This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #15

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 15th fun fact, I want to share that my favorite social media platform is Pinterest! 

I think Pinterest confuses a lot of people because it is a different social media platform compared to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. 

But besides the overarching purpose of Pinterest, used for creative individuals/inspiration for countless projects, I also like it because there’s less drama. If you agree, don’t forget to like this post or follow me on my Pinterest account!!

Budget-Friendly Wood Project: Custom Sign

For a budget-friendly wood project, consider creating a custom sign using reclaimed wood or inexpensive plywood to DIY a personalized and unique decor piece. 

With some sanding, staining, and painting, you can easily turn a simple piece of wood into a custom sign that reflects your style and personality. 

Whether you choose to add a motivational quote, your favorite song lyrics, or a special date, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your sign.

I have a full tutorial on how I made a custom wooden sign in the article above. 

Chic Charcuterie Board DIY

For a stylish and practical DIY project, consider repurposing leftover wood into a stunning chic charcuterie board. 

An example of this project can be found in the article above. 

Perfect for entertaining or simply adding a touch of elegance to your home decor, a custom charcuterie board can be a unique and personalized addition to your kitchen or dining area. 

Get creative with different wood types, finishes, and shapes to create a one-of-a-kind piece that is sure to impress your guests. 

Food Safe Wood Finish

If you’re looking to seal a custom charcuterie board with a food-grade sealer, consider making it at home! 

A food-safe wood finish is perfect to seal and protect the wood, making it suitable for areas where it may come in contact with food or beverages. 

By applying a food-safe finish to your charcuterie board, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your project is visually appealing and safe for use. 

Thrifted Vase Transformation

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for unique vases at thrift stores or yard sales. 

With a little creativity and simple supplies, you can transform a plain vase into a stunning centerpiece for your home. 

From painting and decoupaging to adding texture with plaster wrap or baking soda, the possibilities are endless!

Scented Candle Making Idea

Another fun and creative craft idea for adults is to try your hand at making scented candles. 

This a practical project that can add a cozy touch to your home while allowing you to experiment with different scents and styles. 

Whether you prefer floral, fruity, or earthy fragrances, there are endless possibilities when creating your custom candles. 

With a few ingredients like wax, fragrance oils, and wicks, you can easily craft beautiful candles that will fill your space with delightful aromas. 

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Modern Picture Frame Upgrade

Elevate your home decor and bring a modern touch to your space, by upgrading your picture frames with a contemporary twist. 

Out of the 15 creative crafts, this one is the most beneficial and super easy to do!

Instead of buying new frames, opt for old or thrifted picture frames and spray paint them to the color of your liking. 

Play around with different sizes and shapes to create a unique gallery wall that showcases your memories in a chic and modern way. 

This simple yet impactful craft project will refresh your living space while serving as a conversation starter for guests admiring your creative eye. 

Vintage Oil Lamp Revamp

Vintage oil lamps are a charming addition to any home decor scheme, but they often feel outdated or worn. 

Why not give new life to these timeless pieces with a creative revamp? Adding a fresh coat of textured paint can transform vintage oil lamps into stunning conversation pieces that reflect your style. 

Get inspired by mixing and matching different colors, textures, and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind look that will make a statement in any room. 

Book Aesthetic Decor

Out of the 15 creative crafts, this one is my favorite!

If you’re looking to infuse your space with literary charm, consider incorporating a book aesthetic into your decor without the added price tag. 

Create unique book-themed decorations from old or used books by spray painting them and creatively stacking them. 

Customized Fridge Magnets

Add a personal touch to your kitchen decor with customized fridge magnets. 

Whether you want to showcase your favorite photos, inspirational quotes, or quirky designs, making your own magnets is a fun and easy way to add personality to your fridge. 

Get creative with materials like faux succulents or eucalyptus branches to craft unique magnets that reflect your style. 

Personalized Recipe Cards

Another way to add a personal touch to your home is by creating personalized recipe cards. 

These can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen! 

They also make perfect thoughtful gifts for friends and family who love to cook. 

You can also take advantage of the fillable feature for this FREE recipe card. More details can be found in the article above. 

Charming Candlestick Lamp Upgrade

If you’re looking to bring a cozy glow to your living space, consider upgrading a simple candlestick lamp with a touch of creativity. 

By adding a little spray paint to the base, you can transform a plain lamp into a charming focal point. 

Scrap Pallet Wood Farmhouse Picture Frame

Take advantage of pallet wood and make a beautiful farmhouse picture frame with it! 

Out of the 15 creative crafts, this one took a little more time, but was totally worth it!

I review everything you need to know to tackle this DIY wood project in the article above!

DIY Spice Jar Cricut Label Cutouts

If you have a Cricut and are looking to organize your spice drawer then you’re in luck!

I have a full tutorial and FREE Cricut label cutouts for those looking for this beautiful font. 

Plus, I added a bonus feature of removing the background! This makes it easier to cut out these labels in the Cricut design space!

Free Coffee Label Upgrade for the Coffee Station

This project is super simple, unique, and has such a lasting effect! Upgrade your coffee station with a unique label on the coffee jar. 

I have a FREE coffee label in the article above!

Kitchen Oil Tray Preventative Water Damage

I hate it when I do a “trendy” thing, and it backfires for one reason or another. 

Having a kitchen oil tray near the sink was one of those things. This was because the water from the sink kept leading to water damage on the wooden tray. 

Thankfully, the sealer I discussed in the tutorial was just the thing I needed to prevent the oil tray from water damage!

15 Creative Crafts for Adults: Think Outside the Box with These Unique DIY Projects

There you have it! 15 creative crafts for adults! Dive into the world of crafting with these innovative ideas and bring your artistic vision to life. Start your creative journey today and transform everyday items into unique masterpieces!

The post 15 Creative Crafts for Adults: Think Outside the Box with These Unique DIY Projects first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!

Everything You Need to Know: Part 2 of Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide

I purchased my Cricut Maker when I was engaged because I wanted to DIY a lot of signs and projects for my wedding.

After using the Maker for a few years, I have additional feedback from what you would typically find on a Cricut machine. If you still haven’t made the purchase, you can find more details here, in part one of this guide. I explain what they don’t tell you about a Cricut so you will make the purchase fully knowing what you are getting yourself into. 

And now onto part 2 of the Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide! 

Unboxing Your Cricut

The first step in this process is unboxing the Cricut. As you unbox your Cricut, you’ll find a “let’s get started” packet. Set this aside for the time being. Take out the additional items from the box. This will include the starting cards, welcome book, rotary blade, fine-tipped pen, USB cord, warranty, mat boards, Maker, and power cord. 

A few things to note here:

Blades

The rotary blade is an extra blade that comes with the Cricut. If you have a Cricut Maker, you can purchase additional blades that will cut a variety of materials like leather or thin wood. The rotary blade, however, is versatile and can cut paper, vinyl, cotton, canvas, felt, silk, and so much more!

Pens

You can also use pens with your Cricut! This is a great feature if you are making cards and want that handwritten look. I will add a link here with how to use this feature, as it requires a few more steps than the traditional cutting. 

USB and Power Cords

The USB cord and power cord are essential to run your Cricut. The USB cord will attach the circuit to a computer or laptop, while the power cord will attach the Cricut to an outlet. 

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Mat Boards

Depending on the material you’re cutting, you can get different mat boards with a higher stick strength. The standard mat board works for most projects. 

Buttons

When you open your Maker by lifting the top part, it opens up and exposes the inside. This is where the cutting happens! Note the four buttons on the side. The top is to turn on the Cricut Maker (don’t forget to plug it in!), the arrow button is to feed the mat board into and out of the Cricut, the Cricut button is to start the project once the matte board is loaded into the Maker, and the final button is to pause during the cutting process.

Adaptive Tool System

The adaptive tool system is the technology that cuts or draws on the different materials that you load into the Cricut. You’ll notice latches that have two separate sides. One is for the blades, and the other is for the pens. You’ll find a fine-tipped blade already pre-installed in the Cricut Maker. This is the blade that I primarily use.

Storage

On the side, there is a little cubby holder lined with silicone so you can store your blades without damaging them. On the bottom panel, you’ll notice the compartment that flips up for additional storage. Within that space, there is a little magnetic strip for keeping replacement blades contained. 

Setting Up Your Cricut Maker

Next, you’ll want to set up your Cricut. Click the link here to set up your Cricut. Follow the instructions to set up your account and download the design space. I also recommend taking advantage of the free trial. If you don’t like it, you can always cancel it within 30 days.

Familiarize Yourself with the Design Space

After you have set up your Cricut and downloaded the design space, you’re ready to start your first project! I recommend doing a test run with paper to get a feel for what to expect. To do this, you can peel off the plastic liner of your standard mat board. Make sure you put the plastic liner in a safe place, as this will be put back on your mat board when it’s not in use to keep it from getting dirty.

Next, plug your Cricut into your computer and outlet. Open the design space and click the “new project” button in the top right corner. On the left side, you’ll see a sidebar with different options. Enter a text, shape, editable image, or one of the other options as a test.

Setting the Machine to Cut

After you have a test icon or text to cut, look at the operation drop-down in the top left corner and make sure it’s set to basic cut. Then click “make it” in the top right corner.

The next screen will show you what it will look like on your mat. You can drag the icon to a different area, but I recommend keeping it in the top left corner. Also, make sure you have the material size set to the size of your mat board. The standard grip mat board that came with your Cricut is 12×12. 

Also, make sure the mirror function is not selected. This function is helpful when using heat transfer, but for regular vinyl and paper, you most likely will not need this function. 

Cut Out Your First Project

For the final step in my Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide, you’ll want to stick the paper to the mat board. Use a big enough piece so the blade doesn’t cut beyond the material. Be sure to stick it down in the top left corner of the matte board.

Next, click the continue button in the bottom right corner. On the next screen, confirm the blade is clamped into the B slot and select your material. 

After that, is complete, place your matte board at the base of the machine. The two slots will hold it in place. You’ll also notice the arrow button is blinking. Click it to load the mat board into the machine. 

Once you load the mat into the machine, the Cricut button will start blinking. Click it to start the cutting process! 

After the Maker has finished cutting the material, it will shift the mat board out. Click the arrow button again to remove it from the machine. And that’s it! Easy as can be! You can peel your paper off the mat board and weed the design out from the rest of the paper. 

Part Two of Cricut Projects Beginners Guide

So, there you have it! A step-by-step guide on how to set up your Cricut Maker! I hope part two of the Cricut Projects Beginners Guide was helpful and informational. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions! I would love to hear feedback Comment below if there are any tutorials you would like to see with this beginner’s guide!

Shop the Essentials

Cricut Maker – Smart Cutting Machine – With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art, Home Decor & More, Bluetooth Connectivity, Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac, Blue

Buy Now

Cricut Maker 3 – Smart Cutting Machine, 2X Faster & 10X Force, Matless Cutting…

Buy Now

Cricut EasyPress 3 Smart Heat Press Machine with Built-In Bluetooth for T-shirts, Pillows…

Buy Now

Frisco Craft Black Permanent Vinyl, Weather-Resistant Black Matte Adhesive…

Buy Now

White Permanent Vinyl, White Adhesive Vinyl for Cricut – 12″ x 40 FT White Vinyl Roll…

Buy Now

Craft Vinyl Weeding Tools Set, Precision Craft Vinyl Tools Kit, Weeding Kits for…

Buy Now

Cricut – 2002363 Vinyl Transfer Tape, 12…

Buy Now

Cricut Black Pen Set, Multicolor 5 Count

Buy Now

The post Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide Part 2: How to Set Up Your Cricut first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Everything You Need to Know: Part 1 of Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide

I bought my Cricut Maker because I wanted to DIY a lot of signs and projects for my wedding. When I got introduced to Cricut’s, I did research beforehand on what they were. I feel like there was a lot of the same information out there, but I never really understood the true purpose until I was exposed to and working on projects.

Perhaps the information was out there, and I didn’t know how to look for it, or I didn’t quite understand what others were saying. But besides that, I am going to break down what a Cricut is and what you should know about it before you make the purchase.

I also want to note that even if I did know then, what I know now, it wouldn’t have changed much. I would have still bought the Cricut, but I could have saved myself money in the long run.

What is a Cricut?

Believe it or not, this was one of the main questions that I never felt was explained. I feel like a lot of content on Cricut is primarily about tips and tricks on achieving elements within the design space, the difference between the Maker and Explore, or the different types of projects you can accomplish.

So, to answer the question, a Cricut is a glorified machine that can cut thin material. The types of material vary depending on the Cricut you get, which I will discuss in the next bullet point. But the material I use for most of my projects is vinyl. Vinyl is a flexible plastic with an adhesive side. So, if you are making a sign, you can cut out vinyl lettering to stick to the base.

Before I bought my Cricut Maker, I imagined it to be more of a printer and cutter combined. This is not the case. You can print on, let’s say, paper separately and cut it after. However, printing and cutting are not a feature of the Cricut.

I was confused before because I’d see other projects that people did on Pinterest. The layering they did gives the illusion that it’s one piece. But to achieve a final product like that, they had to cut each color out separately. Then stick the vinyl over each other to make it look like one piece.

Essentially it is a machine that cuts the outline of whatever you provide. The small blade and accuracy allow the edges to be crisp and dynamic in comparison to cutting the material by yourself with scissors. I go into more detail on how to use a Cricut in part 2 of the Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide.

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore

The type of Circuit is what I remember reading about when I did my research before. Because there is already a lot of information about this, I won’t go into too much detail here. But, you have a couple of options. I bought the Cricut Maker because it allows you to use different blades that can cut a variety of materials.

At the time, I wanted the added flexibility of the additional products, so it was worth the extra cost. Now, having had my Cricut for almost 3 years, I admit, I only use it to cut vinyl.

You can find the most recent Cricut Explore here if that is an option you are considering exploring. I will say the Cricut brand is high quality in my book. It’s the KitchenAid of the craft world, sort of speak.

Besides vinyl, on occasion, I have cut paper and matte board. I tried to cut thin wood once, but it took forever. Plus, the grips on the anvil roll left a mark in the wood. At the time, the project wasn’t important enough to finish or research how to remove the grips. As a result, I stopped it and worked on a different project.

So, with all that said, you should think about the types of projects you anticipate doing. I know it’s hard to say now because you won’t know until you get to that point. It helps to look at the projects others do on Pinterest to get an idea.

Examples of Cricut Projects and Cricut Crafts

Examples are nice to understand the bigger picture. Below are my wedding pictures of some of the signs I made. I used the Cricut for the bar menu sign and the black slate cocktail labels.

Photo Take By: Stonebrook Studio & Design

Photo Take By: Stonebrook Studio & Design

I uploaded the image I wanted to the Design Space and placed a white piece of vinyl on the mat. From there, the Cricut cuts out the image on the white vinyl.

Photo Take By: Stonebrook Studio & Design

Cricut Project Supplies that are “Extras”

When I bought my Cricut, I bought a lot of supplies that I didn’t need, at least not right away. For example, I bought the heat press to customize robes as a bridesmaid gift. The heat transfer vinyl allows you to customize fabric shirts/robes/etc. But I could have customized their robes without the heat press by using a regular iron.

Now, that’s not to say the heat press didn’t serve any use. I am glad I have it because I needed it for two recent projects. Depending on the projects you want to accomplish, you might not need to buy a heat press right away. However, if you plan on customizing large quantities of shirts and fabrics, then I highly recommend getting the heat press.

I also bought extra mats and blades, not realizing the Cricut included them in the package. Be sure to read what is included with your Cricut. One mat and blade are sufficient in the beginning. Unless you plan on cutting wood, fabric, etc., you will need a specific blade or even a heavy-duty mat.

I did use the feature to write a few times, so it could be worth getting markers for your Cricut. As you can see tags in the bridesmaid baskets were written with the Cricut.

One thing I do not like about the writing feature is that the Cricut only does the letter outline. So, the fine-tip pen does not do a straight line but the outside edge of the letter. I am sure there are ways around it.

Realistic Cricut Project Supplies for Beginners

So, besides the Cricut itself, the materials I’d recommend you purchase in the beginning are vinyl and transfer tape. I use a lot of white and black vinyl, so I always have this on hand. I also recommend buying a pack like this one to give yourself a variety of colors.

The transfer tape is needed when you want to put the vinyl on an item. I did a project recently where I customized my spice jars. I discovered I could double up and reuse the same transfer tape repeatedly. Before I would cut out a new piece every time. It was nice to reuse the transfer tape and avoid wasting materials.

I also use these weeding tools ALL the time. Definitely a must-have and I will go into more details about weeding in part 2 of Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide. Along with this guillotine if you plan on doing bulk projects.

Cricut Supplies vs. Space in Your Home

So, one thing they do not tell you about having a Cricut is that they require a lot of space. Whether you are working on a project or when it is put away.

I have a decent-sized craft closet and the Cricut supplies alone take a decent amount of space. For me, it is not a super big deal, but it is something to be made aware of.

If you live in a small apartment, know that this hobby requires some space, especially when working on projects. It’s worth it in the long run, but it is something to keep in mind.

Cricut Design Space

Okay, so this is where I’m going to get critical. The design space is my least favorite part of the Cricut. There is no way around it. The design space is the interface to tell the Cricut what you want to cut. You access it by following the instructions included with your Cricut and making an account.

I dislike it for a few reasons. Primarily because it’s not user-friendly and the features of what you can do are limited.

Now, in full honesty, I am used to Adobe Suite. Adobe is a paid subscription to different applications like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. So essentially, I am spoiled with a creative design space that has a lot of functions and abilities.

So comparatively, the Cricut design space has a lot of areas where they could improve. Would I notice this if I didn’t have access to Adobe Suite? I probably wouldn’t be as picky. However, all things equal, out of the three Cricut material content listed earlier, one was how-tos and tutorials on accomplishing different aspects within the design space. I feel like if the design space was user-friendly or had more functions there wouldn’t be so many tutorials.

But like I said there is no way around it. Now that I know how to use the design space, it’s easier to navigate. It was a learning curve like most things. I do feel like updating the design space to allow for more features would be something that would be nice to see.

Part One of Cricut Projects Beginners Guide

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about a Cricut BEFORE you make the purchase. I hope part one of the Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide was helpful and informational. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions! I would love to hear feedback

The post Cricut Projects Beginner’s Guide Part 1: Everything You Need to Know first appeared on Katie T's Home.