Sometimes, simpler is just better...especially when you are first learning something new.  That's why I love creating signs with reverse stencils.  It is such a simple concept.  Take any shape or silhouette cut image on design space like a heart, shamrock, cupcake, daisy, etc. and cut a stencil with your Cricut using 631 oracal removable vinyl.  

In my example, I just painted a board with stripes using various chalk paint colors and some tape. 

Next, instead of using the stencil part of the vinyl, you just remove the inside shape of the vinyl and apply it to any background that you've painted.  Next, paint over that with a contrasting color (I chose white) and viola! You've got a diy sign which is especially exciting when you are first learning because that immediate gratification is often what will give you the confidence to do another project and on and on that goes until you're obsessed with how fun the process is and you're barely thinking about...