummingbird seems like a perfect opportunity to share my best tips on making intricate cuts on Cricut machines.
I appreciate every subscriber. It's free and easy to subscribe -- just click here: bit.ly/sub2jennifer
MATERIALS LIST (contains my affiliate links):
View my Amazon shopping list with the exact items we used to make this project!: www.amazon.com/ideas/amzn1.ac...
* One (1) sheet 12" x 12" Silver Mirror cardstock - amzn.to/36nfIkC
* Four (4) sheets of 12" x 12" 65-80 lb cardstock in colors of your choice (more sheets if you add decorations) - amzn.to/3D2fOdJ
* Zots clear mounting circles - amzn.to/3IaPS0s and/or Double-sided Adhesive 3D Foam Squares - amzn.to/3HzPMzt
* Cricut Green StandardGrip Machine Mat, 12" x 12" or Cricut Blue LightGrip Machine Mat, 12" x 12" or a Joy-sized mat
* Cricut XL Scraper to remove cutouts from machine mats
* Craft Knife or scissors to cut your adhesive material
* Aluminum foil (optional, for cleaning the Cricut Fine-Point Blade)
* Weeding Tool (optional, to help pop out tiny cutouts)
* A way to cut the cardstock -- I used the Cricut Maker 3 cutting machine with the standard Fine-Point Blade, but you can use any Maker or Explore machine. You can also use my special Joy-sized file! jennifermaker.com/which-cricu...
* Design #My 234 free SVG cut file (available in my free resource library at jennifermaker.com/library )
Topics Covered in this video on intricate cuts on Cricut:
00:00 - Secrets for Clean, Intricate Cuts on Cricut
00:55 - Supplies & Tools
02:57 - Get Free Hummingbird SVG File
03:33 - (Learn How to Upload SVG Files to Cricut Design Space)
03:58 - Prepare Your Design for Cutting
05:12 - Cut Out Your Intricate Layers on Cricut
06:33 - Tip: Use a Clean Mat for Best Cuts on Cricut
06:53 - Tip: Clean Your Blade for Best Cuts on Cricut
07:43 - Tip: Use Quality Materials for Best Cuts on Cricut
09:21 - Tip: When Your Cut Doesn’t Go All the Way Through
10:44 - Assemble the Layered Hummingbird
12:51 - Show it Off! Ideas to Display Your Hummingbird
14:08 - Closing Notes and Link to More Information
#cricut #cricutmade #designspace
============
Follow me at:
Blog: jennifermaker.com
Facebook Page: / jennifermakercrafts
Facebook Group: / cricutcraftersandmakers
Instagram: / jennifer.maker
Pinterest: / jenuinemom
Please subscribe to my channel at / jennifermaker for more video tutorials to craft a live you love!
Credits:
Introduction: PixelBytes (my child!)
Music: Cute by Bensound (licensed, royalty and copyright free)
Videography: Jennifer Marx on a Panasonic Lumix FZ-1000 DSLR 4K camera
Design: A Jennifer Maker original!

[@Travelin_Gal]

Jennifer - I use my weeding tool to lift and place the sticky dots. I can see where I’m going better than if the paper is still attached. 😉

[@JenniferMaker]

That's a great idea! 😃

[@lauriedean3744]

Thank you so much for including a hummingbird sized for Cricut Joy! My 93 year old mother loves hummingbirds and I will be making one (or more) and sending to her. I appreciate all of the sharing that you do. !

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@susaneisert9522]

Thank you so much for this information. I spent two hours of frustration trying to cut out tiny Easter eggs but with the instructions in your video they cut perfectly!!

[@JenniferMaker]

So glad to hear that! 😃

[@mamieloganjustme]

Ahh Jennifer,I’m a kinda newbie with cricut..tonight I made the hummingbird and it’s the only thing I can say that I’m absolutely delighted with, thank you so much for all your help and patience ❤️❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@LJHLU]

I cannot wait for this I hope I am available going to have to rush home from church! But hopefully make it!

[@debbiedick3661]

Hi Jennifer, I have been watching your videos for a long time. You always help me figure out what I need to do. Thank you, I have been making alot of paper cut outs and this has helped me alot.

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 😃💜

[@brindacoble8817]

I will definitely be making this! It is so beautiful! Thank you so much Jennifer!

[@JenniferMaker]

You're welcome! Glad to hear that! 😃

[@emmajunebrown5949]

Wonderful tutorial ! My BFF of 60 years LOVES hummingbirds and her birthday is in April. I will defintely be making this beautiful layered piece to add to a flower arrangement for her. Thank you !!!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! That will make a wonderful gift for your friend. 😊💜

[@cherylboeschen4744]

Awesome! I had to send my Explorer 2 back because it stopped cutting but definitely going to make this when I get it back! Thank you so much! I learn so much from you! ♥️

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@DisMindy5767]

This is perfect for my mother inlaw for mother's day. She loves hummingbirds. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💜

[@zild71]

I just finished making my first hummingbird it came out nice thanks again Jennifer for the fun 🤩 craft for Sunday evening!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 😃💜

[@maryfeldmann7705]

Those are beautiful Jennifer. So many ideas to use them with as well.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them!

[@jetbossard7923]

On my to do list. Love Hummingbirds. Thanks.

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@ssgordon70]

I am excited to tell you I made it and it is my first cardstock project! Now, I am going to try the flowers and make the shadowbox as a b-day gift. :-) Thank you so much for sharing all the beautiful things you make.💯

[@JenniferMaker]

Wonderful! I'm so glad you find my tutorials helpful! 💗

[@dottie9606]

Thank you so much for all your wonderful and free ideas. It is very much appreciated. I have learned so much from them. Blessings

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 🌸

[@anniesews]

I love humming birds and will definitely make it. I love your clear directions in your videos. 😀

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much 😊

[@bonniesmith9558]

Thank you for all the cutting tips! I always learn something new watching your videos!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful! 💜

[@connieneer2780]

They are one of my favorite birds and I will be making one.

[@marywilliams16]

The humming bird is Adorable! Thank you for all the tips and ideas too!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@peggypetrak2944]

Jennifer, thank you! I have a Joy and I’m so glad you included a version for us Joy users! I want to make this for my bedroom and I am going to make some gifts. I’m hoping to learn how to do some paper flowers. You are awesome!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@janemason9215]

Jennifer I made this but I used double side adhesive sheets. I added the sheet to the back of the card stock then once it was cut just removed the backing and deed it to the next layer. It worked great. Your designs are lovely. Thank you for them.❤

[@JenniferMaker]

Great idea! You are so welcome!

[@zild71]

It’s great 😊 another tutorial to put under my hat! Thank you! 🥰

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 😃💜

[@Margritz12]

Thank you for this. I spent this past week trying to cut similar designs which didn't fare well, but this info will really help. As always your presentation is wonderful. I still want to have a cup of coffee with you one day. :)

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful! 😃☕️

[@rhondajp2149]

Thank you for your tips and tricks...especially on these intricate cuts which has driven us all crazy at one time or another. Love this hummingbird and would love to see you design a layered dragonfly.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! You can request that here. 💜 jennifermaker.com/projectrequests/

[@steppy3736]

The intricate cuts and weeding are making me crazy! Lol

[@sherriejohnson9250]

Hummingbirds are my very favorite thing ever! (Welllll....maybe butterflies, too!) But I have hummingbird feeders in my back yard and love sitting in my swing during the warmer months and just watching them way up here in the UP of Michigan. I'm going to make several of these out of different materials. I'd love somehow to make one very delicate for outside. I'll have to figure out how to do that. Thanks so much, Jennifer, for this video. I downloaded the SVG immediately! And whipped it on over into my Design Space! Can't wait to make several...probably as gifts also. And thanks, too, for the tips for cutting delicate SVG's with our Cricut!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! You can make these with any other material that the Cricut can cut.

[@spuracchio]

This is exactly what I needed! Great tips as always❣️❣️

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome! 💜

[@connieneer2780]

One of my favorite birds. I will be making one or maybe more of them soon.

[@ladybear7130]

Thank you for this tutorial! I definitely learned a few things!

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so glad! 😃

[@donnajankewicz3786]

Excited for this tutorial. I have had trouble with the flowers for the pop up card in unit 1.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes this will definitely help! ⭐️

[@mlcards]

Thank you I wasn’t aware of the intricate cut setting

[@akarph]

Thank you Jennifer so much for your tips on intricate cuts. I have the Explore Air. I don't know if I have the intricate setting for cardstock but I will look for that tomorrow. I did use the aluminum foil for cleaning my blade. The mat is new and clean. I do have recollection cardstock. Thank you again.

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@LesleyChandlercrafts]

I love that humming bird! Thanks for this, I am having trouble cutting some tiny letters from card stock today!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! I hope this helps!

[@teresacheval5617]

Jennifer, you are amazing! I've taken some of your classes and learned to much from you, Thank you for making cricut so enjoyable. Question, where can I find the video on how to make the flowers in the shadow box with the hummingbird?

[@TheWaytootangled]

looking forward to making this!

[@robinrowe8025]

I made 2 of these both different colors and i also flipped one before cutting so cute thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

Wonderful!

[@TheThriftyChica]

Beautiful design and DIY! Love your videos!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them! Thank you so much! 🌸

[@cynthiamartinez8650]

Love the design of the hummingbirds. Thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them!

[@ronpagliaro3442]

Love all of your videos. Thank you.

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 🌸

[@jocelynfrench2087]

How gorgeous is this!!?!!!! Making this today

[@JenniferMaker]

Awesome! 😃

[@belyndamorris2236]

I'm definitely going to try to make this for my step mom. She and my dad had a beautiful home in California and a backyard that overlooked a gorgeous mountain. They had a humming bird feeder there, and I loved to watch the hummingbirds come to feed when I visited. After he passed away, she sold the house and moved to a smaller place, but I'm pretty sure she still has a hummingbird feeder. I'm just trying to think ofsome ideas on how I might incorporate one of the photos that I took back then. I live in Florida and have never seen one here yet.

[@JenniferMaker]

That would be nice in a shadow box. Check out my Cricut Crafters and makers group! facebook.com/groups/cricutcraftersandmakers/

[@karenondes9033]

Thank you for all the great tips!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them!

[@zina6581]

You are amazing! I am so glad that I came across your channel. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

aww thank you! I'm so glad you are here!🥰

[@zina6581]

@@JenniferMaker 🥰

[@Beckyp1601]

I was cutting an intricate butterfly this weekend & it kept tearing. Thanks for sharing the setting on Cricut for intricate cuts! I am definitely going to make one of these hummingbirds for my peg board. 💜

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! So glad to hear that!

[@kathyisaako4942]

That is beautiful. I am going to make one. I made the 3 sea creatures in 3d frames and they are beautiful. Thank you.

[@JenniferMaker]

You’re welcome 😊

[@moba9840]

Thank you! Love your Chanel and your books.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much! 😃

[@catvang00]

Thank you for all the tips!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 🌸

[@sandragower298]

Yay thank you . I have the joy not the big machine thanks for always including the joy machine

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 😃💜

[@denisedietz4310]

Thank you for this video!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💜

[@tammyjoseph568]

Love! Thanks for the tips

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 🌸

[@zara-ly2927]

So beautiful!! 💕

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!

[@kerrycanale9472]

Made this an hung it on my craft room wall. Love it

[@JenniferMaker]

Awesome! 😃

[@jenniferlaine1]

Making my own wedding invitations and having trouble with the cuts so excited to watch this. Ive wasted 4 sheets of paper cause it's not cutting all the way through

[@JenniferMaker]

So happy you joined us today Jennifer! ⭐️

[@rosepratt8263]

Oops forgot to say thank you again plus……you are just TOPS in my list of people to follow.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much! 😃💜

[@arelys1228]

Hello everyone sorry im late. Repost great replay. The bird is cute. Ty for the idea of paper setting

[@JenniferMaker]

Welcome!

[@sammitaylor2271]

I never thought of the magnet idea!!! Genius!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you liked it!

[@Greg55bona]

You are so generous with your files. Thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

My pleasure! 💜

[@belindahicks6137]

Love this 😀 ❤ 😍

[@gittens52]

Love the humming bird!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!

[@laurabaxter6159]

I have made the hummingbird( before seeing this video!)- only the paper which I used was not very high quality( except for one layer) The difference is mind-boggling! better paper=better cuts! I use " one of the other cutting machines", But I must say- if I'd seen your awesome videos prior to buying- I would definitely own a Cricut! My Humming bird turned out fine- just struggled with the white foam spacers. Thanks for your excellent instructions!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 😃💜

[@rev420official5]

OMG u r so cute and incredibly helpful and clear. Love it! New subscriber. Thx

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! Thank you!

[@melissamack2381]

awesome tips and I love this design. Thank you! Any tips on figuring out the order of the layers if I forget to keep track from the beginning?

[@JenniferMaker]

You can always go back and double check them in Design Space. Here is also a tutorial on the cutting order. 😊💜 jennifermaker.com/cricut-mat-order-cut-cricut-order/#:~:text=Colors%20with%20a%20saturation%20of%2010%25%20of%20less,part%20of%20the%20spectrum%20you%20want%20and%20click.

[@rosepratt8263]

I for SURE going to make this!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay!

[@marietovo3978]

Jennifer, do you have a video on how to use a weeding tool most efficiently?

[@user-bv1kc9vx3f]

I made an intricate pattern of an eagle and it kept tearing. I followed all your steps including cleaning the blade and there was one section that still tore. I decided to try again using 110 Card Stock setting, since that’s the weight of my paper, and used more pressure (this is the setting I hadn’t been using), and it worked!! I wouldn’t have figured it out had I not watched this video. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so glad it helped! ❤️

[@darlene2421]

I made the hummingbird and it is so fun..i love doing layered pictures. I’m going to do the outsell next..i. Made the hummingbird as a gift for my mom. She will be 84 Saturday

[@JenniferMaker]

That's wonderful! Happy birthday to your mom! ❤️

[@lindaketner2142]

Beautiful

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@barbaraluthy7073]

I am making this today!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Awesome! 😃

[@maryfeldmann7705]

I will be trying them.

[@JenniferMaker]

Awesome!

[@donnajankewicz3786]

Thank you! Got it!😊

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@gerryannbrown9645]

Hi Jennifer, first thanks so much for the files, I am going to attempt making the file on the Cricut Joy. Wish me luck lol

[@JenniferMaker]

You can do it! Good luck! 😃🍀

[@dianec8085]

I've used this design a few times but looking forward to trying out the Intricate Cardstock setting! I made this in iron-on vinyl on a garden bag but only used 2 layers :)

[@JenniferMaker]

Wonderful!

[@krazeekraftyvtmama9023]

I use blue painter's tape to weed out any small pieces that did not come out on the mat! This low tack tape doesn't stick too much to the paper and pulls out any tiny pieces with ease. 🙂

[@JenniferMaker]

Great idea! 😃

[@magielampsmoke]

This is going to be great.

[@JenniferMaker]

So happy you joined us Jeanie! ⭐️

[@jeannezamutt2334]

What papers did you use for the hummingbird in the frame on the right? It's the turquoise bird on the upper left with glitter. Thank you!

[@etnaarias9550]

Excelente, thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you liked it!

[@susanmitchell3516]

luv it thank you xx

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome 😊💜

[@punctuationpolice1546]

I love the hummingbird! But what I really need to know is the name of the paint on your walls in the beginning of your video. It's exactly what I'm looking for!🥰

[@JenniferMaker]

Wow! Thanks! I don't remember.

[@jennsnider2699]

You always have the cutest shoes on.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much! 😍

[@christinaforeman792]

I never know how to resize things based on the size of the shadow box. I have a 9x9 shadow box how big would you reommend resizing the hummingbird to fit inside?

[@teresareading3536]

That was a beautiful piece of wood in the video, might I ask what it was?

[@veronicalaurendeau1911]

Thank you for the great tips with the zots! I usually pull them off and put them on. It stretches the heck out of them! I will start placing them on with the backing still attached. Also, what materials did you use for the gorgeous window cling humming bird? Did you attach vinyl to the cling? Thanks again!

[@scottmaryannelewandowski5106]

I was wondering about the materials for the window cling as well!

[@dianachau7857]

I love this hummingbird. How do you do the magnets and window clings? Thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

I explain it here. jennifermaker.com/intricate-cuts-on-cricut/

[@cherylludden8046]

Thank you for the great file and video. Beautiful design. I have a joy. I have downloaded the joy file however in the video and on the website you mention the cut settings (not the joy file) will be in the description below the video. I’m not seeing it. What are the best paper settings and cut setting/pressure to use for these intricate cuts on the joy? When you said you’d have the cut settings in the description this is what I was expecting to find. Thank you!

[@fairlyn]

I'm wondering this too!

[@Rendosian]

Hello Jennifer! Thank you so much for another great tutorial! I’m very new to the world of Cricut, so I apologize if I missed this: Do you have any suggestions for cutting intricate cuts in vinyl? I’ve noticed some of the smaller cuts don’t go all the way through and catch when I go to weed. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

I always use more pressure when cutting.

[@Rendosian]

@@JenniferMaker thank you!

[@khowler]

I have been having sooo many problems with cutting paper. I use the card stock that you recommend so I still don't know what is going on. I tried the tinfoil cleaning and everything. Been going through a blade after like 2 small projects. Hopefully, this will help me now that I have learned some more.

[@JenniferMaker]

You can do it! I have been using the same blade for over 2 years now. I use more pressure for my cuts.

[@caroly5162]

I loved the video! What vinyl would I use to make the window cling?

[@JenniferMaker]

You can use window cling or removable vinyl.

[@genamurray836]

Beautiful tutorial! Where could I find the tutorial for the flowers in the shadowbox and what size shadowbox do you suggest?

[@JenniferMaker]

I have many flowers to choose from. I used a 12x12 shadow box for this.

[@kevinandpennylct2415]

I love the hummingbird in the plant. I imagine you could use veneer?

[@JenniferMaker]

You could but there are a lot of intricate cuts. Any great ideas could be worth a try! 😊

[@taniaheapy8194]

Hi Jennifer. I have a Circut Joy and was unable to locate the Intricate setting?? Did they remove it in one of the updates? Thank you so much for teaching via your video. From Australia xx

[@JenniferMaker]

There is no setting for intricate cuts on the Joy but don't worry, the Joy cuts beautiful small details!

[@marilynneighbour5468]

hi Jennifer, love the hummingbird design, however it says to check the video description for the setting to do intricate cuts on the joy, yet I can't seem to find what setting you used, can you please tell me what is the best setting for intimate cuts using the cricut joy. thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

The Joy cuts intricate details well. Use the setting for the card stock that you will be using. jennifermaker.com/intricate-cuts-on-cricut/

[@dshreve13]

Thank you for the tutorial! The mirrored card stock you recommend is out of stock, can I use Mirror Silver Metallic Mirricard Cardstock - 8.5 X 11 inch - 100 lb ? Thanks again!

[@JenniferMaker]

Sure!

[@dshreve13]

@@JenniferMaker Thank you kindly!

[@dianedubay1704]

I tried making your lace rose and failed. I believe the cardstock was too thick. I'll try it again. I didn't know about that machine setting!!! I seem to learn something new every day!

[@JenniferMaker]

Settings are very important to get clean cuts. Try 65 Lb card stock for the lace rose.

[@cindyabbott780]

Great video, you are so informative! I noticed at 12;50 the hummingbird in the plant looks as if it is a set of 2, making it look 3D or a real look, (2 wing sets) id it an optical illusion or did you connect 2 hummingbirds together? Thank you so much, I am waiting for the mirrored cardstock so I can make this beauty! Cindy

[@JenniferMaker]

Nope, just one bird with the 5 layers and spacers in between to give the 3D effect 💗

[@lorifoster0124]

You can double stack the Zots for even more dimension!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes!

[@hunt1963]

Hi Jennifer you are one amazing lady i want to try this bird but i dont have the glass cardstock what can i use instead 😉

[@JenniferMaker]

You can use window cling or removable vinyl.

[@netcreativedesigns]

Could we use party foil for the silver layer you did? What setting should we put it on?

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, choose party foil.

[@gerilynne1955]

I used my Maker for the first time. My first time I must have not used the correct setting because it didn't cut all the way through. Next time it shredded the heavy cardstock. Next a tried scrapebook paper to see if that was the problem. What mess I had. Shredded and tore. How do you figure out the weight of the paper? There wasn't anything that told me the weight of the cardstock since I picked off the shelf over a year ago. Help! Yes, I had the correct blade in. And it was never used yet. A machine that tells you which blade. That is cool! That is pretty cool. I was used to using one of your competitors before. Never had this problem. I realize I'm still learning.

[@JenniferMaker]

Most card stock is 65 Lb. You can feel the difference in the weight by the thickness. 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

[@KatieCottingham]

I had such a nightmare of a time with intricate cards intended for Christmas! I tried the recut before unloading but it went to the next mat and wasted material! 😭 I got so frustrated I just turned off each layer I knew would be trouble because of how fine and delicate they were and did them each individually. I gave up on most of them because it stressed me out so much. 🥺😒 I wish there was an explanation for why it jumped to the next mat when I didn't unload the mat from the first cut so I knew what to avoid in the future!

[@JenniferMaker]

Make sure it is on the right mat before you cut it again. That has happened to me before.

[@KatieCottingham]

@@JenniferMaker Thank you!

[@MelissaRodriguez-ut2mb]

Park Lane! I always use heavyweight Park Lane Ivory Cardstock (before it became white core 😡) and it cuts beautifully, better than Recollections heavyweight 110 lb cardstock. I've never tried the regular 65lb Park Lane , but now I don't think I will lol

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for sharing!

[@janamorgan4891]

Still trying to figure out my cricuit air! Are you using a mat for each color of card stock?

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes. 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