how to – Try It – Like It

Sublimating Ribbon

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

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.

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They cost nothing for you to use.
Thank you in advance for supporting this site with its use.

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.

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.

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.

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

Artesprix Heat Tape Shop at: AZ \| O	Artesprix Protective Paper Shop at: AZ \| O	Artexprix Project Mat Shop at: AZ \| O	Gwen Studios at Walmart Shop at: O	Oliso Mini Iron Shop at: AZ
Pastel Sublimation Markers Shop at: AZ \| O	Sewing Clips Shop at: AZ \| O	Sublimation Ink Pad Shop at: AZ \| O

Glitter and Mica Powder Ornament

with Ceya

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

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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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.

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!

Making a Paper Ornament

Make a paper ornament with a free SVG file and cardstock from CutCardStock.

with CutCardStock

It is so fun to craft for the holidays. This ornament is a beautiful addition to your tree but would also make a great hostess gift for those holiday parties you are invited to attend. You could stylize the surface design to suit the receiver.

I created this free SVG file to share with you as a part of the CutCardStock design team. I love creating SVG files, and I will be sharing projects, including SVG files, with you 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 the ornament is Bonsai and is weighted at 80# cover. CutCardStock has a ton of different colors to choose from.

I chose to create a visual texture on the surface of the cardstock. I began by stamping, then color smooshing, and finally ended by spraying with DIY shimmer spray.

Make sure the cardstock is completely dry before cutting. Set the red line to score, and the black shape to cut.

I cut nine ornament shapes from the 8.5″ x 11″ page. Each piece then got folded in half along the score line.

Video Tutorial:

The ornament SVG can be downloaded for free from the store [Ornament]

The pieces were glued together with twine added for hanging. A pearl bead was added to the top and a DIY tassel to the bottom for embellishment.

You can find this SVG file to purchase in the store if you are looking for additional ornament shapes. [ornaments]

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.

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.

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!

Inspirational Button Pins

Making fun expressive button pins with free printables.

These inspirational pins were made with two free printables in the store. A few days ago I posted about making earrings using the marbled paper printable. That same printable is used here. What a fun way to express yourself. The pins also make fun little items to share.

For this size of a pin, a 1″ paper punch made cutting the circle easy. Then an appropriate word was chosen and trimmed to fit within the circle. Of course, these printables can be used in various craft projects. These free printables are available through the links below.

Marbled paper printable [Marbled inchies]

Words paper printable [word set]

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon

Glue Bottles
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AZ

Reptile Glue
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AZ

Westcott 8″ Non-Stick Scissors
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AZ

Button Maker
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AZ

1″ Circle Punch
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AZ

Marbled Earrings

Combine resin and cardstock for quick and easy earrings.

Combine cardstock and resin to make a pair of fabulous earrings. I have created a free printable inchie sheet of marbled circular designs for crafting. The first project I made using them was this pair of earrings. You-V resin, a quick-drying resin, made this project quick and easy.

Download the free PDF file from the store: [marbled inches]

I punched out circles using a 1″ paper punch using the printable and solid cardstock. Gluing the blue and the marbled circles together helped add thickness and a bit of weight to the earrings. Resin covers both sides of the glued circles.

Drilling small holes into the resined papers was done to add the ear wires. See the entire video below for the complete tutorial and tips.

Video Tutorial:

The finished earrings in hand also show the shine from the resin and the finished size. This marble pattern suits a variety of different colors found in your wardrobe.

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.

You can find You-V resin products at: https://www.youv.art/?ref=tryit Use code “TRYIT” for a discount.

Ink Blending Brushes

A review of a set of ink blending brushes found on Amazon.

Ink blending brushes are a great tool to have in your crafting arsenal. I wonder if it matters to the brand if they work well? To date, I have been using cosmetic brushes. I recently found this affordable set on Amazon. It includes 5 color-coded brushes and a stand.

The brushes appeared to be similar to the cosmetic brush I had been using. The size and construction were the same. The difference is the color of the handle and the color of the bristles. The brush head did seem to be a bit more compact but I can’t completely consider that as a difference due to the possibility of the use of my brush causing the difference.

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.

This set is the basic colored set but there is also a dark color set available.

Wrinkled Sublimation Necklace

Learn how to create a wrinkled technique for sublimation on jewelry.

with Artesprix

This wrinkle technique creates great results. I first tried it with regular stamp pads and was inspired by not wanting to throw away my used protective paper from sublimation. You can read about that here. [wrinkle technique] Immediately after doing so, I thought why not use the new sublimation ink pads from Artesprix for this technique? So here it is applied to a

Video Tutorial:

To finish off the pendant after sublimating the front, I used permanent black ink on the sides and back of the piece.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, C – Cricut, O – Other

Cricut EasyPress
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AZ | O | C

Heat Resistent Tape
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AZ | O

Jewelry Tool Kit
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AZ

Protective Paper
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AZ | O

Sublimation Ink Pad
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AZ | O

Artesprix Heat Tape Shop at: AZ \| O	Artesprix Protective Paper Shop at: AZ \| O	Artexprix Project Mat Shop at: AZ \| O	Gwen Studios at Walmart Shop at: O	Oliso Mini Iron Shop at: AZ
Pastel Sublimation Markers Shop at: AZ \| O	Sewing Clips Shop at: AZ \| O	Sublimation Ink Pad Shop at: AZ \| O