Unlocking Creativity: Exploring the Versatility of Die Cuts from Everyday Boxes

Exploring the Versatility of Die Cuts from Everyday Boxes. #tutorial #craft_from_trash #recycle

I don’t know if this is genius or if I stumbled onto something everyone already does. I was getting ready to throw away a box and noticed the blank areas that could be die-cut. I will never look at a box the same way again and I am kind of kicking myself wondering about all the boxes I have already thrown away.

Video Tutorial:

Making Words with Washi

Use your washi tape to create colorful sentiments. #sentiment #words #washitape

washi words

As a crafty person, you probably already have a collection of colorful washi tapes in your stash. But have you ever thought of using them to create custom die-cuts? With just a few easy steps, you can create an image or pattern using washi tape and then use a die-cutting machine to cut it into a word or phrase of your choice. This DIY project is a fun and colorful way to add personalized touches to your paper crafts, such as cards, scrapbook pages, or even home decor.

parts

Materials:

  • die-cutting machine
  • dies
  • washi tape
  • cardstock
  • Xyron machine (optional)

Video Tutorial:

February Calendar Transformation

Transform a colored image into a greeting card. #freeprintable #freecalendar #cardmaking #cardtutorial

final card

As I sat there, admiring my colorful calendar image for the month of February, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. The vibrant hues and playful design gave me an idea. Why not turn this into a one-of-a-kind, personalized greeting card for a loved one? With a few adjustments, I was able to create a beautiful, unique piece that was sure to brighten someone’s day.

Materials Used:

  • purple cardstock
  • white cardstock
  • February Calendar Image – free printable
  • velum
  • die cut and machine
  • various adhesives
  • paper trimmer
  • rhinestone gems

The free Calendar is available here: https://tryit-likeit.com/2023-printable-calendar/

pencils and pens

The February calendar image was colored using mostly pencils from Staedtler and fineliners from Stabilo.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other
Cricut Portable Trimmer
Cricut Portable Trimmer
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AZ | C
Cut Cardstock
Cut Cardstock
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O
Double Sided Tape
Double Sided Tape
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AZ
Glue Bottles
Glue Bottles
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AZ
Mini Maker
Mini Maker
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O
Reptile Glue
Reptile Glue
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AZ
rhinestones
rhinestones
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AZ
Stabilo Fineliner
Stabilo Fineliner
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AZ | O
Staedtler colored pencil triangular 48Pc
Staedtler colored pencil triangular 48Pc
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AZ | O
Tape Runner
Tape Runner
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AZ | SSS | SB
Teflon Craft Mat
Teflon Craft Mat
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AZ
Temu
Temu
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O

Sublimating Ribbon

Learn how easy it is to create your own ribbon designs using sublimation ink pads and markers. @gwenstudios @artesprix #affiliate

finished gift box

Now you can create your own special designer Gwen Studios ribbon. I love how this sublimated ribbon made this gift box so special. Putting your own design on a ribbon is very easy to do using sublimation ink pads and markers. The ones I am using are from Artesprix.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

coloring

To create the image I am using a layering technique. I stamped the image and with the use of a light table, I can see the image and know where to add the color. Then I stamped the image on top of the colored work. The reason for doing it this way was to illuminate the possibility of the inks bleeding together. You can see how this was done in the video below.

colored image

I actually did the entire process twice. I started with pastel colors as seen in the first image. They did transfer but weren’t visible enough for my taste so I did it again with brighter colors as seen above. Here I am making the sublimation sandwich to transfer the image.

sublimation sandwich

This image show what is referred to as a sublimation sandwich. Working on a heat-resistant surface, I have a layer of protective paper, then the ribbon faces up, the colored and stamped image face down is held in place with heat-resistant tape, and the entire thing will be covered with another piece of protective paper before heating.

iron

Because my project is small I chose to use a craft iron instead of a heat press. With the iron set on high and no steam, I used a bit of pressure and left the iron on for a minute. Before removing the tape and image you will want to do a peek test to make sure everything is transferred.

This post is created for the Gwen Studios design team. Other projects can be found on the Designer Crafts Connection website. Gwen Studios ribbons can be found at Walmart and Michaels.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, O – Other
Heat Tape
Artesprix Heat Tape
Shop at:
AZ | O
Artesprix Protective Paper
Artesprix Protective Paper
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AZ | O
Artexprix Project Mat
Artexprix Project Mat
Shop at:
AZ | O
Gwen Studios at Walmart
Gwen Studios at Walmart
Shop at:
O
Oliso Mini Iron
Oliso Mini Iron
Shop at:
AZ
Pastel Sublimation Markers
Pastel Sublimation Markers
Shop at:
AZ | O
Sewing Clips
Sewing Clips
Shop at:
AZ | O
Sublimation Ink Pad
Sublimation Ink Pad
Shop at:
AZ | O

Glitter and Mica Powder Ornament

with Ceya

ornament

When I got products from Ceya I wanted to combine glitter and mica powder. On the first try, I decided to make an ornament. Having not done this before, I wasn’t sure of the outcome, but I am thrilled with the results and can’t wait to try other applications.

Materials:

  • plastic ornament
  • polyacrylic
  • chunky glitter
  • mica powder
  • small spoon
  • disposable cups

Video Tutorial:

If you’d like to see more products from Ceya I have an unboxing video here:

Making an Embellished Square Card

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

with CutCardStock

card with pen

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.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

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.

Cricut Joy

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.

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.

materials

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?

pen pack

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.

ooly pens

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.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

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.

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.

fabric strips

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

ironing fabric

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.

all ironed

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:

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

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

Start Mandala Painting

How to start dot painting.

trio of mandalas

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.

The links provided are for your use and may contain affiliate links.
They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

dot painting

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
pallet and tools

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: