Where to Buy Blanks
I have been creating with my Cricut this summer. All of the objects are destined for presents so cannot be revealed here. This is on the off chance that the receiver actually reads my blog.
I have been searching for various blanks. Blanks are the items crafters use to create the projects you often see on blogs and in Etsy shops.
The first place I usually look for blanks is actually Amazon. The prices are good (for the most part) and items are in stock and quickly shipped.
My experience with Joanns (a large big box craft store) has not been all that great. They only carry one brand of tshirts (and the quality is very low). The few other items they carry for blanks are nothing I cannot find anywhere else. They do carry vinyl and Cricut tools, but I have not found their prices to be that great of a bargain. As an aside do not get me started the lack of quality of their fabrics.
Michaels is better, they carry more than one band of tshirt and lots of other blank items to decorate. I find their selection to be better. The curbside service is great and I have been very happy with their shipping. They often run sales on my favorite brand of tshirt - Bella Canvas. They also carry more than the Cricut brand of vinyl.
Hobby Lobby has lots of wood blanks and other glass blanks. I have never had anything shipped (their prices for shipping are way too high) and they have no curbside service. I rarely shop in Hobby Lobby. The store is overstuffed, lots of things are always on sale and the checkout lines are way too long.
jiffyshirts.com is a new to me place to obtain tshirt and other clothing blanks. I have ordered from them and their shipping is very fast. The prices are reasonable and they carry lots of different brands and styles. This is my current favorite place to obtain tshirts to decorate.
fauxleatherforyou.com is a small family business based in California. I buy almost all my faux leather from them to make earrings, etc. The shipping is very fast (though I do only live a state over) and they are very responsive to questions. They carry a wide variety of fun faux leathers, lots of Disney and other fun characters.
I purchase most of my vinyl from a company based in Utah called expressionsvinyl.com. This is another small business I believe. They have lots of great vinyls in every color, style, and size you can imagine. The shipping is reasonable and your package is always packed with care.
These are just my personal opinions. Your experience may differ (either for the better or worse). I just put this quick post together because I know when I first started crafting with my cricut I was unsure about where to obtain materials.