March 2026 – Try It – Like It

Clean Your Stencil for Crafting

Sometimes the best backgrounds happen by accident—this week’s tag started while cleaning my stencil!

While cleaning the stencil from last week’s tag tutorial, I ended up with this unexpected and lovely background—proof that sometimes the best designs happen by accident! I couldn’t let it go to waste, so I used it as the foundation for this week’s tag, building layers and details right on top of that soft, blended texture.

This sticker set from the Dollar Tree had a little bird at the bottom that I thought coordinated well with the tag’s background.

Video Tutorial:

In the close-up image above, you can see the details I added to finish the tag. I used a gem for the bird’s eye and filled the center of the flowers with Nuvo Drops.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Dollar Tree Shop at: O	Finger Daubers Shop at: AZ	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Hamton Art ink pad Shop at: AZ
Mini Maker Shop at: O	Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ	Nuvo drops Shop at: AZ	Paper Trimmer Shop at: AZ
rhinestones Shop at: AZ	Smarter Glue Pen Shop at: AZ	Tweezers Shop at: AZ	Wonder Word Die Set – Echo Park Shop at: AZ

Gemini Die Cutting Plate Order

I finally stopped second guessing my Gemini plate sandwiches – (free printable!)

I have a Gemini die cutting machine that I picked up used from an auction site because I wasn’t sure how often I would actually use it. I already have several manual die cutting machines, so this felt like a bit of an experiment.

Well… it turns out I reach for the Gemini more than I ever expected!

That said, one thing I don’t always remember is the correct plate “sandwich” for each technique. Every time I go to use it, I find myself second guessing—am I doing this right?

So I decided to solve that problem once and for all.

I created a simple printable chart with the plate combinations I use most often. My plan is to laminate it and keep it right with my stack of plates so it’s always within reach when I need it.

If you’re anything like me, having a quick visual reference nearby makes crafting so much easier (and a lot less frustrating!).

If you would like your own printable PDF chart, you can grab the free printable here: [Gemini]

Free Easter Clip Art

Grab this free page of printable Easter clip art.

This week’s free printable is a page of Easter-themed clip art that’s as versatile as it is adorable. These images would make the cutest stickers and are perfect for decorating Easter eggs for a fun, personalized touch. And of course, they’re ideal for all your paper crafting projects—from cards and tags to scrapbook pages and beyond.

Grab the free Easter clip art PDF here: [Easter]

My go-to printer brand for years has been HP. I also use their ink supply service where I pay a monthly fee and they send me ink cartridges as needed. It comes out to be a lot less money this way and I don’t have to keep track because they do all the tracking for me. The HP Envy Inspire is a great-priced machine that will produce beautiful prints.

If you are looking for a great crafting-weight paper for printables, I have a new favorite. It is double sided matte photo paper by Koala. It is heavier than copier paper but not quite as heavy as cardstock. It is a great medium weight for layering, folding, and more! They have different weights, I have been using the 48lb for printables. It is available on Amazon.

And I found a new sticker paper I really like. It is A-Sub. It comes in Glossy and Matte, 25 or 55 sheets. You can find it at Amazon.

You can easily turn clip art images into magnets using Printable Magnets Sheets from Cricut.

Create-it Link Party #439

Share your creative talents with Create-it Link Party.

This week’s feature comes from Crazy Little Love Birds who shared a tutorial for making a DIY Spring Birdie Nest Display Using a Recycled Tin Can.

Weekly Features are now being shared in the Pinterest Create-it Link Party Board. You can see them all here: [Create-it Link Party on Pinterest]

On to the Party

This is a great opportunity to showcase your latest blog post, recipe, craft tutorial, or any other creative project you’ve been working on! We love seeing the incredible ideas from our community.

To keep things fun and organized, we have a few simple rules to ensure the party runs smoothly. Happy sharing!

Here are a few simple rules:

Link to a specific post, not your homepage.
Link up something YOU made/wrote/created.
Giveaways, other link parties, or business links are not accepted.
Don’t link and run. Try to visit at least one link and show them some love. You may make a new friend.

Mystery Box Crafting

Using mystery box items to craft this week’s tag.

This week, I’m diving into a fun creative challenge using materials and products from a Peachy Cheap mystery box. I started by repurposing the packaging itself as the base for my tag, giving new life to something that might have otherwise been tossed aside.

From the mystery box, I pulled together a Brea Reese stencil (and even used its packaging), a Hampton Art stamp pad, and some Nuvo Drops to build up layers of color and texture. These supplies worked beautifully together, allowing me to add depth and interest while keeping the project cohesive and fun.

Video Tutorial:

The close up image shows the Nuvo drops that actually flattened out and rounded naturally. The sentiment is embossed and I have tutorial coming out about that soon so stay tuned.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Celebrate word dies Shop at: AZ	Finger Daubers Shop at: AZ	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Glue Bottles Shop at: AZ
Hamton Art ink pad Shop at: AZ	Mini Maker Shop at: O	Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ	Nuvo drops Shop at: AZ
Paper Trimmer Shop at: AZ	Reptile Glue Shop at: AZ

Free Spring-themed Printables

Free spring themed printables.

For this month’s Spring Printable Hop, I am sharing a brand new sheet of Spring Garden clipart images. These bright and cheerful designs are perfect for adding a touch of spring to your cards, journals, tags, and other paper crafting projects.

Grab the free Spring Garden PDF here: [Spring Garden]

And I found a new sticker paper I really like. It is A-Sub. It comes in Glossy and Matte, 25 or 55 sheets. You can find it at Amazon.

You can easily turn clip art images into magnets using Printable Magnets Sheets from Cricut.

Blog Hop:

Take a moment to visit all the wonderful free printables being shared this month with a Spring theme.

Artsy-Fartsy Mama	Spring Bingo	https://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2019/03/free-printable-spring-bingo.html
Smiling Colors	hello spring coloring pages	https://www.smilingcolors.com/hello-spring-coloring-pages/
The Benson Street	Spring Coloring Bookmarks	https://www.thebensonstreet.com/free-printable-spring-coloring-bookmarks/
The Crafty Blog Stalker	Spring Word Printable	https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/free-printable-spring-word-search/
Try it – Like it – Create it	Spring Garden Clip Art	https://tryit-likeit.com/free-spring-themed-printables/

Free Circle Sentiments

This week’s free printable is a page of circle sentiments.

This week’s free printable is a page of circle sentiments with delicate floral accents. These versatile designs are perfect for card making, tags, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafting projects. Simply print, cut out the circles, and add them to your creations for a quick and pretty finishing touch. (These are 2″ circles and work great with a 2″ punch)

Grab the free PDF printable here: [Sentiments]

And I found a new glossy sticker paper I really like. It is A-Sub. It comes in Glossy and Matte, 25 or 55 sheets. You can find it at Amazon.

You can easily turn clip art images into magnets using Printable Magnets Sheets from Cricut.

Mr and Mrs SVG and a Wedding SVG Hop

Grab a free wedding-themed SVG and prepare for wedding season.

Preparing for wedding season is easy with this free Mr & Mrs linked rings SVG file. The design features elegant interlocking rings paired with the classic “Mr & Mrs” sentiment. Use the elements together—like shown on the banner —or separate them to fit a variety of crafting projects. This versatile SVG works beautifully for wedding décor, bridal shower decorations, signs, banners, cake toppers, and more. Just cut, arrange, and create something special for the happy couple.

Grab the free SVG and PNG file here: [Rings]

Not sure what Cricut tools you need or should use? Check out this post – What tools to Buy.

Need to know about the different vinyl products available? You can learn all about it at About Cricut Vinyl.

Need a printable heat setting chart? You can download this one free: [heatguide]

Are you confused about the different colors of mats? This article will clear it all up for you. Which Mat Do I Use?

SVG Hop Images:

My fellow SVG creators are joining me in a fun hop featuring wedding-themed SVG files! Each design is free to download and perfect for adding a special touch to your projects. Explore the variety below and get inspired!

Dinosaur Mama	Floral Monogram Frames
Flowingcreek	Love & Laughter & Happily Ever After
Gina C. Creates	Weddding Memorial Sign SVG
Harper N Co	And They Lived Happily Ever After
Kara Creates	Welcome to Our Wedding
Kiy’s Craftroom	Bride to Be
Sunshine and Munchkins	Better Together Floral Circle
The Crafty Blog Stalker	Bride and Groom Card
The Quiet Grove	Forever Starts Today SVG
The Scrap Shoppe	Team Bride/Team Groom
Try It – Like It – Create It	Mr & Mrs with rings

Create-it Link Party #438

Your creativity is meant to be shared, come visit Create-it Link Party, get inspired and share your creations.

Ready for spring? This pretty Mini Picket Fence Hanging Decoration from Steph Creates Things is sure to put you in the mood.

Weekly Features are now being shared in the Pinterest Create-it Link Party Board. You can see them all here: [Create-it Link Party on Pinterest]

On to the Party

To keep things fun and organized, we have a few simple rules to ensure the party runs smoothly. Happy sharing!

Here are a few simple rules:

Link to a specific post, not your homepage.
Link up something YOU made/wrote/created.
Giveaways, other link parties, or business links are not accepted.
Don’t link and run. Try to visit at least one link and show them some love. You may make a new friend.

Layering a Die Cut Flower

Turn your paper scraps into something beautiful!

This week’s tag turned out so pretty! The background was created using the ink smooshing technique, which adds soft layers of color and a beautiful blended effect. On top of that, I layered a die cut flower to give the tag some extra dimension and interest. I also left a bit of open space so a sentiment can easily be added later, making the tag perfect for a variety of occasions.

This is a great project for using up leftover pieces of cardstock. I looked through my scrap pile and found pieces that the dies fit onto perfectly, which made the process quick and satisfying. It’s always nice when those little bits from past projects get a chance to shine in something new.

Here are the pieces of cut cardstock before adding additional color with ink.

After ink smooshing the tag and blending ink onto the flower pieces, I am ready to build the layers onto the tag.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Buttons Galore and More use Janet10 for a discount Shop at: AZ	Cut Cardstock Shop at: O	Finger Daubers Shop at: AZ	Flower Die Shop at: AZ
Gemini Die Cut Machine Shop at: AZ	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Glue Bottles Shop at: AZ	Lisa Horton – Cloud 9 Matte Shop at: SB
Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ	Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ	Reptile Glue Shop at: AZ