Come meet the Cricut EasyPress Tote and its features to truly change your crafting game and make it simpler for more crafting on the go.
Thank you to Cricut for sponsoring this post. 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.
Crafting has never been more easy, versatile, and just pure joy than it is now. You are no longer stuck in your craft room to enjoy all the fun alone. Grab your Cricut EasyPress 2 and take it on the go with you to your friend’s house and have a blast. Take it on the go? Why yes! Now it’s even easier with the Cricut EasyPress Tote.
The tote of course comes in all three sizes to fit the EasyPress 2 and can even hold the original Cricut EasyPress. Also grab your accessories, safety base, and mat. They can come along for the fun too and fit right inside your tote with ease.
The tote has a thick padded material that is heat-resistant to protect the tote and machine. You can keep the EasyPress 2 in place for transport easily with the velcro strap on top.
Probably my favorite feature is the extra pocket on the front and back. The front zipper pulls with ease and the back pocket has a magnetic closure.
If you need more space in the back pocket of the large tote, the pocket unzips on the sides to make it even more spacious. I can even carry my mat in here with the accessories easily. Cricut thought of everything.
Now let’s talk about quality and options. You can either carry the tote by the shoulder strap which is extremely durable. The large tote has a padded shoulder strap that you can remove by velcro to easily adjust where you need it. If you want to carry it by hand, the leather handle is not only strong but also just stunning.
Also a quick note for anyone that has the original EasyPress. You will need the large tote to fit it best.
Stay tuned because I’ll be sharing more about the Cricut EasyPress Totes in a few weeks with a fun project and some unexpected materials used for iron-on. Now who wants to plan their next craft party at a friend’s house? Grab your EasyPress Tote and get going!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Meet-the-Cricut-EasyPress-Tote-and-Its-Features-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2019-03-13 05:00:412019-03-13 11:26:06Meet the Cricut EasyPress Tote and Its Features
Learn how to make keepsake letters to Santa with felt envelope using the Cricut Maker. You can cut the felt using the rotary blade and even draw your own custom stationery.
Christmas is HERE finally, and I seriously couldn’t be happier! I anticipate this time of year all year long. Seriously, I just can’t help myself. This year is particularly special now that I have my baby boy. It’s his first Christmas which means I get to experience the joy of seeing Christmas for the first time through the eyes of a child. There aren’t too many things much better than that.
As a fun and new tradition that we can start in our home this year, I had to design a fun keepsake letter to Santa for baby boy to send to the North Pole each year. Of course I know what he wants even though he is only 8 months old. Mommy and Daddy will fill out his letter for now. 😉 I can’t wait for you to see how this whole little felt envelope and letters to Santa stationery comes together. Grab the design and cut files HERE.
I used my Cricut Maker to literally do everything for me except actually writing the letter. It makes this whole project a breeze and something that would even be fun to give as a gift for another family to enjoy too. Check out this post HERE too if you want to know more about what all the Maker can really do.
To make it easier to walk through the steps, I created a video that does just that if you want to check it out too. Below you will also find more pictures and me sharing my heart behind this cuteness if you enjoy that too.
Once you open the project in Cricut Design Space, it will prompt you to follow all the steps to cutting out all of the different elements. Let’s start with weeding the iron-on vinyl. To weed the iron-on vinyl for the front of the envelope, I used my BrightPad. There are several intricate cuts which are so much easier to weed with this little beauty.
The Cricut Maker also cuts fabric and felt. It’s almost unbelievable. I used the rotary blade for both of these and the scoring wheel made it a breeze for the creases in the envelope when I put it together.
You can’t apply iron-on vinyl and fusible fabric any easier than with the EasyPress 2. I used the 6″ x 7″ and loved how it was done in less than a minute.
Once you have all the elements in place on the envelope, use a hot glue gun to assemble the envelope on the back.
Now what’s an envelope if it’s empty. You have to have the letters to Santa stationery. Your Cricut Maker will not only cut out the notecards but also write on the letters for the cutest design using the Cricut Pens.
Now all you need to do is have your kids fill out their letters and stick them in the felt envelope to be “mailed” to Santa Claus. I love the idea of having this every year for kids to fill out and then us Moms can keep them as a sentimental memory to look back at each year of what the kids wanted. You could even make an envelope for each child to store their letters in each year.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/How-to-Make-Keepsake-Letters-to-Santa-with-Felt-Envelope-Using-the-Cricut-Maker-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2018-11-28 05:00:272018-11-27 13:16:09How to Make Keepsake Letters to Santa with Felt Envelope Using the Cricut Maker
Today I’m answering Cricut Maker questions plus a DIY journal tutorial to get you started with your first Maker project. Find out why you need this machine and all the fun materials you can cut for any project.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine. 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.
We talked recently about taking your crafting game to another level with the Cricut Maker. If you have a Maker, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m obsessed with it. I shared before 10 Things I Love About My Cricut Maker, but today I’m answering 5 of the most popular Cricut Maker FAQ’s.
But stick around because then I’m going to share the full detailed tutorial of how to make this journal yourself with chipboard, the knife blade, and of course my beloved Cricut Maker.
5 Top Cricut Maker FAQ’s
First the Maker can cut hundreds of materials from chipboard to fabric to vinyl. It even has a rotary blade that glides through fabric so easily. If you love to sew or what to learn more skills, you will find a huge library of sewing patterns in Cricut’s Design Space to really help out. With its adaptive tool system, you are getting commercial grade cutting power but in the comfort of your PJ’s.
1. What makes the Maker different from other Cricut machines?
The Maker machine has this adaptive tool system that allows for using several different tools interchangeably allowing you to cut hundreds of materials. Below is a list of the tools that the Maker uses for all different kinds of projects.
fine point blade
deep point blade
rotary blade
knife blade
single scoring wheel
double scoring wheel
fine point pen
calligraphy pen
washable fabric pen
The Maker can cut fabric which is unlike any of their other machines by using the rotary blade. Because of these sewing features, the Maker gives you access to hundreds of digital sewing patterns.
The knife blade allows you to cut through thicker materials such as chipboard and leather.
You no longer have a cut dial on top for setting the cut pressure. Design Space talks to your Maker to give precise cuts every time.
If you already have blades from previous machines, you can still use them with the Maker.
2. Will I use the machine enough to justify the price?
Before I started using the Cricut Maker, I am going to be completely honest. I had this same thought because it can do so much I was afraid I would get overwhelmed. I figured I wouldn’t really use it to its full capacity. Man was I wrong. Once I started, I couldn’t wait to keep learning and trying all different kinds of projects.
I have definitely created so many projects now of all different varieties using my Cricut Maker that I have easily paid for the machine and more. Creating customized t-shirts and having them ordered isn’t going to be inexpensive. Now I can create my own whenever I want to. I have made my own leather travelers notebooks for Bible studies which has saved me a ton of money. If you love to sew then you are going to have access to tons of sewing patterns as I mentioned above. That is a huge savings within itself.
3. What materials can I cut?
Hundreds of different kinds actually. Most people think of a cutting machine only cutting paper or cardstock, but with the Cricut Maker you can cut just about anything. Below is a list of just a few categories of what can be cut.
delicate paper
fabric
leather
balsa wood
chipboard
felt
vinyl
iron-on vinyl
4. Will it be easy for me to use the software to create projects?
You will use Cricut’s Design Space software to make just about any project you want. Here is the great part. There are literally tons and tons and tons of projects already loaded there for you to just pick. The Design Space® software is even available for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®. And what’s even better is that they have a whole category of projects to pick from that are designed especially for the Cricut Maker.
I love being able to design my own projects or ideas and then use them in a project to make them come alive. The Maker allows you to upload those projects into the Cricut Design Space software in a variety of different types of files. Then you can use the Maker to cut out your own custom made designs and projects.
5. What add-ons do I need to use the machine and how expensive will it be?
The Maker comes with several items to get you started for your first few projects that I will list below. You don’t have to purchase these separate to get started. Most people will at least have scrapbook paper or cardstock already on hand which means you don’t have to purchase anything extra. How nice is that?
Cricut Rotary Blade + Drive Housing
Cricut Premium Fine Point Blade + Housing
Fine Point Pen
FabricGrip Mat 12″x12″
LightGrip Mat 12″x12″
Welcome book
USB cable
Power adapter
Cricut Access free trial membership
50 free ready-to-make projects, including 25 sewing patterns
Materials for your first project
So here’s the great part about Cricut. When you are shopping for your Maker, Cricut offers bundle packages that are a great value for everything that is included. Not only will you get your Maker machine and everything listed above, but you can choose from getting a variety of materials or even a sewing themed bundle. The bundles save you a ton of money rather than just buying the items separately.
Make Your Own Journal
Now let’s see that Maker machine and all its magic being put to work with this DIY journal tutorial. You can click HERE to get all the designs I’m using for this tutorial in Cricut Design Space. All you have to do is click “Make it now.” (I also love making my own leather travelers notebooks which I shared before in a tutorial HERE.)
I have made a couple videos showing how the whole journal came together walking you through the process and how the BrightPad makes weeding this vinyl cover a breeze. Keep reading after the video though to see more of the products that I used as well.
Today let’s check out how the knife blade works for cutting chipboard to make our front and back cover. Place your chipboard on the StrongGrip mat and use masking tape around the edges to adhere it to the mat even better.
To decorate the cover, I chose a floral patterned design in Design Space and cut it out of vinyl. Because the design has so many intricate cuts, weeding would have been much more difficult if I hadn’t used my BrightPad. The BrightPad illuminates the cut lines with an adjustable LED light. I used the weeding tool from the weeding tools set and had my cover done in no time.
I placed the vinyl cut on a piece of scrapbook paper from the Whimsical Garden set from Cricut and then adhered the paper to the front cover using a scrapbook adhesive.
I added more pages from that same paper set and cut them down to size using a paper trimmer.
Next decorate the pages as you choose. One element I loved adding are the envelopes I made with the Maker and scrapbook paper. The Maker adds score lines with the scoring tool making it so simple to fold and put these envelopes together.
Line up the covers and pages together and hole punch the pages. Once they are done, insert 2 album rings in the holes to keep it all together. I used 1″ rings.
The cutting ruler is so easy to use by just placing the knife right up against the grooves on it for a straight and clean cut every time.
Once all the pieces were cut, I tied them around the rings. I just love this little extra touch.
Now I have my own journal that I made myself using the Cricut Maker. I can’t wait to use it for my next devotional, Bible study, or even for some memory keeping. What will you be using your journal for? Please let me know if you have any other Cricut Maker questions in the comments below, and I would love to answer them.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut . The opinions and text are all mine.
Create your own customized family collection of baseball shirts using the Cricut Maker just in time for the baseball post season or maybe even for one of your little one’s next games.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine. 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.
If there is one thing I love about being able to make my own shirt designs with the Cricut Maker, it has to be creating a family collection. With my baby boy being 6 months old, I love to create matching shirts for our little family of 3. But when you are a baseball loving family, you have to create your own jersey style t-shirts. (Keep reading for the direct link to the designs in Cricut’s Design Space to make your own.)
The creation of these shirts actually comes from a very special place in my heart. I had dreamed for many years of me and my husband taking our son to his first baseball game. I couldn’t wait to see him wearing a matching baseball hat just like his Daddy. Well those dreams were quickly shadowed as conceiving wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. (Check out more about our baby story HERE. )
When I became pregnant, I knew I would be ecstatic with either a boy or a girl but a small part of my heart wanted to see my husband holding his son at a baseball game. When they told us he was a boy at that special ultrasound, the first thing I thought about was this special dream. Several months later, I created this collection of family baseball shirts for us to wear to his first game.
But why the specific numbers I used on the back? Well that happens to be his birthday. I just loved using the month, day, and year for all of our shirts. His Daddy’s shirt had to say Coach as he can’t wait to start teaching him how to throw that curveball. I am Team Mom of course, and he is our little Rookie. MVP would also be a great choice to customize the back.
I am thrilled and overjoyed to share this dream come true of mine. He had a blast watching the game. We still haven’t got that matching baseball hat as he is a bit too small for one just yet, but it will come for sure.
Well he made it about half the game before completing zonking out on Mom. What a trooper he was though.
Along with his adorable t-shirt were these blue baseball shoes that matched perfectly. Another goodie I found while I was pregnant and couldn’t wait for him to wear.
I simply couldn’t have made these without my Cricut Maker and iron-on vinyl. Check out the video below to see how I layered the different colors of iron-on vinyl with several tips to make it easier as well.
Then I applied the iron-on vinyl with my EasyPress 2 which truly makes this a breeze. I can’t believe I ever used an iron before. I will never go back now. It saves me so much time and effort. You can now grab yours HERE and in 3 different sizes depending on your project.
To create your own family collection, click here for the Dad, Mom, and Child shirt. You can click “Customize” in Cricut Design Space to change the numbers or names if you prefer.
I can’t wait for you to create your own collection for your family and just in time for the baseball World Series. These would also be great for a football loving family too. Enjoy and happy crafting!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Customized-Family-Collection-of-Baseball-Shirts-Using-the-Cricut-Maker-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2018-10-22 05:00:002018-10-22 21:12:05Customized Family Collection of Baseball Shirts Using the Cricut Maker
Check out this family collection of DIY Fall themed shirts using the Cricut Maker just in time for all your family trips to fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and hay rides.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine. 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.
Fall!!! I couldn’t be more excited and giddy when this time of year has arrived. Definitely my favorite season with the start of pumpkins and leaves changing color to Christmas and tree decorating. I thought it would be fun now that I have my little guy here to design a family collection of DIY fall themed shirts using the Cricut Maker.
I wore a shirt last year that read “Don’t eat the pumpkin seeds.” For this year, I wanted to play on that same phrase now that I have my baby boy to take to pumpkin patches with me. And of course, I couldn’t share this with y’all and not include a fun picture or two of us at the pumpkin patch.
I designed one for my son using the patterned iron-on vinyl and decided for a more black and white theme that would really pop against all the orange pumpkins. His says “Mommy’s Little Pumpkin”. Get the design and cut file in Design Space HERE.
For my shirt, it reads “I ate the pumpkin seeds” and my husband’s says “I tried to warn her about the pumpkin seeds.” Grab the Mom design HERE and the Dad design HERE.
I just love this matching theme for our little family especially after visiting the pumpkin patch last year while I was pregnant with my baby boy. I guess I didn’t learn my lesson about the pumpkins seeds. 😉
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Family-Collection-of-DIY-Fall-Themed-Shirts-using-the-Cricut-Maker-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2018-10-03 05:00:002018-10-03 09:08:59Family Collection of DIY Fall Themed Shirts using the Cricut Maker
Get ready for those adorable trick-or-treaters with a Halloween party candy table using Cricut Maker. Learn how to make a candy bag, treat bags, and party decor.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine. 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.
We are officially starting the most fun and exciting season of the year with one holiday after another. Let’s kick these next few months of partying off with a bang. Cue the confetti! We shall begin with Halloween, adorable DIY Halloween costumes, and DIY Halloween crafts. I say we shall declare this year a handmade Halloween starting with my Halloween party candy table using Cricut Maker.
If you have ever wanted to throw a party that looked like something right out of a magazine but didn’t have the time to spend making every last detail perfect, then you have come to the right place. The Cricut Maker is here to make all those dreams come true. I recently shared 10 things I love about my Cricut Maker. Check out that post to see more goodness of all this incredible machine can do.
The Maker can cut hundreds of materials from chipboard to fabric to vinyl. I can’t wait to show you these specific ones today too. It even has a rotary blade that glides through fabric so easily. If you love to sew or what to learn more skills, you will find a huge library of sewing patterns in Cricut’s Design Space to really help out.
So let’s get this party started and let me show you how to create your own candy table that every kid of any age will enjoy. A candy table isn’t complete without lots of candy right? This canvas candy bag is my absolute favorite. My 2nd favorite thing is the “Child Candy Tax” rule especially when you get those peanut butter cups.
I made this bag using everyday iron-on vinyl and fusible fabric. Yes, the maker even cuts fabric. How cool is that? You can click HERE to go straight to Design Space and find the project there. Cut out your materials first. I used the fine point blade for the vinyl and the rotary blade for the fabric.
The font I chose for the everyday iron-on has some more intricate cuts which is why I love weeding it with the BrightPad. No more straining my eyes. And trust me when I say this is a lifesaver because there’s nothing worst than weeding the wrong part of your cut and having to redo it. (Not that I know from personal experience or anything. 😉 )
The picture below is my everyday iron-on vinyl placed on top of the BrightPad. You can see the cut lines so easily making it a breeze to weed.
I placed my cuts on the canvas bag and then used my brand new EasyPress 2 to iron them on. Another lifesaver! You can apply your materials in less than 1-2 minutes. No more elbow grease with the iron to get vinyl to actually adhere.
And while I’m talking about the new EasyPress 2, check out my recent post talking more about its features. I share a tutorial for making this embroidery hoop decor for my son’s nursery.
Now for that “boo-tiful” centerpiece. (See what I did there. I just crack myself up sometimes. 😉 ) That “boo” decoration is made out of chipboard. Yes, the Maker can cut chipboard. Click HERE to get the project in Design Space now.
Place the chipboard on the StrongGrip (purple) mat and tape it down using masking tape. This really helps to make sure the chipboard doesn’t move during the cut and mess up. You can easily remove the masking tape once it’s done.
You will use the knife blade to cut chipboard. *Be prepared to wait for the Maker to cut the chipboard as it makes numerous passes to really make sure it has been cut through completely.
After it finished cutting, I painted it navy blue and hot glued a small dowel rod to the back. Place a piece of styrofoam in the bottom of the canvas bag and then the dowel rod will stand easily inside the styrofoam. (This would also be cute to cut one for a wreath.)
I wanted kids to have a way to take some candy with them as they leave the party as a sort of party favor which is where these miniature gift bags come in handy. Cut your gift bags out HERE in Design Space.
I used the Maker scoring wheel to make it even easier to fold the cardstock to put these together. The scoring wheel gives an extra-deep score line.
I folded on the score lines and used an adhesive runner to attach the bottoms and sides. For the pumpkins, I used Cricut’s cardstock and deluxe paper. For the word “boo” on the pumpkins, I used the Cricut pens and the Maker to write it out for me. Adhere the pumpkins to the front of the bags and tie bakers twine through the holes for the handles.
The candy corn decorations are a craft I made several years ago. You can find the full tutorial HERE.
Now you just need to add some candy and a few pumpkins and you are all set for a fun Halloween party candy table. Now let’s all give a round of applause to the Maker for doing just about anything I need it to for any occasion.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Halloween-Party-Candy-Table-using-Cricut-Maker-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2018-09-26 05:00:262018-09-25 19:54:23Halloween Party Candy Table using Cricut Maker
Today I’m showing you an update on my Illustrated Faith planner and tips for organization in your life. I’ve been using mine for both a home planner as well as scripture writing and love the way it is going.
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.
Any other planner fanatics out there like myself? I love having a paper planner with everything written down and organized right in front of me. I love adding fun details, stickers, and washi tape to make the pages even prettier. A little while ago, I shared with y’all the new 2018-2019 planner from Illustrated Faith and Dayspring.
I thought it would be fun to share an update on how my planning has been going since then as I wanted to use it for home and blog planning as well as scripture writing. Plus I’ve also got some more great tips for organizing your life and how to use your planner to do so. Hope you enjoy the video (or keep reading if that’s more your style).
I decided this month to keep things a little more simple and added a thin strip of washi to the top and center of each page to divide one side for life planning and the other side for scripture writing. I added a few stickers for embellishments as well.
I also found that not designating a particular color washi or pen for each category of my life made it so much easier to stay organized because I didn’t feel constrained if I didn’t have it with me. I wanted to be able to go ahead and jot things down before I forgot. Use whatever system works best for you though.
I absolutely love this planner and all the designs so much and hope you will grab yours if you haven’t already. It is an 18 month planner so it will go through the end of 2019. That’s great because it’s not too late to grab yours.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Update-on-My-Illustrated-Faith-Planner-and-Tips-for-Organization-in-Your-Life-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2018-09-07 05:00:252018-09-06 15:54:45Update on My Illustrated Faith Planner and Tips for Organization in Your Life
Decorating for a baby’s room is one of the most exciting times and can be so fun with this tutorial for a nursery embroidery hoop decor made in 10 Minutes with the Cricut EasyPress 2.
Decorating for my son’s room was and continues to be one of the most rewarding and gratifying projects. Everything baby is just so adorable and so much fun to decorate with. Because I love all things DIY, I knew I would want to make some decorations for his room using my Cricut Maker. Then all of a sudden, Cricut took my whole crafting world to another level (which I didn’t think was possible) when they introduced the EasyPress 2. And how adorable is that raspberry color too?
I made this embroidery hoop decor in less than 10 minutes thanks to the faster heat up time of the EasyPress 2 and Cricut’s Iron-On Designs. They have lots and lots of designs ready for you to just apply to anything you want. Several are also baby themed and perfect for a nursery. You have no excuse for not crafting now. 😉
Using Cricut’s everyday iron-on and other various iron-on materials is a favorite go-to of mine. I knew I just had to use mine for my son’s outfits and even his nursery decor. No more using an iron and lots of elbow grease. So what exactly is the EasyPress 2? It has a ceramic-coated heat plate that gives an even, dry heat for applying iron-on materials. The results are flawless and stunning.
They now have 3 unique sizes in 6×7, 9×9, and 12×10 depending on the size of your project. How fun is that?! They may have just thought of everything seriously. The 6×7 is perfect for making those customized baby onesies too. The EasyPress 2 is so easy and simple to learn how to use so let’s get crafting for that little one in your life too.
Turn on your EasyPress 2 and let it begin to heat up. It now has an even faster heat up time with temperatures up to 400 degrees F for cotton fabric. Set the temperature for the iron-on designs to 340 degrees F. (You can find more heat setting recommendations Cricut’s website depending on the material you are using.)
Place the material on top of the EasyPress mat and the preheat your fabric for 5 seconds by placing the EasyPress 2 directly on the material.
Then place the EasyPress 2 back on its safety base while you position the design. I absolutely love this base because I don’t have to worry about my workspace when I’m not using it.
Position the design on your fabric and then position the EasyPress 2 directly on the lining with moderate pressure. Press the Cricut “C” button to start the timer for 30 seconds.
Apply heat to the back of the fabric for about 15 seconds. Allow the liner to cool and then remove.
Now that your design is applied in less than a minute, you just need to position it within the embroidery hoop, tighten the hoop, and then trim the excess fabric.
And that’s all there is to it. I’m absolutely in love with my little boy’s and can’t wait to make even more very soon. What would you like to make with the EasyPress 2?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Nursery-Embroidery-Hoop-Decor-Made-in-10-Minutes-with-the-Cricut-EasyPress-2-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2018-09-05 05:00:202018-09-05 11:42:16Nursery Embroidery Hoop Decor Made in 10 Minutes with the Cricut EasyPress 2
I love having small journals to use for my devotionals and now you can make your own with this tutorial to make a leather travelers notebook with the Cricut Maker.
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.
It’s no secret that every month when I start a new devotional that I love to have a place to write notes and ideas so that I can look back at them later and reference them. When I found a way to not only personalize a journal but also create one myself, I was hooked. I am currently working through the Revival Camp devotional series and couldn’t be more excited to share this little creation with all of you. No matter what you choose to use the travelers notebook for, you are absolutely going to love it.
I recently shared with y’all my love for the Cricut Maker and even shared 10 Things I Love about the Cricut Maker. In that post, I gave a little sneak peek of this travelers notebook. I have been so excited and anxious to finally show you how you can make one too, especially if you are joining Revival Camp. You can actually cut genuine leather at home in any design you want using the Maker. This is a total game changer for someone like myself that enjoys Bible journaling and papercrafting in general.
Below are some screenshots of Cricut Design Space to help guide you through the process, but I thought it would be fun to also share a video showing you what I did to hopefully make it even easier. Grab yourself a sweet treat and enjoy. Then wash those sticky fingers and start creating.
To get started, all you need to do is click MY SAVED PROJECT HERE that will take you through the whole process. You can click “Make It” to have your Maker start cutting right away or “Customize” if you would like to change any of the dimensions or add any other design elements.
Once you are ready to make your project, Design Space will walk you through the entire process of setting up your mats and even checking for the correct blade.
Below is a process video showing you the specifics of using the Cricut Maker and how the whole travelers notebook came together.
I used embroidery floss as mentioned in the video to add some color and design to the front cover for which I tied in a knot on the back cover and then hot glued the floss in place to secure it more.
I also thread the embroidery floss through the center of the pages and tied in a knot with hot glue to secure.
If I haven’t said it enough, this Cricut Maker has become a real game changer for me. I love that I can make my own personalized journals and add my own little touches of journaling cards, diecuts, and so much more. Make sure to check out the Maker and Revival Camp for August before the kits are sold out.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Make-a-Leather-Travelers-Notebook-with-the-Cricut-Maker-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2018-08-24 05:00:172018-08-23 21:31:03Make a Leather Travelers Notebook with the Cricut Maker
It is my joy to share with y’all the top 10 things I love about my Cricut Maker because the crafting and project creations are now endless. You will be amazed at how many doors this is going to open up for you.
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.
Have you ever just sat and dreamed of a million different projects that you wanted to make but thought it would be too difficult or expensive? Maybe that’s just me, but I doubt it. 😉 Well I’m here today to let you know that your dreams are about to come true just like they have for me recently. The answer is the Cricut Maker!!
If you have heard of the Maker before, then you know exactly how powerful this little machine can really be. If you haven’t, then be prepared for your mind to be blown. I’m excited for you to learn all about it today, so let’s dive in to my top 10 things I love about my Cricut Maker so you can start having some fun too.
Yes, you read that correctly. Hundreds! Most people think of a cutting machine only cutting paper or cardstock, but with the Cricut Maker you can cut just about anything. Below is a list of just a few categories of what can be cut.
delicate paper
fabric
leather
balsa wood
chipboard
felt
vinyl
iron-on vinyl
#2: The Adaptive Tool System
This machine actually cuts with 10x more cutting power with commercial grade power. The cutting technology controls the direction of the blade and cut pressure to match whatever material you are using. This type of versatility between materials is a game changer for sure.
#3: The Many, Many Tools
Because the Maker is so widespread in the possibilities and projects you create, there are so many different tools that you can switch out and use for whatever your crafting need is. They can easily be changed out using the clamps in the machine. Below is a list of the tools that are available to use from cutting to writing and even help with sewing projects.
fine point blade
deep point blade
rotary blade
knife blade
single scoring wheel
double scoring wheel
fine point pen
calligraphy pen
washable fabric pen
#4: Sewing projects are now SUPER simple.
There are tons of digital patterns available from Simplicity®, Riley Blake™, and more in Cricut Design Space that you can use to cut out your fabric perfectly. The machine will make all the marks and cuts you need to make is so easy. Then you just remove the fabric and sew it together. Some projects could even use fabric glue if sewing is not your specialty. The Maker also cuts the fabric being sure to leave enough seam allowance by marking the fabric with the washable fabric pen. How cool is that?! I have a sewing machine and hopefully plan to use it more often now that I have the Maker to help too.
#5: Sleek Storage for all the Tools
When you open the top cover, the front door lowers itself and a storage compartment is there for any tools you may want to keep close on hand. The storage compartment has also been designed with 4 different sections to keep all the different accessories and tools organized. One section is for the larger tools, another smaller one for smaller tools like the scraper, and one for your tool drive housings. Another smaller section has a magnetic strip where you can store your replacement blades and not lose them. Genius!
On top of the machine is a storage cup as well with a deep and shallow section padded with silicone on the bottom to protect the integrity of the tools. The shallow pocket is a great place to store the different blades as the silicone will protect them from chipping as well.
#6: Docking Slot for Tablet or Smartphone
You can easily place your tablet or smartphone on top of the machine in a specific slot while the Maker is cutting your project for your easy reference. You can also use the USB port on the side to charge your device so no worries of it dying right in the middle of a cut or project.
#7: Use Your Own Designs
I love being able to design my own projects or ideas and then use them in a project to make them come alive. The Maker allows you to upload those projects into the Cricut Design Space software in a variety of different types of files. Then you can use the Maker to cut out your own custom made designs and projects.
#8: Writing with Pens and even Calligraphy
Have you ever received a Christmas card in the mail that had the most beautifully written calligraphy for the address? BUT, you sit there wishing you could write just as pretty on your cards too. Well now you can. The Maker will also write for you using fine point pens and with calligraphy pens. You could even design wedding invitations, party invites, etc. without having to have professional handwriting.
#9: Using Design Space is so EASY
The Design Space software that we have all loved for years can still be used with the Maker. The Design Space® software is even available for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®. There are lots of make-it-now projects especially made for the Maker and its new features. I love that I can search for any project idea and find tons of inspiration. Then all I have to do is click “Make It” and the project comes to life so easily. As y’all know I love Bible journaling and couldn’t resist making this traveler’s notebook to use for journaling scripture and working through my devotional.
The project was already there for me. I cut out the leather and paper using the Maker and customized the title for my journal using Cricut’s printable iron-on but you could also use the printable vinyl. There are step-by-step instructions for each project making it so simple and easy to create in no time.
I used embroidery floss to add the green accents and hot glued my leather straps to the front and back. I also hot glued the floss on the back after tying it off just to be sure it was secure.
I added the deluxe paper pages in the woodlands and campin’ out collection. I placed them inside the leather and then thread more of the embroidery floss through the center and tied it off in a knot. I secured with a small dot of hot glue.
I am absolutely in love with how this turned out and can’t wait to make many more for more of my devotionals in the future. I will be using this particular one for a camp themed devotional. It turned out just perfect!
#10: The Knife Blade Cuts even Wood and Chipboard
How cool is it that there is a machine that you can actually have in your home to cut custom wood designs?! The Maker can do exactly that using the knife blade. I made these adorable animals for my son’s room using chipboard and the knife blade. The project was already in Design Space. All I did was let the Maker do its magic and then put the pieces together. My baby boy is going to love playing with these when he gets older.
Now if that’s not enough reasons to love the Cricut Maker, then I am just left speechless! This machine is incredible and so powerful. If you can dream of the project, then the Maker can probably help bring it to life. I can’t wait for you to try your hand at it too. If you are interested in any of the items I mentioned and used for my projects, use the coupon code AUGSHIP for free shipping on orders $99+ through the end of this month. Make sure to check out more about the Maker HERE and leave any questions you may have in the comments below. Happy Crafting!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
https://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/10-Things-I-Love-about-My-Cricut-Maker-FI.jpg400800Bethanyhttps://www.thesoutherncouture.com/staging/3818/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/logo_freelance.pngBethany2018-08-16 05:00:052018-08-16 11:03:2110 Things I Love about My Cricut Maker
