Check out these simple but adorable craft projects inspired by Encamped Study to remember this season for years to come. Anyone can make them.

Some of the links below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click a link and purchase an item, I will receive a small affiliate commission that helps me to be able to continue with this blog and hopefully continue to inspire you as well.

Crafty time…there is nothing quite like it when I need some time for myself to just enjoy creating. Well I knew I just had to create some fun craft projects to remember my time during the Encamped Study. (Check out more about the study HERE.)

One my most favorite is this felt pennant! We have two troops for Encamped for which I am part of the Troop Sonshine. I wanted to display and show my team spirit with this pennant. I used my Cricut Maker to cut out the felt and then glued the pieces together. If you would like to make your own, CLICK HERE for the cut file in Design Space and even customize for whichever troop you are on. (If you don’t have a Cricut Maker, you could also use a pennant template and cut it out yourself.)

CLICK HERE FOR THE PENNANT CUT FILE IN CRICUT DESIGN SPACE.

I don’t know if you have seen all the rave with the clay bead bracelets, but I am now obsessed with making my own. I knew I had to make one to remember this study with. Now every time I wear these, I am reminded to pray for the ladies of both Troop Sonshine and Troop Godbow. They are so simple to make and can be personalized for anyone. 

To mark pages in my One Step Closer Bible with scripture that really spoke to me heart throughout the study, I made my own paperclips using the badges from the printables Leah designed. I love how they hang down on the page as a fun reminder of this time in the Encamped study. I laminated them using packing tape and just used washi tape to attach them to the paperclip. 

Another simple and fun DIY is to make fabric bow clips. I got a pack of fabric at Michaels that had the perfect assortment with sunshines, rainbows, confetti, and more. These will be perfect for going in my journaling Bible. 

Check out the video below to see all these crafts in more detail as I walk through how to make your very own during this special study. 

 

Now I would love to know which one you plan on making first. Let me know in the comments below and feel free to share your creations with me on social media by tagging me. Happy Crafting and God bless!

Kick off the next school year with a back to school themed wreath using school supplies that is perfect for a homework station or as a gift to your child’s new teacher this year. 

Some of the links below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click a link and purchase an item, I will receive a small affiliate commission that helps me to be able to continue with this blog and hopefully continue to inspire you as well.

I can’t believe I am even about to say this, but it really will be back to school time before we even know it. NO!!!! Summer days are just too much fun with all the sunshine, vacations, lounging poolside, and more. But it’s coming whether we like it or not which is why I am just going to embrace it at this point and create a back to school themed wreath.

What a precious idea to use to decorate a homework station, maybe like this one, or a study/desk area in your child’s room. It’s even great to give as a gift to your child’s new teacher to decorate their classroom door with. I even used school supplies for most of the materials which you can find very inexpensive this time of year. *Now stay tuned because below I have even more wreath ideas from several friends of mine as part of 12 Months of Wreaths.

Supplies: 

• Styrofoam wreath
• Floral pins
• Notebook paper
• Crayons
• Scrabble pieces
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Ribbon
• Miniature chalkboard
• Chalk marker
• Wreath hanger

First your paper should be folded vertically twice until it is only about 2″ wide as shown in image above. Wrap the paper around the wreath and secure in place using a floral pin. *You could also hot glue the paper in place, but the pins make it so much easier and faster. 

Hot glue the crayons to the bottom of the wreath using as many crayons as you prefer.

Hot glue the scrabble pieces to spell “ABC” or any other phrase you like.

Hang ribbon at the middle of the wreath as a banner and place under the floral pins on the back to secure in place.

Write a phrase on the miniature chalkboard using the chalk marker and attach to the back of the wreath under a floral pin.

Wrap ribbon around the top of the wreath for more color and decoration. Tie one piece of ribbon longer to allow for space to hang the wreath.

And that’s all there is to it. This is definitely a project that your kids could join in on with a little help and make together.

Even if we dread the school year, we mine as well embrace it and enjoy every minute that we can. (At least that’s what I’m telling myself so I don’t cry. 😉 )

Now for even more…several of my friends are also sharing their wreath ideas as part of 12 Months of Wreaths. Be sure to check out their loveliness below and follow their blogs as well.

Welcome to 12 Months of Wreaths – July

Thanks again for joining us! We will be sharing a new wreath once a month in 2017!

Are you interested in sharing a wreath with us one (or more) months? We are accepting guest hosts! Email carrie (at) curlycraftymom (dot) com if you are interested!
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Learn how to make the easiest faux succulent and moss wreath with one tool that makes everything come together in less than 30 minutes. 

This post is sponsored by FloraCraft. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise! Some of the links below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click a link and purchase an item, I will receive a small affiliate commission that helps me to be able to continue with this blog and hopefully continue to inspire you as well.

One thing that I am absolutely dreamy about are succulents. Who isn’t these days? The great news is that if you think you have a black thumb, then this craft will still be perfect for you. How about FAUX succulents that are still just as stunning?!

With a touch of moss and a variety of different succulents, you can have the most gorgeous wreath to hang anywhere you like too! I’m celebrating the 12 Months of Wreaths series today with this beauty, but keep reading for several other fun wreath ideas from several friends of mine.

Supplies:

• Styrofoam wreath
• Floral pins
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Faux moss, rolled
• Faux succulents, variety
• Burlap ribbon
• Wreath hanger

These succulents along with the other items I’m using for this faux succulent and moss wreath are from FloraCraft. I have enjoyed using their products on a couple of past projects and couldn’t wait to create something fun with their succulents. They come in so many different colors and varieties. You will just love them!

First, wrap the moss around the outside of the wreath  using hot glue as needed. Place the overlap, if any, on the top side where the succulents will be placed and attach to the wreath using floral pins. These floral pins are what makes this project so easy. You can attach just about anything in no time. I love them!

Next, start laying out your succulents and placing them as desired. I poked them straight into the styrofoam wreath. You don’t have to worry about covering the inside of the wreath with moss because your succulents should hide any of the foam.

Then, measure and wrap a piece of burlap ribbon around the top of the wreath and tie in a knot. You can now hang your wreath and enjoy all that gorgeous nature.

I really can’t get enough of this one and can’t believe I didn’t make one already. I have no clue what I was waiting for!

But now let’s see what wreaths my friends have made for y’all so you can get even more ideas…

 

Bethany at The Southern Couture Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Google+ | Bloglovin’
Mary at Real Girls Realm Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin’

Thanks again for joining us! We will be sharing a new wreath once a month in 2017 so be sure to come back again next month for more creative ideas!

Are you interested in sharing a wreath with us one (or more) months? We are accepting guest hosts! Email carrie (at) curlycraftymom (dot) com if you are interested!

Sounds like you have plenty of wreath ideas for your next craft night. I would love to know which one you choose to make. Please feel free to share or even share one of your own wreath ideas in the comments below. Enjoy! And the greatest of these is love,

Open a whole new window of opportunity in your crafting world by learning how to use iron-on vinyl with Cricut Explore Air 2.

Do you ever walk through your favorite store or mall and see those adorable shirts with the hand lettered quotes and designs? I see them all the time now with handlettering becoming so popular and wish I could buy all of them. But let’s be honest. My budget will just not allow for it and neither will the lack of space in my closet due to all the other stuff.

Well here’s the fun part of this whole “catastrophe.” You don’t have to worry about walking away from that gorgeous shirt you just think you can’t live without because now you can make your own!! Thanks to the Cricut Explore Air 2! (Remember me mentioning it last week in THIS post. Well we are back for Part 2 of this series.)

The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut just about any material you can think of. One of those is Iron-On Vinyl which means your budget can now afford to have those beautiful shirts plus anything else you can think of that you want to personalize.

How to Use Iron-On Vinyl with Cricut Explore Air 2

Now don’t feel intimidated or worried that this is difficult or think you will ruin all your clothes in the process. With a few tips and tricks, you will be starting in no time. You don’t even have to come up with your own design. With the Cricut Design Space software, you can pick a ready-to-make project and have your project finished in no time. Below is what the design space looks like when you first open it.

Below is also the apron I made so you can see the finished project, but keep reading for more detailed instructions.

I searched under the Fashion category to see what projects were there because I knew I really wanted to use the iron-on vinyl. I came across this apron that read “Hangry” with the definition below. Anyone that knows me knows that Hangry is basically my middle name. I have been like this from birth so it’s not really my fault, right? 😉

 

Once I clicked on the project, a list of supplies that I would need along with simple instructions to complete the project were right there at my fingertips. None of us can use the excuse that we just aren’t creative enough because Cricut has taken care of the hard part for us with their ready-to-make projects.

The apron originally showed up on the cutting mat in the software as a lighter grey or white. My apron I used is black so I wanted to change the color so it would appear more realistic of my final project.

• #1 Look on the right side of the screen and click Canvas. You can then choose the type and size of your apron. This is especially helpful to make sure your vinyl cut isn’t too large at the end.
• #2 Change the color of the apron if needed.

You notice above the lettering was black automatically therefore I needed to change the font to the color of the iron-on vinyl.

• #1 Click on Layers.
• #2 Click on the white box for the layer you are working on. For this project there is only one layer so I clicked the white box below welded image.
• #3 Click the color of the iron-on vinyl you are using.

If you are happy with the way everything looks, then you are ready to save. Once you click save, you will see a screen to name your project. After you have saved, click the little green Cricut logo at the top that says “Go” and you will next see a preview screen of the cutting mat.

On the left, you will see the cutting settings.

• #1 Make sure you have the correct mat size chosen. Be sure to click the small box to choose “mirror image” due to using the iron-on vinyl or your final project will be backwards.
• #2 Before pressing Go, make sure to load your material on the mat as the font is being shown on the preview mat. Place the liner side down when using iron-on vinyl. The machine makes a “kiss cut” because iron-on has a clear backing on it that allows you to transfer the cut to your apron. Then press Go to get started.

The next screen shows the setting that the actual Cricut machine is set too.

• Be sure to change the dial setting on the machine for the material you are using. Your material should already be adhered to the mat.
• You will see the flashing double arrow button on the machine waiting for you to load. Place the mat into the machine under the side grooves and press the arrow button. The machine will then pull the mat inside and wait for you to press the final Go button.

• The machine will recognize the mat is loaded and then the Cricut logo button on the machine will start flashing. Push that button and now you just let the machine do the cutting.

While the machine cuts, you will see to the left on the screen I progress bar and also in the middle of the screen telling you the cut is in progress. Once the cut is complete press the flashing arrow button again to unload the mat, and you are ready to remove the vinyl.

Remove the negative, or unused, vinyl from the mat leaving the font still adhered.

Cricut has a weeding tool that helps to get the small pieces of vinyl when there are more intricate cuts. Underneath the vinyl on the mat, you will notice a clear film after removing all negative vinyl. This is what you get with a “kiss cut” so you can transfer the vinyl easily. Remove the liner with the vinyl attached and set aside.

Set your iron to the cotton or linen setting which is usually the hottest setting and turn off the steam function if possible. Use your iron to preheat the area you will be placing the vinyl to for about 15 seconds.

Place the weeded image to the apron with the liner side up. You should be able to read the lettering. Cover the image with a light dish towel and iron over the towel where the vinyl is below for about 30 seconds with medium pressure.

Then flip the material over and iron with medium pressure for another 30 seconds. You do not have to use the dish towel for the back. Do not leave the heat for too long or you will start to see the vinyl melting.

Let the material cool and then remove the film. This is the best part for me as I hold my breath each time in amazement at how easy the vinyl adheres and the film is removed.

Now you get the fun part of wearing the apron of shirt you have made without worrying about breaking the bank or your budget in the process. You will even be amazed at the compliments you of people wanting to know where they can one of their own. What they need to know is that they need a Cricut too and have been missing out.

Let me know what project you have in mind to get started on right away. Be sure to check out the Cricut Design Space software for ideas. If you have more questions about the Cricut Explore Air 2, be sure to check out week 1 of this series from last week with all the details. Stay tuned for next week where I’ll be sharing how you can upload your own designs and images to use in the software. (There may just be a free printable for your Bible journaling or planners too ;).)

Be sure to check out the Cricut Explore Air 2 and even get you some of your own Iron-On Vinyl HERE!

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Get to know the Cricut Explore Air 2, the one crafting tool that will change your life with endless possibilities and crafts.

If you are here reading this, then you would probably agree with me that you love one of the following categories: DIY & Crafts, Bible Journaling, Planners, Party Planning & Decorating, Papercrafting, etc. Would you believe me if I told you that you could buy ONE, only one, craft tool that you could use for all these categories and even more?

YES, it is true! That’s exactly why I love the Cricut Explore Air 2 so much. Besides all the awesome features that I will explain more below, this machine can be used for just about any DIY & craft project that you can think of. Talk about life-changing!

When I find something that has been super helpful and enjoyable for me, I love being able to share with you too so that hopefully you can find the same joy I do in creating beautiful things. Then you can only imagine my excitement when this mint beauty showed up on my doorsteps. The style, color, and design are just so chic and gorgeous.

Now what exactly is a Cricut Explore Air 2? Cricut refers to it as a DIY speed machine which I thought was so clever. It is a smart cutting machine that will cut and write giving you the option to make projects with over 100 different materials. Below are some of the highlights and features of this incredible tool (Credit: Cricut.com):

• The most precise cutting, writing, and scoring technology    
• Cuts 100+ materials   
• Easily design your project on PC, tablet, or smartphone  
• 60,000+ project and design ideas to kick-start any project
• Double tool holder for one-click cutting and writing   
• Works wirelessly via Bluetooth®
• UP TO 2 TIMES FASTER CUTTING AND WRITING

They have different mats to use depending on the material you are using and how much “stickiness” you are going to need for the material to adhere.

Their range of supplies also makes working with different material and even tedious cuts a breeze.

The machine also comes with a Smart Set dial to adjust depending on the material you are using. Then the machine adjust the pressure and speed appropriately.

If you aren’t feeling quite so creative and worry about trying to come up with your own project, then have no fear because Cricut has that covered too. You can use their software, Cricut Design Space, to choose from tons of projects that have already been designed and are just waiting for you to get started.

One feature that I just absolutely love is the “print then cut” feature. I use printables for Bible journaling all the time. The hard part though is making intricate cuts myself with just scissors on more detailed printables. This machine takes care of that hard work for me now. I cannot wait to utilize this feature even more now and take advantage of printables for not only my journaling Bible but also in my planner.

Ever seen those gorgeous handmade cards and envelopes and wondered how people do it? Well you can too because there is also a scoring stylus that makes cardmaking a breeze. You will get to impress everyone else now too.

Perhaps an adorable shirt design is also in my near future using the Cricut Iron-on Vinyl. You will have to keep following along to see and hopefully make one with me. We can be twinsies!

I have some fun projects planned and can’t wait to share more of what is to come in the near future using my Cricut Explore Air 2 with all of you. This is actually the first post of a mini series where I will be sharing how to get started with a ready-to-make project of your own and also making a project from scratch using the Cricut Design Space. Next week will include Part 2 so don’t miss that!

If you are interested in a machine of your own and want to join this journey along with me, then be sure to CLICK HERE to find out more details and get to shopping right away!

If you already have a machine, let me know in the comments below what your favorite material to work with is. I can’t wait to try out some leather too!

Happy Crafting!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.