Cricut for a 9 year old

[Grammyof2]

My granddaughter is very into crafts and art of all kinds. I was wondering if this would be a good Christmas gift for her. Is it difficult to use? and what accessories are needed to start out with, papers, etc?

Hopefully someone here can help me out. She already has a sewing machine and is quite good with that and long ago moved away from children's craft kits to the real thing.

Thanks in advance for any advice. I have seen several ads for the personal with 2 cartridges for $99 and thought this would be a good starting point to see if she liked it.

 

[jacksmomma]

There are lots of settings and dials to adjust to get the right cuts. It was a little frusterating as an adult to use in the beginning, but once you get the hang out it, it is great. Could you take her somewhere so that she could use it and see if she likes it before you make the big investment?

Another idea is the cuttlebug. Still I die cut machine (also an embosser) that is outlet/battery free and a lot easier to use.

 

[Lisa]

I think it would be a great tool for a crafty young lady. Between now and the holidays there should be good sales on the personal Cricut.

 

[DisneyIsTerrific]

I think it would be a great gift for her. I work at Michaels and we have a crop night once a month (I hostess it as well). Two of the ladies that come each month bring their daughters. One has a 9 year old and the other has a 10 year old and a 13 year old. I taught all 3 girls how to use the machine on their first time at the crop and they are very good at using it now and 2 of them only use it once a month (since March).

I think it would be hard for your granddaughter to learn on her own, but if there's someone that can show her how to use it, then she'll do fine.

 

[123SA]

I think it would be a great gift for her. I work at Michaels and we have a crop night once a month (I hostess it as well). Two of the ladies that come each month bring their daughters. One has a 9 year old and the other has a 10 year old and a 13 year old. I taught all 3 girls how to use the machine on their first time at the crop and they are very good at using it now and 2 of them only use it once a month (since March).

I think it would be hard for your granddaughter to learn on her own, but if there's someone that can show her how to use it, then she'll do fine.

I agree. My 10 year uses my cricut and has for some time. Even my DS5 has been using the cricut (with help) for over a year now. If there is someone that can show her how to use it and take care of it, I'm sure she'll be fine.

 

[Disney_rider]

I'm post for my Non-Computing mother who is also a G-ma. She said "I was 8 when she got her first sewing machine so if she can sew I say do it".
IMHO If my 4year old can ask for an Ipad for christmas I think your getting away better than me. Good luck and kids are so friggin smart these days and its all trial and error she will get the hang of it.

 

[jrsmom]

My niece who was 11 at the time got one for Christmas last year. She loves it. She has a card making business complete with an office (converted toy room). The cartridges can be expensive, but there are plenty of online sites that you can get them for a lot less than you will find them in the stores. The cricut does take some practice, but it sure is a great tool to have. It also comes in handy for school projects!

 

[Grammyof2]

Thanks so much for the answers. She is very creative and sews pretty darn well if I say so myself. She is a pro at AG clothes and pj's & purses for herself. We have a craft room that we spend alot of time in and she is pretty artistic with watercolors and charcoal and has learned to crochet and is teaching me to knit.

Since she isn't really into any sports we try to encourage her artistic side.

Thanks for all the answers. I am going to keep my eye out for a good sale. Maybe worth waiting till Black Friday.

Are there any supplies we need to get started. I have only watched the infomercial and this was my husbands idea. I may need to go somewhere that demonstrates the machine.

 

[morgansmom2000]

My 10 year old uses my Cricut all the time. She loves to make cards and die cuts for no reason at all!

She would need some replacement blades and mats, and cardstock. The cartridges are pricey, but they go on sale often for about $35 (Joann's, Michael's, AC Moore or online).

 

[jrsmom]

Sounds like she would really enjoy it! The past 2 years Walmart has had an amazind price on the expression, that is the one that I have. Some of the more detailed things are a bit easier to make on the expression because you can make them a little larger than on the other size. Both sizes are goos and do the same basic thing, if it is in the budget, the expression will grow with her. Last year Walmart had the for 188, I got mine the year before on bf for 199. Mine came with 2 full cartridges and a solutions cart and a rebate for two free cartridges, (their choice). I think I got a good deal!

She sounds a lot like my niece!

I'm sure you can find a class somewhere and there are you tube videos. My pink stamper does videos as well.

 

[jacksmomma]

Are there any supplies we need to get started. I have only watched the infomercial and this was my husbands idea. I may need to go somewhere that demonstrates the machine.

Besides the supplies already mentioned (paper, mats, and blades) make sure you get her the spatula for removing cuts from the mat. You can buy the spatula alone, but I would get the tool kit as it has the spatula, little scissors, and a tool I have dubbed "the dental pic" that are great also!

When you buy mats and blades, if you do not get them on a great deal from on online retailer, buy them at Jo-Ann's. At Jo's you can use a coupon for Cricut accesories, where at M's and Hobby Lobby they do not take coupons.

Have fun creating with your granddaughter!

 

[katied]

Are there any supplies we need to get started. I have only watched the infomercial and this was my husbands idea. I may need to go somewhere that demonstrates the machine.

First, my 3 yr old son can even help me with the Cricut. He needs to be supervised, of course, but he can load a cartridge and select his images - he even looks over the boxes to pick out the images he wants. I handle all the setttings.

Supplies - based on the size you need, you'll need a cutting mat (6 x 12 or 12 x 12). These can wear out and need to be replaced at times, but look online for tricks to extend their life. You need cartridges - again, look for sales, online or in-store. Last year, Michaels or JoAnn had a great Black Friday sale. Paper to cut - your GD may already have this. Eventually, you'll need to replace the blade - again good thing to use a coupon to buy.

Other items - I love have a Xyron to use with my Cricut. A Xyron helps make what you've cut sticky - I have a 1.5" one (for small items) and a 5.5" (or something like that) for larger items. THis is a nice to have item, but not a need to have. Best to buy with coupons - like Michael's 40% off.

WIthout a Xyron, you need some type of adhesive to stick your stuff to paper - a taperunner, glue, etc.

 

[rskbh00]

I bought my daughter a cricut last year for Christmas and she was 9 yrs old at the time and she loves it. It only took her a little while to learn to use it.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I bet she would love it! And I've let my 9-year-old son use mine to cut letters for his school posters, and he does fine with it.