Newbie here ✨

Hello! I’m new to the cricut world and so far I’m really enjoying it 🥰 I don’t plan on selling it’s just for funsies buuuut I have a few questions I can’t seem to find the answers to, so I’m hoping you guys could share you knowledge 🫶🏻

-How often should I be changing the blades? (Like, on a sewing machine you change the needle every 6-8hrs of work typa thing) -Are the mats supposed to be getting the design marked on or am I using the wrong settings/blade for the materials? (Pic #3) -How do I clean the mats? (It seem like a huge waste to keep buying new ones) -Cricut vinyl is sooo expensive, are there other brands you guys recommend?

I leave you with my first and second projects, the mat marks picture and the third project I’m working on (wings for my daughter ) Thank you in advance 💖 greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽