craft – Page 2 – Try It – Like It

Making an Embellished Square Card

Making a card with the Cricut Joy and cutting card stock.

with CutCardStock

It is so fun to craft and try new things. This card was made using a Cricut Joy. I wanted to experiment with Stardream card stock to see if it would cut on a smaller cutting machine.

I created this card as a part of the CutCardStock‘s design team where I share projects twice a month.

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The card stock used for this card was Stardream Metallic in Coral and Latte Tan for the card. CutCardStock has a ton of different colors of Stardream to choose from, they are all just beautiful and my favorite card stock from CutCardStock.

I wanted to see if I could cut heavier card stock on the Cricut Joy. I chose a free design on the Cricut Joy app. The setting I chose was for glitter card stock, it worked well. Cutting each shape twice, even the smallest of shapes were cut without trouble.

The two parts I used for the card are the folded card stock for the background, and the cut cardstock I cut on the Cricut Joy. The cut square is 3″ x 3″ and the folded piece is 3.5″ x 7″.

After gluing the card parts together, I chose to embellish the center of the flowers with gems in two sizes. These pearlized gems were bought at the Dollar Tree.

Video Tutorial:

Quick and Easy Earrings

Using charms from the craft store make for quick and affordable earrings.

Making earrings from charms is so easy. These beautiful butterfly wings came in a set of four pairs from Hobby Lobby. I was able to make four pairs of earrings for less than $10, making these a very affordable gift. Charms and buttons make for quick and easy earrings.

Using two jewelry pliers, charms, and matching ear wires I was able to make four pairs of earrings in no time at all.

Video Tutorial:

These were such a huge hit in my house, I have to go and buy a few more sets of charms so we don’t fight over the colors!

Jot at Dollar Tree

How similar are Jot pens at the Dollar Tree to Ooly brand pens?

Have you seen this four-pack of pens at Dollar Tree made by Jot? They are also available in a four-pack of black (all the same size). When I saw them they reminded me of a pack of pens I have from Ooly. I thought they would make a great gift so I had to give them a try and see how well they worked.

I love my Ooly pens and I have been carrying them around in my purse for some time. They were given to me as a gift and I have thoroughly enjoyed them. So when I saw a similar set at the Dollar Tree by Jot, I had to try them.

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As I said, I love my Ooly pens, I have the Modern Writers package. But for the price difference and the loss of two colors, the Dollar Tree pens are great too!

Making a Fabric Ornament

Using Dollar Tree fabric strips to make no-sew fabric ornaments.

I saw a tutorial on YouTube for these fabric ornaments and thought they were very nice but that I would probably never make them. Then I saw strips of Christmas fabric at the Dollar Tree and remembered the ornaments and that the strips would work for the ornaments, but I had to make some alterations to the directions.

The fabric strips come in a package of three coordinating patterns. They are 2″ x 36″ strips of cotton, one strip of each design.

For the small ornaments you are going to cut each strip into 4 pieces and then iron them in half as shown in the image above, and then in half again. To make these strips work you will need to follow the details about the folding in the video below.

There are a few different ways to fold, iron, and make the ornaments with the fabric strips from the Dollar Tree. Make sure to view the details and explanations in the video tutorial.

Video Tutorial:

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If you are interested in my craft iron it is from Oliso https://amzn.to/3r70pD9 and my iron mat is from Cricut https://cricut.pxf.io/x9Weqy

How to Etch a Candle

Learn how to turn a dollar tree candle into a beautiful gift with Etchall Creme.

with Etchall Creme

Grab a candle and some ribbon from the Dollar Tree and make a beautiful etched candle using Etchall Creme. Such a simple idea makes for an elegant finished product and an affordable gift any time of the year.

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Process:

Remove all the labels from the glass and clean it with rubbing alcohol. The higher the content of alcohol the better. In a pinch, you can use hand sanitizer to clean with.

For the size of this project, I was able to cut the vinyl on a Cricut Joy. I used a free design and font in the design program for the Vinyl Sticker design. (Leaf Embellishment #M3A9A159F) If you don’t have a cutting machine you can cut vinyl by hand or use a paper punch design.

After the cut is finished, weed away the design.

When I apply vinyl, I fold the vinyl in half to mark the middle. Then I apply it to the candle, middle first, and smooth it out from there. Wrinkles in the vinyl are OK as long as the design is smooth and sealed against the glass.

Apply the etching creme generously to the design. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Then remove the creme and replace it in the jar to use again. Wash the design and remove the vinyl. I use a baby wipe when the design is small enough and then clean the glass with rubbing alcohol.

Here is the result of the etching.

To finish off the look of the candle, I applied rubbing wax to the design in silver to enhance the design and wrapped a coordinating ribbon around the neck of the glass container.

Suggested Materials:

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AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, O – Other

Start Mandala Painting

How to start dot painting.

Dot Mandala painting is trendy. It isn’t a difficult craft but it does require practice. You can build on your technique and difficulty of imagery. To start you will want some basic craft paint, a few tools for dot-making (which can be found around your house), a pallet, and paper.

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Tools you can use to make dots can be made. Here is a tutorial for making your own ball tool [DIY Ball Tool]. Other items you might want to collect and try:

push pin
end of paintbrush
dry pen
pencil eraser
needle
dowel
knitting needle
crochet hook

Next, you will want to get your paint to the right consistency. Adding a bit of water if needed to make a liquid or runny paint. I am using craft paint from Arteza.

If you don’t want to mix water into your paint you may want to buy paint made for pour painting since it will be a good consistency for dot painting. Arteza has a variety of pour paint sets. There are even color sets that coordinate. And if you are truly just getting started and have no materials, you might be interested in the Arteza Dot Tool Kit. It includes everything you will need except paint.

After practicing your dots and you are now ready to paint a mandala, many people start with a stencil. There are many stencils you can use to create mandalas. If you have a personal cutting machine you can use this SVG file and cut one, to begin with. [madala stencil]

Video Tutorial:

DIY Printable Booklet

A one page printable to make a mini booklet. Just add your own embellishments.

These mini booklets are all made from the same printable with additional ephemera. You can print, fold, and glue your own mini booklet and then decorate. They are great additions to your junk journal, scrapbook, card-making, paper crafting, or gift-giving. Personalize them for your own use.

The images used are a beautiful collection of blues and coordinate well. The images can also be printed and cut out to use without making the booklet making this printable very flexible.

First print out the booklet. There are two included on one 8.5″ x 11″ page. Follow the folding instruction sheet included. Then add your details.

The one-page printable is available in the store [mini booklet]

Video Tutorial:

Etching a Fall Votive

How to etch a votive with dip n’ etch for a nice upcycle project.

with etchall

Today I am making a votive for fall using Etchall Dip. The glass is a recycled Oui yogurt container. Instead of applying a cream to the glass you actually submerge the glass into the etching liquid. The etching results are the same, just the process is different.

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To begin, you’ll want to clean your glass with rubbing alcohol. Using hand sanitizer with a high alcohol content will also work well. I cut a small acorn shape on my Cricut Maker.

Then I applied the vinyl to the glass like you would stickers in a random pattern. The acorn SVG is free and can be found in the store at the following link [acorn SVG]

Use a plastic container for the dip n’ etch liquid. Measure how much liquid is needed by testing with water first. Details for this technique can be found in the video tutorial below. You will also want something to weigh down the project so the glass doesn’t float.

The time to etch is the same as the etchall cream, 15 minutes. The liquid is reusable so make sure to put it back into the etchall container when finished.

Video Tutorial:

I chose to finish off the votive with a wrap of raffia tied in a knot. The votive can be used in a variety of different ways. The image above uses an electric tea light. It also makes for a cute pencil cup. What a nice way to upcycle!

Making a Card from Leftovers

It’s time to make a card from your leftover elements.

When you craft and save all your little bits and leftovers, there comes a time when you need to use them. This card is made from a collection of leftover pieces. I chose to coordinate the elements with similar colors for this card.

Using The Works Board, I have gathered my collection of leftover elements. All I need to do is glue them all into place.

The butterfly came from a tutorial on How to Foil Your Stamping.
The leaves were leftover from another card tutorial: Making a Fall Blessing Card
The background piece is from a tutorial on Embossing with Color

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

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

Deco Foil Shop at: AZ \| SSS	Deco Foil Adhesive Pen Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB	Maker’s Movement Shop at: O	Marabu Art Crayons Shop at: AZ \| O	Rinea Foiled Paper – jade and gold Shop at: O
Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	Scraperfect Best Glue Ever Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	WRMK – All-In-One Tool – The Works Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB

DIY a Decorative Pumpkin

Make your own decorative pumpkin for the season.

It’s the season, whether it is Halloween or Fall, this DIY Decorative Pumpkin works. I started with a plan to add flowers and a bow at the top, but after finishing the pumpkin, it was grand enough on its own. Nothing more is needed.

I found the pumpkin and napkins at Hobby Lobby. To apply the napkin, I made a mixture of white glue and water that got applied with a foam brush. Before applying the napkin, separate the layers and tear it into pieces.

Deco Foil Shop at: AZ \| SSS	Deco Foil Adhesive Pen Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB	Maker’s Movement Shop at: O	Marabu Art Crayons Shop at: AZ \| O	Rinea Foiled Paper – jade and gold Shop at: O
Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	Scraperfect Best Glue Ever Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	WRMK – All-In-One Tool – The Works Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB