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Let me guess….you’ve got a Cricut Explore, but you aren’t really sure what to make with it?

You know that it can be used to make so many amazing projects. After all, it’s a crafter’s dream tool! But sometimes you feel a little overwhelmed and you don’t know where to start.

Believe me, I totally understand!

Back when I bought my Cricut Explore I was so excited to get it out of the box so I could start creating! But once I got it all set up, my mind was drawing a blank.

What should I make first?

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If you are feeling anything like I was, I’ve got a solution for you. Why not try customizing something that normally seems boring and blank? A crafting blank! You can take a plain item and turn it into something completely unique.

Crafting blanks may look plain at first, but they actually have so many possibilities for creativity. Customizing a crafting blank is a great way to get started with your new Cricut Explore!

Here are some of my favorite crafting blanks and ideas of the projects that you can create with them.

Crafting Blanks for your Cricut Explore Projects

Acrylic Tumblers

These pretty tumblers are perfect for keeping hydrated. You can customize them with vinyl to create unique and personized designs. I think hand-lettered names would look so pretty on these.

Notebooks

Use printable sticker paper or even printable vinyl to create custom designs for notebooks. You can create original cover designs or even stickers to use throughout your pages of notes.

Canvas Bin

Get organized by creating iron-on labels for these canvas bins. You can make labels with text or even cute picture graphics to create a place for everything.  

Travel Coffee Mug

Can’t survive without your coffee on the go? Neither can I! Use vinyl to create a cute customized travel mug so you’ll always have a unique one!

Glass Soap Bottle

Create a monogram vinyl stencil and use etching cream to make a pretty etched design in these glass soap containers. These would make the perfect gift and everyone will be amazed that you made them!

Wood Tray

I love wooden trays in home décor. This dark wooden tray would look amazing with a modern geometric design. Create a vinyl stencil and use some craft paint to completely customize this plain wooden tray for your home.

• Related: Which Cricut Should I Buy?
• Related: Which Cricut Explore Accessories do I Need?
• Related: Cricut Project Ideas

Throw Pillow Cover

Want that cute custom throw pillow you saw on Etsy? Why not make it yourself? Grab a blank pillow cover and use some iron-on vinyl to design your own custom pillows for your home.

Campfire Mug

I love these cute campfire mugs and I keep seeing unique versions of them everywhere. Create your own using a hand-lettered font and some vinyl. These would look so cute in a hot chocolate bar for Christmas!

Jumbo Coffee Mug

Create a custom jumbo mug for your morning cup of coffee. Using vinyl, design something inspiring to get you going every morning.

Small Dishes

These small dishes are perfect for making jewelry drop trays. Design a custom vinyl monogram and create a cute place for your rings. These also make great custom gifts!

Wood Piece

When I’m feeling creative, or need a décor piece for our home, I always end up making wooden signs. Grab a few of these wood pieces, create a vinyl stencil, and use paint to create your own custom signs.

Glass Containers

Get your kitchen organized with these glass containers. You can create vinyl hand-lettered labels to keep everything sorted and easily accessible.

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling totally inspired! I hope that I’ve inspired you as well so you can start creating! There are really so many possibilities to make unique items using your Cricut Explore.

Which crafting blank is your favorite and which project do you want to make first? Let me know in the comments. If you need me, I’ll be in my craft room customizing a cute coffee mug!