Retro Christmas Tree

Make a 3D paper Christmas tree with this free SVG file.

with CutCardStock

finished tree

I thought it would be fun to create something for Christmas in July, so I made this retro-looking Christmas Tree. Because there is no glue needed, you can create it now and store it flat to use later. How fun would it be to wrap it in little twinkle lights or place fun objects on the shelf-like sections? You could make it in a different color to suit your decor.

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paper

To make the tree I used Bonsai-colored cardstock in 8.5 x 11. I needed to use three sheets for the tree.

Cutting this file on a Cricut Maker, I set it to cut 100# cardstock and it was quick and easy to cut through.

cut pieces

As mentioned, the file is designed to fit on three sheets of 8.5 x 11″ paper. There are two triangles and five circles that vary in size.

Video Tutorial:

You can download the free SVG file from the store [Retro Tree SVG]

Wrapped Vase Decor

Making a wrapped vase decor piece with CutCardStock.

with CutCardStock

Vase Decor

This wrapped decor piece was really fun to make. I am using a tall vase from the Dollar Tree and wrapping it with Stardream Metallic Bronze cardstock. My initial plan was just to do the wrap but when I saw the pieces that were weeded out of the cardstock, they looked like petals to me and I just couldn’t let those go to waste. And I am glad I didn’t because the addition of the flowers really adds to the vase.

bronze stardream cardstock

I used this beautiful Stardream Metallic Bronze cardstock. The cardstock is smooth and metallic. The base of the cardstock is black with a mica pearlescent coating on both sides. It really is beautiful and shimmery in person.

This cardstock is thick, it’s 105#. I tend to use washi tape to make sure it doesn’t slip or move while cutting. I used a setting of 100# cardstock. Cutting it twice would definitely help.

flower materials

I couldn’t waste those petal shapes. Making a double-layered flower, I added a center of gold and a green metallic embellishment dot. Plus I have more petal shapes I can use for another project.

Video Tutorial:

close-up

Here you can see a close-up of the flower as well as the wrap around the vase. The pattern the wrap projects with a light inside is beautiful. I chose to add an electric tea light into the vase, I am not sure about a real candle with paper on the outside.

Please visit the store to download the free SVG file for the Vase wrapper. [Vase SVG]

Designing a Leaf Letterhead

The Leaf Letterhead SVG file can be used in a variety of different ways.

with CutCardStock

decor piece

This leaf letterhead svg file is very versatile. I’ve created a finished decor piece with it to show you how it could be used. The design was created to be used in a variety of different ways like a letter, menu, invitation, announcement, and any other way you can imagine. You don’t have to put another piece behind the design, or on top of it as shown. It is just one option for this file.

Many of the items I use in posts are provided by the manufacturers to promote their products.
A special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site
.

card stock
card stock

The Royal Sundance Card Stock in Brilliant White is the star of this post and the card stock that was cut. It’s joined with Stardream Metallic Gold and Glama Card Stock in Kraft. The poem was printed using my Cricut Maker and the Kraft card stock but it could also be printed on a printer.

Cricut Maker

Use a personal cutting machine that works with an SVG file. I am using a Cricut Maker for cutting and writing. Because the design is 8.5″ x 11″, and the card stock is the same size, you have to pay attention to the alignment on your mat. The Kraft card stock was written on and cut on the Cricut Maker too. I used a 0.4 black Cricut pen for the writing.

Video Tutorial:

The SVG file for the Leaf Letterhead’s link can be found at: [Leaf Letterhead] – Make sure to read the note about how to center the file.

The link for the poem in Cricut Design Space: [Frost poem]

Can You Stamp on Glass?

Have you ever tried to stamp and emboss on glass? See the magic!

with Fairy Stamper

The answer is, yes you can! I was excited when I saw this technique and knew I had to give it a try. Stamping and embossing on glass! I love the result. This beautifully framed piece was created as a part of the Fairy Stampers Video Design Team.

in process

Many of the items I use in posts are provided by the manufacturers to promote their products.
A special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site
.

Materials:

  • Condo Dwellers FHS-060
  • Fantasy Flowers FHS-032
  • Works Board
  • VersaMark stamp pad
  • frame with glass
  • embossing powder
  • heat gun
  • decorative paper

After stamping and applying the embossing powder, you’ll want to clean off any excess powder and move to a heat-safe surface. Then the fun part, watch the embossing powder transform under the heat.

Clean off both sides of the glass with water and then frame the glass to finish the piece. I can’t wait to try this again and color the image, similar to stained glass!

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook
We R Memory Keepers - All-In-One Tool - The Works
We R Memory Keepers – All-In-One Tool – The Works
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AZ | SSS | SB
Versamark
Versamark
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AZ | SSS | SB
Zing! Embossing Powder
Zing! Embossing Powder
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AZ

Paper Bowls

Learn how to recycle a catalog to make paper bowls. #affiliate @ScraPerfect

Paper Bowls are easy to make. You can recycle catalogs, magazines, or newspapers to make them. Rolling the pages into long sticks is very easy to do. Once you have a bunch of rolls made, you can begin to make them into a form. Depending upon how you roll them, you can change to shape from round, to oval, or even as a square.

This post is a part of the ScraPerfect Design Team projects I post on their blog twice a month.

Materials:

For the bowls I made, I used pages from a catalog and the Best Glue Ever with a no-clog Writing Cap on it. This allowed me to add a little glue at a time which is needed for this project. You really don’t want a lot of glue when you are rolling the pages into sticks.

My favorite sticks have stripes which you can see at the top of the photo. I think it would be fun to make a bowl with just striped sticks. After you create the sticks of paper, begin to roll them together. You can easily add a new paper roll by inserting the ends together. One end of the stick is always smaller than the other end. If you leave them always facing the same direction, the small ends will be together. This process is easier to understand by watching the video tutorial below.

Video Tutorial:

The two different bowls I made are shown above. The first one I painted and that added support to the structure. The second one I left as is but I did coat it with a spray finish which did the same as the paint for sturdiness. Which look do you like better?

DIY a Night Light with Vinyl

How I updated a night light from the Dollar Tree with a vinyl design. @OfficalCricut @DollarTree #affiliate

A Dollar Tree Craft

I found this plain night light at the Dollar Tree and I was drawn to it for a crafting project. As a craft designer, I always have my eye out for project ideas and the Dollar Tree is a great place to find economical items. With the use of my Cricut and a little bit of vinyl, I transformed this plain night light into something more decorative. Follow along for this quick and easy project.

Many of the items I use in my posts are provided by the manufacturers in order to promote their products.
I want to give special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site.

materials

Materials:

  • night light
  • Cricut Maker
  • Holographic Vinyl
  • transfer tape
  • Cricut design
  • scissors
  • washi tape (optional)
Cricut Maker

I cut the stencil design on my Cricut Maker using holographic Cricut vinyl. The design I used is a purchased Cricut design – Flower Square Coaster #MCDABE4D. I sized it to be a bit smaller than the flat surface of the night light.

I used washi tape for additional security on my mats since they aren’t as sticky as they used to be. This is just a precaution and not necessary for most.

For the next step, weed away all the unwanted vinyl and then apply your transfer tape. The video below will show you how these preparation steps were done.

Video Tutorial:

The finished night light is placed in our downstairs bathroom which is very dark. It stays lit all the time and sets off a beautiful soft blue glow that works really well with the holographic blue vinyl. I am happy with the result and I think the design really adds to the night light.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, O – Other
Cricut Maker® Machine
Cricut Maker® Machine
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Westcott 14849 8
Westcott 14849 8″ Straight Titanium Bonded Non-Stick Scissors
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AZ
Cricut Standard Grip Mat
Cricut Standard Grip Mat
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Cricut Vinyl
Cricut Vinyl
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AZ | C

How to Transform a Dollar Store Frame

See how to transform an inexpensive picture frame from drab to fab with a patina kit. #dollartreecraft

With a picture frame from the Dollar Tree and a patina kit from Modern Masters (affiliate link), I transformed this simple frame from drab to fab. It takes a little bit of dry time between the steps but other than that, it is a really easy process. The kit has most of what you will need.

The patina kit comes with primer paint, copper paint, and the patina spray and nozzle. Simple directions are on the box. Handled the patina spray with caution, see the warning on the bottle and use in a well-ventilated area.

Additional Materials:

  • nail file or sandpaper
  • picture frame
  • foam paintbrush
  • spray box or similar
  • rubber gloves (optional)

Video Tutorial:

Watching the patina transform the frame as it dried was really interesting because you really don’t know what results you will get until it dries. The process was really fun and I can’t wait to try it on other surfaces. What would you use this kit on?

Make a Paper Mobile with Maker’s Movement

With just a few simple materials you can make this beautiful hanging mobile. Today I am working with Maker’s Movement to bring you this tutorial. I just love how it turned out. I have it hanging in the doorway between my living room and dining room. My daughters noticed it and mentioned how pretty it is and the cats noticed it and are deciding whether or not they want to try and play with it!

Materials:

  • nested die
  • CrossOver II
  • coordinating cardstock
  • adhesive
  • 2 beads
  • cord
  • washi tape
  • scissors

Video Tutorial:


Here it is hanging in my house.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, M – Michaels

Scraperfect Best Glue Ever
Scraperfect Best Glue Ever
Shop at:
AZ | SSS
Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium
Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium
Shop at:
AZ | SSS
Cotton Yarn Variegated Crochet thread
Cotton Yarn Variegated Crochet thread
Shop at:
AZ
Crossover II
Crossover II
Shop at:
AZ
Starburst Die Set
Starburst Die Set
Shop at:
O
Maker's Movement
Maker’s Movement
Shop at:
O

How to Etch a Cutting Board

You can easily upgrade a glass cutting board from the Dollar Tree into something worth putting on display. It was really easy to do using etchall etching creme. In no time at all, the cutting board was transformed. Make one for yourself or to gift. 

Materials:

  • etchall etching creme
  • paintbrush
  • scrap of cardstock
  • vinyl
  • transfer tape
  • personal cutting machine (Cricut Maker)
  • circle glass cutting board
  • weeding tool

Directions:

I used the image from Cricut Design Space. Rangoli Mandala, Vinyl #MB78A515


cutting the design on the Cricut Maker
 


weeding the image
 


clean the back of the glass cutting plate with alcohol
 


I aligned the vinyl on the glass.
 


here is the vinyl on the glass
 


getting ready to use etchall


apply generously and leave for at least 15 minutes
return the excess to the bottle after the allotted time
I used a scrap of card stock to remove the etchall.
 


Here is the final result – quick and easy but it looks like so much more.

Suggested Materials:
affiliate links

How to Decoupage with Denise Boddey Designs

The decoupage paper I used was Quite Place. It is a part of the Out in my Garden set from Denise Boddey Designs. The one-sheet covered the entire project and was used in a few different ways. The Quite Place design has a colorful plant design with a subtle overall pattern. The different areas of design were used specifically on the birdhouse. The birdhouse makes a great decorative piece and there is a lot of attention to detail.


I am excited to announce that I am a member of the Denise Boddey Design Team.

Materials:

  • Quite Place sheet
  • wooden birdhouse
  • green paint
  • sponge paintbrush
  • small paintbrush
  • decoupage glue
  • scissors
  • satin ribbon (green)
  • sparkle paste
  • UV resin
  • bird sticker

Directions:


To make the leaves have more stability, I covered them in UV resin and cured it.
Then I cut out the leaf design and set them aside for later.


Using a Foliage Green colored paint, I covered the birdhouse with a thin coat.


Here is the house painted.


I began to fit the subtle paper design to the sides of the birdhouse using decoupage glue under and over the paper.


Using a matte decoupage glue added a nice sheen to the paper.
Trimming the paper to the bottom edge of the birdhouse while the paper was wet left a rough edge which I will hide later.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6266942531963740&output=html&h=280&adk=2591642117&adf=2511820791&w=820&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1600565820&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7204917205&psa=1&guci=2.2.0.0.2.2.0.0&ad_type=text_image&format=820×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftryit-likeit.com%2Fentries%2Fcreate%2Fhow-to-decoupage-with-denise-boddey-designs&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=820&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=NT&dt=1600565816940&bpp=4&bdt=3737&idt=4&shv=r20200915&cbv=r20190131&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Db88650c4930810b4%3AT%3D1600562313%3AS%3DALNI_MYOyHc5IyrX5qryugHYUv-oyBB81w&prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C850x425&nras=2&correlator=8361932644105&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1296732239.1600562314&ga_sid=1600562314&ga_hid=1014777550&ga_fc=1&iag=0&icsg=3421680856727552&dssz=79&mdo=0&mso=0&u_tz=-360&u_his=1&u_java=0&u_h=900&u_w=1600&u_ah=860&u_aw=1600&u_cd=24&u_nplug=3&u_nmime=4&adx=247&ady=5789&biw=1583&bih=708&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=21066705&oid=3&psts=AGkb-H9rQhx7yLhQbBGw4bnH1KqcfqpSZpeuowXTwNUkRnH4OvTA7–HY7wDUhtwKMOh%2CAGkb-H8jo_0ZULvY2WuuQbPcRMuIKEK5-kcH-a9XHPMdvtFt1mcZlvwy-Tew2JSANy_gfMyk6ym3gg&pvsid=962885958521269&pem=299&ref=https%3A%2F%2Ftryit-likeit.com%2Fentries%2Fcreate%3Fpage%3D3&rx=0&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1600%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1600%2C708&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=8320&bc=31&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=1&fsb=1&xpc=bt05rBYmeQ&p=https%3A//tryit-likeit.com&dtd=3996


The back of the birdhouse has a nice surprising leaf design.


I added the decorative elements to the front. The resin leaves at the top and a bird sticker at the bottom.
In the above photo, you can also see the ribbon wrapped around the bottom.
I used decoupage glue for all of these elements.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6266942531963740&output=html&h=280&adk=2591642117&adf=4148038230&w=820&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1600565820&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7204917205&psa=1&guci=2.2.0.0.2.2.0.0&ad_type=text_image&format=820×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftryit-likeit.com%2Fentries%2Fcreate%2Fhow-to-decoupage-with-denise-boddey-designs&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=820&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=NT&dt=1600565816948&bpp=2&bdt=3744&idt=2&shv=r20200915&cbv=r20190131&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Db88650c4930810b4%3AT%3D1600562313%3AS%3DALNI_MYOyHc5IyrX5qryugHYUv-oyBB81w&prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C850x425%2C820x280&nras=3&correlator=8361932644105&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1296732239.1600562314&ga_sid=1600562314&ga_hid=1014777550&ga_fc=1&iag=0&icsg=3421680856727552&dssz=80&mdo=0&mso=0&u_tz=-360&u_his=1&u_java=0&u_h=900&u_w=1600&u_ah=860&u_aw=1600&u_cd=24&u_nplug=3&u_nmime=4&adx=247&ady=7209&biw=1583&bih=708&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=21066705&oid=3&psts=AGkb-H9rQhx7yLhQbBGw4bnH1KqcfqpSZpeuowXTwNUkRnH4OvTA7–HY7wDUhtwKMOh%2CAGkb-H8jo_0ZULvY2WuuQbPcRMuIKEK5-kcH-a9XHPMdvtFt1mcZlvwy-Tew2JSANy_gfMyk6ym3gg&pvsid=962885958521269&pem=299&ref=https%3A%2F%2Ftryit-likeit.com%2Fentries%2Fcreate%3Fpage%3D3&rx=0&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1600%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1600%2C708&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=8320&bc=31&ifi=5&uci=a!5&btvi=2&fsb=1&xpc=Hnc6i6kp0J&p=https%3A//tryit-likeit.com&dtd=4006

The chimney and the circled end of the perch are also covered with the designed paper.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6266942531963740&output=html&h=280&adk=2591642117&adf=3562470715&w=820&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1600565820&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7204917205&psa=1&guci=2.2.0.0.2.2.0.0&ad_type=text_image&format=820×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftryit-likeit.com%2Fentries%2Fcreate%2Fhow-to-decoupage-with-denise-boddey-designs&flash=0&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=200&rw=820&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&adsid=NT&dt=1600565816959&bpp=3&bdt=3755&idt=3&shv=r20200915&cbv=r20190131&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Db88650c4930810b4%3AT%3D1600562313%3AS%3DALNI_MYOyHc5IyrX5qryugHYUv-oyBB81w&prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C850x425%2C820x280%2C820x280&nras=4&correlator=8361932644105&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1296732239.1600562314&ga_sid=1600562314&ga_hid=1014777550&ga_fc=1&iag=0&icsg=3421680856727552&dssz=80&mdo=0&mso=0&u_tz=-360&u_his=1&u_java=0&u_h=900&u_w=1600&u_ah=860&u_aw=1600&u_cd=24&u_nplug=3&u_nmime=4&adx=247&ady=7527&biw=1583&bih=708&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=21066705&oid=3&psts=AGkb-H9rQhx7yLhQbBGw4bnH1KqcfqpSZpeuowXTwNUkRnH4OvTA7–HY7wDUhtwKMOh%2CAGkb-H8jo_0ZULvY2WuuQbPcRMuIKEK5-kcH-a9XHPMdvtFt1mcZlvwy-Tew2JSANy_gfMyk6ym3gg&pvsid=962885958521269&pem=299&ref=https%3A%2F%2Ftryit-likeit.com%2Fentries%2Fcreate%3Fpage%3D3&rx=0&eae=0&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1600%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1600%2C708&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=8320&bc=31&ifi=6&uci=a!6&btvi=3&fsb=1&xpc=QXVFjgGQ3P&p=https%3A//tryit-likeit.com&dtd=4002


I also decoupaged the bottom of the birdhouse, paying attention to details.


For a final touch, the roof was wiped with sparkle paste, I applied this with my fingers for a light coat.

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